HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1021, 30 September 1909, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S.

HARRY RICKARDS’ COMPANY. Mr. Harry Rickards’ company will commence a season of vaudeville at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday next. The combination is spoken o: as the strongest that has ever been got together for a tour of the Do Ininion, this as a result of the appreciation shown by the New Zealand public towards the last attraction sent here by Mr. Harry Rickards, who has come to the conclusion that New Zealand is worthy of the best artists that visit Australia, and will therefore keep the Dominion well supplied with the best talent in future. The present company will be headed by no less than three great European novelty acts- Foremost must -be mentioned Miss Rosina-Casselli’s famous Mexican dogs. In noticing their performance, the Sydney “Daily Telegraph’ says: _“l n Miss Casselli’s trained troupe of : Mexico dogs, the audience was introduced -to what is probably the most extraordinary animal performance ever seen in Australia. It was certainly one of the very prettiest and most interest ng. Fourteen or.yj fifteen dogs; not much larger than b|g'' rats, .went through a gymnastic per-?, formance, including the clowning, which made the great audience thuri- ; . ;; der applause, while people marvelled’i that dogs cpuld do suclj things. The ■wonderment seems justified when or»o sees a dog about the sze of a lady’s toy spaniel, but more robust, swinging by the! 1 hind legs from a trapeze, whileholding. in. its mo.uth .a triangle whence another canine swings, similarly suspended. The full turn is a triumph of animal training and canine intelligence.” In addition, there are Mesdames Florence and Lillian n their clever and novel musical act. Another of the star turns will be that of the Kremka Brothers, a pair of Continental comedy acrobats, who are spoken of as being much superior to the famous Artois Brothers who will long be remembered in New Zealand. Fred Graham and Nellie Dent are also included in the company, the othe’ members of which have been carefully selected from Mr. Rickards’ M 1bourne and Sydney houses. The company left Sydney yesterday, and are due to arrive here on Sunday next. Mr. Allan Hamilton, who has managed the last five New Zealand tours for Mr. Rickards, will again be in charge. HENRY HAYWARD’S NEW PICTURES. Tuesday night saw a complete change of programme at His Majesty’s Theatre, where Hayward’s Pictures are having a deservedly successful run. A characteristic feature of the films presented by this management is the absence of flicker, and one is able to thoroughly enjoy every item without any reservation. “The Musical Policemen” set the ball rolling with the comical situations they aroused, followed by the dramatic story of “The Lighthouse-keeper,” a highly thrilling subject, in which the rugged sailor and his daughter have narrow escapes from death, owing to the 'machinations of two villains, who are eventually routed. “ The Mysterious Thief” did not belie its name, and tells of a member of the light-fingered gentry who can render himself invisible when the need arises, much to the mystification and delight of the audience. “ Satan’s Smithy” showed some startling scenes, which were portrayed .with effective realism, “The Mohawk’s Ring,” an Indian story full of interest and sensational moments, being another exciting subject, and tells how a kindly act saved a girl from torture. On the instructive side were some beautiful Views from Quebec to Niagara, and from Yokohama to Kyoto, while particularly interesting was the film “From Forest to Fireside,” which familiarised the audience with the production of Lloyd’s Weekly,” from the cutting down of the timber to the issue 1 of the printed sheet. Other diverting numbers were “ There are Ghosts In the House,” “Father Gets

in the Game,” ' “ Earthly Paradise” (giving glimpses of an Arcadian modern gaoi) and “Aviation has Its Surprises” (an up-to-date number, which is particularly appropriate just now). Every film was received with unstinted applause and appreciation, and those who are looking for a pleasant hour or two can have it at His Majesty’s this week. The tuneful tions rendered by the orchestra add greatly to the enjoyment of the entertainment. The season will conclude on Saturday evening.