WEST'S PICTURES AND THE BRESCIANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2762, 20 February 1907, Page 61

WEST'S PICTURE S AND THE BRESCIA NS.

This popular combination has returned to Dunedin for a short season with a new stock of pictures and music. His Majesty's 'was largely attended on the 12th to witness the opening performance. There was hardly a vacant space downstairs, and in the circle tho best of all the seats were occupied. The Brescians have established a name tor them*selves, notwithstanding that they have been coming to Dunedin only within the last few years, and the form of entertainment they submit is so welcome on all occasions that they never fail to draw large and delighted houses. The programme put forward last night was in all respects ijn excellent one. It opened with a series of moving pictures. Mr West's views may always be depended upon to show clearly and without th-e flicker that spoils many moving pictures. The principal sories depicts., the- opening scenes of the Christchurch Exhibition, and those who wex« eye-witnesses on that important occasion, and who were also spectators last night, bear testimony to the fidelity of the pictures. Mr Wesrt evidently spared no expense to get the best views. One sees the- arrival of the Governor and his reception by the Premier and- the Executive Committee ; th© entree to the opening ceremony of other notable visitors ; th« march of the volunteers and the bands, and other views that went to make the great opening day the success that it was. That the pictures were steady is shown by the fact that many of the illustrious visitors were easily recognisable. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Sir John Gorst, the late Colonel Pitt, and th-e members of tho Executive Committee were distinguished without the least effort. Th© Maori war dance, and a portion of the attractive " Trooping of the Colours ' were also shown, together with views from Wonderland. By the way, the exhibition of these pictures is a splendid advertisement for the Exhibition. After seeing them, even those who have already witnessed the great show have a hankering to return, if only to indulge in the frivolities of the numerous sideshows. And these are only a few of the pictures Mr "West has of the Exhibition. He also has films of the firewalkers' performance, the fan dancing, the Cook Islanders, the Fijians, and the Physical School of Culture. It would have been impossible to show all these last night, but they will be produced during the company's season in the city. The pictures outside those dealing with the Exhibition were watched with great interest, -especially the comic scenes. The series depicting the meeting of th-e French and British fleets at Brest was admirably shown. " A Trip to the Paris Zoo " has a-n educational value, in addition to its merits as a fine kinematograph picture. " Living Flowers " is one of those mysterious exhibitions that puzzle as well as delight an audience. " Gaol Birds " is a comic series that kept the audience in fits of laughter. The* -second part was supplied by the Brescians. consisting of Miss Antonia Martinengo, Miss Domenica Martinengo, Miss Adelina Martinengo, Miss Maude- Browne, Miss Leha Waddell. Mr Maurice Chenoweth. Mr Fred Mills, and Mr Rudall Hayward. The selection, " Maritana," by the orchestra and voices, was appreciated on all hands, introducing as it did such favourite items as " Scenes that are brightest," by Miss An<or.ia Martinengo ; " Let me like a soldier fall," by Mr Chenoweth ; and " Alas, those chimes," by Miss Domenica Martinengo. Mr Chenoweth, who is the possessor of a capital tenor voice, is new to Dunedin. He secured a well-merited encore for his solo. Later on, he was heard to advantage in "The last watch." Miss Adelina Martinengo, violinist, gave a delightful rendering of " The butterfly " (De Beriot). This lady's clever work on the vjo'in is already well known to Dunedan musicians ; she baa lost none of her brilliancy or charm of manner since her last visit to us. " The merry gipsies," by Messrs Ohenowpth, Mills, and Hayward was one of the most amusing items of the evening. Miss Martinengo and Mr Rudall Hayward were successful, in their vocal sole?, in eliciting the heartiest plaudits Mr Fred Mil's is at all times a warm favount* His it-em, " By degrees," &ung with splendid humour, was enthusiastically ercored to which demand he responded with " Courtship and marriage." Tbe " Zea'landia " march, by the orchestra, concluded this part of the programme ' . Another batch of pictures followed, including " Italian Cavalry Manoeuvres," showing some feats that local cavalrymen have °o far not attempted; "One Hundred Tricks" and " The Terrible Kids," both o* which are mo<=t interesting ; and tha comio " Father takes the Family for a Cycle Holiday " Mention should also be made of the music supplied during the evening by the pianist, Mr T. N Lax.