THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 118, 24 June 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. There is an entirely pleasing programme being submitted at the Opera House this week, and another large audience attended last evening, when all the artists appearing were more or less successful. Miss Muriel Andrews, the talented violinist, is entirely pleasing, as is her accompanist, Miss Dent, who also performs vocally. Ray Lawrence, who previously has been known as '' Just an American girl," now appears as the '' divinity'' in the turn put on by Hayes and R'lves with quite as conspicuous success. The other performers appearing to advantage are Harold Arthur, baritone; Billy Watson, comedian; Tom Armstrong and Mab Howarth, - patter comedians; Bay and Ray, eccentric comedians; Vincent, Arthur, and Oliver, singing trio; and the Waldrons, in their sketch "The Silly Burglar." The operascope is also employed to complete the programme, two very interesting films being screened. Bailey's posing dogs are announced to appear on Monday next, and box plans are now open at Milner and Thompson's. The dogs arrived in Christchurch to-day, and will be on view- to-day and for the rest of thd week, from 2 to 5 p.m., in the windows of Mason, Struthers, and Co. The usual matinee performance will be given on Saturday. HIS MAJESTY'S. As anticipated, Alexandre Dumas's famous romance, "The Three Musketeers," reproduced in picture form at His Majesty's Theatre, has not failed to "catch on," and a successful week's run for it is assured/ The crowded house which witnessed its. first presentation on Monday evening was repeated last night. There are no auxiliary films at all on the programme, "The Three Musketeers" furnishing a complete entertainment in itself. Yet so skilfully has the work been interpreted by the artists and producers that scarcely a dull moment is to be found. Every detail of scenery and costume has been carried out well nigh perfectly, thus giving to the whole the essential historic, as well as romantic, . interest. Out of all the various episodes,

D'Artagnan's fearless ride to London entrusted with a mission on which de- ,'. pended the honour of his queen is perhaps the most exciting. The acting is ~ done by the most celebrated artists on the Italian stage, people who have made themselves fully conversant with the roles allotted to them. The fiery D'Artagnan, who took every smile for an insult and every look for a provocation, yet who fell an easy victim to a pretty face; the wanton adventuress, Miladi, and the terrible Eichelieu, are especially well portrayed. Condensation of the story has, of course, been compulsory, yet the producers have been careful not to omit any important or spectacular part. Orchestral selections give an additional enjoyment to the picture, which

may be seen once more this evening. GLOBE PICTURES. Gooil business was done by the Globe Theatre yesterday, when the programme of moving pictures introduced on Monday was shown again to satisfactory houses. "The Trap" is the star film, one of those exciting dramas of the West of which picture patrons never seem to tire. The plot revolves about the eternal triangle, two men and a woman, and the story unfolds how a sergeant, disgraced through his own fault, turns traitor and plots to betray his comrades into the power of Indians, against whom they are waging war. The good fortune which seems always at first to attend evil-doers does not fail him, but in the end the wheel makes a complete, turn, and he is very effectively "hoist with his own petard." The story is replete with thrilling situations, and the encounters between the red men and their white rivals are very realistically portrayed. The blowing up of the powder magazine is a most sensational spectacle. A change of programme will be effected to-morrow. THE COLOSSEUM. The Colosseum was well patronised again last evening, when the current programme once more provided a profitable evening's entertainment. The second half of the programme is almost entirely devoted to the screening of the film "Where the Road Forks," telling a highly interesting tale of the conflict in a woman's mind between love and ambition, resulting in the victory of the former. The acting in this production and the splendid photography also contribute largely to" its success. Other films shown on the programme are "The Gaumont Graphic," topical; "Powers of the Air," drama; "The Reward," drama; and "The Italian Navy of To-day," educational. The comedy section is also well catered for by the films, "Between the Showers," Keystone production; and * 'The Life Savers," another good mirth-

maker. Fuller's Premier Orchestra contributes not a little to the general enjoyment, and the programme will be repeated again this evening. SYDENHAM PICTURES. Alexandre Dumas's masterpiece, '' The Three Musketeers,'' as presented in picture form, was responsible for another large audience at the Sydenham Picture Theatre last evening. The characterisation is exceptionally well sustained, and the costuming and setting generally make the production one of great brilliance. Supporting films shown are '' The Gaumont Graphic,'' topical; '' Viterbo,'' scenic; "Buster in Nodland," and "Fatty Joins the Force," comedies. The programme will be repeated this evening. OLYMPIA RINK. The Olympia Rink, with its excellent equipment in the way of floor surface and skates, was yesterday the rendezvous of a large number of skaters, who made the most of the time afforded them to indulge in their favourite indoor recreation. Four sessions will be observed today, as usual.