AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16709, 1 June 1916, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. There was a largo audience at the Princess Theatre last evening to witness a vepetition of the current programme of vaudeville, and Iho manner in which the various items were received left no maimer of doubt as to the enjoyment of patrons. Tho entertainment is an admirably blended one, and all tastes can count upon finding something at once to satisfy and gratify them. '"The Wonder Children" merit their striking sobriquet bo tho full, and again last evening thoir turn was greeted with clamorous applause. Dan Thomas also receives a good reception, and the various other members of tho company all continue to achieve popularity in their respective directions. Tho sanio performers will appear to-night. II AY WARD'S PICTURES. Excellent faro is presented at the Octagon Theatre this week, and patrons are showing recognition by the way they are filling the theatre each evening. W. J. Locke's powerful novel, " The Morals of Marcus Ordo'-no." furnishes material for an engrossing p.eturo drama; the cast has lived up to its opportunities, and the upshot is an altogether satisfying film play. Of particular interest is tho picture showing Canadian troops in action. The supports, including a diverting cartoon comedy, "Charlie in Cuckoo Land," Paris Zoo views, and a Patho Gazette, complete a strong programme. tho enjoyment of which is enhanced 1 by tho music of a capable orchestra. 'Hie programme will bo repeated this evening.

NEW QUEEN'S THEATRE. The management of the above picturo palace announces a special Show Week programme, to be screened for tho first timo from noon to-day. Tho leading feature is what is described as a fascinating and sensational drama entitled " Tho Burglar and the Lady," and serves as a vehicle to introduce tho one-time champion pugilist of the world in the person of James J. Corbott. The situations are tense, but there is a real humour in the manner in which the gentleman burglar cleverly bridges a menacing gap by posing as a detective, with the victim of the burglary falling in love with him, while her jewelled necklace reposes in the culprit's pocket. The picture, moreover, is not 'without its thrill, which occurs when tho burglar in his flight crosses from one high roof to another by means of a rope, swung acroes an open space, and it is not without its moments of pathos. The picture has been the means of drawing record business in Auckland, where it has recently been shown. PLAZA THEATRE. "Always in the Way" attracted another overflowing audience at the Plaza Theatre last evening. It will be continued till Saturday night, along with the supports: "Ilis Home-coming" (comedy) and "Tho Topical Budget," which shows tho military footballers— the Anzacs—playing a _ team from the Artists' Corps. Those wishing to see " Always in tho Way" in comfort are advised to go in the afternoon. The management of the Plaza Theatre has secured permission to tako a moving picture of the departure of the reinforcements to-day. Tho film will bo some 150 ft in length, and should prove an attraction when it is produced. KING EDWARD THEATRE. A varied and excellent selection of pictures, specially arranged for Show Week patrons, will bo shown at the King Edward Theatre to-day. The bright particular luminary is a' Broadway success, entitled " liio Dawn of Understanding," in which the well-known actor, Maurico Costello, takes tho leading part. Tho plot, in brief, shows how a couple, through the death of their child, for which each blamed the other, separated, and spent many unhappy months, until they are dramatically re-united through the agency of a friend. A moral teaching that it was better to attend to the duties of tho homo than to give too nxuoh timo to business or securing a good social position is attached to the story. The supporting subjects includo a Selig drama, 'j ho Range Girl and tho Cowboy ; a Kalem comedy, " Wurra Wurra"; "Insomnia (Lubin comedy), a beautiful scenic showing Cairo, the Egyptian city, and the popular Australian Gazette. GRAND THEATRE. The Show Week programme at tho Grand Theatre has as. its leading drama a remarkable A.B. production entitled " Harvest.' It is a story of a marriage contracted under tho old Scotch law, and how it was repudiated in after years. This picturo is supported by 3' couple of comedies, a minor drama, and scenic views of Normandy. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. " Royal Love," iho feature film at Everybody's Theatre, is one well calculated to please an audience, and consequently good houses are being experienced. The supporting subjects' Have been well chosen. Among them is an interesting Selig animal drama. EMPIRE THEATRE, "Jim —Just Jim ' will be tho central feature again to-day of tho popular picture programme being screened at the Empire Theatre. It. is a bracing story of the struggle of an ex-convict against a host of difficulties to win his way back to an honest life and name. -The programme also includes scenery, comedy, and topical pictures of the war. " LES CLOCHES DE CORNEVILLE." The fourth performance of the above popular opera at His Majesty's Theatre was of a most satisfactory nature. Tho whole of the performers, vocal and instrumental, displayed increasing confidence in the production of tho tuneful work, and the largo audience was not slow to recognise the merits of all the contributors to the general success. As tho opera will bo repeated tonight, country visitors especially should not miss an opportunity to enjoy an operatic performance with full chorus, orchestra, and proper stage accessories.

KING'S THEATRE. ' It was to be regretted that a larger audience did not greet the first performance organised by the Dunedin Competition Society last night, seeing that some of tho leading talent of Dunedin were introduced I to the criticism of patrons. The theatre I was fairly well filled, but the merit cf tho entertainment was such that had a packed house greeted the performers it would have been no more than their merit deserved. Proceedings opened with a selection by the Orphans' orchestra, and the strides made by this able body of artists, under Mr G. li. Laidlaw, were soon evident. Varied and interesting were the items submitted, including a musical monologue by Miss Ivy Mazengarb, for which she received a wcil deserved encorc. An able interpretation of Dvorak's " Polonaise" by Miss E. M'Dougall and Mr L. Tyrie, also met with tho approbation it deserved. ' Special mention might also be made of the splendid conception of " Lc Bois Sacre " (Massenet), in which a delightful flute solo was ably rendered by Air Morrison. A clever trio of artists (R.al"h, Clive, and Sophie Vivian) gave a varied selection of items, whilst Miss Lucy James was in splendid voice with her items. The concluding item of a good programme was a comedietta, entitled Tho Milliner's Hill," wherein good scope for comedy was allowed. Mr and Mrs A. 11. Gard'ner and Mists C. Easther, which was well handled and never overdone. Fitting reference should also be made of the singing of Miss R. Carr in her bracketed items, also the rendering of tho patriotic song "Britain" by Mr Syd Angell, who was deservedly encored. Other items of interest wore musical monologues by May and Scon Brown, a recitation by Miss Julie Jacob?, and a piano solo by Mr A. Goddcs. Mr J. B. M'-Connell's humorous items were well received, as also were the selections by the High Street School Band. A word of praise is also due to the indefatigable secretary. Mr E. S. Wilson, for his untiring energy. The second entertainment arranged by tho Dunedin Competitions Society will bo presented at the King's Theatre this evening, when an even more attractive programme will be presented. A piano concerto by Mr Frank Bennett and Miss Doris Bagley should provide one of the chief attractions of to-night's programme, while that artistic player. Miss Vera Moore, can always be relied upon to give a high class performance. "JOHN BULL'S EMPIRE PARTY." The arrangements made by the Overseas Club to further this movement are now completed, and on Saturday next- the patriotic and spectacular play, "John Bull's Empire Party," will be repeated to provide silver bullets in aid of the fund. The first part of the programme will be devoted to items by the young i,crformers, who will render songs, dances, and sketches, which will be well worth hearing and seeing._ One of tho features of the performance will be the appearance of the juvenile Harry Lauder. Some 60 performers take part in tho play " John Bull's Empire Party." Popular prices, will be charged. _an<l a matinee performance will be given in the afternoon, as well as the evening performance. I

PAUL DU FAULT CONCERTS. Paul Dufault occupies an unique placo among the various concert artists who visited New Zealand. lie is an ideal conocrfc singer, and is a strong" advocate for the use of by .singers, ;ls evidenced by his concert programmes. A great charm of the i>nfiiu 11 concerts is the fact that I hoy appeal not only to the music-lover, but to tin? general public. To realise nis great charm and personality it is ncwssKiry to hear I'aul IJufuult, for he is that most desirable of all things, "something ditleronfc." r J'h<; two farewell Dufault concerts •.vill he given Jit His Majesty's Theatre • :i Monday and Tuesday, Julie 5 arid 6. The box plans, which opened yesterday, show a keen demand for reserved seats, and intending patrons would do well to book early.