AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Issue 170268, 13 July 1920, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THE GRAND. The Grand was well attended last night when a programme was released. Judging by the signs of appreciation the films were very much liked. A Metro Travelogue is a beautiful production of very picturesque landscape. A Sunbeam comedy, entitled ''Stripes and Stars," is responsible for much merriment, and is up to the high reputation of this favourite company. The star attraction is entitled "The Grey "Wolf's Ghost," and is an adaptation of Bret Harte's famous story •'Maruja," produced by the Robertson-Cole combination, In the screen form the story takes on a vitality and picturesqueness Which heighten the dramatic effect ind lend colour to an interesting tale. Additional realism attaches to ..he production' from the fact that the localities in which the scenes are pitched are identical with those of the author's story, and the atmosphere of California days is reflected in every detail. Mr H. B. Warner, than whom r.o finer actor has appeared in tho silent drama, takes the leading role in a play that is unique in many respects. Accused of his father's murder and about to be lynched, the hero is saved by one of, the strangest and most unusual contrettemps utilised in drama or fiction. The production is accompanied by very 'appropriate music by Miss Capstick's talented orchestra. The programme throughout is well worth seeing. THEATRE ROYAL.

VAUDEVILLE AND PICTURES. Fullers had a double programme att the Theatre Royal last night, vhen, in addition to excellent pictures, tw 0 novel ; and enjoyable vaudeville acts were proi vided. Abdy's Animals —cats, dogs, pigeons and cockatoos—were the star attraction, and they go. through a number of tricks, which at the same time amuse and astonish the spectators. The training and intelligence of the permormers are helped out by luxurious stage settings, and swings, prams, beds, and a merry-go-round are brought into use, while the cockatoos cause laughter by their apt remarks, i The cats are the most vivacious members of the party, and when tley are not performing they cause amusement by indulging in scratching and biting contests, while the dogs and cockatoos look sober, and even bored. The other "big item is provided by Poincaire, a whistler and mimic. He whistles a tune in a. manner which leaves some instruments- in the shade, and he 'mimics all kinds of birds and s.nimals, and keeps his audience in the bf.st of 1 humour with the true I rofessional touch. He has a French manner and accent which "take on" very well and help with the patter which l e talks between items. His imitations of birds are very pretty, and that of a nightingale should be enlightening to Timaru people who have no opportunities of hearing thig bird, so much belov.-d of poets and singers. The "canaries' courtship" and farmyard imitations are very amusing, and the wild arimals' cries are enough to keep any ordinary I baby awake for a week, if it ere not for the smiling face of the mimic. The chief picture offering is "The Illustrious Prince," founded on E. iiillip Oppenlieim's story. The plav is of a murder mystery in London, for which a Japanese prince is suspected. The writer's name is a guarantee of a good plot. Sessue Hayakawa is responsible for some fine aoting, and the London scenes are very well photographed. An adventure of Stingaree and a Gazette complete the programme. There will be ta matinee at 3 p.m. on "Wednesday. TEMUKA PICTURES.

In Marguerite Clark's latest picture "Little Miss Hoover," to be screened at Temuka there is a scene 1 the originality of which is certain to delight the audience. Through adverse circumstances the "heroine is thrown upon her own resources and undertakes to run a chicken farm. At a critical, moment the incubator fails. As usual hens are not available, but nothing daunted, means are found to. hatch the chicks. Just how, is told by the picture. ' Supports, Arbuckle comedy, and i Pictograph. j BALLARAT CONCERT PARTY. ! Geraldine residents are reminded of the bright night's entertainment on Thursday next at 8 p.m. The Baliarat Concert Party are now thoroughly reliearseld in a bright and entertaining musical comedy, entitled Rose of the Cabaret. The plot is well supported, j by numerous catchy and tuneful melodies, while the comedy is frequent and of a novel nature. The leading talent of Timaru have willingly given their services and consequently a good night'b_ entertainment can confidently be anticipated. The company numbers twenty, in addition to specialists in-stage craft and electric lighting, and the music is in capable hands. The proceeds are to be devoted to the fund for sending the- Second South Canterbury Regimental Band to Baliarat. Special interest is attached to the fact that the band is the only New Zealand . band known to be going to Baliarat, 'and a buimper house will go far to show Geraldine's pride in the premier South Canterbury band.