THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 828, 5 October 1916, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. Only three more nights remain before the conclusion of Bert La Blanc's Revue Company's Christchurch season. The current production is "At the Exposition," and although this is the rear end of the run, this revue is the company's best effort. It is full of good humour and bright music, and Miss Nellie Fallon's ballets are as pleasing as usual. Miss Maude Miles introduces some new songs, while the New York Comedy Four score heavily with their quartet work. Some excellent vaudeville turns comprise the first half of the programme. "HAMLET." "Hamlet" was again staged by the Allan Wilkie Company in the Theatre Royal last evening, before a large audience. Mr Wilkie in the leading role made the most of his opportunities, and with his excellent company held the audience right through. In the part of Ophelia Miss Frediswvde Hunter-Watts acled very well. This evening, and the two following, the third piece of the season will be presented, entitled "Twelfth Night." The box plan is open at Milncr and Thompson's, the day sales being at the Toy Cave. STARLAND THEATRE. There were good attendances at the Starland Theatre yesterday when "Two Men of Sandy Bar" was shown. This is a five-part Red Feather production, featuring Hobart Bosworlh, the actor who has appeared so successfully in many excellent photoplays. "Two Men of Sandy Bar" tells how two partners are managing a gambling saloon of low repute in a mining camp. Their dishonest methods cause them lo be expelled, and the Iwo go their different ways. One endeavours to live the straight life, while the other continues in crime. The one who has chosen the straight path finds eventually that he is the son of a wealthy banker who has been searching for him for years, and the conclusion is satisfactory. A good comedy and an "Eclair Journal" conclude the programme.

GRAND THEATRE. "The Wall Between," al present showing at Ihe Grand Theatre, is undoubtedly the Metro Pictures Corporation's best release to date. It features those two screen notabilities, -Francis X. Bushman and Beverly Bayne, both of whom were seen in "Pennington's Choice." The theme of Ihe Story is the harrier which exists in the United Slates Army between officers of commissioned and non-commissioned rank. A girl is loved by a sergeant and a lieutenant, the former being Ihe favoured one. On account of his inferior rank, however, Ihe girl's guardians will not recognise him. There is a happy finale, when Ihe lieutenant proves himself a cringing coward, while the sergeant wins honours for bravery. There are some very realistic battle scenes in this picture, and the photography is in accordance with the Metro Corporation's high standard. A Metro-Drew comedy is also on Ihe programme.

QUEEN'S Til LATHE. Sealing accommodation was al a premium lasl evening al Ihe Queen's Theatre, when "The Circus of Dealh" was repeated. This picture is the most spectacular and best produced of ils kind shown in this city. It is a combination of drama, pantomime, and circus, and features Millie. Evelyn who performed so many thrilling feats in "The Jockey of Death," lo which "The Circus of Dealh - ' is the sequel. It is produced by Ihe Cines Company, Ihe Italian management which turned out "Quo Vadis?" To meet Ihe wishes of a number of patrons, the theatre will be open until 11 p.m. every evening this week, the lasl session commencing al 9.30. A "Pathc Gazelle" is being shown in support.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The While Hope," at present running as the star picture at Everybody's, is a production by a British company, enacted by British artists and adapted from a novel by a prominent English writer. It is a tale of the prize ring and details how a young man, named Jack Delane, is lured into the ring by an ambitious promoter of contests who is convinced of Jack's ability to defeat the black champion of the world. The young man's prospects of success arc, however, prejudiced by an unforeseen circumstance. The conclusion of the picture is pleasing, although surprising, while the love element is at all times strong. George Gunther, a well-known English boxer, takes part in most of the contests shown in the picture. There is a lengthy and well varied list of supporting subjects. HIS MAJESTY'S. The picture "At Bay" is an excellent one in every respect, having an interesting story, well told, with a good climax, and being splendidly acted by a most capable cast headed by Florence Reed and Charles Waldron. The supplementary war pictues, too, are of more than ordinary interest. "Our Naval Squadron in the Mediterranean" shows a scouting balloon leaving a cruiser's hold, and depicts most interesting views of a port with its attendant shipping. The "Palhe Gazette," and a clever animated cartoon, complete the programme which will be screened again to-night.