THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1235, 26 January 1918, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. The brightest show that has been seen at the Opera House for weeks was presented at . the well-known vaudeville theatre last night, when a change of programme was made. The principal feature of the new bill was the welcome reappearance of the Walter Johnson Revue Company, which won such a firm place in the esteem of patrons during its visit here some months ago. This combination of revue artists is as bright and smart as any that has been seen on the Fuller circuit, and their first production for the present season, which is entitled "The Parisian Models," went with a big swing at its presentation last night. The personnel of the company, as far as the principals are concerned, at least, has changed very little, and many old favourites were welcomed back, chief of whom was Gus

* Franks, the inimitable Hebrew ' comedian. Harry Burgess, his partner in comedy, also reappears with marked success, and Walter Johnson is a big factor in maintaining the sparkle and dash of the pjecey Frank Neil, a new member since the company's last visit is quite athome in his supporting part, and Ernest Lashbrooke, one of the original Johnson Company, is also in the cast, although disguised under an excellent make-up. Miss Lola Hunt again plays the dashing widow—without whom a vaudeville revue is never complete—in excellent style, and Miss Lydia Carnc, the dainty danseuse, is another favourite who reappears. Miss Stella Starr, who was in the chorus during the last tour is now in a leading part which she carries off admirably. There is a large and well-trained chorus which adds considerably •to the gaicfy of the evening. Miss Starr is heard in many pleasing numbers, including "The Sweetest Girl in Monterev," and Lola Hunt and Lydia Carne have several song successes. Harry Burgess has a new song with a good swing in it "The Great Big World Went Bound and Bound," which goes well. The revue of course, has no more plot than is necessary to carry it from one scene to another. Though necessarily short on account of the big revue, the preceding vaudeville programme must not he forgotten for it is of special merit. It contains three clever juvenile performers who appear under the name of the Three Carrs, and these young Australians would certainly be described in America as the "real goods." Their singing of lively and tuneful melodies is good, and the character work of the oldest member of the young trio is likewise excellent. Mr C. and Miss Maud Courtney again appear and highly entertain the audience with their singing and story-telling. The audience cannot hear enough of this talented couple. The whole programme, which also includes Tom Bees, instrumentalist, makes a smart and diverting entertainment. "A PAIR OF SILK STOCKINGS." A crowded house in the Theatre Hoval last evening thoroughly appreciated a very fine performance of that delightful comedy, "A Pair of Silk Stockings," by Marie Tempest and her excellent company. The acting of Marie Tempest, Graham Browne, and Sydney Stirling, in the principal roles, was particularly good. The season will finish this evening, with another performance of "A Pair of Silk Stockings." STARBAND THEATRE. The current programme at Starland headed by "The Straight Way," Valeska Suratt's latest William Fox appearance, will be presented for the last lime this evening. An exceptionally powerful programme is announced for Monday when, in response to a large number of requests, the management will repeat that beautiful- masterpiece, "The Two Orphans," featuring Theda Bara and Jean Sothern. Tn addition there will be another brilliant Fox drama, a storv of the East ami West, entitled "The Primitive Call." Gladys Coburn is starred in this play. S Y DEN HA M PICTURES. A three and a-half hour programme will lie presented at the Sydenham Picture Theatre this evening, when the leading item on the programme will be an exciting story of the war, entitled "For France."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. An extraordinary attraction will be introduced at Everybody's this evening at 7 o'clock. This is "Broadway Jones," a picture which is claimed to be the most successful comedy drama ever produced. It is also remarkable in that it. marks the initial screen appearance of America's brilliant actor, George M. Cohan, who takes the title role. "Broadway Jones," so called because of his infatuation for the beloved "Great White Way," which he has never seen, is weary of the old-fashioned business methods employed by his uncle in conducting the Chu Chu Chewing Gum Company in the flourishing township of Jonesville. After talking to an advertising man from New York, Jones decides that lie must see the wonderful thoroughfare, and so he packs up and departs on what proves to be a very exciting trip, after leaving his Jonesville sweetheart broken-hearted. Arrived in New York he soon finds that his funds cannot keep up with his pace, with the result that ere long he is "broke." It is then that things begin to happen. His uncle dies, leaving him with the responsibility of lookfnc nfter the Gum Company, and thenceforward the story moves through a variety of exciting scenes to a conclusion which comes as a suit.rise to everyone. The picture is really a quick-fire comedy right from the start, and strikes a distinct note of originality. Next week "The Tar Heel Warrior," a Triangle drama, will be shown during the day sessions only. LIBERTY THEATRE. Crowded houses all the week at the Liberty Theatre have expressed crreat appreciation of the splendid Triangle drama, "The Sweetheart of the Doomed," in which Louise Glaum is seen in a distinctly artistic role. Tt is a story of the war, but an entirely different one from any previous war story. A powerful attraction is announced for next week, in "The Billions Plot," a Vitagraph production featuring the beautiful and talented actress, Anita Stewart. This is a distinctly unusual story, and is very finely produced. There will be a good supporting list. GRAND THEATRE. The final screenings of "Their Compact." the powerful Metro feature'which has delighted large attendances all this week at the Grand Theatre, will take place this evening. Tn this picture Beverly Bayne and Francis X. Bushman are featured in roles which are their best characterisations to date. Next week's programme will be headed by another Metro masternicce, a production in five acts, "The Silence Sellers," in which that famous emotional actress, Olga Petrova, achieves her latest success. Chapters five and six of "The Mysteries of Myra" will also be shown. strandltheatre. The weekly change of the programme took place to-day at the Strand Theatre, when "The Sowers," a gripping Paramount drama, was screened as the premier attraction. The picture is a dramatisation of Heniy Seton Merriman's famous novel of the same name. It is a genuine dramatic treat. The producing, acting, settings, and photography are the very best examples of the motion picture art. The story is a very strong one, full of deep feeling and heart interest. The supporting programme includes the latest American Gazette, and a good cartoon comedy. QUEEN'S THEATRE. An untiring newspaper reporter figures prominently in "A Woman's Way," the society drama by the World Film Corporation, to be screened next week at the Queen's Theatre. Nothing puts him off the scent, and although obstacles are placed in his way he gets to the bottom of complications concerning a husband and wife and an adventuress. Ethel Clayton is featured as the heroine in the play, and the role is one in which she is very successful. On the supporting programme will he the fifth chapter of "The Girl and the Game." "YOU'RE TN LOVE" AND " CANARY COTTAGE." The reappearance of J. C. Williamson's New English Musical Comedy Company on Monday week at the Theatre Royal, in the big New York, London, Sydney and Melbourne success, "You're in Love," is sure to be welcomed by local theatregoers, who will have; pleasant recollections of "So Long Letty," "High Jinks," and "To-night's Ihe Night." The company visiting here is the same as that which' presented in Sydney "You're in Love" and "Canary Cottage." Miss Maud Fane enjoys the star role,

and this clever artist fulfils all the expectations. As a dancer, singer, and comedienne, Miss Fane must be included among the very best of the many fine artists we have enjoyed in this part of the world. Playgoers will be glad again to welcome that sterling artiste, Miss Connie Ediss, who created something like a furore in "So Long Letty." Mr Alfred Frith and Mr Field Fisher have scored their biggest successes in these plays, and Mr William Greene and Mr Fred Maguire are both well cast. Miss Cecil Bradley is given special opportunities, and Miss Dorothy Purdell, who comes with a London and South African reputation, amply supports it with her work in these productions. Among others in the big cast —there are 100 people in the organisation—are Misses Madge Elliott, the solo dancer; Dorothy Purdell; Gwen Withers; and Messrs Fred Maguire; Harry B. Burcher (who is also the producer); Seymour Middleton; William Greene, the leading baritone; and Tom Hooker and Tom Preston, two exceedingly clever comedians. Two of the many big features in "You're in Love," are the song "Day Dream Isle," sung by Miss Fane as she is moved out over the heads of ihe stalls patrons on the boom of the shin, and the dance Victory by La Sheila. The second production, "Canary Cottage," to be staged here on Friday week, will be presented for the last three nights of a seven nights' season. The box plans will be opened at Milner and Thompson's on Wednesday morning next.

The Dominion Conference of the Federate! Boot Manufacturers' Association of Employers was hold at Auckland. The election of officers resulted:—President, Mr W. Hammill; vice-president, Mr P. Do la Cour; secretary, Mr 11. Dearsley; treasurer, Mr H. Clark; corresponding members, Messrs C. J. Ward (Wellington), IT. Duckworth (Christchurch), and J. B. Frame (Dunedin).

Every member of the family should drink KOLA-NIP. It adds Vim and vigour to the constitution. Snappy—delicious —wholesome. Buy a bottle today. Hotels and stores. .1