AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11093, 2 June 1914, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

GRANS THEATRE. A specially-attractive programme was shown at the Grand Theatre yesterday to commemorate the first anniversary of its opening. " A Throue at Stake," a magnificently staged drama, was tho " feature'' film, and well deserved its place. The emperor of a kingdom had two sons, one, the elder, on the verge of marrying a princess, as became tho successor, to tho throne; the isther, secretly in love with a maid of honour. Matters might have turned out favourably, but the elder son fell from, his horse and was killed. As heir to the kingdom, it devolved upon the young prince to forsake, much against his will,. his real lover, and for the good of the country marry the princess*. A count, for purposes of gaining money, roused the jealousy of the maid of honour and placed in her way means to kill the princess on the day 'she wedded the prince. Kappily this was averted by the chief yt police, who hypnotised the girl as she va-s about to fire a revolver at tho priiv,v»ss. The ■girl was then cast into prison and condemned to death. Heart-broken at the fate which had befallen his former sweetheart, the prince planned to let her escape at j-11 risks. Gaining a permit to her cell, lie cut out the bars with a file, and with the girl clinging round his neck, gtarted to climb down a ladder to the courtyard far below. While in midair, they were fired at by the guard, and losing their foothold, fell to tho ground and wero killed. " The. Missing Bonds" was another effective dramatic picture, with a far happier ending. Ail .educational film,' juteiefttinsi more to the fairer , sex, was "Tresses and Curls." showing the making of wigs, and switches of human hair, from the time it was out from a peasant woman's head till it adorned |hat of a society beauty. ;< The Kauri Forests ■ of New Zealand," which showed the felling and carting of the giant kauri pines of the north, was much appreciated.. ,: The Gloves of Ptames," and "The Birthday that [Mattered." supplied plenty of merriment. The programme will be repeatI©d to-day.

QUEEN'S THEATRE The programme at the Queen's Theatre was shown for the last time ,yostorday, and was appreciated by large audiences at, all sessions. To-day there will bo an entire change.' and the "star" picture will bt- Miss Nellie Stewart m the famous production "Sweet Nell of Old Drnry." According to reports from places where the film lias already made its appearance, '" it i& an excellent version of the remarkably romantic life of the London orange girl who played Tcith the hearts of kings s,nd reigned a-monC'Sfc queens as their superior. The picture had a rema.rka.bly successful run in Auckland, and. the acting, stacinc- n.ud-photography is said-to be olraoPtT perfect. The supporting programme will include the latest. "Topical Budget," " An Exchange of Heads'* (eomie) and " "fn Old Brittany'' (eolonrod scenic). The Queen's orchestra will supply .siiiia'ne accompaniments.