ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11248, 28 June 1922, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S ASTONISHING MYSTERY ACT. Something quite unique in mystery acts, Mr P. T. &»11>HV illusion. “Sawing Through a Woman,” is proving a big attraction in the current programme by Fuller’s Vaudeville Company at His Majesty’s Theatre. To describe ibe act in print would give but a vague idea of the effect produced by seeing it performed A voting lady is placed in a long box, tied securely in it, and then flic box is pawn right ’ through across the centre with a two-handed saw. Members of (be audience stand close to the box while the trick is being performed, and none is more surprised than they are when the young l ladv is found lving at full length quite unharmed. Prior to the sawing nerformance three large sheets of glass and two thin steel nlates are’ pushed into the box. and apparently through the ladv’s body and out on the other side. Volunteers from the andiencc > stood on the stage around the box. which is laid on trestles, and it was possible for them tq see that there was no false back to the box. These men held Ibe ends of the ropes which hound the lady, and which -were passed through holes in the box. The remainder of the programme includes Miss Gladys Victor, the Australian smibrette. the Goldies. .Tack Birchley, Miss Etta Field, and Victor' the Great nnd, Co: The programme will he repeated this evening.

‘BROKEN BLOSSOMS” i AT EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Each session at Everybody's Theatre was crowded yesterday, the “draw” being D. W. Griffith’s superb masterpiece, “Broken Blossoms.’’ Burke’s story, "The~Chink and the Child," in “Limehouse Nights,” furnishes the plot for the production. The story concerns a beautiful little girl who to the mind of Clieng Huan, a Chinese pobt, embodies all that is poetic and good. The girl is under the power of “Battling" Burrows, a prize-nghter of brutal instincts, who keeps a gambling den. Huan buys the girl from Burrows, who, however, regrets the deal, and the Chinese poet’s dream is tragically shattered. Miss Lillian Gish gives an enchanting impersonation of the girl. The production is lavishly staged and artistically enacted. A fine auxiliary series of films supports the big picture. The programme will be presented at all sessions' throughout this week.

PRINCESS THEATRE “PRICE OF REDEMPTION.” The Metro seven-reel super-production, "The Price of Redemption,” figures at the head of the current bill at the Princess Theatre, and is responsible for large attendances at all sessions. Bert Lytell is cast in the leading role. The plot is derived from the novel, “The Temple of Dawn,” by A. R. Wylie, and has for its general story basis the deferred vengeance of an Bast India rajah. The dominant theme, however, especially of the screen version, is one of a man’s I redemption through the same life that caused his downfall. For a woman's sake he courts obscurity, Ivhere he reaches utter demoralisation before he is roused by love for her to redeem himself. The second picture is Tom Moore's new Goldwyfi film, "Lord and Lady AJgy/' OTAKI CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT NEtXT MONDAY. The programme selected for the concert to be given by the above society in the Concert Chamber on Monddv next, July Srd, is one of rave excellence, and lovers of music may look forward to "a rare musical treat.” The outstanding number on the programme is that famous motet the "Gallia” (Ch. Gounod), a composition of exquisite beauty, composed by Gounod for the opening of the International. Exhibition in Paris in 1871. The previous year had witnessed the elimination of one of the most tragic chapters in the history of France. She had been forced to her knees by the invading Prussian forces, and lial endured the Ignominy of the triumphal march of her foes through the streets of her beloved capital. Sadly Gounod witnessed the return of tlie -oeople to levity, and their indifference to the lessons that this groat tribulation should have taught. In the "Gallia'" he invokes the true spirit of Franco, and in that snirit makes this passionate plea to the people to rea7i.se how France has been brought low, and appeals to the nation to "Turn thee unto the I.ord mv God." This famous work will be quite new to local audiences. Manv oilier items of a very high order completo the programme, which should not be missed by lovers of good music The u 'box plan is at th 6 Bristol. / . N.Z. NATIVES’ ASSOCIATION FIRST ANNUAL BALL. All arrangements have been completed for the first annual ball of the New Zealand Natives’ Association at the Town TLall this evening. As the function is under Vice-Regal patronage, supported 1 by tho naval and defence authorities, there is every reason to expect a big attendance. Music, danxing, and refreshments Will be of tlie best, and it is anticipated that there will be a large number of entries for tlie fancy dress prizes. The committee have very wisely arranged for the circle to be thrown open to onlookers on payment of one shilling—an arrangement whjph should bo greatly appreciated by non-dancers. The net proceeds will be devoted to tho Soldiers' Unemployed Fund.

ROLLER SKATING TIED COLOSSEUM RINK. Ideal weather for roller skating prevailed yesterday, and the Colosseum Rink, Vivian street, was abundantly patronised at all sessions. The learners’ session from 5.30 p.m. till 7 p.m. affords beginners special opportunities for overcoming initial difficulties. The band is in attendance each evening. To-night a two-step competition for gentlemen, and lady skaters will be held.

“MASD OF THE MOUNTAINS”

BIG WILLIAMSON ATTRACTION. Tiio box plan for tlie first six nights and next Wednesday ancl Saturday week matinees will be opened at the Bristol Piano Company this morning. Of the famous J. C. Wiliinmson production of “The Mai l of the Mountains/’ to be seen here on Saturday night, a leading Sydney critic writes: —Uuexain pled enthusiasm marked the reception accorded to “The Maid of the Mountains.” The house was worthy of the performance, and when the curtain v asraised there ■uas a keen sense of anticipation to witness a work that held the boards in Daly’s Theatre, London, for no fewer than i 350 nights. The production is described on the programme ■n.s a musical play, but it is a wonderful blend of music that might be heard in either grand opera, or comic opera. Harold Fraser-Sinion’s compositions include light and dainty airs that will prow on th© local theatre-going public, ['he opera is staged on a scale of great magnificence, and it achieved a triumph that will long stand as -a record in this city. Spanish brigands play a considerable part in the story. The "depredations of these “servants of adventure” have been most profitable, but ilaklasarro, the chief, resolves to discontinue his nefarious course of life. lie communicates his intentions to the band, who angrily resent the sentiments of honesty. Teresa, the Maid of the Mountains, is the heroine. She is the only woman in the gang, and she has looked after the men for a year, and they respect her. The chief, with whom she is infatuated, decides to send her away first, in the hope that she will not be captured by the Government troops who have .surrounded the camp. The authorities, however, eecuro her, but she resists -very temptation to reveal the lair of her friends. Baidasarro and the brigands set out to regain the girl. They hold up the official, who is on his way to bike over the Governorship of Santo. Baidasarro assumes that post, and is received with honour by the citizens. He quickly becomes enamoured of Angela, the Governor’s daughter, and treats with contempt Teresa’s threat to betray him. At last, when the exasperated Teresa tells the truth, and he is spumed by Angela, who realises that an abyss, which cannot be bridged, separates her from a thief and a robber, the adventurer is arrested, and is .sentenced to transportation to an island. Eventually all the characters reach (here, and Baidasarro repudiates Angela and rejoices in tho love of Teresa. There is also an amusing minor romance in which Tonio becomes reconciled after five years’ separation—in the water, as he puts it—with his wife, who has inherited a largo sum of money. A special cast, headed by Miss Gladvs Moncrieff (Teresa) will ‘interpret tho fascinating work.