HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1053, 12 May 1910, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S.

McMAHON AND CARROLL’S PICTURE DRAMA. ■“ FOR THE TERM OF HIS NATURAL LIFE.” Most Australasians are familiar ’with the story of Rufus Dawes, the unfortunate convict, the tragedy and martyrdom of whose life is depicted in such moving terms by the late Marcus Clarke in the now historic Australian classic, “ For the Term of His Natural Life-” Some of us have seen the story enacted on the stage, and, mayhap, have shuddered at the cruel fate that made an innocent man the victim of such terrible occuronces as those that were (if history is truthful} so common in Australia’s convict days. Now Messrs. McMahon and Carroll are presenting it to us in a new form, by means of the ever-popular “ living pictures.” The opening night of the picture drama at His Majesty’s was to have been Saturday, but the news of King Edward’s death coming to hand about one o’clock, it was felt by the management that it would be highly indecorous to open His Majesty’s Theatre that evening, and the Messrs. McMahon very loyally and patriotically decided that the opening exhibition should not be given until Monday night. The decision undoubtedly involved them in financial loss, because the picture shows that did not see their way to close were crowded on always the .best night in the week. They were rewarded, however, by a bumper house on Monday, and a great outburst of enthusiasm on the part of the very large audience that assembled on that occasion. . The picture-drama is certainly a fine one. The tragic happenings in the terrible convict story are depicted with wonderful fidelity, the scenes on the convict ship, with the burning of the Hydaspes and the attempted - refief of the crew of the latter being particularly fine../ The- mutiny scene is very thrilling; so Also are ’ those ■ depicting Captain Bates, Lieutenant Frere, Mrs-'CVickers and her Mugliter Sylvia, the- murder of Captaiir'Bates, the escape, of Rufus Dawes from Grummet.lsland-and-.his> . advent marooned party, ■ the building by Dawes- of the corncle in which the party escapes, Sylvias i dawning love for the unfortunate con-, vict, the villainy and ingratitude of Frere, the further indignities heaped upon Dawes in consequence, the intervention of the chaplain ( J; North), the latter’s confession that it was he who robbed the dead Lord

- Pellasis, for whose murder Rufus had been sentenced, the exchange of clothes between the chaplain and the convict, the latter’s escape to the vessel by which Sylvia is returning to England, his recognition by Sylvia, the vessel in distress, the final scenes showing the water rising higher and

higher around the united but despairing lovers, and the grim tragedy of the sea casting up its dead Sylvia and Ru’us locked in each other’s arms — these are all presented with such v vid fidelity that the whole sad story is recalled. Mr. Alfred Boothman, he well-known actor assists in the il-

lusion that, the scenes are being enacted before the audience by his terse descriptions and powerful recitals of the more important passages, every now and then throwing his voice into the pictures, so that one hears as from Dawes, Frere, or some other actor in the powerful drama the protest of innocence, the cry of despair, or the brutal reprimand and rejoinder. The picture drama is certainly a great conception. Other films shown are of a varied character. “ The Country Doctor” portrays a pathetic little domestic drama; “The Renunciation” tells the story of a lifelong friendship divided by a woman with whom two American miners fall in love, and the narrow escape from tragedy that follows; “ Logging in Italy” is a beautiful series connected with the timber industry on the Rhine; “The Guerilla” tells of tragic happenings in the American civil war; “ Too Beautiful” and Hypnotic Suggestions” are humorous films that can only be fully appreciated as they are seen. The programme is an excellent one throughout, and, with the popular prices prevailing, good houses seem to be assured throughout the season. THE HAMILTON-MAXWELL CO. “WOMEN AND WINE.” On Monday evening at His Majesty’s, the above company will start a tour of the Dominion, and will present the spectacular drama, “ Women and Wine,” for the delight of Auckland patrons- The new firm has secured from Mr. Bland Holt the sole rights of several of his most popular pieces, which will be presented in due course- As the season is limited, each piece will be played for three nights only. The other pieces to be presented are “In London Town,” “ Revenge,” and “ Woman’s Hate,” each of which is of strong and thrilling interest. The company carry some 200 tons of scenery and effects, and each production will be staged in the same complete fashion as with Bland Holt. The productions will be under the personal supervision of MrMaxwell, whose association with the Holt Company extends over the past 12 years. Many favourite people will be found in the cast of the productions, and on the whole the company is generally regarded as one of the best equipped and strongest shows ever seen in New Zealand. The Sydney season at the Palace was one long triumph, and the Sydney Press are unanimous in their praise of the combination as a whole. Miss Beatrice Holloway is the leading lady; others are Misses Vera Remee, Nellie Strong, Muriel Dale, Mabel Russell, Flo Potts, Messrs. Godfrey, Caes, Charles Brown, S. A. Fitzgerald, R- Bellairs, W- R. Riley, J. Bruce, S- Neville, and others fill important parts in the productions. A complete ballet is one of the attractions promised, and, taken all in all, it would appear that the theatre-going public of the Dominion are in for a treat of no mean order. The box plan is now open at Wildman and Arey’s.