THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 593, 4 January 1916, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

EVERYBODY'S. A splendid Transatlantic feature, "The Evil Eye," is the star picture at Everybody's this week, and its enthrallim; plot and superb mounting and acting were greatly appreciated bv the large audiences at the various sessions yesterdav. The evil eye is possessed by Dr Sevani, a hypnotist nf unusual power, and he attempts to influence a millionaire into giving him his danohter in marriage. The of the daughter is portrayed by Flla Hall, and Robert Leonard has the role of the millionaire father. These two players have become very popular with local patrons, who admire the natural acting of the charming liltle actress, and the forceful character of Robert Leonard. The fa'her fights with his strong will the influence of the hypnotist, and the Ipftcr, for the sake of revenge, involves the" daughter in a murder mvstery. Virtue wins in the end, however, and the villain is unmasked in a dramatic, denouement. Two comedies are included in the hill, comnrisins "Snades are Tnimps," and "Peter's Picnic," besides a fine scenic, "Through the Dales of Derbyshire." GRAND THEATRE. There has been a growing demand for pictures of educational interest, and the Grand Theatre management is meeting that demand, as far as their own patrons are concerned, by screening each week one of the series of the "Salisbury Wild Life" pictures. Professor Salisbury is an American naturalist, who undertook to iournev Ihrongh the little known wilds of America and secure photographs and specimens of animal life. In the current instalment at the Grand, a splendid picture is shown of the caoture of a full grown cougar or Californian lion, the largest specimen of the cat tribe in America. The beast put up a great fight, and it was only by patience, daring, and unerring rope-work that it was captured. A bear is shown prowling about its natural haunts, and is later cleverly lassoed. This instalment of the Salisbury series is one of the most interesting nature studies seen here. The star drama is a five-reel Universal feature entitled "High Treason," a story of military honour. The play concerns the life of a young French officer who is addicted to gambling, and who steals valuable State documents to clear him from debt. The play is of thrilling interest all through, anfl has an unusual denouement. A comedy ami a topical film conclude the programme. SYDENHAM PICTURES. Sidney Drew is a natural comedian, who does not have to alter his anpearance to be funny, and though his comedies are rare here, they are always pomilar. He appeared, together with his wife, in an excellent comedy at the Sydenham Pictures last evening, entitled "The Story of a Glove," in which the husband has great difficulty in explaining the ownership of the glove his wife finds in his pocket after his return from a little party one night. The dramatic feature is "Rupert of Hcntzau," a further story built around the same characters wtio appeared in "The Prisoner of Zenda." After the success of the latter play Anthony Hope wrote "Rupert of Hentzau," which pleased the critics even more than did his first effort. The same actors who had the leading roles in the author's first play, which was screened here last week, interpret the principal characters in the play under notice, which appeals to patrons with as great a force as its predecessor. There are several good supporting subjects, which bring the programme up to a high standard. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The principal picture in the programme shown for the first time at His Majesty's Theatre lasl evening, was the Anthony Hope drama, "Rupert of Hentzau." This film is a sequel to the excellent picture, "The Prisoner of Zenda," which was shown last week, and carries on the story of the King and his English

double, Rudolf Rassendyll. In this instalment an effort is made to excite the jealousy of the King against Rassendyll, on account of a letter sent to the latter by the Queen. Incident follows incident with breathless rapidity, until finally the King is killed by his cousin Rupert, and his body burned beyond recognition in the destruction of the building. Rassendyll is then mistaken for the King, and killed by an assassin. His body is buried with great ceremony as that of the King, and Queen Flavia.is left to reign alone. The production is the work of the London Film Company, which has turned out a really splendid film. Roth Hie acting and the mounting are all that could possibly be desired. "The Story of a Glove" is a fine Vitagraph comedy, and there are also many in-' tercsting scenes in the "Pathe Gazette." Especially fine are several views of captured German trenches. A coloured picture of a Dutch town is a scenic considerably above the average. The same programme will be shown throughout the week. GLOBE THEATRE. There are many and varied subjects on the bill at the Globe Theatre this week, the star drama being "The Borrowed Hydroplane," the latest episode in the Thanhouser serial which has claimed so many followers of late. "Love, Speed, and Thrills" is the title of a gay Keystone farce, which is a star picture in itself. The other pictures are: "In Spite of Him," drama; "Their First Quarrel," comedy, and the latest "Australian Gazette." THEATRE ROYAL. "Our British Navy," the fine film showing the life in the Navy from the lowest to the highest, was screened at the Theatre Royal before a large audience last evening. To-morrow evening the star drama, "Hearts in Exile," will be shown, in conjunction with the naval pictures, and on Thursday evening the film version of "The Lights o' London" will be shown, besides "Our British Navy."

GOOD-BYE TO MURIEL STARR.

IN "BOUGHT AND PAID FOR."

Christchurch theatregoers will be pleased to learn that on Monday night next at the Theatre Royal they will once again be afforded the opportunity of seeing one of the greatest actresses ever introduced to New Zealand, in the person of Miss Muriel Starr. Miss Starr's brilliant performance as Mary Turner in "Within the Law," a couple of years ago, will never be forgotten. In "Bought and I Paid For" there is even more scope for her to display her talent. In this piece the chief figure is Robert Stafford, an American millionaire, who has strong characteristics, but these are greatly marred by his drinking propensities, which often result in inebriety. None of the features are known to Virginia Blaine prior to their marriage, but to her regret, when all too late, she discovers her husband is not the ideal she expected. Sober, he is a lovable man; drunk—and he is often in that state —he is inconsiderate, brutal, and even coarse. Miss Starr as Virgina Blaine, is throughout the exact portrait of the charming girl whom the dramatist has imagined. In the moments of her bitter tragedy she rises to the occasion in a wonderfully realistic mariner. Facial expression and attitude of body speak eloquently of her mental and moral depression, while in the crisis of her passion, when she makes known her determination to tear herself free from I her nightmare of horror, her restrained earnestness is wonderfully (true to nature. Mr Mill ward proves himself an actor of greal natural force, with a handsome presence and | intellectual qualities. As the millionaire he exhibits a perfect mastery of the strength and weakness of a splendid character. His Robert 'Stafford is notable for its disciplined splendour of expression. It is entirely free from acting, and is human •n every detail. The second production on Saturday, January 15, will be the piquant American comedy, "Nobody's Widow," which will be staged for three nights. On Wednesday,

Thursday, and Friday, January 10, 20, and 21, Ihe lasl three nights of the season, the secret service drama, "Under Cover," will be presented. The box plans for the five performances of "Bought and Paid For" will open at Milncr and Thompson's next Friday at 9 a.m.