ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17653, 10 February 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND THEATRE. /" THREE STAR DRAMAS. Yet another of those capital programmes conspicuous for the quality of the films and the quantity screened which attract such splendid attendances nightly to the popular Grand Theatre will ho-submitted for the first time this afternoon. Three star dramas arc at the head of a tip-top pietorial bill of faro. The predominating feature will be Kalom's !000ft. masterpiece, "The First Commandment," which comes preceded by a big reputation. This drama is reported to be a magnificent denunciation of the species of American millionaire who worships the Almighty dollar as a sort of fetish or god, and has no use for Christian charity. The play is splendidly mounted and strikingly well acted by those distinguished Americans Tom Moore and Marguerite Courtot. “Chinese Vengeance" is a remarkable drama of distinctive character which possesses many novel features and is brimful of dramatic surprises. It deals with the mysterious customs of the Chinese in regard to the question of inter-marriage and features that people’s inbred desire for revenge of injuries and the ends to which they will go to secure it. The •story is absorbing, and the whole production as regards mounting, costuming and acting is spoken of as being on a huge plane. A third drama, and a very powerful one. will bo "Under Oath,” one of those dramatic romances dealing with love and intrigue, which prove so popular. The devilish doings of the members of a secret society loom largely in the picture. The drama is said to possess a strong power of appeal, a result due to the earnestness of the acting. Of course, the question of comic relief has been provided for. Two funny comedies will be screened. "Jack Spratt’s Parrot” is a downy old bird whose piccadillos bring hearty laughter to onlookers but consternation to his master, while "Boobley's Baby” is described as an infant phenomenon fun creator. The most recent edition of the popular Australian Gazette with topical cartoons by Harry Julius will also be shown. -Such film fare is sure to maintain the large attendances ruling at this popular house. POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. TWO POWERFUL PRODUCTIONS. The management announce for the usual bi-weekly change a programme of unusual excellence, headed by a four-reel drama of theatrical life by the Famous Players, entitled "Behind the Scenes.” in which play the dainty and bewitching little actress, alary Fickford, is said to have achieved her greatest triumph, and press reports state that she has never been seen to greater advantage than as Dolly Lane in "Behind the Scenes." Dolly is a soubrette in a Musical Comedy Co. Site moots Steve blunter and marries him. Ho induces her to leave the stage and go to the farm with him. The life soon palls upon her, and she accepts an offer from a manager named Canhy. She makes a big success, and after the play Canby goes to her dressing room, and makes overtures to her. Just then a knock comes at the door, and she hoars her husband’s voice, and Canby hides behind a screen. Her husband notices Canby’s hat on a chair, and misjudging Dolly, he leaves her. His friend, however. remains and gets the true story and Dolly returns to the farm. The story is exceedingly well produced, and the characters well sustained. The "Family Divided’ is another exceptionally fine 4-reel exclusive drama from the Essanay studios, and features Edna Mayo, a strong rival to Mary Pickford, and it will he extremely interesting to compare these very popular little ladies. The "Family Divided" is u picture of absorbing interest, and is of value as showing the foolishness of arriving at a conclusion over-hastily. "The French Victory in the Champagne" is an excellent war subject that arouses the greatest enthusiasm. and the latest Warwick Chronicle is brimful of Interest. Two good comics round off the series, namely.

“The Evolution of Kaiser Bill," a laughable cartoon, and "The Tale of a Fire," a screaming comedy, by Essanay’s loading comedians. Patrons are requested to be early, as "The Family Divided” can be screened once only each evening at S sharp. “Behind the Scenes" will be shown twice nightly.