THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 962, 12 March 1917, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. There are four changes in the programme to he offered to-night, comprising Lieut. Gordon, a clever English ventriloquist; Lyla Thompson and Olga Montcz, comedy soubrettcs; Ray and Gray, patter team; and Blake and Granby, in a sketch entitled "Also ran." Madame Alverna and M. Jean Lacrte, who were so successful last week, will give several new items, including Arditi's famous "II Bacio" and Tittl's "Serenade." Fred Arthur, who has become very popular, enters on his last week in this city, and other artists staying «ver from last week are Merlyn Cibe comedy conjuror), Winifred and Lumley, Geo. Grotty, and The Caleys. This programme promises *> be exceptionally entertaining. 'Hie usual matinee will be held next Saturday afternoon.

"DAMAGED GOODS." This evening the last opportunity ■will be provided of seeing the J. C. "Williamson Co. in Brieux's mucheliscussed propagandist play "Damaged Goods" at the Theatre Royal. On Saturday large audiences wer,» present at both the afternoon and evening performances, and evinced much interest as the story was unfolded. The acting of the principals -was of a very convincing nature, and fee whole company sustained their parts with admirable restraint. The •ompany will proceed to Timaru and •pen a season there to-morrow.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The Triangle Fine Arts picture, "Reggie Mixes In," starring Douglas Fairbanks and Bessie Love, was shown for the first time to-day. It produced some whirlwind acting and funny situations which were considerably enlightened by the brilliant smile of the "Tornado of the Screen," Douglas Fairbanks. The fight between Douglas Fairbanks as Reggie, and Tony, the village gangleader, is a thrilling episode, both men fighting themselves to a standstill. The second instalment of Gloria's Romance entitled "Caught fcy the Seminoles," is also shown. In this chapter Miss Billic Burke as "Gloria" loses her way in the everglades, and ends up in an Indian •amp. There is an excellent supporting series to wind up the proprogramme. STARLAND. At Starland to-day a fine bill is being presented, and patrons should kave every reason to be satisfied. That charming actress, Blanche Sweet, appears in "The Thousand Dollar Husband,*' which is an interesting and entertaining tale. The other big film is "A Woman's Temptation," which is adapted from Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Tolstoy's wonderful aptitude for contriving dramatic situations is well known to the reading pilblic, and the episodes from "Anna Karenina" are essentially characteristic of his methods. This picture will he screened at 8 o'clock this evening. Seals may be reserved at The Bristol for the evening performance.

HIS MAJESTY'S. At His Majesty's Theatre this evening there will be shown a line picture in "The Stronger Love." Miss ■Vivian Martin is starred in this film, which unfolds a wonderful succession of dramatic situations and thrilling incidents. Vivian Martin has a quaint and vivid beauty which has made her a film star in one of the

shortest working periods on record. Her hair is one of her great charms, it forming a cluster of curls which might well be the envy and despair of many of her sex. As the young heroine, Nell Scrviss, in "The Stronger Love," she is most charming, and from the first scene looks the part of the mountain maid to the life. There is a good supporting series.

GRAND THEATRE. The Metro Wonder-play "God's Half Acre," featuring Mabel Taliaferro, was shown on Saturday, and will be continued throughout the week. This young actress appears as "Blossom" in the picture, which is full of romance and contrasts old age with the turbulent youth. The supporting pictures include a line Metro travelog, which shows some very fine views, and a Sidney Drew comedy entitled "It Never Got By," is included in a really good programme. The programme is a most entertaining one, and gives the utmost satisfaction to patrons.