AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17089, 22 August 1917, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

The final step on to the movie throne is made by Erud Bennett in " Happiness," to be screened ai the Queen's Theatre today. Nothing so quaintly fascinating, so full of winsome fun and sudden touches of real pathos, has ever boon screened as this smart story- of " America's Greatest Snob." The plot is ingenious, and throws some delicious fun at those alarmist folks who see the hand of the White Slayer in every evening that a girl is out after half-past seven. The end of the story is full,of uproarious fun, and the play has been classed as a whole as " the finest comedy drama ever put upon the celluloid."

A strong problem play, entitled " Maternity," -will be depicted as •'the star feature at Everybody's Theatre to-day. Miss Alice Brady, the popular "World" star, and David Powell, who made snch a great hit in "Gloria's Romance" and in "The Prioe She Paid," are co-stars. The question asked in the picture is " Are there circumstances under which marriage should justly not mean maternity"? An exaiaordinarily fine scene, the triumphant rescue of another woman's baby, brings home to the young wife the emptiness of her life. The fourthfeature on the programme. "IGNORANCE." The successful film "Ignorance," dealing as it does with a matter of worldwide interest, has proved a big attraction at the Plaza Theatre. It is one of those films which is talked about and must be seen to be appreciated. BIRTH OF A NATION. '• The wonderful photo play, "The Birth of a Nation," is proving a popular draw at the Octagon Theatre. Running through lie historical events depicted is a powerful love story, and as each of the artists selected to fill the various characters have been chosen. from those in the. forefront of American theatrical life an intensely interesting picture has been achieved. Never for a second does the close attention of the audienoe flag. As a spectacle, alone the film is well worth seeing. It will be screened this afternoon and again in the evening. To-day " Birth of a Nation " will be shown at the King Edward Theatre, also, thus affording residents of South Duncdin an opportunity of viewing this master film dose at hand. CANTATA AT KAIKORAI. The sacred cantata "Under the Palms" Will be presented by the choir of the Kaikorai Presbyterian Church this evening. As' the funds are to be devoted to the Red Cross Association, general support is expected. In addition an excellent musical performance will'be given. The choir will bo assisted by a large number of children and capable soloists. '■ • "VERY GOOD EDDIE." Roferring to "Very Good Eddie." the sparkling musical comedy which will be presented bv Messrs J. and N. Tart's New Musical Comedy Company at His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday, August 30, the Australasian says:—" Allowing nothing mora than bare |usfcico tothe artist, remembering Barry Lupino only in the extravagance and freedom of pantomime, ihi character' of Eddie, a weak, good-natured, b'sping youth, married to a large and dominating lady, who, as his frineds say. will "make him a good husband," is quite unlike anything one would have expected. In character it may be fairly called a creation, and Mr Lupino, though he sings, talks, dances, and does much in attractive vaudeville to help on the entertainment, nover for an instant loses touch with the part." The other principals of the company all come with the highest of reputations, and chorus and ballet are 6aid to bo exceptionally clever and hansome, and a feature of the production is the haunting meloidies and delightful musical numbers. The season is limited to four_ nights., The box plan will open at the Bristol on Friday morning.