AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10232, 15 August 1911, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

WEST-H AY WARD PICTURES. Next to that of Sir Henry Irving, the name of Sir Herbert Hecrbohm Tree, is better known to colonials than the name of any English actor, and the public of Christchurch were given a thoroughly interesting and enjoyable

"second-hand'' view of the great knight and his company by the WestHay ward Company last evening. The fact that a film of Sir Herbert and his company was to be shown drew a crowded house at His Majesty's Theatre, and the expectations of the patrons were more than realised. The film, which has created much interest in Great Britain and Australia, depicts Sir Herbert Tree and his London company in Shakespeare's " Henry VIII.," and. the pictures have been taken with a care and wealth of detail, that are as marked as their clearuess and continuity. Sir Herbert Tree as w'olsey stood out in a series of remarkable portraits that show-* ed his wonderful facial expressions with the utmost' fidelity in phonography, and in the final scene, where he casts down his greatness, the master actor was seen at his best. As Queen Catherine Miss Violet Van burgh was seen most clearly, and Miss Laura Cowie, as Anno Bolevu, showed hew capable and careful the company are. Mr Arthur Bcuchier, as King Henry, and other leading actors tilled the other roles, and the dressing and mounting were in accordance with, tho artists. The picture, which is one of the best seen 111 Christ-church, was most heartily received. The rest of tho programme was of a varied nature, including the _ latest Pathe Gazette, several comedies and dramas, and a fine series showing views of Bosnia. The orchestra, under Mr Charles Parnell, played many attractive numbers, tho cornet solo, '• Banks of the Wabash, ' by Mr Frank Taylor, being very well given. The programme will be repeated this evening.

OPERA HOUSE. The change of programme at the Opera Mouse introduced ro a largo audience three new " turns," all of which served materially to strengthen the ''bill." Moimier and Franz, two athletes, performed many feats of strength, Franz carrying heavy weights up a ladder by his teeth, and Mourner bearing over :2001b on his neck. The performance was enthusiastically received, tiie two men hoinp- frequently applauded. DekivaJe and Gilbert, two patter comedians, gave a humorous speciality in which" the fun was and furious. Their work was quick and crisp. Miss Lucy Vockler, announced as a motto balladist," sang a number of songs vory successfully, and quickly made herself a favourite. Miss Lucy LavLnia in a number of new sows was again heartily received, and the three t<ewis Sisters quite justified, the appreciation given their act by the audience. Mr Jim Marion in. some now comic songs, and the wonderful Altons. also contributed to the enjoyment oi tho evening. The same programme will be presented to-night.

FULLER'S PICTURES. Although it monopolies the greater part of the programme, the film " It's Never Too Late to Mend cannot claim any remarkable superiority over the other pictures shown last evening. Tho "star" film is an Australian production, and tho photographv is hardly as good as that of tho American and-Continental productions, but. the story la well told, and with the aid of the descriptive lecture by Mr Alfred Booth man, tho ramifications ot the plot are made interesting and easv to follow. Tha long Edison film dealing with the Panama. Canal, however, was more enjoyable 111 every way. !; is an entirely new series and gives a better hloa, of the magnitude of the engineering workMan any other picture seen in Christchurch. The gigantic machinery for mixing concrete and the o-j-i1 cranes lifting tons nf material as if it were pounds, coupled with a snlendid panorama of the biggest " cut." crowded with hurrying mechanical and engineering wonders busily at work, a se" 110 that was a revelation and quite uii-.ijuo. Tho film, without doubt, v.ill bring to the notice of the nubiic the vast amount of stupendous work necessary ko pierce the isthmus whore a pen would prove absolutely inadequate. The dramatic studies shown were both interesting and clever. ''The Aching Voir! ' was remarkable for some good lighting effects in addition 10 an absorbing story. " Treves and Cuds'' dealt with the preparation of heir to assist in the erection oi' eoifFnrec in accordance with the diei.-'ic:-. of fashion. The same film will be shown to-nirrbt. SYDENHAM PIfTI.'BKS. Tho attendance was very trood la«t night at the Svdenham Empire. The chief jitt r.nction ot' the proo-fa mine was the lengthy scenic film entitled " New Living London of To-day." denic!ing matters of iipero:4 in the jn-eel Metropolis. To-night, the i,ie projirammo will he shown and to-.-narrov. 'te film en ii tied ''One Hll ndred Yews Ago " will he. shown.