ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9090, 8 July 1915, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE EMPRESS. Excellent attendances wore recorded at all sessions at the Empress Theatre yesterday for the final screenings of “The Mystery of the Uanco ’Hal)'' and supporting films- To-day's complete change of pictures is exceptionally promising. A highly appraised Vitagraph dramatic, production, “The Girl in the Case,’' has been secured as chief attraction. It ie a powerful melodrama, and is replete with episodes and situations of strong appeal. Keystone Is represented by a new laugh-inspirer, "The Lucky Leap," described as one of the very best of its mirth-producing class. "Rattlesnakes” is a_ study from nature, while Edison contributes a vigorous drama of 'Heart appeal, "The Girl of the Open Road,” which relates thrilling adventures that befall a beautiful gipsy girl. “The Australian Gazette*’ and- “Cartoons of the moment” complete a fine list of subjects. MACMAHON'S THEATRE.

Charlie Chaplin still continues to hold large receptions “In the Park" at MacMahon’s Theatre, to the delight of numerous picture patrons. The support, ing programme to-day is headed by the big three-act drama "The Colonel of thy Red Hussars,” a dramatisation of the widely-read dramatic American novel of that title. * This is described as a heart-winning story of exceptional power and virility. The comedy section includes "The Band Leader,” an extravaganza of "pies and papa" of a highly humorous character. The "Gaumont Graphic” will supply a long list of the latest topical happenings; Tomorrow and on Saturday, in response to numerous requests, the first chapter of the big serial "The Master Key” will ie produced, and the story will be continued on Monday, with episode two. PLIMMER-HALL COMEDY CO.

This' morning at The Bristol Piano Company's warehouse the box plans open, tor the first tour nights ot the snort season which the PlmimOT-Hall Company commence at the Opera House on Monday with the successful comedy drama "A Message from Mars." This play has stood the test of time and has proved itself an attraction' which never fails to appeal. It contains all the essentials of success—tears .and laughter, strong human interest, and a good moral letson against selihsh indulgence, a!t- . fording scope to the artist in the fine characterisations of the author. .The selfish Horace Parker is visited .by the supernatural inhabitant from the planet Mars and the exciting scenes and trials through which, he is conducted to his final awakening to better feeling afford a delightful evening .of entertainment. Mr 'Horry Plinuner is . credited with a vea y fine study of Horace Parker, while Mr Winter Hall as the Messenger and Mr Paul Latham as the Tramp are said to be particularly' well suited. The popular Miss Beatrice Day- will be seen as Aunt Martha, while Miss Ena. Shanahan plays Minnie Templar and Miss Soper plays Mrs Clarence. The scenery and effects are on a very large scale. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.. Another large audience last evening at His Majesty's Theatre testified to the general excellence of the current programme. ’ ‘‘Victor the Great,” insisted by Madame Cothilde, mystified everybody with some new especially good being a ring trick. In this he passed several rings on to his bands which had been previously. bound by two members.of. the audience. A peon-' liar juggling turn is put on by , the ’"Tossing Tostros.” Much appreciated items arc contributed by “Thy Musical Sundowner,” Mias Dorothy Harris (ragtime exponent), Dan Thomas (English comedian), Bluffo (who docs ; absurd things), and The Newmans (in a comedy skit "The Captain and the, Newsboy.”) EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. As on previous occasions, there was hardly a vacant scat at Everybody’s Theatre at the sessions last night. The' "star” film .is a Nordisk drama“Child-' ren of the Circus,” which contains a plot responsible . for many thrilling moments. The story is mounted- in the 1 beet Nordisk style, and should prove a great attraction ■ during ■ its currency here. There is also an excellent Keystone comedy. The programme, will bo repeated at all sessions to- day., ; THE KING'S THEATRE. “Thou Shalt not Kill” (or "The Avenging Conscience”), one of the most remarkable photo-plays yet presented 'locally, is thh chief "di-aw” at the. King’s Theatre this week, b The producer, Mr D. W. Griffith, has contrived by skilful stage craft, to produce ’ some most : impressive effects. The principal parts aip taken by Miss, Blanche Sweet (Miss Daphne Wayne), and Mr Henry B. Walthall,, both "stars” in, the silent drama world. "The Patho Gazette,” "On the Borders of a Lake" (Gaumont coloured scenic', and "The World Power" (Cines cv.rtoon) are pleasurable inclusion's: The scries will be, snown again this evening and - tho usual matinee is billed for Saturday. ■ ■ ,