THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 826, 3 October 1916, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

THE OPERA HOUSE. The audience at Ihe Opera House last night was one of unusual dimensions even for a Monday, a circumstance that goes to indicate the hold that good vaudeville is gelling in; Christchurch, and to prove that, although Bert l.a Blanc's Revue Company is in its fifth consecutive week, its popularity is increasing rather than waning. This week's revue, which is the last that this clever combination will produce during this season, is entitled "At the Exposition," a designation which simply serves to offer a thread whereon are strung a series of comedy, musical, dancing, and other bright samples of the artists' entertaining gems. As usual, Bert La Blanc anil Jake Mack offered themselves as Hebrew funmerchants, Ihe laughter coming freely and spontaneously as the fun grew more hilarious. The Mr Rubenstein skit of this inimitable pair was a smart and highly amusing little conception. Miss Nellie Fallon danced as well as ever. Each time this clever New Zealander appears her ability but serves to enhance Ihe good opinion?, formed on the opening night. Miss Maud Miles looked well and acted with customary grace. In his several songs Mr Carlton Chase was again well received, as were the members of the Comedy Four in their vocal items. The work of the sextet of clever girls who form the ballet has been excellent throughout! Ihe season, and can be favourably compared with anything in the line thai has before been seen here. The | show is bright, crisp, and rapidly moving, and is dressed with minute attention to the great importance that this department has in a production of the sort. The vaudeville portion of the bill includes no fewer than three acrobatic acts out of the five with which it is constituted. Of these the Arteens and Les Legerts remain over from Ihe previous week and repeat their successes. The Robert De'Monl Trio provide a startling whirlwind tumbling act, which is< novel in its presentment and exceedingly clever in its execution. The finale of this act is a splendid one, the trio being recalled over and over again. The "Twa Wee McColls" are; a pair of juvenile Scottish vocalists and dancers. They have sweel, fresh voices, and sing their songs most acceptably. Their dancing, too, was well received, and they were called out after their act to bow their acknowledgments. Clark and Wallace, a pair of comedians and simultaneous dancers, completed a bill which should attract big houses for the rest of Ihe week. THE SHAKESPEAREAN SEASON. Last night "The Merchant of Venice" was repeated in the Theatre Royal before another good audience. The presentation of this great tragicomedy was again most successful. Mr Wilkic's conception of (he character of Shylock the Jew was line, and compelled the closest attention of Ihe big audience, while Ihe Portia of Miss Prediswyde Hunter-Watts is to be equally commended. The supporting characters made excellent background Cor Ihe Iwo dominating figures, and (he scenery, mounting, and music were all in perfect keeping with the play. To-night "HamJet" will be staged, Mr Allan Wilkie appearing in the name part.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The White Hope," Hie feature at. traction on Hie current programme at Every'body's, contains, in addition to its dramatic worth, some remarkably realistic boxing scenes. It is a story of the prize ring, and tells how a young man, named Jack Delane, is hired into the boxing profession by a promoter of contests who sees in him the makings of a first-class boxer. Then the love element enters the story, and threatens to ruin Jack's boxing career. The picture is an all-British production by the Hepworth Company. The fight scenes are views of actual contests, merely faked studio contests. Stewart Home plays Hie leading role,

and his interpretation of the part is eminently successful. There is a lengthy and well-varied supporting programme which includes the latest "Gaumont Graphic." HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There was a large attendance at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when the first Pathe feature drama to be shown in Christchurch was screened. It was entitled "At Bay," and proved a very enjoyable picture. Florence Reed plays the leading role, that of the woman who fought against her own love. The plot is entirely original and its unwinding contains many startling incidents. It also contains a tragedy which threatens to ruin the happiness of the beautiful young heroine. The way in which all is eventually straightened out, is vividly and realistically told. There is an excellent supporting programme, including a "Pathe Gazette." GRAND THEATRE. The latest "Metro" wonder-play, "The Wall Between," was shown at the Grand Theatre to-day. This picture is among the most pretentious features ever produced by the Melro, and it was written especially for Mr Francis X. Bushman and Miss Beverly Bayne. It is said to be the biggest and best work of these two artists. "The Wall Between" is a story of American army life, and deals with the barrier which exists between the commissioned and noncommissioned officers. In the battle scenes, more than 2000 persons were engaged, including 500 regular soldiers from Fort Savannah, Georgia. An additional attraction on the programme is the re-appearance of Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew in the latest of their humorous comedies, entitled "Their First." The fifth instalment of "The Broken Coin" serial is also being shown.

QUEENS THEATRE. Capacity business was done last evening at the Queen's Theatre, where "The Circus of Death" was the principal attraction. This six-act masterpiece was produced by the Cines Company, of Rome, which was responsible for "Quo Vadis." "The Circus of Death" contains many spectacular scenes, and abounds with thrills. It tells of a prince who falls in love with a dare-devil circus performer named Mademoiselle Evelyn. The woman reciprocates the prince's love, and in a short time they are secretly married. Then an unfortunate circumstance intervenes, and the two are separated. The story develops rapidly after this, and there is a happy, but surprising conclusion. A wonderful monkey actor plays an important part in the picture. Other good items are also on the programme. STARLANI) THEATRE. The works of Bret Ilarlc, the famous writer of mining camp stories and poems, are very well known. "Two Men of Sandy Bar" is among that writer's more recent books, and picture-goers have an opportunity this week at Starland of seeing the lilm version of this story. It has been adapted to the screen by the \\t>{\ Feather Company, whose interpretation of it is eminently successful. The plot is a novel one, and the thrills are many. A feature of the production is the magnificent scenery amid which the entire action takes place. "Two Elderly Cupids" is the title of the one reel Universal comedy, without which no programme is complete. An "Eclair Journal" is also being shown.

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