THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume 1, Issue 8, 14 February 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

«' AUTUMSr MANCEUVBES. '' His Excellency the Governor and' Lady Liverpool will attend the last performance of '' Autumn Manoeuvres " at ihe Theatre Eoyal this evening. This is one of the most humorous operas ever staged in Christchurcli, ana although at first blush it' in ay appear that the fun is; at times a little "rough on" the Tefritorial force, it is quite good-humoured. There arc hearty laughs in plenty for everyone in " Autumn - Manoeuvres."' "THE ARCADIANS." On "Monday"; and Tuesday the New Comic Opera Company will appear in a revival oi "The Areaclians," which proved so successful when it was last staged in the Dominion. Arcadia is a country where '' alj the world's a •<sige," a'picture 'of- soft and dazzling beauty, where truth weighed so triumphant that Nymphs and actresses are prnttier than their photographs, where all the fair damsels have,'sisterly affection" lor strangers,'and the word "Mrs" hi unknown, where no rent is paid, .vhero all tile, songs are sweet, and all i.lm choruses have the sweet throated ~-e'ody of a valley full of nightingales, n-.v*; who witnessed the previous pro,:,rwir.r ;>f "The Arcadians" will reiiißU»in:r L he irresistibly funny jockey, \V."r Doody, who has all the troubles ~' ti.V world on his shoulders, and who %_, „,.....' been successful enough to win ~ ~„„'„' le has to be kept constantly r .. *w c-v.rvation diet of a glass Of . .-„-,. ~-.*;. a carraway seed, which in\ariaM;r gets into his hollow tooth, yet v/l).->rto atomach yearns passionately for a good solid grill steak. His song "I've Cotter Motter," which created

quite a stir when first heard here, is quaintly rendered by Robert Whyte, 1 junr. The part of Simplicitas, the London Caterer, who ! aligkts in Arcadia from an aeroplane, and who is dipped in the Well of Truth, by the Arcadians wilL be portrayed by Mr Phil Smith. 1 On Wednesday and Thursday next the season will close with two revivals of "The Chocolate Soldier.' * HAYWABD'S PICTURES. The pictures of tne Paris Zoo, which have been shown at His Majesty's Theatre this week, have attracted a lot of admiring attention, and along with other films they will be shown again tonight. On Monday a thrilling drama, "The Chinese Death Thorn," will be starred. Martin Avery, opium fiend, and- member of the' Chinese crime synis assigned to a midnight burglary by the leader, Moi Ling. The robbery is successfully perpetrated, but Martin barely escapes capture. ■ The thief turns in the proceeds. He later rolls into a bunk in Moi Ling's den and orders an opium layout. Dearborn, a banker, enters the den with his daughter, Mildred, and several of her friends, on a slumming tour. Moi Ling falls in love with Mildred and entraps her in one of his rooms. Martin see,s* him, and goes to the fescue. Dearborn learns of Martin's heroism, and in gratitude giyes him a position. Dick, Martin's ■brother, is night watchman, at/the bank. He resolves to watch the boy lest he return to his former life. Martin reforms. Mildred and ie become sweethearts; The boy is made cashier. Moi Ling learns of his former tool's rise, and plots to get him in his povrer. The cashier becomes Moi Ling's prisoner as the result of the Chinaman's strategy. The same night, the members of the crime syndicate raid the bank. After overpowering Dick, they blow up the vault and empty it of its contents. News of the robbery precipitates a run

on the bank. Dick learns of Martin's whereabouts, and enters the den after arranging to have the police raid the place if he fails to appear within a certain time, Moi Ling captures Dick, and taking a Chinese death ' thorn, the slightest scratch,of which means instant death, he approaches him. Police break in at the same instant. Foiled, Moi Ling stabs himself with ' the thorn. Martin and Dick are freed. They find the stolen funds and return in time to avert a failure. OPEBA HOUSE. To-night is the last night on which Opera House patrons may see the quaint Franco midgets, Vernon and Mack'and Margaret Corby. / Besides these star artists there are plenty of other skilful performers, as the skater, Le Brun, Hyman and Alton, Leo and j Lionel, etc.—who all combine to make one of the best entertainments to be ; seen in town. Another . first-class programme will be presented on Monday, when there will appear, amongst others, Leonard Nelson, comedian; The Eondo Trio of sensational cyclists; Delmar and Cassandra, wire waikers, and the Guzmani, trio of acrobats.

GLOBE PICTUBES. "The Blue and the Grey," a love story of the American Civil War, holds pride of place in the Globe Continuous programme, and its varying incidents are splendidly pictured." The supporting films are excellent, and the whole programme is a most satisfactory and entertaining one. A new series is promised for Monday, and it contains a fine selection of topical, dramatic, and comedy subjects. GBAND THEATEE. The Grand Theatre continues to draw large audiences to its continuous show.

The,,programme is received with ' distinct approval by the, ever-changing audiences. The pictures are being shown to-day and this evening, and on Monday a new series will appear on the screen. The management promise something good, and the new programme will maintain the Grand's standard. On Monday the "star" film will be "At the Wheel," a nautical drama, which is said to be a film of unusual -brilliancy. - SYDENHAM PICTURES. The Sydenham Theatre is presenting a capital programme, which is being well patronised. The programme will be shown, again this evening,, and on Monday it will be replaced by a new series, featuring '' the King of the Air,'' a thrilling drama, containing a wonderful variety of splendid scenes. -

THE COLOSSEUM. The current programme will : :be shown* for the last time this evening, and on Monday a new series will take its place. The star film will be/the great 6000 ft cinema'' King of the Air,' ' in colours. It is a modern drama in five parts, played by celebrated French artists. It is claimed that no "more wonderful story has ever been presented by the kinematograph. It treats of modern Jife in Pari<*, and is said;to illustrate the recent triumph of aviation in a way that is as extraordinary as it is absolutely faithful in every detail. Beautifully coloured, the various scenes are replete with interest, and the race for the Aviation Derby (the gold cup of Paris), from Paris to Holland and back, ending with twice circling the Eiffel Tower, is described as a masterpiece of realism. The speed at which an aeroplane travels will probably 6e

realised for the first time by those who see this film. At some distance off a railway train, coming at express speed, is sighted, caught and passed as if it were standing still. Another section features "The Tango," done specially for the production by "The Tango King and Queen." The dance is shown on a complete scale to special music. Seats for any evening of the present week may be reserved at the Dresden. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The delightful programme now being shown at the Queen's Theatre is attracting large patronage. There are some dramatic studies of quite outstanding merit, while the topical and comedy films could not be improved. The programme includes "A Single Maid" and "The Passing of Joe Mary," each of which tells an interesting story in a powerful fashion. The programme is on continuous exhibition to-day.