AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15858, 2 September 1913, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

KING'S TIIF.ATHK. That the popularity of Blbtsoe's Crimson Ramblers is by no means on the wane was further amply demonstrated at the King's Theatre last night. The Ramblers provided the major portion of the entertainment as usual, and ; they were accorded a unanimous vcrdiot of appreciation by the big audience that filled the house in every part. The repertoire of tho various artists might almost be called inexhaustible, for. with, the exception of some which were given, "by request/' most of their items were new. The opening chorus by tho Ramblers waa appropriately bright and enEvening. paving the way as it. did for the pleasingly diversified numbers that followed. Mr Edward Moran, who possesses a pleasing tenor voice, gave an effective rendering of "My dreams," • which was followed by " Senora," by Miss. Bessie Cahill. Mr Albert Bletsoe'e comicality, " One of tho Deathless Army," proved extremely diverting, and an enoore was emphatically demanded. Other laughablo items were ''Otto," by Miss, Olive Sinclair,' and Miss Billie Wilson's clever child impersonations, notably. " Baby at, the Zco." Miss Maud Bletsoe's contralto solo, " Come back to me," and " Rose, of my heart," by Mr Jack Vincent, were both vigorously applauded. Other popular items were the duct fry Miss Cahill and'.Mr Moran, " Won't you be my little sweetheart," and "Ohiara,' ! by Mr Lou Vernon. The concerted numbers were all very 'good, that which brought the first half of the entertainment to a close, a character song, entitled "At the seaside," being successful in creating a vast amount'of amusement. The second half of the programme, comprising a strong (Selection of vaudeville items, is an entertainment in .-itself. Probably the most interesting, and certainly the most novel, turn was that' given by Max Duffek, a musical contortionist, who, according to the programme, is touring the world a million different ways—tfce "wavs" being ways of progress judging from the slides-which were thrown .on the screen at the commencement of'the turn. Duffek is f-hown making his way along by all 'manner of means, from being carried in the arms of a Tyrolean giant-ess to skimming aloft in a,n airship. During his turn Duffek plays various musical instruments while contorting himself into all sorts of shapes. The turn is at oner- novel and very clever, and l almost balks description. It should bo seen to be appreciated, Jennings and Gerald presented a clever sketch, entitled " Ront Day." Other artists who contributed items were Gertie Johns and dancer). Miss Essie Jennings (vocalist), Harry Collins (coon impersonntor), and Levarto and Collins (comedy jtifctlera 1 . A word- of i>rais° is due to the 'orchestra. Tile company will appear again this even-i-jr.

HAYWARD'S PICTURES. . The "Quo Vadis?" attraction is increasing notwithstanding the large and unprecedented audienccs that have already witnessed the picture. On Saturday, and again wst evening, there were patrons present who had walked 10 miles in order to eee the wonderful production. List evening the vast audience sat and wondered as the various magn;ficent scenes nassed before it. It is the wonderful attention given to detail, and the fact that the tragic events are re-enaoied on the very spots where they actually ooourred, that fascinates tho onlooker. Mr.Burke's.orchestra of 11 artists considerably enhances the entertainment. Ihe same programme will be presented during this week, ' j

FULLERS' PICTURES. Diversified, interesting, and, amusing, the new programme of pictures screened at the Princess Theatre last evening was accorded a- warm reception by tho largo audience that assembled in tho popular picture house. Nothing dull or tame finds place in the series, and those who like their entertaimnent garnished with a spioe of sensationalism will find many of the new films eminently suited to their taste. The dramatic section is more than usually well represented, and of the three fine films' in this class the best is probably that entitled "The Web."| The picture is some 2000 ft in length, and the fact that the capable Vitagraph artists have been entrusted with the delicate • duty of playing upon tho inany-toned instrument of human emotion is at once a guaranteo of its quality-. Tho drama is frankly sensational, and it would be difficult to surpass many of its scenes, for thrilling realism. Lester Phillips is engaged to a beautiful and charming youn°* lady named Agatha Remington, but he becomes entangled with an adventuress called Beatrice Esmond. ■ He determines to throw' off the spell which the latter, has cast (sver him, and in revenge the - trifler ensnares his younger brother 'Francis In the meshes of her false and fickle love. The :elder brother warns Francis against Beatrice, but the counsel falls on deaf oars, and the latter seems in a fair way to accomplish her purpose. • However, Lester again succeeds in making Beatrice believe he loves her, and in a quarrel betweon tho two the woman is fatally shot; by Zolan, who is ' passionately fond of her but who has also disoovered her unfaithfulness. Through Agatha's cleverness Lester, whois. suspected of murdering Beatrice, is proved to be innocent, the guilt is-fastened, upon Zolan, and all ends satisfactorily. "Arabia, tho Equino Detective," is nn extremely clever Selig drama, in which a beautiful groy horse plays a prominent part, and, in a startling denouement, is instrumental in establishing the duplicity of a man whoso hands are stained with guilt., "In God's Care" is a tonder, touching story, full of. deep pathos and some, very human sentiment. ."Rosie's Revenge" is a thoroughly delightful and refreshing comedy that'. shows. in most amusing fashion how a woman, who has become a cook after failing in life as a stenographer,' gets even with, her former employer. "By Mutual Agreement" and The. Flirty Husband" are two other very fine comedies. Some splendid iconics and a new Pathc Gazette compieto an excellent list.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The management at the Queen's Theatre has succeeded this week in. presenting for the benefit of patrons as fine a combination of kincaiutograph films as has been seen for some;considerable time at this house of perpetual pictures. Tho subjects arc well diversified, and all attain to a fairly, high standard of merit, while two at any rate, oach in its own particular direction, stand out above their fellows. "When Lee Surrenders " is the title. of an undoubted ' star" battle film. It is a page from tho American civil war, .with a dharming story interwoven with its hapoenings, and for sheer realism and effect it "should bo hard to beat. The picture oipens with a hot engngemerit, between the, Northern and Southern armies. A young Northern officer who has gallantly rallied his mon without effcct is forced to take refuge m a house where a southern girl Iras been watching tho progress of the battle. Armed with a revolver, she at first orders him away, but seeing his oondition, takes him into the house and bandages his wounds, but is foroed to hide him .when her faiiiher, accompanied by wmc southern officers, enters the room. The officer unobserved, but leaves his coat behind him, and when' an hour later the tide of battle turns and the house is occupied by northern officers, tho presenco of the blood-stained coat places tbe old southerner in an unpleasant position.. Ho is arrested on suspicion, and despite his daughter's protests is, removini to oho northern headquarters fo nW ait trial. His daughter pleads vainly for his relfca*,} but on her way home meets t!lic young officer whom she had previously sucooured, and the mystery of the coat being thus cleared up her father is released. To writo of tho pleasing finale would be stating tho obvious. "The Golden Hon.nl" is a thrilling story of a bushranger who, des'ring to live honestlv, is bkimed by h's former aeso-. oiates for the loss of eomo treasure., They capture him and attempt to bury him alive, but at the ln6t moment he is saved by the arrival of his wife, followed liv the servants on his farm. Among the other films are a fine instalment of tihe Pa tho Gazette and olio or two excecd : ngly amiwing cohvc gubnotably " The One Ilnndrrd Dollar Elopement," As. has been said, tihe programme os a who'<* is a strong ■ one, nndi should draw well. It will be screened again to-da.v. •

BRYDONE SKATING RINK. There wore attendanoea at the Brydone Stating Rink yesterday at both tho afternoon and e\ening cessions, wheii the devotees of thepastione of roller skating appeared to derive much enjoyment as they circled round the floor to tho inspiriting strains of tho musio provided

. MASONIC BALL. The an'Hial ball of t'ho Masonic lodges of Port Chalmers was hold in the . Druids' -Hall. Port Chalmers, on Friday night. Tkoro wcv; about 50 couples in the Grand March, which was led off by Worshipful Bro. Geopge Edgar. The bhll : w;is voted one of tbe best yet hold by tho order in Tort Chalmers, P.M.'s Bros. Craig, Petere, and Hutton. and Bro. A. Cablo -had dhnrgo of the floor, and woro very 'attentive to tin: intorosts of tho dancers Tho ball was ki;nt going mf-rri',y until 2 a.m.. everybody cnjoyinjt tiiomseivcfi thoroughly,. Tho enter-, ing govo entire satisfaction, and exoeilent

music wis provided. Miss Flora Macdonald contributed eonio Highland dancing, which was much appreciated.

LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE ' SOCIETY. The monthly basket social of tho Lancashire and Yorkshire Society • was held inSmith's Hall; Hanover street, on Thursday cyening. Mr J. H. Mayall occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members and t frie,nd«. An excellent programme was provided, tho following contributing items: Miss V. Ford (recitations). Mies N. Lees and Messrs W. Stewart and T. Slater (songs), the Frye fami'y (musical selection), Mr CJ. Fry 3 (humorous dialect readings). Miss A.. Frye was tho accompanist, and music was provided for the danevng by Messrs G. Jackson and W. Hargreaves. Mr R. Jackson acted as M.C. during the evening.