ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17786, 15 July 1916, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. ' "THE GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST. 3, Monday's extraordinary star success •will be Belasco's world's .success "The Girl of the Golden 'West," (5000 ft long in six acts that positively rivet attention. To achieve popularity ais a novel, win fame as a drama, achieve a triumph as an opera and lastly to score an unprecedented success as a photoplay a story must surely posses an individual charm of It own.' "The Girl of the Golden West” has achieved this great result. La sky made (he film and it is accounted a masterpiece. With a powerful east. Including House Deters, Theodore Roberts, and Anita King. W. Stephen Lush, In "The Moving Picture World," says : “The extraordinary success of the play on the speaking stage was due to many causes, every one of which operates in favour of the filmed version. In the first place, the play is of the American virile type, whose appeal to audiences will always be irresistible, its dramatic construction h* singularly free from flaws, the atmosphere comes upon us conventional mortals like a storm Irom the mountain tops, the scenery is the best and the most picturesque in all California. There is another element of strength and popularity in the play which does not lie on the surface, but which deserves attention. In "The Girl of the Golden West" wc ardently sympathise with everyone of the principal characters. The girl who has preserved her maidenly modesty in the riotous saloon of the frontier, the "road agent" whom the simple faith and love of the girl converts into a gentleman In the rough, the. big-hearted sheriff, a keen sportsman and "always on the square endowed with a sense of honour as sensitive as that of any cavalier —these arc types which will f«” ever charm and delight us. As a cnisu is inevitable patrons are counselled to be early or reserve •eats. GRAND THEATRE. “STINGAREE” -MATINEE TO-DAY. The immense popularity of Hornung's “Stingaree" bushranging stories was evidenced by another big house at the popular Grand last evening, and the stirring complete adventure “A Voice in the Wilderness" went with a bang to enthusiastic applause. "Stingaree,” a fascinating personage with an eyeglass and revolvers, is a great popular, favourite. Eight really excellent films, including a fine record of "The Dublin Riots," are shown in support. At to-day’s matinee children will receive a "Stingaree" photo badge. vv "THE FIGHTING PARSON.” ’ A strong and unusual star attraction for Monday will be William S. Hart, as the muscular gun-firing Christian in the great star play "The Fighting Parson. Hart is written of as the greatest actor In America and his acting in "The Fighting Parson” reaches emotional heights truly remarkable in screen work. The film'ls 5000 ft long and was produced by Thos. 11. Incc, director of those fine cinemas "The Coward" and "The Golden Clawy’ ' POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. There was another very large attendance last night when the long and varied programme again delighted all present. There Is not a dull moment In the whole three and a quarter hours. Each picture shown is distinctly interesting, and possesses tile charm of variety. "The Sea Waif” Is a ’pathetic little story of the •ea, whilst "The Scenes of the Dublin Kiots” are extremely interesting, depicting In a life-like manner the ruin of Sackville street and notable buildings. “The Family Cupboard" Is a powerful production in five parts by the World Film’s Corporation, and grips the interest by reason of its strong action and | magnificent acting, which is relieved by* some excellent comedy, for which John Hines is responsible. Mr Holbrook Bltnn, who plays the lead, is one of those rugged, natural men, that make an impression at once, and his appearance in pictures will always be welcomed. "The Unwelcome Mrs Hatch 1 is a four-part production by the Famous Players; and is undoubtedly the finest they have given na. The plot Is strong and the acting perfect, w.’iVit the deepest note of human sympathv i.; struck from the first scene to the last. "The Knight of Her Dreams" (comedy), and the "Latest Eclair Journal” finish off a record programme. THE DANDIES. The Pink Dandies are coming to Invercargill. Several of Mr Edward. Branscombe’s clever companies have visited the district in past seasons, but 'not so the “Pinks”, who are about to appear here for the first time. Thei arc announced to open a short season in the Municipal Theatre on Monday, 24th Inst. Beports to hand from northern cities indicate that the company is one of the smartest and most versatile in their particular line of business. They are credited with many records for lengthy appearances, amongst them being one lasting four weeks In Wellington, where they became firmly established in popular favour. The "Pink Dandles” have an extensive repertoire, and will present three complete programmes in Invercargill. The box plan is announced to open •t Lillicrap’s next Thursday morning.