AMUSEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12259, 9 June 1914, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE GRAFTERS" COAfPAXV. "A' DAY AT Till? RACES." . :' The announcement of the'return, of the popular "Grafters" ■Company, which, 'scored such a. conspicuous sue..cess in Oamaru on their last visit with "The ; Grafters," will be hailed with delight by all {theatregoers. The retitwii visit lias: been tiie outcome of much negotiation, and has been arranged- at considerable-expense. The company will appeal- for one night only, presenting the successful musical facing revel ''A Day at the-.Races." ; t is said to be even funnier than ■ "The Grafters," and all tlie popular artists will l be secin in congenial-roles. Novel ragtime dances and delightful music form a most important feature of the productions, which are said fp.be brim full I of humor from start to finish. The' company has been scoring wonderful success in the uorthen. cities. Owing to the season being for one night only it is advisable lor patrons to .reserve their seats, and .'avoid disappointment. The box plan is now open at the Dresden.

"THE PRISONER OF ZENDA." To-night the Hay ward's Management will present at the Picture- Theatre in Severn street a, rectorial -reproductionin 4-100 ft. cf. film of Anthony Hope's., romance of love and stirring; advenviire, "The; Prisoner of Zen-da." This screening will introduce for. the first tiling Air .Tames Hackett. America's recognised leading 'romantic actor, in the principal rolo of Rassendyll. The other characters are in the "hands of the.''FamousPlayers." "The Prisoner of Zenda". was very popular at Auckland. Of it the Herald said: "Keenly- analytical of human passions and emotions, the story portrays loyalty asid treachery, love a.ndhate, good and evil, and makes ■it. powerful dramatic appeal. On the eve of his coronation, Rudolf, the vacillating King of Ryratania, finds himself a- prisoner..in ; Xend'a, in the power of Black Michael, an unscrupulous membetr of the reigning house; who himself ha' designs, on the throne. The. Giipporters of the reigning monarch, d:esircus of safeguarding his interests, prevail upon the King's "double" to imper.onats his sovereign and undergo .i ■mock coronation. This man —a. soldier of fortu-nie- named Rassendyll—-in carrying out the; im-postur*, falls in love with trie Princess* Flavia, -but- r,*lF-saeri-licin.gly subordinates..his affections In his loyalty. .After many (stirring adventures'the King is firmly estv-bli-sher 1 . on his throne. The- adventmoils- soldier then .reveals his' identity io the Princes, whd-als-o- heroically renounces her. love, to -further the welfare of her people. The-lavish moulding and elaborate staging of the,-piece are among •its very -numerous excellent features."' The supporting subjects are "The Frog, Salamander, and Toad." "A Lesson in- .Xeaiousy," "'Among the -Esouimaiix of Siberia," ."A Bottled Poniance," and - "Ganmont. Graphic Box plans a_re at the Dresden.