ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9171, 11 October 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S NEW ENGLISH MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON.

The next important musical attraction the firm of J. C. AViiliamson, Ltd., will introduce to Wellington will bo three of the latest London musical successes, “The Girl in the Taxi,” "High Jinks,” and “The Girl on the Film.” The first named will bo the opening production. and will be staged lor five nights, .commencing at the Grand Opera House next Saturday night. It is said of “The Girl in the Taxi” that, as a mirth-provoker and a tonic to dispet dull care, nothing more efficacious could ho prescribed. The comedy element predominates, and it is acknowledged to attain a higher standard of merriment and genuine fun than has often previously been associated with musical comedy. The stage settings, lighting, and the general effects of the performance are stated to be highly creditable The second production of the season will be what is described as a musical jollity in three acts, entitled “High Jinks,” which will be staged for four nights, commencing Friday, October 22nd. One of the critics, in his. notice of, this musical play, said it might as aptly bo called by the title of "High Speed.” This was in- reference to tne remarkable swiftness of the action all through, the rapidity of the work done by; both the chorus and, the principals, and the liveliness of the music, which carries the lot along with it in a hurried rush of melody, and there are no waits or pauses that slow up the pace; it is express speed all through. “Exhilarating” sums lip the effect it has on the audience. The final production will • be another noted London musical success, entitled "The . Girl on the Film.” This musical play is said to be a really excellent skit upon the kinema-> tograpil based on the . happiest farcical ideas. These three musical comedies will introduce to AVellington theatregoers a complete new English company. They include such notable artists as C. H. Workman, W. 11. Ilawlins, Field Fisher, Fred Maguire. Chris Wren, Alfred Frith, Hugli Huutly (comedians), Paul Plunkett (baritone), Owen Hughes (ingenue), Florence Vie, Daisy Yates, Helen Hobson (comediennes), and the popular favourites, Cecil Bradley, Marie Eaton, and Dorothy Brunton. The large chorus and orchestra will bo conducted by Mr Harry Burton. The bus plans for the season will open at the) Bristol < next Thursday, at U a.m.

LAST KELLERMAN' PERFORMANCES. Annette Kellerman in "Neptune’s Daughter" delighted another great audience at the People's- Picture Palaoa on Saturday night. Although this 'won-' derlul photo-i>iav has now been l two weeks in Wellington; hundreds: were still unable to gum admission on -Saturday, and the engagement l has therefore been extended for one mors week.: This will bet the last week- however; owing to engagements entered into elsewhere- Through this picture-drama Annette Kellerman;: dives, frolics, swims, and dances- Truly a daughter of the sea, she delights the eye and thrills the imagination. As the principal figure ,in this: romance olt -the immortal King Neptune and the mortal : King William, Miss' Kellerman is ever ’ on the screen—the- mermaid swimming through placid, deep waters overhung with brilliant stalactites—the mortal' vfho has changed her fins for legs—the queen garbed in satin and jewels. The box plan is at the Bristol.

THE KING’S. At the King’s Theatre to-night will bo shown for the first time an entirely new programme of motion pictures, with a Majestic masterpiece; as: the chief 1 attraction. . This four-part feature film, entitled “Her Shattered Idol,"; is claimed to be one of the strongest outputs of the Mutual companies, and certainly the story promises to reveal something quite out of the ordinary.; Itooncerns aromantio girl whoso ideal lover is a strong brawny fellow, with powerful muscles rather than clever brain. There is ’something of the caye-owman iu her, and in a vivid dream that is depicted on the screen, she sees two huge cave-men fighting for possession of her. The village; blacksmith, as being nearest to her ideal, is the man for, her, and’ the efforts of her family > and her ■ lover to show the blacksmith iu his true light make a remarkably interesting and -at times thrilling story, with some’ clever comedy that relievos the tense drama. The programme includes what is described as an impressive animal drama by the famous Selig '.Company, entitled "His Jungle Sweetheart," which tells a story of exciting adventure iu the j tingles of Africa and then in; the vaudeville theatres of New York; An i amusing contribution is offered in the remarkable clever caricature pictures " Cartoons in a Laundry," by the Edison Co. An interesting ’■Graphic" and a beautiful- scenio; study complete a strong programme. ■ Seats may be booked at the Bristol. "WHOM THE GODS WOULD DESTROY." Starting nooh to-day, at Everybody’s Theatre, will be screened ■ Lubin’s special feature drama, " Whomthe Gods Would/Destroy." The picture, which’ is thrilbngly told in three sensational acts, depicts the lile’s story of two partners, their trials and tribulations, and > the bitter enmity of one , for: the other. Many exciting : scenes are pictured in this splendid drama. Special; attention has been paid to tho production, and the whole 3000 ft is full of regal effects. Supporting items include a Keystone comedy,“Merely a iMarried Man." and the “Third Floor Flat,” the fourth episode of "The Million Dollar Mystery," which shows where Florence was trapped by tho gang. Her escape is vividly depicted. The “Gaumont Graphic,’’ with the latest war news, will also; be screenedTHE EMPRESS. ' The star feature which; ; commences this morning is described as an exceptionally powerful sea story of the Jack London type. Briefly it tells of the punishment meted out to a scoundrel who caused, an innocent young girl to end her days as; a . fallcn-drink-sodden woman. The girl’s brother, a sea captain, seeks out the villainous one, a politician named Sargent, and arranges to ;have him ’ shanghaied" and taken to sea among a gang ,of cut-throat ruffians ruled by a brutal tyrannous first mate- The life on the sailing ship amongst these surroundings provides some of the most realistic and gripping situations imaginable, and has been faithfully v-reproduced in exceptionally fine photography. 'The miserable man js subjected to' much rough handling, and eventually meets his end in a manner befitting his past misdeeds. A brighter romantic side to the story is depicted in the love of the captain for tho ship-OTier’s daughter, and the acting of Harry Morey r o<l Edith Story throughout is good. A somewhat startling transformation takes 'place when the captain undergoes a dermatological operation, which alters him from a rough-looking seaman to a handsome man. On the same programme is the latest "Topical Budget” and a delightful . little comedy showing the worldfavourite Mary Pickford in one ■f her earlier triumphs seen i-ere for the first time, entitled "How Mary Find It.”