THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1357, 19 June 1918, Page 3

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. Miss Winifred La France's beautiful act, "The Siren of the Deep." a series of artistic illusions, continues to draw large attendances to the Opera House. This part of the act is preceded by two of the latest songs, rendered in an inimitable manner. Maud Courtney and Mr C, the two brilliant entertainers who qre appearing with undiminished popularity, are presenting a number of new jokes and songs, with additional topical verses to their entertaining duet, "I Would Still Love You." The Balancinos, with a series of clever athletic feats, and Ward Lear, the comedian and mimic, and De Car, the acrobatic waiter. are also on the programme. "Dick Whittington," the latest of the potted pantomimes to be produced by the Harry Farrow Company, is a highly-diverting piece. The prolamine will be repeated this evening.

THEATRE ROYAL. There was another large attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, when the Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company presented the wellknown melodrama, "When London Sleeps," for the second time. The piece proved popular, and all the big scenes of the play, including the thrilling rescue across the housetops, gripped the attention by their The production is well staged, and the various effects are good. Mr A. Brandon-Cremer makes a reappearance in this piece. It will be repeated this evening. On Saturday evening there will he played the sporting drama that won such success at Drnrv Lane, "The Pace That Kills." GRAND THEATRE. Emily Stevens, the noted American film actress, appears in the Grand Theatre this week in a iarnous Metro photo-drama, "Daybreak. v iiss Stephens has a role which, though very exacting, she portrays to perfection. Some other really good films, topical and otherwise, are shown, the programme being one of all-round excellence. LIBERTY~THEATRE. A factory girl, who is wooed and won by a millionaire, is the role played" by Ethel Clayton in the World Film drama, "The Whims ot Society," now being shown at the Liberty Theatre. But when the voting man's father threatens to disinherit him if he does not leave the girl, an unfortunate development occurs. He proves his worth by remaining steadfast, despite his father's threat, and eventually all comes out well. This is one of Miss Clayton's biggest successes to date. Included upon the supporting programme is a fine topical picture, "The King's Visit to the Grand Fleet. This picture is shown by the special permission of the New Zealand Government, and is the only picture taken of this visit when his Majesty viewed his great_ Navy as it was under war conditions. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. . Olive Thomas is this week seen in a new Triangle photoplay, "Limousine Life." Minnie Wills runs away to Chicago and gets work in a modiste's shop, where she meets s wealthv club man, Kelts, who becomes fascinated with her beauty. The second episode of "The Mystery of the Double Cross," featuring popular Mollie King, still continues to mystify and thrill the large numbers who have attended.

CRYSTAL PALACE. No better comedy-drama than "Some Boy," to be seen this week at Crystal' Pakce ; has been shown in Ctiristchurch for a very long while. It is the latest George Walsh success with William Fox, and the popular athletic hero goes through the play amid a whirl of excitement and romance. Be becomes appointed to the position of publicity agent for a fashionable hotel, and to justify his appointment he creates scandals mysterious widow stories, and jewel robberies, until he is ignominiously "fired." Then the scene shifts to an ocean liner, where more exciting episodes occur. Miss Doris Pawn, the object of the hero's devotions, acts splendidly throughout. "Fatty Out West." the second of the Paramount Arbuckle series, abounds with screamingly funny incidents, which are presented with that spontaneous touch which distinguishes genuine comedy. Fatty's sensational entrance to a saloon where a "hold-up" is in progress, his promotion to the rank of bartender, and his departure with the only decent thing in the town, are but a few of the incidents. Mrs John Fraser was accorded another enthusiastic reception last evening for her two numbers, "Oh! Day Divine" and "Waiting," a popular' London success. The crowded house insisted upon a recall.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. A fine Mutual five-reel production, "The Frame-Up," featuring William Russell, is the star item of a varied programme at the Queen's this week. It is an interesting and exciting story, and William Russell shows to"advantage his abilities, not only as an actor of rare quality, but as a fine athlete. "The Spiked Switch," the sixth chanter of "The Lass of the Lumberlands " is a most exciting picture, and is unite as good as the previous chapters, some of the situations being very thrilling. Each episode of this serial adds to the interest, and at present it has very many followers. Supporting pictures at present on the programme arc "The Sheriff of Plumas," a Mustang drama, and "Johnny's Birthday," a Beauty comedy. ST ARL AN D~THEATRE.

There were very large attendances present at Starland Theatre last evening to witness the Paramount picture, "Her Own People," starring beautiful Leonore Ulrich. The photography in this picture is something to be remembered, some beautiful effects having been obtained up in the California!! mountains by the side of a delightful lake. Supporting Miss Ulrich are such well-known artists as Colin Chase, Howard Davies, Jock Stark, and William Winters Jefferson. Mack Scnnett's famous farce comedy, " The International Sneak," and a Gazette terminate a really good programme. SYDENHAM PICTURES. "Whims of Society," a World Film drama, will be presented at the Sydenham Pictures this evening. Ethel Clayton is the star in this film, and does full justice to the very difficult part. In addition the * programme includes the "King's Visit to the Fleet," "Pigmy Circus," and other iilms of an interesting nature.

STRAND THEATRE. "The Wax Mode!." starring Vivian Martin and Thomas Holding, has attracted very large houses this week at the Strand. Vivian Martin proves herself a great artist, and is seen to advantage in the leading role, which requires the expression of great emotions. The admirable selections played by the orchestra were pleasurable and highly appreciated. Other good pictures support the main feature. COLOSSEUM SKATING RINK. Skating enthusiasts are now eagerly anticipating the big skating event of the year, the fancy dress and poster carnival which is being arranged to take place on July 3 and 4 next. Very complete preparations are being made, and it is certain that those who attend the carnival will have their expectations fully realised. Meanwhile the rink will be open as usual during the four sessions dairy.