AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15822, 22 July 1913, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. Tha new programme which was presented at the King's Theatre last night contained a reversion, after a week of all vaudeville, to the "mixed" bill of vaudeville items and kinematograph films. Despite the weather, which was bound to have some influence on the attendance, there was a very good house. Miss Violet Carmen and Mr Alf. J. Lawrence, who have made themselves deservedly popular, appeared in a number of fresh items, which further served to demonstrate the young lady's versatility; Miss Carmen sang first a pretty little song, in which she was assisted by her accompanist, Mr Lawrence, and then proceeded to passages from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice," Ditkcns's "Bleak House," etc. In each' of these Miss Carmen wua successful hi giving a good impression of the character she intended to portray, and the audience was quick in its appreciation. The artiste concluded by giving a dainty rendering of Mr Lawrence's composition, "On the Wanganui." Harry and Nellie Quealy, old favourites with patrons of vaudeville in this city, made a happy reappearance in a farcical absurdity entitled "Fun in the Kitchen." The sketch kept the audience in a simmer of laughter, which increased when the two indulged in a burlesque boxing contest, in which the lady boxor displayed a surprising degree of adroitness. Mr .Joseph Hurley made his reappearance as an impersonator. He appeared in the lirst half and gave impersonations of -well-known singers, and in the second half he impersonated the four or five imaginary characters who figured in a rather improbable little drama. His initial effort was more convincing than the second. Ernest Pitcher, retailer of broad comody, kept, everyone fully amused _ during his tonure of the stage with a diverting flow of patter. Owing to the fact that one of them.was suffering from the effecta 'of vaccination Carno and Francis were unable to appear in the feats of strength and skill which they were billed to perform, but one of'the pair performed some tumbling. A number of interesting kino matograph films were screened during the evening.

HAYWARD'S PICTURES. There was nothing weak or ineffective in the new programme that was presented at the Otagon lust night, and its all round interest and excellence should commend it to largo numbers throughout the week. The star attraction was the Vitagraph Company's production of several choice Bcenes and incidents from the immortal ■' Pickwick Papers." As Mr Pickwick, John Bunny was called on to appear in a somewhat unaccustomed role, but ho filled the part with the same irresistible humour that ho is accustomed to exhibit in all his impersonations. Added interest was given to the story of the impostures ot Mr Jingle, and Mr Pickwick's embarrassing adventures at the Westgate young ladies' seminary from the fact that the pictures were actually taken araid the original scenes of the story. The Gaumont Graphic presents a large variety of topical subjecls, including striking pictures of a great gymnastic' display in France, of the river during "Eight's- week"- at Oxford, of record motor raoing, and of the recent visit of the King and Queen to Germany. "Saunters Through Old Rome" is a very entertaining film, giving a good idea of the magnificence of some of the buildings of the Eternal City, of the beauty of its many fountains, and of typical scenes about its streets. From "The Laager Boer In-

dustry" may be g'ainod an insight into the variety and marvellous ingenuity and intricacy of the machinery employed in the numerous processes of brewing, bottling, and filling barrels with laager beer. "The Idol of tho Hour" told the pathetic story of a beautiful country girl who comes in to Paris to sit as the model cf a rising young arti6C with whom she is in love. He marries another, and as youth and beauty forsake her she gradually sinks down to earning her living by cleaning and scrubbing doorsteps, an occupation that brings her to the beautiful home of the artist she loved. In " Iho Header " the eelf-sacrifien and devotion of a doctor is seen shaming a violent burglar from his evil ways, and another drama by the Kalem Company is devoted to showing how kindness and

trust may work wonders in the reformation of a criminal. "Aunt Elsa," in her

visit, proves to be very unliko the person her relatives had expected, and is responsible for a great deal of fun and mischief in the house before her identity is revealed. The same pictures, to tho accompaniment of tasteful and appropriate orchestral music, will be shown again this evening.

1 FULLERS' PICTURES. The- chango of programme presented at the.Princess Theatre last evening contained, material sufficient to.satisfy the most exacting patron. There was comedy—,n one instance at least comedy quite equal :o anything that has been seen at thu> place ot entertainment since it became utilised for p.cturo exhibitions alone. The instance roterrcti to was a very funny rivalry between two gentlemen, who were aspirapts for the hand and heart of tho same iady. lliere was nothing very funny in that fact alone; it happens irequently. But what was funny was, the skating tests to which the fair cruel one subjected her two suitors. Their efforts to skate were amusing, but the culmination point of tne .situation was reached when they engaged in a boxing eonUse while still on skates. As to the more serious side of the programme, "The Man in the White Cloak," was put forward as something specially attractive, and a somewhat lengthy story was wonderfully well presented. Of the story itself it is not necessary to go into detail. It is sufficient to say that there was plently of "thrill" about it. There were many other pictures of much more than ordinary merit, and among these may be ment.oned " Sago Growing in Borneo," which was most interesting, and "Shooting the Rapids on the Kakong River." In the latter case the pictures had been very well taken, and there was some beautiful scenery outside the " negotiation " of the rapids s for " shooting" scarcely indicated what the picture really was. " The Orchid " took its title from the fact that an innocent man narrowly escaped paying the penalty for the misdeeds of another. A valuable necklace was stolen from the throat of a celebrated danseu?e, and an orchid, which the hero of the little drama happened to be wearing, was found close by. A clever detective, however, Jays a trap, into which the real culprit readily falls. This and also ''.Under the" Make-up" are both good; the latter in particular. The Pathe Gazette was unusually attractive, and two or three other pictures made up what was in the aggregate an excellent programme. Credit is due to the orchestra for some admirably played selections The same pictures will be presented ihis evening.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Despite tile heavy and persistent downpour'of rain yesterday, there were good attendances throughout the day and evening at the Queen's Theatre, where the new programme that was screened provided ample recompense for those who had braved tho elements. The series is a strong one in every particular, and should draw strongly, for "the term of its showing. There are two very fine dramas on the list—" Sacrificed to the Lions" and " Cinderella's Sipper." Tho former is an Indian story, lull of thrill and interest. Tho Indians are turned out of their territory, apparently without reason, and, having exhausted conciliatory measures, resort to more forcible means to secure their rights. They steel the Governor's daughter, and send him a message intimating that unless he accedes to their demands within three days the girl shall bo sacrificed to lions. Tlio Governor sends a messenger to the Indians accepting their conditions, but he loses his way in the desert. The three days expire, and tho maid is cast into the den, but just as the lions are liberated the weary messenger arrives and saves the situation. " Cinderella's S!inper" is a prettily told love .story, much on the lines of the old nursery tale, and with a finale which is quite as pleasing. Tho characterisation in this picture is clever and the settings are good. The two princi'ial parts are taken by Maurice Oostello and Lilian Walker. "John Arthur's Trust" is a modern drama, in which the adventurer—one Count Borni— is eventually cleverly outwitted by John Arthur, the hero-lawyer. Arthur is made guardian of the immense fortune left to a young lady wlkkc hand tho adventurer seeks in marriage. For n while his schemes promise to boar fruit, but he is ii'tiinntcly outwitted by the lawyer, who himself secures the affections of the young lady. There h a verv interesting Nature-study picture showing the habits of British birds of prey. There is also a further instalment of Pntbe's English Gazette. Tho usual leavening of comedy completes tho lief- The pictures will be screened again to-day.

BRYDONF, SKATING RINK. The results of tho voting at tho carnival (" A Night in Japan "). held at the Brydono Skating Rink on Friday night, wore made known last evening. They are as follow—Best dressed lody. Miss A. Troup (55 votes) 1, Mrs R. E. Tay'or (49) 2. Mrs W. Mitchell (46) 3. Best dressed gentlemen :- Mr A. lierry (96 votes) 1. Mr E. Mowat (58) 2 Mr E.' Sevmour (52) 3. Most graceful couple, Miss J, Troup and Mr C. H. Wat-

eon (48 votes) 1, Miss S5. Hodge ami Mr S. Medder (41) 2, Mrs K. E. Taylor and Mr D. Barron (39) 3. The prizes will bo presented on Wednesday evening. The children's carnival will take place on Friday, and all intending to take part in it are requested to attend the rink on Wednesday afternoon at 4.30, when the final rehearsal of the serpentine parade and chariot race will be hold.