ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19100, 19 November 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. VERA JAMES AND “A FOOL THERE WAS.’’ The crowds that filled the comfortable Albion on Saturday evidently expected something out of the ordinary and they received it for lavish praise was bestowed on one of the finest entertainments the management has yet given us. Unique is the Australian picture “Know Thy Child,” inasmuch that it strikes a colonial aspect cf things something new in film dramas which are either English or American. “Know Thy Child,” is an Australian triumph, and pro i ■ that Australia can make pictures. It ha he strength and fire of the free life in - colonies, the breath of the fresh unspoilt bush, and the great lib-erty-loving spirit of colonial people. It is a story of life, as it is known in the colonies. Miss Vera James of Dunedin, characterises the girl who lived in the backblocks. here freshness and purity, and the adventures which befell her through hei innocence. ‘Know Thy Child” is a picture no colonial should miss. A screen sensation ' London, Paris and Australia “A Fool

There Was” certainly made beholders on Saturday night sit up and take notice, for it strikes an entirely new note in Vampire plays and instead of the woman being the poor one, she certainly triumphs in no uncertain manner in the Fox special. A dynamic drama of temptation, guilty love and destroyed faith, it carries the audience along with it at high speed and the final ending is one cf surprise and entertainment for all. A clever comedy (Mermaid), completes the bill. “THE TRAIL OF THE LONESOME PINE.” CIVIC PICTURES TO-NIGHT. Once again the management of the Civic Pictures has succeeded in securing a wonderfully attractive programme for the entertainment of patrons. Saturday night’s large audience made it perfectly clear that they were delighted with every item submitted. It will be repeated again to-night, when John Fox. Junr’s, widely-read story, ‘"Hie Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” will be screened at 7.35. The story, has always been popular, and now it has been made into a Paramount picture with Mary Miles Minter in the stellar role. Heading the supporting cast is Antaaio Moreno 4 Ernest

Torrence, gains further kudos for his fine interpretation of the role of the hardy mountaineer with the Arrow Universal release “The Streets of New York” (screened at 8.40) grips the attention from the outset. The story is .frankly melodramatic. Two men are struggling, locked in a death grapple, in a tiny cabin poised on the edge of a sheer cliff. Below, swollen by the rains, the river rushes on its thunderous way to the Falls. In the cabin, there is a girl, young, beautiful and helpless. The skies are inky black. Ever and again their blackness is cleft with flame as a bolt of lightning strikes through the sombre dark. More and more fiercely the wind shrieks about the Title shack, swaying perilously on its insecure foundations. Then suddenly — But it would not be fair to disclose the later happenings. ODIVA AND HER SEALS. In Odiva and her Seals, to be presented at the Municipal Theatre to-night (and also on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), the public of Invercargill have an opportunity of witnessing one of the greatest and most wonderful shows of its class that has ever visited this town. It is marvellous to think that, the mere animal intelligence can grasp knowledge eo various as that

shown in the dexterous tricks performed by them, which leave the audience wondering at the strangeness of it all. The stage setting is both picturesque and effective, the spectacular work being done by Odiva and the sagacious seals in a large glass tank containing a considerable depth of water. Captain Adams, the owner and trainer, puts his pupils through wonderful feats and acrobatic actions upon the stage, and they respond so quickly and intelligently to commands that it is almost uncannily human. Odiva charms with her versatility as a swimmer, and is seen to advantage in her gambols with her seals in the great tank. Her extraordinary staying powers under water and her graceful evolutions draw forth both apprehensions for her safety and relieved applause at the termination of the act. Altogether it is a remarkable and interesting performance. Odiva and her Seals are supported by a full company of star artists, featuring Verna Bain, the famous Australian dancer; Eric Harrison, entertainer; Valentino, ventriloquist; Claude De Car, the acrobatic waiter and his dog; the Jubilee Trio, harinonisers of Plantation Melodies; and the Hilo Duo exponents of the Hawaiian guitar. The box plan is at the Bristol. Special matinees will be held on Wednesday and Thursday next at 3.15 p.m.

PRINCESS CARNIVAL. The final fair in connection with the South Invercargill Princess Carnival will be held in King’s Hall, Clvde Street, on Wednesday afternoon and evening and continued on Thursday evening. Numerous side-shows, including boxing, wireless and hoop-la, will be provided to entertain the public. The coror-tion ceremony will be held Friday.