ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8782, 11 July 1914, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The programme which the FullerBrennau Vaudeville Company produced again at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening met with a great reception, and all the artists were loudly applauded for their clever “turns.” Crotton and Shremka gave a fine gymnastic performance, which met with hearty approval. . A very pleasing playlet is contributed by I. Hayman and May Taylor, and the Eary Trio provide ah acrobatic turn which is full of merit. All the items are excellent. The company will appear at a matinee this afternoon and again this evening. EDWARD BLONDELL SEASON. Many special attractions will be presented by the Puller-Brennan management at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday evening, headed by Ed. Blondell and his American Comedy Company, in what is claimed to be a very humorous one-act play, “The Lost Boy.” Mr Blondell is described as one of America’s greatest comedians, and has for some years been appearing in all the principal vaudeville houses in England and America with the sketch that he will present here. A northern contemporary speaking of this act. says: “Mr Edward Blondell achieved an instantaneous success, and for over half an hour he kept the large audience in high good humour- Assisted by Miss Katheryne Caine, Mr Blondell proved himself a comedian of no ordinary ability in an extremely humorous sketch ‘The Lost Boy.’ He delivered himself of humorous ‘gags,’ which at . times almost convulsed his audience, and his every action proved the signal for laughter, and when the curtain dropped the audience clearly demonstrated that it ; would gladly have borne with the j comedian for as long again.” Owing to existing contracts in England the Blondell season will be limited to six nights and two matinees. “ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.” Monday evening’s big picture event at the King’s Theatre, “Antony and Cleopatra,” is reported as making a wonderful success at Auckland, where intending patrons are disappointed in obtaining admission nightly. Of the film the “Star” said:—“The film ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ is a triumph of moving photography. The film is 7000 ft in length, and the sum paid for exclusive rights is said to have far exceeded the fabulous figure which was paid for ‘Quo Vadis?’ Some of the choice musical numbers were applauded as warmly as the actual picture. Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra' needs no comment from the literary viewpoint, suffice it to say that the pictorial representation is complete in incident, finished in interpretation, anci rich in scenic effects. No time is wastqd in working up the interest of the piece. The Romans, having triumphed in Egypt, have left Antony to pacify the East, and in the earliest scenes Cleopatra, the beautiful Queen, is shown as she sails up the Cyndusin a magnificent galley to bow before the Eagles of Romo. Beenes of feasting and revelry are depicted with remarkable force, as also are the happenings which resulted in Antony becoming to all intents and purposes King of Egypt. The plot against Antony's life by jealous subjects of the Queen, the sensational proceedings which enabled the slave Hagar to warn Him in time, the unavailing visit to Alexandria of Marc Antony’s wife, the subsequent decision of the Roman session to denounce Antony and take up arms against those who had robbed Rome of his allegiance, the landing of the invading forces on Eastern shores, the rout of the Egyptians, the death of Antony by his own hand on realising defeat, the act of Cleopatra in taking her life by means of snake bite on learning that Antony was dead and that she was to he carried as a slave to Rome, and all. the incidental happenings weredepicated in a truly remarkable. manner. The picture provoked spontaneous outbursts of applause.” The incidental music will be on an unusual scale. The orchestra numbering fourteen instruments, will be controlled by Signori Martinelli and Truda. It is stated that a brisk demand for seats has already set in at the Dresden. THE KING’S. The King’s Theatre was well patronised last evening, when the current programme was again ■ enthusiastically received. The feature film, “A Day of Days,” is an exceptionally good picture. The supporting pictures also are of a generally high standard of excellence. The same programme will he screened at a matinee commencing at 2.30 this afternoon, and for the last time this evening. EVERYBODY’S PICTURES. Crowded sessions rule at the old Opera House, where Everybody’s, Pictures continue on the even tenor of their- way. The principal film, “A Fight for a Fortune,” is a strong favourite with audiences. It is supported by an excellent list of subjects, which include “The Inscription,’’ “Bathing Beauty,” “In Northern Italy,” “Gaumont Graphic,” “Auckland Collision,” and “Polidor and his See-Saw.’’ These films will bo withdrawn aflter to-night. A complete change of pictures wiE be given on Monday. The chief attraction of the new list wEI be a strongly dramatic play, in two acts, entitled “Black Roderick, the Poacher.” This drama, which boasts an unusuaEy good story, was acted and filmed in the Highlands of Scotland, and some very fine incidental views of Scottish moors, mountains, hills, glens, and lochs are promised. The subject, a Highland girl’s romance, is said to possess a strong attraction for lady patrons. Other pictures to ho shown are: “A - Romance of the North-West” (a strong American drama), “Rice. Culture in Java” (industrial), the latest copy of the “Gaumont Graphic,” “His Favourite Pastime”, (a Keystone comedy), and “Polidor and the Lions.” The orchestra will play at afternoon and night sessions.