AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12504, 17 December 1918, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

At the Opera, House this week there is a distinct innovation diming the first portion of tile programme, when, under the .guise of of “Fun in a Cabaret,” many of the best features of tho oldtime nigger minstrel show have been revived. These have been merged ■with the revue idea, and the result is a novelty whidrihas proved extremely successful. The cast is a strong one, and includes such vaudeville favourites as Given Hasto, soubrette; Marjorie Alwyno. contralto; Gale and Sadie, 'Winnie Lumley, Lily YoCklor, Warwick Lumley, Charlie Helavale, Ward Lear and Walter Emerson—the four lastnamed being corner-raeu. The interlocutor is Ernie Helavale. In addition to this attraction, that favourite comedian, Leonard Nelson, appears in a budget of new songs, as well as some of the old popular numbers. Mr C., prince of stoiytellers, with Maud Courtenay, pays a return and welcome visit; Nellie Kolle, the male impersonator arid singing comedienne, as well as Boy Bonham, contortionist, reappear, whilst a strong attraction is tho performance of Romaine, a tramp violinist. The personnel of the orchestra has been changed, Mr A. Bidgood, recently in camp, reassumiilg control. In addition >tho popular trap-drummer and effects musician, Clarence Crawford, who has also doffed khaki, has taken, his old place. *

SYDENHAM PICTURES.

The current programme at the Sydenham Picture Theatre is headed by the production, “Dodging a Million.’ 5 with Mabel Normand in the leading role. The eighth episode of the Pathe serial, “ The Fatal Ring,” is included in the supporting programme.

grand Theatre.

Large holiday audiences attended at both sessions at the Grand Theatre yesterday, and the current programme, headed by the Metro drama, “The Trail to Yesterday 55 met with a flattering reception. The supporting prowhich was lengthy and well varied, included the twelfth episode of the serial “The Groat Secret, 55 two comedies, “The Goat, 55 and “Their Anniversaries/ 1 and a scenic picture, “ Volcanoes of Java. 55 The same pictures will bo screened to-day.

CRYSTAL PALACE,

A super-double programme is.being shown at the Crystal Palace at all sessions this week. Sonia Markova is appearing in a William Fox production, entitled “The Painted Madonna/ 5 and the other star attraction is “A Branded Soul/ 5 with Gladys Brockwell in the position of eminence. Both these Fox productions are well np to the quality expected from this great producer. An “American Gazette 5 ’ and a Sunshine comedy are on the supporting list. •

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

‘‘ Jules of the Strougheart ” is the chief attraction on the current pro= gramme at the Queen’s Theatre, and this picture, which is an excellent one, earned hearty applause at all sos-. sicns_ yesterday. Chapter two of the “Railroad Railers,” and a Mack Sennett comedy, “Friend Husband” aro also shown.

LIBERTY THEATRE.

The Liberty Theatre was well patronised at all sessions yesterday. Tho fine Goldwyu comedy-drama, entitled “Dodging a Million,” was the main attraction, and this film, which has been ieceived enthusiastically by patronsi,; features Mabel Normand. “Tho Fatal Ring” serial, a strong supporting item, was also greatly appreciated. tl e P ro ß ramrn ° will_ bo repeated at tho afternoon and evening sessions to-day.

At a meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association attention was directed to the in noo , I H s i' er s statement that about JO.OOO soldiers would probably not get a vote on the liquor question, and after dismission it was unanimously resolved: iniv-i Ufi i coni f n ittce, representing oves 1000 returned soldiers, emphntioally objects to the proposal of the Government to preclude a large number ot soldiers at the front from exercising their votes on the liquor issue to be placed before the people early next year, and insists that arrangements must be made to give every soldier an opportunity of voting on this most important question. The committee cannot understand why any section of the soldicis should be precluded from voting, rum requests an assurance from tho Acting Prime Minister that tho rights or our fighting men to a vote* on this and on all questions of national importance will b e observed.'’