ENTERTAINMENTS.

Southland Times, Issue 16786, 14 July 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PULLERS’ PICTURES. "Change Night” at the Zealandla Hall is an announcement which never falls to draw a big cr’owd to the popular Esk street house of entertainment. The last change night was no exception to the general rule, and a crowded house was in evidence when the current programme was submitted for the first time last night. Pathe’s Gazette comes along at regular intervals with the chief events of interest that occur about the huh of the universe, and of which scanty cables give us isolated New Zealanders but a hazy conception. The one under notice is, perhaps, one of the most interesting that its enterprising proprietors have sent along. Notable amongst its many subjects is the one showing the aeroplane disaster at the start of the Paris - Madrid race whereby Minister Berteaux lost his life, and Premier Mom's was seriously injured. A fine series concludes with a picture showing the latest stylos of coiffure. Three grand travel films stand out prominently on a strong bill. “Winter Traffic in Stockholm,” gives a comprehensive view of the Swedish capital city and shows the difficulties which have to he surmounted in keeping the frozen Neckar open for the passage of ferry boats and steamers. So firm is the ice that boats are laden from sledges run up alongside. The narrow passage-way through the ice is obstructed by huge blocks which surge around the vessel as she ploughs her way through them. “Fishing in the Adriatic,” is another film showing some beautiful scenic and seascape views of the rocky coast of Eastern Italy, and the methods'employed by its interpld fishermen in pursuit of their living. The views of Berlin, Including those of the streets, buildings, statuary, overhead railway and other attractions of capital of all the Germans were another fine lot. "The League of Mercy” is a dramatic film dealing with a man’s duplicity and a -woman’s betrayal, with an ending tragic and morbid enough for anybody. Needless to say it terminated amongst a volley of applause. The Sellg Company is responsible for a stirring Indian picture. It tells how an English trader incite a tribes to make war upon his own countrymen to satisfy revenge; fiow the Indians are at last defeated; and how their young chief delivers himself to the English soldiery, in order to save ins people from annihilation. His sacrifice is appreciated and his life is spared amidst the delighted tumult of the audience. Another story of domestic infelicity which lias a tragic ending is unravelled in “Her Child’s Honour.” A young wife has a drunken soldier husband. On his reported death she marries a doctor. The first husband turns up and makes a fuss. The wife in the course of a weird Oriental dance stabs husband No. 1, and, shortly after, dies also. Before she dies, however, she Is married again to husband No. 2, and thus establishes her child’s honour. “Wedding Bolls” is a really good picture showing the danger incurred from wearing goods made in a sweating-shop. Of the humorous films, the one showing the troubles of a husband In search of a medical man which culminated in the arrival of three heirs, is the most humorous. The Imps Company introduced a comedy “A Mix Up.” In which an unsuspecting and Innocent individual receives very severe treatment in his own house as the result of a misunderstanding. "Fitzwoodle’s Wooing” and “Tweedledum and the Bank-note” completed a programme which was received with much favour. HAYWARD'S PICTURES. There was a good attendance at the Lyceum last night when a new programme uas presented to patrons. The films from every point of view are of a very high class, as the frequent applause amply testified, and it is not too much to say that in the current series the management has something of particular merit to attract the public. “Coogee Life Savors” is a fine film sliowing how the crowds of people who visit the famous seaside 2’esort disport themselves. incidentally there are some lino diving exhibitions shown, as well as acrobatic feats, and strenuous boxing contests. But the outstanding feature is the life savers at work, and two rescues are seen in the picture. “ The Barbarian” is an interesting as well as being an exciting story, including as it does the capture and ill usage of a father by barbarians, the offering of herself as a hostage by Ills daughter, a quarrel and a fatal fight among the barbarians, and tiie final subjugation of the barbarian chief by the power of love. "The Revenge of tiie Servants” is a laughable comedy, which reveals some of the opportunities which servants have of discomfiting their mistresses. "Falchetto of Narbonno” is a Pa the coloured drama of great merit, the acting being capitally done, and tiie story being one whicli compels attention. The raising of a troubadour to a chevalier, a forced marriage, and the succeeding trouble whicli ends in the death of the wife are sensational in their effect. Tiie last scene of all shows the sorrowing man In a monastery where his wife, pleading forgiveness, appears in a vision to him, and immediately afterwards ho expires, “ What Happened to Brown” is a comical turn In which a man who has accidentally been locked in a trunk has to put up with considerable inconveniences which create roars of laughter. “Erench

Peasants Box-hunlini'” appeals strongly to those with sporting tastes, poor Reynard, or rather several of him, being given a particularly warm time. There are some particularly fine dogs, as keen as mustard, seen til work in the picture. "Ilcip Wanted" is another humorous him which compels laughter, and "The Hanker’s Daughter" is an exciting story of two plucky girls who outwit a gang of burglars. "A Thousand Miles through Kuropo” is a remarkably tine scenic disclosing some lovely scenes, as well as featuring the industries, habits, and pastimes of the people of .Bosnia, Ilerzgovina and Constantinople. “Da Rieadora" is a Bathe coloured dramatic film with a Spanish setting, the vivacity of the Spanish women tint! the readiness of the men with the knife being excellently ponrtrayed. "A Desperate Remedy" winds up happily a programme which, to be thoroughly appreciated, must ho seen. Mot by any means the least pleasing item was "The Dast Muster” sung by Mr 11. Bhillips (lute of the Welsh Choir). The song, which is beautifully illustrated, was splendidly treated by Mr Phillips, who received an enthusiastic encore. Tito orchestra under Miss Sheehan’s capable direction was in fine form, and the playing is worthy of mention being made of it. The programme .will be repeated this evening. KING'S HALL RINK. The skating pastime has not yet, it seems, although the season is now well advanced, lost any of its attractiveness to the local public, and the ardent devotee is still as consistent a frequenter of the Clyde Street Hall as ever. Thursday’s three sessions kept well up to the average in attendance, the evening one being more liberally patronised than its two predecessors. The hall appointments, as arranged by Manager Davis and his staff, were again up to a high standard and were the subject of much favourable comment from last night’s patrons. The “Black and White” carnival to bo held on Thursday evening next promises to be a popular affair, and the various graceful skating competitions are engendering keen rivalry. Members of the Southland Dadies’ Hockey Association, which body receives a largo percentage of the receipts, are busily engaged disposing of tickets for the function. They are, it is reported, meeting with good success in this connection. Morning, afternoon and evening the rink will be open to-day. RAILWAY EUCHRE TOURNAMENT. In the Railway Library last evening members of the Engine-drivers’, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Association and the Railway Officers’ Institute engaged In a euchre tournament, over fifty persons taking part in it. Play was indulged in for a couple of hours, the result being in favour of the Institute men who won 53 games to the Association’s 50. Afterwards a social hour was spent, a capital spread being provided by members of the Association, Songs were contributed by Messrs McGee, C. Belsham, and F. Truman, and a recitation was given by Mr Alex. Southern. On behalf of the Institute Mr W. Robertson thanked members of the Association for the entertainment they had so kindly provided, and in the course of his remarks he mentioned that it was the intention of the Institute to reciprocate at no-distant date. Mr G. F. Martin acknowledged the vote, and expressed pleasure with the way the members of the two bodies had fraternised together. "Auld Lang Syne” brought a most enjoyable evening to a conclusion. RAILWAY DANCE. The weekly railway dance which has been running for some considerable time is - invariably well patronised, and an extended evening which was held on Tuesday last was even more successful than its forerunners. The floor, the music, and the catering were first-class, and Mr Wm. Martin. M.C., sent things along with a vim, allowing not a moment to drag. Under the capable management of Mr G. A. Ray (chairman) and Mr John Grant (secretary), it is safe to assume that the fixture will continue to increase in popularity as it certainly deserves. “THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS.” The reappearance is announced of Mr Edward Branscombe’s Comedy Costume Company, “The Scarlet Troubadours,” at the Municipal Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday next, after a very sue. cessful six months tour in South Africa and Australia. The members of tills Company have already established them solves warm favourites in New Zea. land; and the spontaneity of their humour, the thoroughness of their work and their clean and wholesome programme will be remembered by their New Zealand audiences. This Is announced as a farewell tour, the Company proceeding to England at the conclusion of this tour to fulfill engagements In the “Old Country.” This, therefore, will be the last opportunity of hearing this combination of artistic entertainers. From past experience wo know the “Scarlet Troubadours” to be a company of entertainers, in the full sense of the word. The Box Plan opens at the Dresden to-morrow at 10 a.m. ORPHANS' CONCERT. The Victoria Hall was about threeparts full last night when thirty-four Orphans congregated on the stage to give their first subscription concert of the season. As usual the various items were well chosen and well rendered and the whole concert was quite up to the standard set by the club on previous occasions. The night was bitterly cold, but this did not lesson the warmth of the applause which followed each number. The programme had the merit of not being prolonged beyond reasonable limits, a consideration which must have been appreciated by the audience on such a wintry evening. The following items constituted the entertainment;— President’s remarks, Mr D. W. McKay; song, “Song of Thanksgiving,” encored, Mr Alsop; recitation, “A Great Calamity” (encored), Mr Gordon Brown; chorus song-, “A Chip of the Old Block,” Mr Service; violin solo, “Legende” (encored), Mr Barrett: humorous item (encored), Mr E. R. Godward; instrumental quintette, “Lion du Bal,” Messrs Barret, Campbell, Dunnett, -McKay and Thomas (encored); song, “Sleep On,” Mr H. Richards (encored); song, “Rocked In the Cradle of the Deep,” Mr Service; song, "Landscape,” Mr Howard Woods (encored) ; musical monologue,” “Lasca,” Mr J. D. Gilmore (encored); chorus song, "Torn of Devon,” Air Cookson (encored); Mr t. F. Thomas played the accompaniments in his usual capable manner.