ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17620, 7 April 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE LYCEUM. A cinema-colour drama of more than the average thrilling capacity made its appearance as the chief number in the new programme at the Lyceum theatre last evening. The picture in question was “nettled "At Handgrips with Death," and it is a well produced story of jealousy and hate. For sundry unworthy reasons the jealousy of a smuggler's wife is incited against a girl of a well to do family, whose lover is warned to beware of trouble. Trouble conies in the shape of abduction, and the girl is then (landed over to the jealous wife of th- smuggler. This diverting creature makes matters exciting by suspending her victim at the end of a rop" over the edge of a cliff, and then proceeds to saw the rope through. The hero arrives at the psychological moment and rescues his inamorata from the fate which has up to Hint time seems to lie inevitable As remarked earlier, the picture is well produced; the colouring and acting is in excellent taste, and on the whole it is well worthy of patronage. An intensely human story is detailed in a study entitled “Tommy's Stratagem." Tommy is a small boy, and on the deatli of his mother is east adrift in the world. The picture treats with his stratagem to win for himself a new guardian, and being an American picture it is charged with novelty and genuine boyishness. included in the series are a number of nature studies, one of which. "The Hermit Crab," is a particularly interesting production. 'The latest Bathe Gazette litis some good material, including the launch of the new German training ship, as well as fox-hunting a.nd aviation views. The great eastern city of Tangiers is very well pictured in a scenic study, while a good range of comedies provide stimulus to laughter. Among the latter. "A Ride for a Bride," is especially diverting, while "Two Men and a Piano" is a novel item. This highly favoured set-ies will be presented again this evening. DANCING THE TANGO. The opportunity provided by the management of witnessing an exposition of ’the mudi-discussed Tango was largely availed of at the Zealandia Hall last evening, when a crowded house witnessed the first screening of this notable film in Invercargill. No dance has, perhaps, received sucli a measure of condemnation as lias this particular one. The press and the pulpit have from time to time contributed ami one would have thought from the roars of disapproval that were heard that the Tango was a particularly naughty invention. Those people who oxifected anything to shock the proprieties would undoubtedly last night leave the hall disappointed. The Tango is undoubtedly a graceful dance, and as shown last night was absolutely devoid of anv objectionable features, and it is to lie wondered why so much strenuous endeavour has been made to censor it. Danced as it was last night by terpisichoreau artists of international distinction, it could be deemed nothing else but attractive and eleven The orchestral music played during the screening of the picture is a feature of the programme, Mr Charles Parnell having been brought down specially to conduct the orchestra. The playing indeed throughout the whole of the programme was last night of outstanding merit and was keenlv appreciated by the large audience. ’ The other film in the programme are a remarkably fine collection, there being not one that is not of it particularly fine class. A scenic depicting the beauties of "Washington is one that makes strong appeal by its beauty, both natural and architectural. "The Awakening of a Husband" is a pretty little play which conveys a moral which all business-engrossed husbands should take seriously to heart, and “The Life of a Wasp" is a native study of exceptional interest and attractiveness. The current "Gaumont Graphic” was a, popular item, and a fine dramatic story is tinfolded in “Salvation Sal.” "The Late Mr Jones” is a delightful comedy, .and it is doubtful if any humourous film has previously caused such a degree of hilarity to be reached as was the case last night while this picture was being screened. “Love by Aeroplane” is another capital comedy, and the spectacle of an elopment by aeroplane provides an tmusual spectacle, which Is outdone when a clergyman is picked up, and performs the ceremony which renders two young people deservedly happy. The series will he screened again to-niglrt and a visit is well worth while.

HALL BKXTvFIT COffCFJRT, Tile benefit concert tu lie given in the .Municipal Theatre to-night is one well worthy of tire support of every member of the community, as not only is the object most deserving: but the programme is one which should prove attractive to all. Some of the items are of exceptional merit and great pains have been taken in their production. The floral march is cental to anything of its kind previously attempted by amateurs, and the forty young ladies from Walkiwi deserve credit for their interest in this concert. The Hire Brigade event, entitled -The fireman's Wedding:.” which is attended ami staged by a large number of firemen in uniform with their equipment, and a young lady playing a conspicuous part, is another good item. The Mattery pa.rty are again seen to advantage and their items will ho altogether different from (heir previous appearances. A glance at the programme will show that some of our host artists will he on the slag •. and the committee make a final appeal to the public for liberal support. Territorials will attend in uniform. The Flattery parade has hern postponed, ami all old members of volunteers and brigades are asked to attend ami Huts serve the object in view, and crown the committee’s efforts. The Garrison Hand will play outside the theatre, and later appear on the stage. SKATING RINK. Again last night there was a good attendance at the skating rink in King's Hall. The floor is now in better condition Ilian it,has been previously. Tonight is learners' night and the management announce that all guardians and chaperons will be admitted free.