THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 926, 29 January 1917, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. ! The principal change in the new) programme to be presented to-night at the Opera House will be the appearance of Early and Laight, a popoular American sketch team, ■who will play a short return season. Mr Victor Prince and company will be seen in another new musical travesty "Push the Bell." As Willie Push, the bell-boy at a large hotel, Mr Prince should be responsible for plenty of hearty fun. A feature of the revue will be a patriotic tableau as a finale entitled "Britain and Her Allies." Miss Elsa Brull and MiArthur Hemsley, who proved so popular last week,' will present a second burlesque which is claimed to be as amusing as their first. Rosi'e Rifle will be seen in further sharpshooting feats, and Leonard's Dogs "will appear for one more week. The usual matinee will be held next Saturday. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Charles Chaplin has returned to Christchurch after a long absence. He is at present appearing at Everybody's in his latest Mutual success, "The Count," in which the popular comedian's followers will have no occasion to be disappointed. It is a picture which in addition to containing all the quaint mannerisms which have served to make Chaplin so famous, also introduces a number of new ones. The two reels of the comedy are crammed full of uproarious fun. There is little plot to the picture, but Chaplin is seen to palm himself off on society* as a count, but, of course, he has to "beat it" when the genuine nobleman arrives. The supporting programme is a line collection of dramatic and topical subjects, which includes a particularly interesting number of the "Gaumont Graphic." HIS MAJESTY'S T. W. Lawson, the irrepressible author of "Frenzied Finance," which made such a stir among the Wall Street magnates, is the author of "Friday the 13th," the World drama showing to-night at Hi& Majesty's. The action of the story takes place in the neighbourhood of Wall Street, and the film abounds in realistic scenes of the huge gambling indulged in by the brokers and the speculators of that busy market. No mercy is shown towards the shady and devious methods employed by the followers of "high finance," and the film is a great showing-up of the underhand ways in which many of the big U.S.A. fortunes have been made. The picture brings vividly before us real scenes of New York, and ft is claimed that seeing the film is as good as a trip to Wall Street, only not so expensive. Robert Warwick is well tilted as the hero.

STARLANI) THEATRE. The initial presentation will take place this evening at Starland of the latest Fox Corporation masterpiece, "Secrets of Society." This production is a very line adaptation of Miss Braddon's memorable novel "Lady Audlcy's Secret." The work is much enhanced by a stirring interpretation of the principal role by Miss Thcda Bara. There is an almost ineffable touch of pathos in the. story, which tells an intensely moving tale nf a wife whose husband leaves her to seek his fortune abroad. Years pass, and no news of her husband coming to hand, she marries again. A terrible tragedy marks the conclusion. The Paramount feature is a Jesse L.

Lasky drama "The Gutter Magdalene," with Fannie Ward in the lead. This will be shown at the day sessions and in conjunction with "Secrets of Society" at the night sessions. GRAND THEATRE. The adventures of Count Hugo and Lucille Love in "The Broken Coin" are brought to a satisfactory conclusion in the 22nd (final) instalment of that serial, which was screened for the first time at the Grand Theatre to-day. In the final instalment its plot culminates in a manner which cannot but please all. This week's Metro attraction is a powerful dramatic offering entitled "The Wheel of the Law." This is a remarkably fine picture, based upon an unusual theme, and produced with characteristic Metro excellence. Miss Emily Stevens is at the head of a powerful cast of photoplayers. There is a supporting programme of all-round excellence. JOYLAND. Patrons at Joyland, New Brighton, this evening are assured of an evening's complete enjoyment. The star picture is the Fox masterpiece, "A Battle of Hearts." It is a powerful story of the sea, containing some wonderful scenery. William Farnum plays the leading role. There will be an excellent and well-varied supporting programme. PREMIER PICTURE PALACE. "From Out the Big Snows," a three-reel Vitagraph drama, will be screened for the last lime at the Premier Picture Palace this evening. This is an excellent picture, full of heart interest, pathos, and romance, and containing some remarkably beautiful scenery. There is also on the programme a riotous Keystone comedy featuring Roscoe Arbucklc. LAWRENCE CAMPBELL. Mr Lawrence Campbell's recitals were brought to a conclusion on Saturday evening at the Choral Hall after a highly successful season. The elocutionist was accorded an ovation for his rendering of "The Hell Gate of Soissons." Other items included in the programme were: "Not in the Programme" (an actor's story); "How We Beat the Captain's Colt," a racing sketch; "The Story of a Faithful Soul." In addition there were several special numbers by request.