ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17933, 26 January 1917, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

POI'I'LA 11 PICTURK PA HACK. The theatre was packed to overflowing last night, when the great mystery programme elicited spontaneous rounds of applause. "The Green Cloak" is a powerful detective drama in live parts, and is presented in a decidedly original manner by Miss Irene Fenwick and a notable company of star performers. The play has been lavishly mounted, and ttie story rivets the attention from the start. The Ttli episode of "The Mysteries of Myra" contains some fascinating experiments in black art, and places this serial far ahead of all previous productions. The Topical P.udget is one of the best seen here, the pictures being of a rare brightness, and as near life as it could bo possible to have them. Tlie comic element is well supplied by Christie's latest farce, "He Roved the Radies," which kept the house in roars. Patrons are advised to be early and secure seats. The second session commences at !) o'clock sharp. GRAND THIOATRK A RKMARKABRK PICTURK. ■Maternal Rights," in .IDOOft. of film, from the World Studies, must delight everybody that sees it. The whole production is magnificent. It is a splendid story well acted and the mountings are more than elegant. Nothing richer could be desired. A big feature of the production was the lirst appearance tiere of the celebrated Knglish stage beauty, Kitty Gordon, whose marriage to Lord Bcresford lias raised her to a position amongst British peeresses. Both as Kittv Gordon of "The Gaiety" and now as Rady Meresford this handsome woman l as. always had the reputation of being one of the very best ladies in Knrope. She possesses astonishing skill in designing artistic costumes of daring novel! v and that she wears them with infinite grace was abundantly shown in brilliantly char photography last even--1,, in e,|,. r Maternal Rights" she wears no less than 23 gorgeous dress creations, the like "f which have never previously been seen on the screen, and all were "designed by herself and perfected under her supervision. Tt would he a dilTienlt matter to decide as to which one of the. 23 was the more fetching costume. That is a question for individual taste to determine. Rarge numbers of ladies present last evening •were obviously interested in watching the display. Quite apart from Lady Beresfonl and her bewitching gowns the photo-play is excellent right through and it deservedly received a splendid reception. It possesses genuine grip and never allows interest to flag. Another capital film and one that not only offers enjoyment to viewers but ini-

parts much instructive information of real educational value is a big pictured tour hy intrepid camera men through the vast regions of “Unknown Australia.’ - This subject may be confidently recommended to all—school children would benefit greatly by seeing it. There is also a tip-top comedy “Kernel Nutt —-Prince Tango" that keeps beholders continually laughing from beginning to end. Tlie seating capacity of the Grand should be fully taxed during the next two days. The painting of the interior has now been effectively completed and the usual matinee will take place to-morrow afternoon at i o'clock. ALBION THEATRE. "HER GOLDEN CHANCE." .Sitting in this luxurious up-to-date theatre last evening the writer could not foil to enjoy the splendid picture programme. It met with a deservedly enthusiastic reception from a big attendance. The star film was “The Golden Chance,” and the spectators showed in unmistakable fashion their high appreciation of this well-staged and excellently mounted film drama. As Mary Denby, the heroine, a judge's daughter, married to a ne’er-do-well. Miss Cleo Hidge.ley acts with a power and restraint that are most convincing, and the other characters are unquestionably well represented. The film is a wonderfully fine production. The plot shows how Mary Leahy's husband, falling lower and lower, becomes a common criminal, and she is driven by starvation to apply for the position of a dressmaker. Her application is successful, and she la sent to a mansion to make a, beautiful evening dress to be worn at a fashionable dinner party to be held , the same evening. At the last moment one of the guests disappoints the hostess, and, being attracted by the dressmaker’s beauty and refinement, she presses her to wear the dresses she has just completed and fill the vacancy. A millionaire member of the party is attracted by the young woman's exceptional beauty, and falls in love with her at once. In order to further a business transaction which is in progress between himself and this millionaire, the host urges the latter to remain for the week-end, and as an inducement Mary Denby is also requested to stay. Sire does so. During this time Denby, apparently unaware, of his wife’s presence in the house, is caught red-handed on the premises by the millionaire, but is allowed to escape by the latter when he is made aware of the relationship between Mary Denby and the criminal he has canght. Denby subsequently attempts to blackmail the millionaire, but the police intervene, and in a rough-and-tumble which ensues Denby is shot dead. As the sequel, Mary marries the millionaire, and enjoys that happiness which for so long had been lacking in her life. The supporting pictures, which are most entertaining, and complete an excellent programme, are: The Pathe Gazette (topical), “in Ancient Bevillo —Spain” and a really funny comedy called "Sea Dogs." Big houses are assured. BELINSKY-AM ADIO. The reception accorded the SelinskyAmadio Company in Wellington, supported by the excellent reports which have come to hand, indicate that the artists are possessed of much above average ability. The tine impression made at their opening concert was further enhanced on their subsequent appearances. Speaking of their third programme, the Wellington Times says: "The third and last concert of the Sclinsky-Amadio season drew a large and enthusiastic audience to the concert chamber of the Town Hall. Encores and double encores were the order, and, inspired by their hearty reception, the performers, one and all, excelled themselves. M. Belinsky's most popular item was perhaps the "Faust Fantasie’’ (Count Wieniawski). Miss Jessie Masson’s brilliant rendering of MaeDowaU’s "Witches’ Dance" was doubly encored, as also was Miss Elsy Treweek’s beautiful song "In My Garden" (Liddlci: while Mr Anruidio's fantasia on the national airs of the Allies, ending up with his tour de force "Tiie Marseillaise," as a piccolo solo, fairly brought down the house." This talented combination will appear in the Municipal Theatre next Tuesday evening. The opportunity of hearing them should be eagerly accepted, as it is but rarely that such talent comes this way. The plan opens at The Bristol to-mor-row morning.