THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1642, 20 May 1919, Page 7

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. The average audience enjoys nothing better than to be mystified. A large gathering nt the Opera House last evening had every reason to be satisfied at the turn presented by Sa-Hera, billed as the "woman of miracles," who made a return visit. SaHera, seated blindfolded on the stage, answers questions relative to family joys or troubles, with many intimate details calculated to prove of interest to other than the person immediately concerned, does lightning calculations of figures which she docs not see and guesses names written on a blackboard with an uncanny accuracy and precision. By whatever method it is done —thought transference, or hypnotism (the existence of a code seems out of the question) —she left the audience wondering and 'enthusiastic. A new- turn which went with a swing was that of the Campbell Bros., concertina and viophane players. Colin Campbell, one of those clever young instrumentalists, is a well-known Cliristchurch performer who before the war was on "the circuit." An imitation of church, bells and an organ pealing "the lost chord" was particularly good, their numbers including representations of bagpipes and—just concertina. They were accorded an ovation. Wendy Dale and Alphonse—the latter .will be remembered by many as Ernest Lux, a one-time competition performer, whilst the fornlrr is.a Wellington girl—made a first appearance, making an excellent impression ■with a refined offering. Alphonse scored decidedly in impressions of an Italian, "Aussie," and Maori rendering the song "Katy," whilst a combined number, "Michael on a Motor Car," was also good. Pollard and Jackson, vocalists, were heard to advantage In "Sympathy" add several other numbers, their popularity showing no sign of being on the wane. Victor the Great, Madame Clothilda, and Gladys, who, had previously given venlrilpquial sketches, essayed an excursion into the realm'of legerdemain, rounding off their performance.: With Qdisappearance from a nailed-down and corded box. Murfayne. the brilliant xylophone player, in a medley of airs, aroused expressed appreciation; Ray and Gray chatted and sang pleasingly, Raynor and Rrennan in vocal numbers were heard to advantage,: and Dc Car, the acrobatic wailcr, contributed his siiare to an enjoyable programme, Which will be repeated this week. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A stirring indictment of the drug habit is the motif of "The Devil's Needle," which, •with Norma Talmadge in a leading role, is screened at the Queen's Theatre this week. The disclosures tfhich followed vthe death of Billie Carleton, a London musical comedy actress, will be comparatively fresh in the public mind. It was then suggested that the cult of opinion was not confined to a certain section of high society imbued with the passion for fresh sensation, or to the low caste Chinese, but that the evil permeated nil classes. It is with the latter suggestion that "The Devil's Needle" deals, and it shows the unsavoury vendor of drugs, who supplies the working girl with the means of spending a few intoxicated hours of emotion, and the chemist who supplies the mixture which leads to broken body and mind. In conveying the object-lesson a powerful drama is unfolded, and the interest is held to the climax, which is worked out amid scenes of violence in the New York Bowery. Incidentally, the drama works out happily wilh the regeneration of two of the drug habitues. It also gains in the presentation through the excellent acting of Norma Talmadge as an artist's model—and a role incidentally which allows her scope as a comedienne—and also that of a new star, Tully Marshall, who obviously had hcen selected as a "type." He portrays a drug fiend. The story concerns on- artist with temperamental weaknesses who uses a hypodermic syringe at the suggestion of a model, herself hj victim. He marries n girl who discards a fiancee of the wrong sort for the purpose. Too late she finds her husband helplessly enslaved. A broken wreck, he visits the model, who is filled with remorse at what she had done, and secretly loves him. At first she supplies him with the drug, but later sets him on the path of regeneration. He disappears and works out: his salvation. Meanwhile the wife's formei'fiancee pursues his attentions, but the wife remains true. The husband returns to find his wife in the clutches of a gang, where she had been enticed in an endeavour to find her husband. But a little "swift" work and a "round up" by the police and husband and wife are restored, to commence their life afresh. It is a realistic story with a gripping atmosphere throughout. A supporting drama, "Cassidy," featuring Dick Rosson, is particularly poignant at times, whilst a two-reel comedy, "Wronged by Mistake," is a mirth-provoking feature, which rounds off an exceptional programme. SYDENHAM PICTURES. Toni Moore and Madge Kennedy will be seen this evening at the Sydenham Theatre in "The Kingdom of Youth." Another stellar item is "A Weaver of Dreams, featuring Viola Dana.

ANTONIA DOLORES. The announcement that Mademoiselle Antonia Dolores, the celebrated French soprano, Is giving a farewell tour of New Zealand opens up a field of pleasurable recollections and anticipations, for there is. no artist in the world—certainly none that has ever visited tin's country—who has so endeared herself to her audiences as has Antonia Dolores. Further, it is doubtful if there is any other artist of world-wide repute—such as Dolores—who knows this country so well and thoroughly, for she has toured where other artists have never dreamt of going—combining pleasure with business. Dolores, too, charming artist that she always is, brings her song and her smile to cheer us along the road of further happy memories. "Life has always been the sweeter after a visit from this gracious and charming personality," wrote an Old World critic, and this applies as truly here as anywhere. The possession of a great reputation in the interpretative art of music Carries with it responsibilities as well as pleasures; and it may be'-said of Mdlle Dolores that while she has always sought to please, she has never been so far forgetful of the obligations of her position as to pander to depraved musical tastes. -The items which comprise her programmes are always in keeping with her singing of them, and this again has been in.keeping with the artistic expression of a refilled and graceful nature. Dolores' repertoire comprises some, hundreds of songs and excerpts from oratoria and opera; but be they as old as the days of Palcstrina or as modern as the days of Cowcn they have always shown the distinguishing characteristics of good taste and melodic beauty. Mdlle Dolores appears here next Saturday evening in the Choral Hall, and again on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week, when a new programme will be given on ench appearance. The pianist is Mr' Harold Smith, who. r J(s ajso heard in solos. "Hie box plan for the four concerts opens at Thd Bristol. Piano Co. on Wednesday '■ morning. Concessions are announced for | students and schools, and particulars arc obtainable'at the box office. Country patrons may reserve by post. GRAND THEATRE. Playing as Avicc Bereton in "A Desert Wooing" at the Grand Theatre, Enid Bennett is seen as a member of a self-satisfied family living in a small, smart New Ybrk set. She and her brother have inherited their social standing from their forefathers with the remains of a squandered fortune and a love for luxuries. "In Judgment Of," Anna Q. Nilsson takes the leading part, that of a girl who has the uncanny power of second sight. She meets and falls in love with a young doctor (IJranklyn Farnum), Who is under a cloud, he having been falsely accused of murder. The way the girl clears her lover makes a story refreshingly original and replete with dramatic and love interest. The supplementary list has on it a Mack Sennett comedy, "I.ove Loops the Loop," and the usual topical budget. LIBERTY THEATRE. Every afternoon and evening at the Liberty Theatre a double-star programme is presented. A Goldwyn production is one of these, this being "The Kingdom of Youth." The picture is one with an interesting plot, and the scenes built around it are lull, of vim and comedy, with a touch of tragedy to give it contrast. It is based on the misunderstandings of an erstwhile happily-married couple, and introduces a scheming widow bent on sowing dissension for her own unworthy ends. The second attraction is "The Family Honour" (Robert Warwick). Supports arc "Me and My Dog" (Pathe interest), "American Pathe News," and the Gnumont Graphic. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Attractive and refreshing acting characterises "The. Apostle of Vengeance," the principal item on the current picture bill at Everybody's Theatre. Wm. S. Hart stars. The story concerns the rescue of a girl from a lumberman who attacks her. The hero is scorned by members of his family because of his opposition to the continuance of feuds, and he is ordered out of the house. CRYSTAL PALACE. An exceptionally large attendance witnessed the screening of "Troublemakers" at the Crystal Palace last evening. The delightful actiiif? of the two famous Lee children is the chief feature of the picture, but the story unfolded is of the greatest interest. A second feature is a drama entitled "Atonement." A comedy ("Nearly a Hero"), cartoons, and gazettes are also on the bill. STRAND THEATRE. Charming Ann Little appears opposite Charles Beid in "Less Than Kin," at the Strand Theatre each day. Mary Pickford also appears in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." There arc numerous supports.

SKATING RINK. The fascinating amusement of roller skating was followed with much enthusiasm by a large number at the Colosseum Skating Rink at all sessions yesterday. Preparations for the carnival to be held on the evenings of June 10 and 11 are now well in hand, and entries for the poster, fancy dress, and evening dress displays, and the flat and hurdle races are now being received by the management. The floor is in excellent condition, and a competent staff of men is engaged in the repair and overhaul of the skates. A large number of onlookers attends the evening session. Mr C. Dunn's brass band Is a decided help to the waltzers and twa-steppcrs.