THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1329, 17 May 1918, Page 7

THE THEATRES.

"SEVEN DAYS* LEAVE." A further full house greeted Mr Allan Wilkie and his company in the popular military production, " Seven Days' Leave," at the Theatre Royal last evening. Walter Howard has written a play crammed lull of patriotic sentiment, and a play that *' goes." The present cast faithfully interprets the spirit as well as the letter of the piece, and presents it sparklingly fresh. Mr Allan Wilkie, in the leading role, claims the attcn-' tion most, hut the whole performance holds the interest as a magnet, and there is never a dull moment. The season will conclude with the week, and there will be a special matinee on Saturday. The box plan for the latter is now open at The Bristol. The company will follow on with " The Story of the Rosary." GRAND/THEATRE. "Viola Dana has delighted her thousands of admirers this week at the Grand Theatre where she is appearing in "Blue Jeans," a powerful and highly original Metro drama in seven stirring acts. When Metro decides to go to seven reels for a picture, it must be a subject of special attractiveness, and "Blue Jeans" may certainly lay claim to this quality, Miss Dana is seen in a dual role, portraying two wfdely different characters, an innocent orphant girl, and a village vampire. The play is full of compelling dramatic situations, while a strong touch of charm makes itself felt throughout. There is a well selected list of supporting subjects. Patrons who can are advised to attend the day sessions. STARLAND THEATRE. That beautifully presented Essanay play "The Return of Eve," which is this week's attraction at Starland has delighted large attendances at all sessions. It is a story which deals in a novel way with primitive times, and its settings and mountings are extremely pleasing. The acting is in the hands of a very capable cast of photoplayers which includes Eugene O'Brien and Edna Mayo. There is a very lengthy list of entertaining subjects in support, including two good comedies, a drama, and a gazette. Next week William Fox's mighty pantomime spectacle, "The Babes in the Wood," will be screened.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The Queen's Theatre has been well attended all this week, and the current programme has been very much appreciated. The new serial "The Lass of the Lumbciiands," is assured of a large following. It is a virile, stirring story of Canada's vast north woods, and it is full of incidents ■which grip and thrill. Helen Holmes, the daredevil actress who will be remembered for her work in many exciting railway stories, plays the lead in a fascinating manner. "Miss Jackie of the Army," is the title of the five-reel feature, and in it Miss Margarita Fischer, the actress who has many Mutual successes to her credit is seen at her best. A good comedy, and a pleasing short drama comprise the remaining items on the programme. LIBERTY THEATRE. Margery Wilson, the charming Triangle star, who will he remembered for numerous big portrayals, is appearing Ibis week at the Liberty Theatre in a powerful Triangle drama, "Flames of Chance." This is the story of a young American girl who, being a war worker, is persuaded to adopt three prisoners in the Wittcnburg Camp as godsons. She is amazed when she learns that one of them is returning, and she endeavours lo look old. Her subterfuge is unavailing, and a pretty romance follows. The play also tells of a deeply laid German plot, ftnd this pari of the picture provides the thrills and mysteries. An attraction which is sure to prove popular is announced for Monday, when the inimitable comedian Charles Chaplin will appear in a new comedy, "The Adventurer." In this picture Charles proves his versatility by faking fhc part of a violent escaped convict, a role in which he is screamingly funny. Charlie, as a convict, decides that his incarceration has become tiresome, so he immediately plan of escape. Warders with loaded rifles do not defer the hardy criminal, who, as usual, finds an easy way lo escape from bis dungeon. lie has many adventures upon his return to civilisation, but, as is the case wjlb criminals of the desperate k stamp, finds himself much inconI venienced by the action.; of the local ■ constabulary.

OPERA HOUSE.

"Murphy at the Cabaret," the latest and best of the Tom Haverley revues will be presented for the last time this evening. This piece is exceptionally rich in pleasing novelty effects anil good musical numbers, while its humour is continuous. It concerns a number of happenings at a cabaret of which Michael Casey is the proprietor. The «first section of the programme consists of five high-class vaudeville acts, one of which is an amazing exhibition of club juggling by Frank, Lank and Alice. Hamlyn and Mack, with their breezy songs and clever dances are very popular, while the intelligence displayed by Mandcno's Dogs, also comprises a good turn. Upside Down Wright is billed as the inverted marvel, and he justifies his title in a most entertaining manner. Wire-walking extraordinary is the keynote of the turn presented by Raleigh and McDonald. There will be the usual matinee performance to-morrow afternoon. CRYSTAL PALACE. After witnessing the great performance by Nance O'Neill, in "The Final Payment," which is novp-being shown at Crystal Palace, one feels that this artist has a just claim to the title "the empress of emotion." It is a great picture, portrayed by. sonic of the best artists in the screen world to-day, and produced by past, masters in the art of kinematography. "The Final Payment" is undoubtedly William Fox's best heavy drama to date. lis situations are poignant in their intensity, never overdone, while the atmosphere is never sordid. From beginning to end, the power of the story, the wonderful acting, the magnificent scenery and settings keep the interest alive. A very attractive series of supporting pictures is also being shown including a riotous Fatty Arbuckle comedy, "Fatty on Coney Island," "The Uneven Road," featuring Mary McAlister, "Who is Number One" (chapter four), and an American Gazetle. During the evening sessions brilliant music is provided by Mr W. H. Corrigan's orchestra, and by Miss Milliccnt Jennings, soprano vocalist. Next week a gorgeous pantomime extravaganza. "The Babes in the Wood," William Fox's latest spectacular offering will be presented.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. That big Goldwyn feature "Polly of the Circus," has drawn crowded houses to Everybody's Theatre every evening this week, and it has pleased everyone of its spectators. Dainty, fascinating little Mae Marsh plays the title role, and as a little circus performer who is left behind in a small town while "the show goes on," and who works such a strange effect upon the life of Deacon Strong, the wealthy hypocrite into whose life she comes, her acting is delightful. The picture contains a number of spectacular events including a great fire scene, and a terrible stampede of the animals. "THE GARDEN OF ALLAH."

A very big attraction is announced for next week when Selig's great conception "The Garden of Allah," will be shown. The setting and the theme of a picture drama have seldom been in such harmony as they are in this great play. This is a picturisation of Robert Hichens's powerful novel of the same name, and the screen reproduces the mysterious glamour of the Sahara desert even more successfully than the book itself does. The austere charm and fiery fervour of Algerian days and nights have their counterpart in this passionate story of a love that was forbidden and' of the sacrifice which atoned for it. Helen Ware, as Domini, meets a strange man at Berti-Mara. At first he flees at the mere sight of a woman, but there comes a time when he begs her not lo listen to what he says, hut she replies: "You must say it; for T must hear it." A terrific sandstorm occiii's as they are being married. It is almost as though an angry fate were giving them a last warning. An immense drama which grips from first to las!. If is a weird tale that holds a spell of mystery, and its ending is almost tragic. STRAND "THEATRE. The final opportunity will be afforded this evening of witnessing that unique Paramount offering, "Countess Charming." In Ibis picture there appears the famous female impersonator, Julian Eltinge, who is very popular upon the American stage. His make-up is so perfect that if is quite impossible lo distinguish him from a woman. His performance is all the more remarkahle when it is remembered that he plays a dual role throughout the picture, being seen as a man and also as a Russian Countess. The story told by the picture, which is of the comedy drama variety, is a good one, and is very cleverly presented.

The supporting programme consists of several good pictures, including a brilliant Mack Sennctt comedy. SYDENHAM PICTURES. A large attendance at the Sydenham Pictures last evening witnessed the screening of the great Goldwyn spectacle, "Polly of the Circus," featuring Mae Marsh. It will be repeated this evening. COLOSSEUM RINK. The free tuition provided by the management of the Colosseum Skating Rink, the special session from 5.30 to 7 p.m., and the conveniences which have been provided for the safety of beginners are being much availed of, and as a result this season's learners are already becoming good skaters. The art is, easy to master, and once learned it is a source of never-failing enjoyment. During the night session Mr C. Dunn's Band is in attendance, and by its rendering/ of suitable music contributes much towards the entertainment of patrons. The band also attends on Saturday afternoons. The graceful evolutions of the adept skaters are enjoyed nightly by large numbers of spectators.