THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 255, 1 December 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

THE COLOSSEUM. For variety of incident, "The Shepherd of the Southern Cross," the picture starring at the Colosseum this week, would be hard to beat. It is the story of an orphaned heiress and two suitors. The fortune is left to the girl on condition that she marries one of two cousins, Ralph Hughes and David Collins. For a while she vacillates, seeming to prefer the company of Ralph Hughes. But directly he asks her hand in marriage the girl becomes suspicious of his motives, and accuses him of for-tune-hunting. On the other hand, David Collins, afraid of being similarly accused, keeps out of the way. Becoming depressed at the girl's apparent preference for his cousin, he cvei. attempts to take his life, and is only prevented from doing so by the unwitting but timely interference of a little child. Perturbed at the absence of David, the heiress writes to him, asking for an explanation. He answers her- note in person, his visit culminating in an understanding between the two. It is at .this juncture that Ralph pays a visit to the girl's home, and, coming on the two together in the garden, he threatens his cousin with a riding whip, which David snatches from him and snaps in two. Ralph revenges himself oii David by transferring a string of ' stolen g'eiris from the real thief's pocket to that of his cousin. In consequence of this act, David is accused of theft, none of his friends, not even his fiancee, believing in innocence. This incident is followelfcby the marriage of the heiress to Ralph Hughes, and the departure of David for Australia. There is certainly not much lacking in the way of Australian local colouring, the scenes including sheep-mustering, bullock-driv-ing, a kangaroo,- and several other views of the southern hemisphere, not forgetting the Southern Cross. Later, Ralph's wife falls ill. 'The doctor advises the 14 desert air of Australia "as the only cure. On their; ;way from Newcastle to the said "desert" Mr and Mrs Hughes' meet with a variety of incidents sufficiently excitingto please even the most voracious reader of thrilling fiction of the . Ambrose Pratt school. ■ The incidents comprise a dust storm and a holdup. '; After a series of narrow escapes and mishaps, the two cousins again meet. The story culminates in the death of Ralph, the villain, and the reunion of the rightful lovers. Throughout'the latter part of the picture the Southern Cross is well in evidence, and in most of the scenes is stationary, as a .respectable constellation "should be, but in the final scene it was apparently affected by the hair-raising scenes it: had witnessed; anyhow, it was decidedly a bit rocky. The other films included a stereoscopic study entitled "The Study of Flowers,'' the '' Pathe Gazette, '' and a comedv, "Don't Monkey with a Buzz Saw."

HIS MAJESTY'S. The new programme screened at His Majesty's Theatre last evening w T as characterised by the great variety and the extra high standard of excellence of the films. '' The Telltale Scar,''. the principal drama, was a wonderfully interesting and absorbing picture, full of suspense and excitement. The story told in the film concerns a young barber named Pietro,

who is in love with a girl named Maria. Piet.ro goes to ask the consent of the girl \s father, but is told that he cannot marry Maria until he has 500 dollars. Downhearted, the young man returns to. his business, and a few days later a detective conies into the shop, lie shows Pietro a notice offering a reward for the capture of a criminal, who is characterised by a scar on the side of his neck. In about a week's time the criminal enters the shop. Pietro, recognising him by the scar, follows him to his den, where he discovers a whole gang of criminals, lie informs the detective who showed him the notice, and then goes to keep watch outside the den. However, he betrays himself by dropping a box of matches outside the door. An exciting tussle ensues, and just as the criminal goes to stab Pietro, the police arrive and snatch him from the jaws of death. Pietro receives the reward and is restored to Maria. The latest edition of the "Gaumont War Graphic" was a film in which many incidents, at the front and in England, associated with the war were depicted. "Mount Dore" was depicted in a gorgeous coloured scenic series, and "Sonny Jim in Search of a Mother'' was a really fine Vitagraph production. An exceedingly bright Lubin comedy, entitled "The Rise of the Johnsons,'' concluded the first half of the programme. The second part of the programme contained a very interesting "War Topical," showing Antwerp under shot and shell. '' Abide With Me'' was a notew-orthy drama telling the story of a drunkard and a gambler, who, by hearing the singing o£'' Abide With Me'' decides to turn over a new leaf. The programme concluded with one of the most mirth-provoking films ever screened in this city. It was entitled '' The Property Man" and was a skit on a peep behind the scenes at a vaudeville show, featuring Charles Chaplin as "Props." The pictures will be shown again this evening, when picture patrons will be given another opportunity to witness a programme of exceptional merit.

GLQBE THEATBE. In the new programme at the Globe Theatre the star drama is "Leah Kleschna,'' telling a powerful story of the life and exploits of a notorious thief in Paris. The photography and acting in this pro : duction are both of a high order. A laughable Keystone farce is another popular item. This is entitled "Mabel's Strange Predicament,'' and features Charles Chaplin and Mabel Normand, two prime favourites of the Keystone Company. A splendid series of war pictures is shown, giving an idea of operations around Antwerp before that city was captured by the Germans. Other , studies shown are '"'The Australian Gazette" (topical), and "A Sketch of Venice" (scenic). The programme will be presented again this evening and throughout tomorrow.

SYDENHAM PICTURES. In the new programme at the Sydenham Picture Theatre, the feature study is "The Property Man," a Keystone comedy concerning, the performances of a property maji. in muddling through a vaudeville show. Supporting pictures shown comprise: '' Antwerp Under Shot and Shell" (war topical), "Abide With Me" (drama), '' Mount Dore'' (scenic), "Sonny Jim in Search of a Mother" and "The Rise of the Johnsons" (comedies), and others. The programme will be presented again this evening.

«« HUMPTY DUMPTY. '' The pantomime "Humpty Dumpty" attracted a good audience to the Theatre Eoyal last evening, and the gorgeous scenic effects, bright music, and quips and cranks generally were exceedingly well received. A strong vein of patriotism runs through the play, and the various references to outstanding features of the war in which the Allies scored notable" successes were enthusiastically aj>plauded.

The March of the Allies, with the song and tableau, "Empire is Calling," made a special appeal. The acrobats, Lennon, Hyman, and Lennon, were again very successful in their turli. The pantomime will be staged again to-night, and to-morrow afternoon a matinee performance will be given!. On Wednesday and Thursday nights the musical extravaganza, "The .Tain of Cathay,'' will be produced.

"PHYLLIS AND THE FAIRIES:" The Children's Patriotic Carnival, which proved such a big success when pro\ duced twice last week, will be repeated on Friday and Saturday evenings of this week. The management keenly regret having disappointed the many who were turned away last week, and are glad to give them this further opportunity of seeing the performance in its entirety. Intending patrons ai*e advised to book their seats. The sale of tickets for Friday and Saturday will be restricted to the Toy Cave and the theatre, the whole of the proceeds to be devoted to the Belgium Belief Fund.