AMUSEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12258, 8 June 1914, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

''THE-GRAFTERS." "A Day at the Races," which will be produced on Wednesday next at the Opera. House by William Anderson's American Musical Burlesque Combination, has enjoyed ii record, run in Mei bourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and is one of the- most exhilarating burlesques of modern times. Brimful" of the quaint Yankee humor -.' so acceptable to " the New Zealand public, "bristling with navel situations, and teeming with catchy musical, vocal, and terpsichoirean numbers, "The ; Grafters" is. a bright, breezy entertainment without a. dull moment, and.just, the class of production which, -playgoers delight in. The Company, which played at Oaniaru a, few months ago in "The Grafters" and will not be forgotten by the theatregoers of Oamaru, .'has been one of the best all-round combinations of American artists ever to visit- this town. "A Day at the Races," which the., company will stage on, Wednesday next at the Opera' House, is said to -be funnier than "The Grafters"; also, that the. musical mrlnbers-.are all bright and catchy and haunt-the. memory for a long time. . Owing to. the company having to fill, engagements in Australia, the-season. will be limited to one nisht only. The box plan is now open at the Dresden. HAY WARD'S PICTURES.

There was a hill house at Hayivard's Pictures on Saturday night, and doubtless to-night, on the- occasion of the final presentation of the programme that is now occupying the screen, the. theatre will"-he- full. There is not a. dull picture in the- whole collection; necessarily, therefore,' the top "liner must be specially, merited l in order to retain its leading position. "The Man who Vanished" ' lias ■ a powerful plot, and is. well acted. Hobart's father dies, leaving him his fortune. R-egina, Hobart's aunt, learns that'her husband will-get the fortune should the boy die unmarried. With her husband's assistance, she -purchases a box of shells and loads, them, with a deadly explosive. Some of these are placed l in Hobart's hunting just before he lea.res on a shooting: trip. His shotgun explodes, injuring Hobart and wrecking his boat. Viola, nis-sweetheart, hears the exnlo-' sion. and'comes to:the rescue. Ho- - bart's butler finds the wrecked boat and the twisted gun. Believing the boy has." been killed, he ..notifies Reginn. and her husband. They take possession, Hob'a.Tt returns home, after marrying. Viola, who has nursed him. His uncle and aunt are thunderstruck when they learn that .he is alive. The guiltycouple are eventually confronted with the. evidence/ of their guilt. "A True Heart in a Savage Breast, "tells a fine story of human interest; while, on the instructional side, ModernSteel Plant." . "Famous, Scouts, to the Rescue" is also a, capable picture. "Old Moddtington's Daughter'-' and three laughable comedies complete the bill. _ The large.-audience:.on Saturday evening, appreciated the excellent music of de Lautour's orchestra.

"THE PRISONER OF ZENDA." The screening of the 4400 ft film play, "The Prisoner of Zenda," at Hayward's Picture Palace to-morrow- (Tuesday) night should: arouse, interest, as the drama, when presented here with Mr Julius Knight in the leading part became one of the most popular of the Williamson repertoire. This presentation of Anthony Hope's fine work of romance and stirring adventure, whilst being sure of a hearty welcome on account of its own merits: will serve to intrduce for the first time America's leading romantic actor, Mr James K. Hackett, who is said to be without a, rival in the particular class of part he assumes. He will be seen supported by the "Famous Players Company" of New York. The stage setting is said to he .remarkable, while the mounting, costuming, and furnishings, it is stated, have never been excelled. Special attention has been devoted to the preparation of the incidental music, which will be rendered by the' King's Orchestra. Other selected subjects .to -be screened in support of the star feature are: "The Frog, Salamander,' and Toad" (Cines nature study);". "Among' the Eskimo of Siberia". (Patlie color), ',' A Lesson in Jealousy" comedy).

"Gaumont Graphic," and. "A Bottled Romance" (comedy). "Seats for any evening may be reserved at, the Dresden.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES. \ ■'■' . All-round .excellence sums up. the series screened 1 before two.- large - gatherings at the Opera- Hoiise on Saturday. The programme, was a. most attractive one, many of the fiTmsi being of exceptional merit. The "star" 'film was I4 A Woman," n Vitagraph prodiiiction; and this fact alone is sufficient, proof of his excellence. "The Boomerang" . was another goodl subject, unfolding a most appealing story of what children's love can do. "How he kept fit," gave interesting views of events in the life of Britain's sailors. "A Timely Rescue," a, Lnbin drama, was much appreciated, as indeed were all the films in the splendid series shown.