THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 787, 18 August 1916, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

HIS MAJESTY'S. The charming, piquant queen of the screen, Mary Pickford, in "Tess of the Storm Country," will be screened for two more nights, and at the matinee to-morrow. Ladies are advised lo attend the matinee, and thus avoid the crush at night. "ALL RED ROUTE." The ordinary short scenic subject is a most familiar and always welcome addition lo a motion picture entertainment. Now, however, there has been filmed a complete holiday tour from Sydney to London, via the Islands and Canada. This most interesting and valuable educative addition to the long list of triumphs of the motion camera is reported to have created particular interest in Auckland and Wellington. The Minister of Education (Hon. J. Hanan) gave the picture his special endorsement, and stated that not only was it of great interest and educational value, but, being taken on the "All Red Route," it served to foster the spirit of Imperialism. The picture will be shown for the first time on Monday next at His Majesty's. "THE BOLD SOGER BOY." The manly sentiment in "The Bold Soger Boy"' appealed lo another large audience at the Theatre Royal last evening. There are many tense dramatic situations in the play, which are relieved by light comedy. Mr Allen Doone as Lieutenant Adair was seen to great advantage, and the role gave him great scope for his abilities. Miss Edna Keeley also pleased the audience. A special feature of the production is the work of a number of children, who supply much of the comedy. This evening "Molly Bawn" will be staged. The Allen Doone season will close on Saturday evening with a revival of "The Parish Priest." EVERYBODY'S. "The Eagle's Nest," a six-reel Lubin production, has been responsible for very large attendances al Everybody's this week. The enthralling nature of the story, set forlh by the convincing acting of Romaine Feilding and Edwin Arden, makes the picture one of outstanding merit. Thrills arc abundant throughout, and one scene shows the! burning of an emigrant train by a! band of marauding Indians. This is a remarkably realistic scene. The one survivor of the affair is a little boy, whom two emigrants adopt. Thereafter this boy is one of the chief characters in the story. Other good pictures are "Mull and Jell' in an Aeroplane" (cartoons) and the latest Gaumont Graphic. SYDENHAM PICTURES. The foremost attraction at the Sydenham Pictures is the Keystone Triangle comedy featuring Mabel Normand and Roscoc Arbuckle. This is entitled "Bright Lights," and is a whirlwind of fun which keeps the audience in a slate of laughter. A Vitagraph drama, "Youth," audi scenic and topical ileitis conclude the programme. The latest "lip-up" | seats have now been installed! throughout Ibis theatre. The pro-! gramme is one which oilers an excellent variety of subjects, and Ihc pictures are very capably projected, 'l'he theatre is a comfortable one. and! patrons can rely on finding a pleasant evening's entertainment. STARLAND THEATRE. | "Hop, Ihc Devil's Brew," was pre-! senled again at Ihc Slarland Theatre yesterday, where [he powerful na-i tore of I he story appealed lo large! audiences at all sessions. This picture was produced by the Bluebird! Company, (lie company which was responsible for "Undine." The pic-! lure is in live parts, and tell of Lydia! Janscn, a faithful and loving wife, although secretly she is a drug, fiend. How she linaly overcomes 1 her craving and confesses her afllic-' tion to her husband forms a pleasing [ conclusion. Lois Weber and Phil- , lips Smalley are featured in the piclure. There is a good supporting programme. "" j

GRAND THEATRE. The picture version of .John Strange Winter's famous book "Jimmy" is the principal attraction at the Grand Theatre this week. The story has been adapted to the screen by the British and Colonial Kinematograph Company, and the leading parts are portrayed by very capable actors. There is a strong heart interest in the play, which is enhanced by good acting, while the settings and photography are of the best. The English Company is able to infuse into the picture the correct atmosphere so essential to the true rendering of the story. It tells !of a young man who, having cast a slur upon his good name, enlists in the army, where he later redeems his honour. "What Could the Doctor Do?" (comedy), "Marta of the Jungle" (drama), war pictures, and the latest topical budget complete the programme. Next Monday Ihere I will be. a musical attraction in addition to the picture programme. Henri de Lissac (the boy violinist) and Maurice de Lissac (the child 'cellist) having been engaged to play selections during the intervals, at times to be advertised. FIGHTING ROUND VERDUN. Those who attended the King's Theatre last evening had the grim realities of war, with also its lighter side, brought vividly home to them. The life of the French troops on the Verdun front was shown, and the hardships experienced by the gallant soldiers were fully realised. One scene shows the wearing of gas masks by the troops to safeguard themselves from asphyxiation during a gas attack. The pictures will be presented again this evening. There will be a matinee to-morrow after-j noon, for which half-price to *H parts will be charged. The iilm fc a great war picture, both informative and thrilling. OPERA HOUSE. Again last evening seating accommodation was at a premium at the Opera House. The current programme is one of all-round merit. It is headed by Ballinger and Reynolds, two remarkable wire comedians, who are in their first week. "Chums" is an original and clever sketch produced by King and Thornton. Marr and Evans arc two talking acrobats, who present a very entertaining turn. Shipp and Gaffney, clever patter comedians, are also making a reappearance. This bill will be presented this evening and to-morrow night, and also at the matinee to-monow afternoon. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Darcy v. Dave Smith," the light film, was shown again at the Queen's Theatre yesterday, and was greatly appreciated. The various stages of the contest arc clearly depicted. The light goes briskly for the first two rounds, Darcy being easily the superior man. The next rounds contain a large amount of in-lighting. In the seventh and eighth rounds Smith gives some heavy body blows, but afterwards he begins to lire appreciably. Ife holds to the tight gamely until (he twelfth round, when he falls, and is shortly after knocked out. There is a good supporting programme, including two comedies and an Eclair Journal. OLYMPIA RINK. 'that roller skating is not waning in popularity in Christchurch was evidenced at the Olympia Rink last evening by a very huge attendance of enthusiastic skaters. The rink will be open again 10-niorrow during Ihc usual sessions between 10 a.m. and 10 pin.