AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16259, 17 December 1914, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

IRS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Proniihi: of a highly oiiU:ruunin S arid valiicl ;)i()gTiil)ilih: us >.;ivcn l>y liii: .Stephen son ami l.mley Pantim.imi' Co:ii|>any lur Ui.-ir In.< I scu-soii in Dun. dm. i.,i*i nighl, lit 1U Monty's 'llifiUif, "Mumply Dumbly" wus produced lur Hi- wcoml tun.', before a largo house, and from hrst lo lasi tins t'aa of tlio pLiy was Uimouguly appreciated and heartily applauded. A turn which lig-uxos largely on the bill is that of Lennou, Hyuian, and Lwinoii, whcmu appearance in tlio first act was welcomed with enthusiasm. Their unique ability has already made them old fxieiids with Dunedin people, axid their popularity is as great as over it was. The two patriotic itcnie, the grand march of the Allies, a song and very effective tableau, "Empire is calling, in which a party of New Zealand soldiers ai>pear, met with great success and evoked the warmest applause. The singing throughout was genuinely appreciated, the numerous turns being freely applauded, and the tableaux and novelties caught on well. The choruses wero good, and some of the dancing was of a very high order of merit. The humour was sustained throughout the evtning, and tho leading: characters wero all honoured with well-deserved recalls. "Hurapty Dumpty" will be repeated tonight and for the remainder of the season. A matinee performance will be given on Saturday at specially reduced prices. FULLERS' PICTURES. There is much in the current series of pictures at the King's Theatre that is calculated to compel the keenest admiration, and largo audiences are tho usual order of things. Tie Nordisk Company is responsible for a thrilling drama entitled '"A Woman's Way," which is equalled in point of merit by another dramatic subject entitled "Abide with Mo." The supporting pictures are uniformly good, and the whole series will bo shown till th© end o£ the week. HAYWARD'B PICTURES "The Wrath of the Gods" forms the "etar" attraction of the present series at "The Octagon," and is a very fine dramatic subject, while it also introduces some striking scenic effects. "The Battle of Lebbeke" is a war film of great interest, and there is, in addition, a charming selection of scenic, topical, and comic subjects. QUEEN'S PICTURES. The pictures which were viewed with great interest in the Queen'e Theatre yesterday will be replaced to-day by a series that is entirely new, with one notable exception. That is tho Keystone comedy "Tho Property Man," the most successful comedy picture ever shown at the Queen's Theatre. In Response to many requests it .will be included again in the new programme. The new list of pictures is headed by the Vitagraph drama entitled "The Girl From Prosperity." It is supported oy another Keystone comedy, by a Pa the comedy (featuring Max Linder), the Australian Gazette, and an A.K. comedy. PLAZA PICTURES. The chief picture to be screened in the programme of the Plaza Theatre tonight should prove to be one of a fascinating character. With ■ such an attractive title as ' Blue Pete's Escape," the exciting detective story which hinges on the nom-do-plume is said to bo exceedingly interesting. Pete is tho leader of a notorious gang of criminals, whoso ultimate arrest, after very wild careers, is detailed as cleverly by tho kinetnatograph as could be wished. An incident of arresting nature is a miraculous escape by one of the gang, by jumping headlong from an express train. Another film of equal merit is "Tho Animal," produced by the famous Rex Company, which ■was responsible for tho good work in the picture, "The Rosary." Other films will include " The Field Foreman," by the Nestor Company; The Motor Boat," by the Crystal Comedy Company, and last, but not not least, the Eclair Journal, which will provide war news in plenty. None of the films have been screened in the dominion before.

KING EDWARD THEATRE. The new King Edward Theatre at South Dunedin, which is enjoying the appreciation of a large section of picture-lovers, will introduce a budget of a meritorious order today. Noteworthy among the pictures will be a masterly production entitled " His Kid Sister," a film which has been well executed bv tho Vitagraph Company. The 6tory is simple, natural, and impressive, having the essentials that make for a direct appeal to the taste of pioture-ijroers. The theme is carried out in tho beautiful wilds of the mountains of Virginia, and some glimpses of ecenic interest are shown. The drama enacted catches more power by the element of mirth which is introduced. A film of prominence also will be the Keystone Comedy Company's " The Baggage Smasher." Other features will be pictures entitled " Ham, the Lineman" (Kalem), "The Puritan" (Lubin). and "Abide With Me." . MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT. Those engaged m the rendering of Dr Root's cantata "Under the Palms" at the Musselburgh Presbyterian Church last evening, are to bo congratulated upon the success attending tlieir efforts. The cantata is somewhat of a favourite with church choirs. Tho music is attractive and can be mastered with a little application, and is therefore well suited for performance by those to whom loftier flights would be difficult. The adult chorus was supplemented by a band of little girle, who lent vaJuablp assisstanoe in the production. The choruses were very well sung, and the parts were fairly evenly balanced, despite the fewness of male voices. It was abundantly plain that considerable trouble had been gone to in order to obtain complete familiarity with the choruses, witli the result that all the concerted music was given with confidence and precision. Mr S. Gilchrist, who conducted, had tie singers well under control, and ehowed a correct appreciation of tho requirements of the various themes covered by the score. Miss Clarkean sajig the incidental soprano rolos auite creditably, and the same may be said of Miss Nellie Pridham in the role of con\ tralto. The tenor was Mr Gear, who got through his work satisfactory, Mr Rawlinson acquitted himself remarkably well as the bass soloist, in mo6t oasos singing admirably. Miss Irene Barth filled the important post of pianiste, and was of material assistance in making the performance successful. The proceeds arising- from the production of the cantata went to swell tho funds of the church.