AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16145, 25 February 1918, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE

Very big crowds were present fit both performances at the Opera House on Saturday, especially in the evening, when large numbers of intending patrons had to be refused admission. That popular combination of musical comedy artists, the "Walter Johnson Revue Company, presented the "Kissing Maid," and were rewarded with continuous laughter and applause. The last nights of this company arc announced, their season in this city finishing on Thursday next. To-night will see the first appearance of the De Booviers. French poseurs, in a Eeries of classic statuary studies. A complete change of programme will be given by the Trio Classique, who have become deservedy popular here, and Hickey and Rose, dancers, will also appear.

BARTON'S CIUCUS. There was a large attendance on Sattirday night at Barton's Circus, and the various and interesting acts wore warmly received. To-night tho circus will appear again, and a matineo performance will be given on Wednesday, at 2.30 p.m. "THE SPY SYSTEM." In "The Spy System," "William Fox's big standard film production, which opens at Starland Theatre, to-day, Austin Farnum portrays a young American Society man, who goes to Germany on a perilous diplomatic mission. There is a love story in this picture which combines admirably with the heroic theme of the story, and which gains the [ sympathetic approval of those who see it The thread of the story, however, is concerned more with the intricacies of international relations, and the revelation of diplomatic episodes with which the public is unfamiliar. lJustin Farnum does sterling work in "The Spy System," and he gives to the character of Mark Quamtance, the spy, a wholesome good humour that is in marked contrast to the vivid dramatic scenes of the photo-play. Special arrangements have been made to screen "The Spy System" twice each afternon and evening during the week. Reserved. seats may be booked at The Bristol.

THE LIBERTY THEATRE. Tho great W. S. Hart drama, at one time called "The Cold Deck," to be produced at the Liberty Theatre this week, is claimed to be the best, play featuring the Triangle Westerner actor yet produced. Elaborate settings are features of the production, and the feminine part of the cast is exceptionally strong. Three Triangle beauties are featured in the play—S.vvia Bremer, Alma Reubens, and Mildred Harris—and cach has a part peculiarly suited to her type of beauty ana ability. There are some hair-raising feats of athletic prowess in tho drama,

notably Hart's leap of twenty feet from the gaol window to the horse standing below. The programme is further strengthened by the first instalment of the new. and powerful serial, "The Neglected "Wife," starring Ruth Roland. Each episode has a new thrill, and the whole piece is full of sensations.

J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic •Opera Company is to be reorganised for a special tour of New Zealand. The principals will include Florence Young) Reginald Roberta, Gladys Moncrieff, Phil Smith, and others. : The repertoire will include "Mr Manhattan," "The •Red Widow," and "Oil, Oh, l>elphine." The last-named will be given its first Australasian production, and Mr George Highland is being specially brought from America to produce it. New Zealand will, therefore, have the distinction of a real first-night production of this notablo musical play, which, has been onormously successful in England, America, and on the .Continent.The tour will open at Easter in Wellington, according to present arrangements.