THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 277, 28 December 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

"THE CLIMAX." MiBS Florence Young and her company of three —Messrs Claude Bantock, Edmund Sherras, and Reginald Roberts—produced "The Climax'' for the first time in Christchurch at the Opera House on Saturday evening, and secured a very fair audience. It is a very small company and a very slight play, but, of course, numbers do not make art, but then neither does fewness of

performers. Still, though "The Climax" is nothing big, it is not less in- . teresting than many of the over-pro-duced shows' that are so often played here. There is only one scene, and that shows the poor apartment of Luigi Golfanti (Mr Claude Bantock), a . teacher of music, who has survived the . day of his fame. But scenic setting does not matter if the acting is convincing—it is possible for the imagination to be dazed by over-lavish scenery, anyway, and the fact that there is but one scene in '' The Climax'' doesn't in the least detract from the little play. The action deals with Adelina von Hagen (Miss Florence Young), her voice, her desire to use it on the stage, and-her suitor, Dr John Raymond (MiReginald Roberts). Adelina is apparently an orphan whose mother was an actress, and who has some distant relationship with Luigi Golfanti. The complications on which the plot depend are that Luigi's son, Pietro Golfanti (Mr Edmund Sherras), also loves Adelina, and that Dr Raymond has pronounced objection to his betrothed going on the stage. Adelina lives with her distant relatives, Luigi and his son, and this is also objected to by John Raymond, who" has a highly conventional mind for a medical man, and who makes -eloquent remarks on the "smirching" influence .of the stage on tender womanhood. As; for the essence

.of the plot, that has to do with Adellina losing her voice,; which -necessitates an operation to .jrestore.it, v and Baymond's endeavour,-to convince her that she can never sing again. It : all ends: happily, of course, Adelina discovers that her voice remains to her, and yet forgives the doctor and, presumably, marries him.; ;, In the intervals between acting, various songs are sung by .each member of the cast. Miss Young still shows the effect of long and careful training and •experience, and sings with that ability to which all New' Zealand theatre-goers are accustomed. She also acts the. part of Adelina von Hagen with bright ■'" sprightliness, emotion, and humour. Mr Boberts also sings his songs well, though his acting does not deserve mention—if only he could get some easyness of manner and speech intoj his playing he would do better. He is' too stiff, heavy, melodramatic. To Mr Bantoek, as Luigi Golfanti, is given j all the "fat." in the way of humour, land he proves himself a capable actor, investing the part with a sympathy and whimsicality in a natural manner, though it, is just as.-well that he sings but onegbng. Mr Slierras, as Pietro, has little to , do but' sit, at the piano, composing his niUsic',',and'playing the accompaniiheijtis, 'id Adelina's voice, but lie does his liitle;'acceptably. Altogether, the play, which does not pretend to be big drama, is pleasant in idea and handling, fairly good in exe-

cution, and affords a good evening's entertainment for those who do not expect too much.

THE SILENCE OF DEAN MAITLAND A good while before the advertised time for the commencement of the picture entertainment in the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, the seating accommodation was fully taxed, and would-be patrons were reluctantly compelled to conform to the strict regulations regarding overcrowding," and seek their evening's enjoyment in some other direction. Those who were fortunate enough to obtain admission w r ere amply rewarded for a somewhat tedious wait prior to the first picture being thrown on to the screen, as the programme presented was one of all-round excellence. Naturally, the chief attraction was the pictorial dramatisation of the popular novel, "The Silence of Dean Maitland"— which undoubtedly proved itself to be admirably suited for portrayal by means of the kinematograph. The story of the young cleric's temptation, downfall, deceit, remorse, and subsequent confession, is admirably told by the film, which occupies, almost the entire second half of the programme. The acting is for the greater part excellent, and the setting of the photo-play most appropriate and effective. The picture contains many scenes of rare power to hold an audience, and the climax, when, after many years, the Dean makes public atonement for his sin, by an announcement from the pulpit, is powerful indeed. ' The subsequent death of the Dean and the restoration to his rightful place of the man who had suffered so severely for the Dean's misdeeds, are also phases of the story presented with that vividness and attention to detail which characterise the whole production. The films shown in the first part of the entertainment form an admirable series, two of them standing out as subjects of much more than average merit. One is a pathetic story of the American Civil War, entitled "The Girl He left Behind"—or "The Picket Guard,'* in which one follows the fortunes of a volunteer who leaves his wife and children, in order to serve his country, ofnly to meet his death, while on picket dxjity, at the hands of a lurking foe. Anotjher specially good picture presents a series of splendidly executed cartoons, with a topical allusion to the great war! in Europe which appeared to mightily please the audience. Other films shown are "The Mekong Regatta," "The Fourth Proposal," and a charming: representation of life on an ostrich farm in New South Wales. The current programme will run for four more nights, and on New Year's night a hew series will be presented, headed by " The Lights o' London"—the story as told in G. R. Sims's well-known melodrama.

GLOBE THEATRE. In the new programme showing at the Globe Theatre to-day, the feature drama is entitled '' Caprice,'' in which Miss Mary Pickford appears in the title role. This study is one of the best, the acting and photography combining to make a film of more than general excellence. The supporting pictures comprise "Canadians Bally to the Flag,'' showing various features in connection with Canada's expeditionary forces; '' Sally's Elopement,'' comedy; '' Pedro, the Dog Charmer,'! vaudeville act; and the latest "Australian Gazette." The programme will be presented again this evening, and throughout to-morrow.

COLOSSEUM. The customary weekly change of programme is announced for the Colosseum to-night, and includes a pictorial adaptation of Max Pemberton's well-known dramatic story, '' Kronstadt.'' The acting is said to be very convincing, and the photography superb. In the northern cities, large attendances have been the rule at all theatres showing this picture. The supporting numbers are "Gaumont Graphic," with the latest war news; "Canadians Rally Round the Flag," which depicts the assembling and transportation of Canada's army;

"Wireless from the War," topical cartoons; "Ladies War," comedy; and another of the popular Keystone farces entitled "Mabel's Latest Prank."

HIS MAJESTY'S. The final screenings of last week's programme attracted large crowds to His Majesty's on Saturday. The new programme to be shown to-night will be starred by a Vitagraph comedy, in which figure the inimitable artists, John Bunny, Lilian Walker, and Wallie Van. Lilian Walker takes the part of an irrepressible tomboy, whose pranks are encouraged by Van as a wealthy young man who wishes to be her husband. Bunny dislikes his daughter's choice, and on her eloping gives chase by means of motor boats, monoplane, and hydroplane. "When Men Wear Skirts," is another .eomedy, and the "New York Police Carnival," is an interesting study showing exhibition races between automobile, motor cycle, horse, and bicycle, all manned by policemen. The war topicals include the "Gazette, '' - and a special picture of the Canadians, depicting scenes and incidents in connection with the departure of the troops from the St. Lawrence. Other pictures are two dramas, "Chief of Police,'' and '' In Danger's Hour.'' SYDENHAM PICTURES. The star attraction of the new programme to be jpresented at the Sydenham Picture Theatre this evening is "The Adventures of Miss Tomboy," a Vitagraph production in which John Bunny, Lilian Walker, and Willie Van take the principal parts. Supporting studies will comprise "The Chief of Police," drama; "The Pathe Gazette," war topical; "In Danger's Hour," drama; "New York Police Carnival," interest; and "When Men Wear Skirts," comedy. RAILWAY PICNIC. -. ■■■...■ i q» ■■ ■■'■ The Railway Casual Workers' Union held its annual picnic at Fur;>,u on Boxing Day. The Lyttelton Marine Band was present, and the picnic was largely attended. Following are the results of the sports held during the day:— MEMBERS' HANDICAP, 200yds.—J. Hughes 1, W. Egan 2, W. Ryder 3. OPEN HANDICAP, 100yds.—Parker 1, Whyte 2, Molloy 3. YOUTHS' HANDICAP (under 18), 120 yds. —W. Toy 1, Smith 2, Radcliffe 3.

MEN'S OPEN HANDICAP. —J. Morris 1, Molloy 2, L. Mathews 3. PERMANENT WORKERS' HANDICAP, 150yds.—McNicholl 1, N. Parker 2, McGuire 3.

UNION CHAMPIONSHIP, 150yds.—W. Nixon 1, W. Bgan 2, J. Hughes 3. SEALED HANDICAP (members over 50). —L. Cogle, sen., 1, McGifford 2, T. Hughes, sen., 3. HOP, STEP, AND JUMP (for members only).—W. Ryder 1, P. Shirley 2, E. Beaumont 3. MEMBERS' HANDICAP (over 30), 150 yds. —Nixon 1, Davis 2, Weekes 3. 440 YDS OPEN HANDICAP. —J. Parker 1, A. Lennon 2, W. McNally 3. COMMITTEEMEN'S RACE.—T. Wyman 1, W. Belcher 2, E. Davis 3. EXTRA RACE FOR TERRITORIALS. — Clark 1.

MEMBERS' WIVES (over 30). —Mrs Knowles 1, Mrs Belcher 2, Mrs Berry 3. 100 YDS GIRLS (under 18).-r-Miss Turner 1, Miss Smith 2, Miss Bain 3. WOMEN (over 50). —Mrs Wyman 1, Mrs Cain 2, Mrs Smith 3. SINGLE WOMEN'S RACE, 100yds.—Miss Drayton 1, Miss L. Hughes 2, Miss V. Hughes 3.

MEMBERS' WIVES (under 30).—Mrs Gilray 1, Mrs Nixon 2, Mrs Davis 3. " CHILDREN'S RACES. —Boys (between 11 and 12): Bamford 1, Eden 2. Boys (between 12 and 13): Shirley 1, Oakley 2. Boys (between 13 and 14) : Sinclair 1, Wales 2. Boys (between 14 and 15): E. Davis 1, Matheson 2. Girls (between 11 and 12): Miss McGrath 1, Miss Woolley 2. Girls (between 12 and 13): Miss Laming 1, Miss Wyman 2. Girls (between 13 and 14): Miss Marshall 1, Miss Wales 2. Girls (between 14 and 15): Miss McGifford 1, Miss Grey 2. BABY SHOW. —Best boy under nine months: Mrs Low's son Hector 1. Best girl under nine months: Mrs Madden's girl 1.