AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11685, 29 April 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE. To-night will'be the last time the "Metro" production "The Vampire," featuring Olga Petrova, the fascinating Russian actress, will be shown. On Monday another " Metro " production entitled "The High Road" will be screened for the first time. In this picture the exquisite stage star. Mine. Valli Valli, will be seen in one of her best characterisations. Her name was a household word with the American public when, she was appearing on the stage. The "Metro" Company in order to secure her services on the screen, offered her a very high salary and a- twelve-months' engagement. She accepted, and since then her fame has spread, wherever " Metro " films have been shown. The staging and mounting nf ''The High Road " is stated to be quite in the best "Metro" style, and those who were fortunate iu seeing the previous three productions of this company at the Grand Theatre will understand what this means. "Tn the High Road " Mdme. Valli Valli takes the part of a factory girl, and' being of LiJ decidedly prepossessing appearance she is subjected to all the temptations of a big city. How she wins through and eventually marries the Mayor of the town is wonderfully depicted on the screen. In addition to " The High Road," another excellent chapter of "The Black Box" will be shown. PAUL DUFAULT ON MONDAY. Very keen interest has been displayed in the coming season of the famous French-Canadian tenor, Paul Dufault, which will commence at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening. People have pleasant recollections of his previous visit and so heavy'has been the advance booking that a crowded house J is assured to welcome the favourite j tenor. "'Mr Dufault has a happy, one might also say a quaint personality," says an exchange, "which he infuses into all his songs, whether grave or gay, and his marvellous interpretative powers place him at the head of present day concert tenors." A splendidly varied programme has been arranged. As on his previous visits, Mr Duiaulfc (will introduce hnany new songs, which will undoubtedly attain great popularity. Among these to be given on Monday are " The Little Road Home,'* " Lorraine," " Sometimes ia Summer" and "Caddie." Mr Default's big aria, jrill be the prayer from "Le Cid," wnichrgives great scope for the display and dramatic ability. Owing to numerous requests, he will also include " Au Pays." the French March song, which achieved such popularity on his previous tour. The programme will close with "How's My Boy?" one of the Dufault sucsucces'. which is still vividlv remembered. With Miss Bindlev/Mr Dufault will sing the duet, " The Adieu." Miss Bindley's principal number will be the aria from "Ernani." She will also sing a group of English ballads. Miss Florence Scapini's violin contributions will include Drdia's "Souvenir" and the fascinating "Tambourin Chinois." Mr Harold "Whittle is the accompanist. The box plan is at The Bristol.- Day. sales at the Toy Cave. SYDENHAM PICTURES. An attraction of outstanding merit )s promised for 7)ext- -Mondav. when Mr Henry Ainley will make his reappearance in the 5000 feet drama, " Jelfs." "When a handsome actor can act breezy and dashing roles in a convincing way ho has a happy career on stage or screen. The best writer's will gladly compose or dramatise a stirring story for him. and the film producers will fit him to pay a. high income tax. In this happy position is Henry Ainley, who was given the gallant character in " Rupert of Ilentzau " and " Brother Officers," and is now featured in the London film " Jelfs," to be screened at the Sydenham Theatre. It introduces a vigorous, adventurous young Canadian, to Lis amazement brought to London to be the head of a. great banking firm because he is the last of the Jelfs, and "ati the head of Jelfs has always been a Jelfs." Anybody can see. what- a fine dramatic story is possible with the introduction of this straightforward, honest type of man from the Dominion into supercilious London society and the intrigues of cosmopolitan finance. Richard Jelfs goes boldly ahead in his new career, with the free confidence that fascinated Londoners when they saw it in the Airzacs; but it. may be guessed that he has a hard road to hoe. He has to defeat, the treachery of his financial and social enemies, and overcome the fastidious dislike of Lady Fenella for his '•'crudeness." The bluff young banker proves that, he has brains' equal to his courage, and carries the bank successfully through times of crisis which pack the film with exciting incident. Another big figure in " Jell's " is Mr Gerard Aimes. JOHNSGN-WILIARD FIGHT. The Johnson-Wil'ard film will be shown at the King's Theatro next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Chris tchurch geason is for three nights only. Apart from the . fighting scenes, claimed to be some of tho best ever brought to Australia, containing twenty-six most exciting ; rounds, the training quarters of both i ' contestants are vividly depicted, and tl)2 latest and most up-to-date methods] ■ for preparing for a world's championship arc shown. Willard. who is a - magnificent specimen of manhood, | - gives an able exhibition of physical cul- ; ture, and the system used by him is j different from any other yet seen. J Johnson is also seen preparing for the I great contest. The. management has arranged for a plan to be opened at The ' Bristol on Monday at 9 a.m., where [ tending pairons can reserve seats. « _BaaMmmiii^Mi«naßnHnHß