ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17251, 23 January 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

FULLERS’ PICTURES. Big houses continue to he the rule at the Zealandia Hall, ami last night was no exception to the rule. The change that will be inaugurated to-night is said to be much above the ordinary, and patrons are promised something particularly good. The king-pin is "Zika. Queen of the Gipsies.” It is a CinemaEclair production 2725 feet in length, and is said to be packed with astonishing ai)d novel incidents, thrilling escapes, and sensational episodes. The central figure In the drama is Zika. the Gipsy Queen, who is served well and faithfully by a troop of gipsy amazons, and her • male supporters. The performances of the female actors are said to be nothing short of wonderful, and they accomplish feats which would tax the powers of some men. “The Girl Reporter’s Big Scoop” tells of the enterprise of a clever lady journalist, who incidentally exposes a scoundrelly fortune - hunting Count. “The Derelict’s Return” is a tragic story of a voung man of an impetuous nature, who rapidly descends in the social scale, but who eventually retrieves liis position after many vicissitudes and bereavements. The supporting films, especially the comedy section, are said to be of a good class. HAYWARD'S PICTURES. The continued increase of attendances at the Lyceum is but the least pleasing feature to be recorded here. The maintenance of the excellent pictorial standard has undoubtedly won the most favourable criticism of "the man in the street.” and lie is not likely to be given a fair chance to change his opinion soon. To-night’s new change, in addition to the pleasing' variety always In evidence, brings along its speciality; this time featuring a most popular and remarkably clever danseuse of the English and Continental stage—“Saharet.” She appears in a three thousand feet picture entitled "The Golden Cage.’’ and It is said to be extremely fascinating and full of exciting incident. She makes her debut to picture audiences in tills feature film, and it Is said she has alreadycreated a mild sensation, and more of her creations are to follow.- The popular Vltagraph Co. present once again our old friend “Bunny” in “Bunny’s Suicide,” also a pathetic drama “After Many yeafs." “Sergeant Byrne” Is a stirring story of the N6rth-west Mounted Police bv- Sellg. and Pathe Freres contribute "The Cowboys Sister.” There are numerous others, scenic, topical, industrial and humorous, and the bi-weekly half-guinea will again bo awarded. "ON OUR SELECTION." When “On Our Selection" was being played at Christchurch the theatre cleaners used to turn many tin honest penny, so it is said, hy gathering up buttons every morning. I-’or the first night or two the management' could not account for buttons, but it gradually dawned on them that they had been hurst oft by the audience during paroxysms of laughter. It is small wonder. No funnier, or brighter, or better acted play has been produced in Now Zealand. Everyone has read Steele Rudd’s story of “Old Dad” and his Selection. They will see Dad step' out of the pages of the book on to the stage at the Municipal Theatre on Friday next. The whole of the Australian critics were unanimous that no finer piece of character acting had ever been seen than that of Bert Bailey as “Dad." He was the typical hush selector, full of enthusiasm and fight, bubbling over with humour and possessing the dogged yerance that has made Australia what it is. In the first act it will he shown that on the selection hush tires ha! done their worst. Dads credit Is stooped, the youngsters are almost starving, and to crown all the bailiff rounds up all his stock. “Aha. cries William, ”1 .swore I’d ruin you; what will you do now? “Do shouts Old Dad, “i’ll do what men of Australia are doing every day! Fit start again. This is the spirit that pervades the play, and it la brimful of the most laughable situations. the kindliest humour, and of the most wholesome fun ever crowded into a play. The box plan Is at the Dresden. Day sale tickets at Miss McLennan s. Late train to-morrow night 11.15 p.m.