ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9257, 26 January 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S. A crowded audience at His Majesty s Theatre last evening demonstrated tho popularity of the new programme by Fullers’ Vaudeville Co. and .Malfo provided a pleasing “turn” distinguished by neat dancing and quaint humour. The vocal duets by Les Neaaoiitaines are delightfully harmonious. Another artistic vocal act is provided jy Pollard and Jackson. The ditties by Miss Anita Primrose were vociferously encored. In groat demand also were Courtenay Ford and Ivy Davis (comedy due), Les Tcorderwicz (Danish comedy gymnasts), iTodo (musical monologuistj, Harry and Nellie Quealy (burlesque musical sketch artists), and Leonard’s performing dogs. REVUB AT HIS MAJESTY’S. Pullers will oiler on Monday evening next at His Majesty's Theatre what is maimed to bo the most novel, up-to-date. laughter-making revue yet seen in Wellington—played, too, by a company who three years ago, as Bletsoes’ Crimson Ramblers, won unprecedented favour. Tho new entertaijltuent—a revue named “Pun in a Sanatorium”— is one of many attractions secured by the Bletsoes in their recent American tour, and it has been transported to tho colonies with a full oast of 16 artists, the latest mechanical, scenical, and specialty surprises, giving promise of a. unique entertainment. One feature bound to attract admiration is tho costuming, which has been cleverly contrived 60 as to harmonise to the smallest detail with the scenic and lighting scheme. This now revue has been acclaimed in Australia as the best recent production of its kind. The principal comedian is Mr Albert Bletsoe, whose whimsical, ingenious humour has earlier afforded Wellington patrons many a pleasant hour; and he will be supported by Miss Maud Bletsoe (who personally produces the revue), Horace Mann (vocalist), Carrie Pranks (soprano and soubrette), Eoy Eene (Hebrew comedian), and a great ensemble of handsome choristers, dancers, and specialtyartists. THE EMPRESS. The enthralling mining story of Shannon Fife, “The Valley of Lost Hope,’ has been admirably “picturised" by a combination of four, of the most famous film companies, the Solig, Vitagraph, Lubin, and S. and A. This drama is the star attraction at the Empress Theatre this week, where it will doubtless continue to attract the crowded houses whicb'hav© been in evidence for the past two. days. Through the plot of the picture, which is set in the times and places of the early Californian gold rushes,, runs a pretty little lor© story, sweetly told. Briefly, tho story concerns the operations of a gang, of swindlers, who "salt' a barren district and thereby dupe thousands of simple , miners. The plot is discovered, and the rogues flee from tho wrath of the angry mob. Then comes the sensStional climax, when the traifa' carrying the swindlers is /'wrecked. and the villains meet with a welldeserved fate. The supporting series includes two fine iun-films- "Hunting a Husband”, is a Vitagraph comedy drama of unusual merit, and “Green Apples,” by the Beauty Company, leaves nothing to be desired. The latest news in tho most graphic form is to patrons in the most recent “Topical Budget.” EVERYBODY’S. “The Underground River," which is the feature, of the new programme now showing at Everybody’s., again attracted attention yesterday. This film constitutes tho nineteenth episode of the adventures of Florence Hargreaves in “The Million Dollar Mystery, ’ which is becoming more and more sensational and entertaining as it nears the grand denouement. In tho instalment now shewing, Florence is trapped in a cave, where flows a great underground river. She plunges into this, and the gang follow. Norton eventually fescues her) after a thrilling fight in the water. The laughter-producing portions of the programme are well worthy of notice. “Housekeeping Under Cover," by the notable World Film Company, proves to be one long scream. In “Think of the Money 1 ’ the Lubin Company features the well-known music-hall comedian. Billy Reeves, in another of his clever farces. The Edison Company is responsible for a'vivid and pathetic domestic drama; "When Conscience Sleeps.” Topical events are well described by the latest edition of the “Gamnont Graphic.” THE KING’S THEATRE. The delightful “feature” film, “My Old Dutch,” which was screened for the second timo last night at the Kings Theatre before a very large audience, stands out as one of the best picture productions seen in Wellington. The story follows tho varying fortunes ol Joe Spudd, a typical London coster, and his “old Dutch” (as he endearingly terms his wife), their pal ’Erb 'Uggins, and their “little nipper.’’ The acting in the picture is well nigh perfect. Chevalier himself infuses a life-like realism to the principal character. Even by one who has’ seen the coster in his native environment it is difficult to imagine that Joe Spudd, as presented by Chevalier, is anything but the actual man with the donkey and the “barrer.” Miss Florence Turner . is . convincing ’ as Spudd’o ’ “Old Dutch,” and the other parts are in capable hands. The specially selected music rendered by the King's orchestra, and the reciting of the words of Chevalier's song “My Old Dutch,” by Mr Paul §. Latham, add to the success of the picture. The supporting films, an Edison comedy and the “Pathe' War Gazette." are also excellent.