THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 166, 19 August 1914, Page 7

THE THEATRES.

7 "THE ARGYLE CASE." The elucidation of the Argyle Case at the. Theatre Royal last evening was followed with intense interest by a very appreciative audience. The drama is a distinctly American one, full of snap and action, and the situations are crowded and thrilling. There is a love interest as well as a dramatic interest, and a strain of bluff good humour runs through the play and comes to the top occasionally. The artists gave a very capable and convincing portrayal of their various roles, and the audience obviously enjoyed every moment of "The Argyle Case." Mr Charles. A. Millward, as *' Never-Sleep Kayton,'' the detective; Miss Gertrude Boswell as Mrs' Martin, and Mr Arthur Styan as Hurley, were excellent in the principal parts. To-night * 'The Argyle Case" -will be repeated, and to-morrow evening patrons will be supplied with "Beady Money."

OPERA HOUSE. A splendid vaudeville bill is being presented at the Opera House this week, alid it was successful in attracting another large audience last evening. One of the best turns is that presented by Stewart and Lorraine, who give a musical entertainment in miniature. The various other artists appearing are — Bogues and Olivotti, comedy sketch' artists; the Gould Brothers, who present a musical turn; Van Buren and Spinetti, who dance the tango; Hart and'Kenny, duettists; the "Chipola Twins," and a highly trained bear, ■who give a novelty turn; and Ray de Vere^. : Australian balladist. A special attraction this week is the singing of *' Soils of New,, Zealand,' ' by v Lieut. "Wheeler. ~ -the.■'programme will be presented again this evening, and on Monday Miss Daisy Jerome* the popular character eomedienne of .'' Oqme Ov-er Here" fame, is to open a short season.

COLOSSEUM. "His Guiding Star,'' the Pathe (Colour drama, which is the principal film in the current programme at the Colosseum, again pleased another large audience last evening. The interesting story told -is,capably set forth by a strong Parisian cast? Supporting pictures of merit are "Belgian Cavalry," showing the training of Belgium's redoubtable soldiers; "Italian Love," comedy; "The Resurrection of Caleb Worth," drama; '-'Marseilles to Port Said," scenic; "Pathe Gazette," topical; and two splendid comedies, "Timing Cupid" and "Twenty-Minutes of Love," the latter being a Keystone production featuring. Edgar English. The programme. wijl jbe..screened, again this evening. HIS MAJESTY'S. "When Iron and Steel Meet," the Star'.attraction of the . current programme at His Majesty's Theatre pleased another large audience last evening. - This production is an Amen-, can drama of merit, and is well supported by the films "Boys of tlie Bulldog Breed," patriotic; "Gaumont Graphic," topical; . '-^Monkey Intelligence," splendid animal study; "Their <sreat Big Beautiful Doll," drama;

" Puy de Dome," scenic; "An Exciting Honeymoon," and "Mabel's Nerve," comedies, the latter a most diverting Keystone production. "Sons of New Zealand" was again sung most effectively, the audience joining in the chorus. The programme will be screened again this evening.

GLOBE THEATRE. "The Vocation of Suzette," the principal film in the current programme at the Globe Theatre, continues to prove most attractive to the large audiences which attend the various sessions. A pleasing story is told, set forth by capable acting. Of the supporting pictures one of the best is "His Lordship Billy Smoke," a really fine comedy, while other subjects screened are: "All Blacks .v. N.S.W."; "The Australian Gazette," topical; "A Box of "Matches," trick film; and "Bellagio," scenic. The series will be presented finally this evening. SYDENHAM PICTURES. A splendid series of films is at present showing at the Sydenham Picture Theatre. The star attraction is '' When Iron and Steel meet," a powerful drama. Other subjects are "Boys of the Bulldog Breed," patriotic film; "Puy de Dome," scenic; "Monkey Intelligence," animal study; "Their Great Big Beautiful Doll," drama; and "An Exciting Honeymoon" and "Mabel's Nerve," comedies. The series will be screened finally' this evening.

OLYMPIA RINK. The Olympia Rink still maintains the same liberal patronage which it was accorded at the commencement of the skating season, and large numbers of skaters and spectators are to be found in attendance at every session. The usual hours are being.observed. HARRY LAUDER. In presenting Harry Lander, the Messrs J. and N. Tait are directing what is probably the most expensive theatrical enterprise which has ever visited New Zealand, and although the name of the famous comedian should be sufficient draw, the firm has organised an assisting company of artists of international*repute, who, according to Australian critics, are worthy associates- of the '' star.'' The Gipsy Cymbalist, Irene Bercenys, assisted by Yoska, the violinist, presents a refreshingly original musical turn which always finds favour with the audience. A most sensational act is provided by the Three Hassans (two ladies and a gentleman), who perform many daring aerobatid feats with bicycles on the high wire, and the trio are also disciples of the Terpsichorean art; these artists werestarring at the Winter Gardens, Berlin, when engaged for the Harry Lauder tour. A ballad singer from the Queen's and Royal Albert Hall, London, is Miss Kitty Ryan, whose -interpretations of Irish ballads are highly spoken of. Some years ago. the game of diabolo Was all the rage, and in Jack Ark we have an expert who, it is stated, gives a wonderful display Of diabolo juggling. Ernest Sewell, living marionottist, from St.- George's Hail, London, has been honoured with Royal Command performances before the late King Edward. An entertainer fi*om the London Colosseum, Selwyn Driver, in humour at the piano,

i-s another artist who is frequently favoured with; Royal patronage. The musical director, Horace Sheldon, from the famous London Palladium,.created much attention J,n Australia by the excellent manner in which he conducts the augmented orchestra under his care. With Harry Lauder at the head of such a company the public will "have an excellent bill-of-fare presented to them, ami those desirous of securing reserved seats will note that the box plan opens at the Dresden on Monday next.

"READY MONEY." Ready money, it is. understood will always earn interest, and the comedy of that name to be presented to-niorrow night at the Theatre Royal by the J. C. Williamson company is expected to earn much interest from theatre-goers. The play comes to Christchurch with the hall-mark of a brilliant success in New York and London, a success "which has been followed up in Sydney and in the North Island, where the piece has been playing to quite exceptional business. The keynote of t,he comedy centres round the influence of a thousand dollar bill, and its'ability to snake two blades of financial grass grow-where previously there was but one. The~story is happily told in play form, and there are no dull minutes during its presentation. The play will be. interpreted by the full strength of the new J. C. Williamson company, headed- by Mr Charles A. Milrward and Mr William Harrigan, two American actors who have made names for themselves upon the boards in more continents than one. During the intervals the orchestra will play a series of patriotic selections.