THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1641, 19 May 1919, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. Most of those artists who so ably entertained last week are again to appear this evening at the Opera House. There are, however, four additional turns that promise to be most clever and enjoyable. Sa-Hera will present her bewildering thought-reading turn and patrons are asked to bring questions. Two newcomers are John and Colin Campbell, who are stated to be masters of the concertina. Humorous sketch artists in Wendy Dale and Alphonse come here with an excellent reputation, while all will welcome the reappearance of Murfayne, the beautiful xylophonist. Pollard and Jackson, Victor the Great, Ray and Gray, De Car and Raynor and Brennau are other well-known artists who will also, appear. QUEEN' S~THEATRE. Commencing to-day at the Queen's Theatre is "Cassidy," a picture of infinite pathos With a new actor, Dick Rosson, in the lead. He plays as a social outcast, consumptive, weak, and hungry, and ready to commit-. any crime for the priae of a fare back to his home in Now York. By a strange stroke of fate he selects the house of the District Attorney to break into. He is caught, but the attorney, who has a human heart, hears his story, releases him and gives him the fare to his home. It is from here on that the great ability of the actor is shown. How he repays this only kindness ever done him, is a grand and striking lesson to those who would condemn by outward appearances. Norma Talmadge will also be seen in "The Devil's Needle," in which the star is supported by Tally Marshall and Margaret Marsh. This is a most sensational feature dealing with the evils of the drink habit. The main support is a two-reel comedy entitled, "Wronged by Mistake." GRAND THEATRE! Anna Q. Nilsson and Franklyn Farnum appear in the new headliner at the Grand Theatre, which was filmed initially this' afternoon. This is "In Judgment Of." The star is seen as a young girl who has a great power of hypnotism. Her lover is in great danger of being convicted of a crime of which the girl knows he is innocent. In the trial scene the jury find him guilty, but the girl exerts her hypnotic power and the judge, who is powerless under this strange influence, proclaims the prisoner not guilty, and takes the blame upon himself. The conclusion is all that could be desired. A Thos. H. Ince picture, "A Desert Wooing," and a Mack Sennett comedy, "Love Loops the Loop," are the auxiliary items. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The call of the church versus the call of the blood" might aptly summarise the story contained in "The Apostle of Vengeance, 1 ' the headliner to run throughout this week at Everybody's Theatre. Wra, S. Hart is the chief player, he being seen as a parson by whose efforts a family feud is ended and a very satisfying conclusion brought about. A very fine entertainment is contained in the attendant budget of supports. This includes "Two Little Imps," in which the Lee children are responsible for much fun, and episode eleven of "The House of Hate" serial, entitled "Haunts of Evil." An augmented orchestra attends the evening session. • . . LIBERTY THEATRE. For the first time at the Liberty Theatre, to-day was screened "The Kingdom of Youth," a comedy-drama, in which Madge Kennedy is the leading lady. The story of the film is one not uncommon in the picture world—a domestic tangle in which there is plenty of fun, a dash of pathos, and a happy ending. The parts are all well taken by notable picture actors, and the screening excellent. The story concerns the plotting of an elderly widow, who almost, but not quite, succeeds in parting a happily-married young couple. Events move swiftly to an unexpected and satisfactory culmination. A number of other interesting films are included in the programme. CRYSTAL~PALACE. A rare blend of drama and comedy is contained in "Troublemakers," the piece de resistance at the Crystal Palace at present. The plot forms an excellent vehicle to exploit the great eapabilitie: of Jane and Kathleen Lee as merry makers. How these two famous little stars show the fallacy of accepting eir cumstantral evidence' in murder trials is the theme dealt with. A drama "Atonement," and a comedy, "Nearly a Hero," are the chief adjuncts. SYDESTHAM PICTURES. Patrons of the Sydenham Theatre this evening will see two star pictures. These are, '' The Kingdom of Youth'' (Tom Moore) and "A Weaver of Dreams" (Viola Dana).

STRAND THEATRE. Every sessicwat the Strand Theatre on Saturday by attendances that thoroughly enjoyed the two star offerings, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," featuring Mary Pickford, and "Less Than Kin," a Paramount production starring Wallace Reid. Other pictures showing •on the same programme are: "He Wins" (Jester comedy), "The Eagle's Eye," a Bray pictograph and a cartoon.

ANTONIA DOLORES CONCERTS. Mile. Antonia Dolores, fresh from her latest triumphs in the leading centres of the world, will appear here on Saturday evening next, and also on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of next week, in the Choral Hall. Few artists in the world have so endeared themselves to audiences as has Mile. Dolores. Judging by recent evidences in Australia, she is more popular to-day than she was on her previous visits, if that were possible. A Sydney paper, referring to Mile. Dolores's recent appearances there,, stated:—"Those "who heard Dolores before were as full of delight as ever with her beautiful singing, and regarded her as being as charming as ever; while those who heard her for the first time were entranced by .her superb vocal gifts, her gracious personality, and the ease and brilliancy witji which the most difficult passages were so delightfully rendered, indicating the marvellous powers of the cultivated human voice." Mr Harold "Smith, an accomplished musician, is the pianist, and he will also be heard in solos. The box plan opens on Wednesday morning at The Bristol Piano Company. Concessions are also announced for students and schools. SKATING RINK.' A large number of two-steppers and waltzers turned out on Saturday evening to the Colosseum Skating Eink when a special session was set apart for them to practise for the coming carnival. The crowd of spectators was also enabled to get an idea of the fine and graceful exercise, such a pastime undoubtedly is. The usual sessions will be observed today and the management is making a special appeal for learners to attend their particular session—that from 5.30 to 7 p.m. Popular and helpful selections are given by a brass band, under Mr C. Dunn. The balcony cafe, where light refreshments may be had continues to receive great attention, while lounges have been much appreciated by all.