ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17788, 18 July 1916, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

POPULAR PICTURE PALACK A most attractive programme of more than ordinary merit was screened last night, and was greatly appreciated by the large audience in attendance. T)»e principal interest Jay in the 5-act Metro drama "Cora,” which won warm approval, and proved decidedly interesting. The plot is a. good one, and th> story charmingly depicted by a strong cast, foremost of whom is Miss Emily Stevens, in the name part. A feature of the picture is the beautiful gowns worn by the ladies in the reception scene, and at the opera. Another feature is a runaway motor car, which lakes a leap over a cliff some hundreds of feet and is seen crashing to the bottom. The whole production is up to fhe Metro's high standard of excellence, and shonld not be missed by anyone. "A Change of Luck” is a real ding-dong comedy that goes along with a real swing, leaving in its trail shrieks of laughter. "His Wife’s Secret,” is a fine Essanay drama, with a pretty story, whilst *»The Motor Bug” (comic), “Beauty Spots in Switzerland,” and the latest Topical Budget, complete a programme that it would be hard to equal. The same programme will be screened to-night and to-morrow night. ALBION THEATRE. A REMARKABLY PINE FILM. Still another success was scored at Ihe luxurious Albion Theatre last evening before a big mid highly pleased attendance with the Lasky Paramount star feature drama “The Girl of the Golden West.” Belasco's great story of life in California in the golden days has had an enviable career. It won popularity in book form, then as a play, next as an opera and lastly it now achieves triumph in film form. Produced under the direction of its gifted author and acted amid the mountains, gulches and canyons of California by a splendid cast of players, the atmosphere created was absolutely true to life. Many of the scenes were magnificent, both as to extent and picturesque beauty. The story is nothing if not red-blooded. It is virile, vigorous and life-like, free from convention and the men and women depicted are all of a truly human type, and therefore much more impressive than the artificial puppets of a large number of screen plays. The “Girl” is a charming character, charmingly drawn and charmingly presented. “The Sheriff,” a character which stands out clear cut as a cameo might have walked out i»f the pages of Bret Harte, and so might Bemmerrez, the "road agent” of the piece. The story is strong in heart interest and beyond question it caught on with the public, and that is the true test of merit in any production. The high merit of the supporting subjects must not be overlooked

“Muff and Juff in a Submarine” is not only clever, but it is also one of the funniest cartoons imaginable. “Keyboard Strategy” featuring Lilian Walker, Is a quite delicious comedy, and the Pathe Gazette a most interesting number. GRAND THEATRE. A MARVELLOUS DRAMA. An electric sunwise was sprang on patrons at the popular Grand Theatre last evening in the shape of a positively great drama that in the opinion of the writer • must be regarded as absolutely the greatest dramatic play ever shown in Invercargill. This is Triangle’s “The Fighting Parson,” by celebrated Thos. H. Ince and the claim that he is the world's greatest producer could rest on this work alone. The story is altogether remarkable and it is new. Every scene comes as a big and pleasant surprise. The acting is of a standard meriting the highest praise that can be bestowed upon Wm. S. Hart as the fighting parson, who tears off his coat and renounces his office when he deems God had deserted him in permitting his wife to listen to the wiles of a handsome scoundrel and desert her child, is responsible for a performance of such rare power that it holds beholders spellbound. The magnetism of the man is astonishing. Then again little Alice Salter, what a splendid performance is? hers. Her gifts ars altogether beyond her years. Precocious children are plentiful, but after witnessing last night’s presentation one agrees with the American journalist who wrote, “There only one Alice Salter.” The greatness of the narrative, the merit of the acting, the completeness of the mounting and the strikingly realistic storm effects roused the appreciation of everybody and called forth applause of a kind but rarely showered on a picture. We have no hesitation in recommending “The Fighting Parson” that every man, woman and child in the community Should see. Capital films are shown in support. "The Gaumont Graphic” is good, “’Neath Italy’s Magic Skies,” is a very prettv scene series, and Vitagraph’s cornedv, “Levy's Seven Daughter” is a really smart, clean fun-maker that raises no end of merriment. The next two night’s should see crowded houses at the Grand. Mary Piekford in “Teas of the Storm Country,” which is admittedly her greatest triumph, 'comes along in conjunction with “Stingaree” for Thur»day next.

THE DANDIES,

It is said of the Pink Dandies, wh# will appear in Invercargill next week, that they present an entertainment which is characterised by a very pleasing brightruss and finish. This is, no doubt, attributable to the advantages of a lengthy association together, for the •'Pinks” are the senior “Dandies.” Mis« L,ily Fitzgerald, the soprano, ami Mr Ford Waltham, basso, were members of the Scarlet Troubadours. The other artists are Miss Rita Fitzgerald, comedienne: Miss Ida Newton, soubrette: Mr Robert Agnew. tenor; Mr Marshall Lawrence, baritone: Mr John Campbell, light comedian; Mr Joseph JJrennun, character comedian and monologist; and Mr Philip Hardman, pianist. The Dandies will open in the Municipal Theatre next Monday evening. The plan opens at Lillicrap's next Thursdaymorning. Y M C A. PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION. A cable was received last week by the Y.M.C.A. National Secretary in Christchurch from Mr Howard A\ illiams, chairman Overseas National t ouncil, London. It read: “llreat need hostel accommodation New Zealand men in London. May we spend £2OOO your account: make pro. vision." In response to this appeal Mr W. H. George, of Wellington, who has just returned from Egypt, undertook to visit the main centres in New Zealand and present the claims ol the scheme. Mr George secured abroad a 4000 feet film of views illustrative of the New Zealand soldiers’ life and rounds of duty and recreation; and ir.c slides portraying the many and varied scenes of inteiest to a dominion visitor in the Egyptian centres. Several lectures Hive been already delivered in the north, notably in Wellington Town Hall, and in Palmvrston North, and this unique presentation of soldier activities has met with a most enthusiastic reception. The citizens of Invercargill will have an opportunity of witnessing these splendid pictures and hearing Mr George on Friday evening at the Grand Theatre,