AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16251, 29 June 1918, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

j « | THEATRE ROYAL. "Tho Shamrock and tho Rose" ■will bo [ staged this evening at tho Theatre Royal by | tho Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company, who enter upon tho fifth week of their season. Tho play has a Ivpiial Irish setting, and deals with, the old-timo liish troubl between landlord and tenant. Throughout the story runs the love affairs of an English girl and a young Irishman. Tho steward ot the estate causes an estrangement between them by of the cviciion of the heroine and her people from their old home, but bus plans ate frustrated by Dandy Duuraven, a li;;ht-hearted Irish boy, who is tho means of bringing about a happy reunion. Ilis3 Kathleon Arnold and Mr Wm. Ewart are m th*-- leading roles, while the villain wlio.ie plans are brought to nought is played by Mr Kenneth Carlisle. The comedy element, in which the play is very strong, is entrusted to Mr -Brandon-Cramer, who, in tho character of the Irish boy, quickly gets on good terms with his audience. "DICK WHITTINGTON." J. C. "Williamson's "Dick Whittington" Pantomime Co. will commence a limited season at tho Theatre Royal on Friday, July 12th. Tho J. C. Williamson pantomime has, in tho Dominion, come to be regarded as an ' annual institution. On this occasion, with ' tho story of Dick Whittington and his cat j picscnted as the nominal theme, there is a | combination .of attractivo scenes, humorous incidents, rcsplondont costumes, delightful • ballots, sylphliko dancing, and many quaint I interpolated turns. It may be said that one I oi the "Jistinctivc l"cnturfs of the pantomime is the all-round cxcellcnco of the principals. It would bo difficult, it is said, to recall a bolter boy than Mies Vera Pearce. A3 tho principal girl, Miss Paulino Bindley takes , quito a distinctive position, by reason of tho j exceptional value of her vocal contributions. Miss Pearl Ladd i 3 graceful and attractivo as the daughter of the lierca Emperor of Morocco, also Miss Ethel Walker as the epirit of the Chimea. Mr Villiers Arnold, as tho Demon King presents a etriking figure. The humour of the pantomime is entrusted to very capable hands. Most of the artists who created so excellent an impression last year hare again important parts, notably Mr Arthur Stigant (Molly the Cook), William Fullbrook (Alderman Fitzwarr»n), Ernest Langfcrd (Johnnie), Harry Roxbury (Idle Jack), Billy lo Brun (The Cat). Tho_ Camilla trio, a team of acrobats, are described as little ehort of marvellous. OPERA HOUSE. In spite of the wet evening, thero was a large adienco at the Opora ilouse lust night, when a partly new programme was presented. Tnc jtlarry Fanow l antomime Company entered upon the fifth week of their season with a potted version of "Tho Forty Thieves." This was presented in six scenes. Tiio character of Aii Baba waa. jyeil played by Mr Harry J; arrow, who, as in the company 8 former pioJuctions, is responsible lor most of the iim-making. Of the musical numbers, "M&ko a Fubs Over Me" iMisa Winifred Lumlcy), "Captain of the Forty Thieves'' (Mr 'iorka Gray and ballet), "Valley of Moon" (Mi Yorke Gray and ballet), "SVill You Go" (Mr Warwick Lumley), and. "I'll Put a Spot on You" (Miss Louio Farrow and ballet) were tho best. In the lastnamed Miss Farrow and the girls held mirrors in such positions as to throw a light, on to tho faces of different people in tho audience. Tho bal.et again did excellent chorus work, and also danced well. "The Dance of Vcngeanco" wm very capably performed by Mr Yorke Gray and Miss Olive Bornard. Miss Vera Tandy deserves a special word of praiso for her part as a donkey, which was responsible for much good fun. Tho chief event in tho vaudeville section of tho programme was the deciding of the competition for lines of "I Would Still Love You," the duet made so popular by Miss Maud Courtney and Mr C. A committee, consisting of tho manager and two newspaper men, selected what tliey considered the most suitable | lines, about twenty in number, and these • were sung by Miss Courtney and Mr C., the applause bestowed on each pair of lines uiti--1 matclv deciding the winners, who were placed las follows:—Mr D Walker, Chiistchurch, 1; Mr Len Cummins, Christchurch, 2; Mr j Shepherd, Addnigton, 3. Apart from tho ' competition Miss Courtney and Mr C. were 1 very well received in their other song 3 and stories. Miss Winifred La France's big act T?aa again much admired, l'hoso who have not yet seen this fino turn will have a final opportunity ot doing so to-night. Bertram and Raymond, the Balancinos, and Ward Lear all repeated their turns with success. A matinee will be held this afternoon. On Monday Graham and Graham ap- . i>ear in a novel and amusing act, entitled "The Human Marionettes." These artist 3 have had the distinction of appearing beforo tho King and Queen. STARLAND THEATRE. "Tho Right Direction," featuring Miss Vivian Martin, was repeated at the starland Theatre yesterday, and will bo screened for the last time to-day. The new programme next week is headed by a William Fox production, "Tho Lovo Question." in which the well-known tragedienne, Mies Nauco O'Neill, takes tho leading role. It ia stated to bo a story of lovo, adventure, and intrigue. Supporting films include "Hi 3 Own Story," "Topical Budget '' and "Clever Mrs Carter." ' 0 ' SKATING RINK. The cold weather experienced .of lato has been just tho thing to encourage people to ■ iako part in-healthy and invigorating exercise, nnd ill consequence there have been very large attendances at the Colosseum Skating Rink throughout the week. Yesterday proved no exception to the ru.e. and last evening there was a big crowd on tho commodious floor, proceedings being made the more enjoyable by tho music supplied by Mr C. Dunn's band. As the time is now vei7 limited, intending competitors in the many events should make the most of their opportunities to practise. The management announce that entry i 3 free for all events, and inav be made at the Colosseum ticket office. Amongst tho many attractions are fancy and poster dress competitions, flat and hurdle racing, waltzing ar.d two-step competitions, etc." Intending spectators should avoid disappointment at the doors by booking their seats at the Theatre Royal confectionery shop. The rink will l*. *»«>*<' at tho usual hours today, and th; " ~ bo ia attendance aitnrminn ajU

QUEEN'S THEATRE. | To-day will be the last opportunity of seeing Mary Miles Minter in "The Mate of tho : Sally Ann," at the Queen's Theatre. The eighth chapter of the aerial, "The Lns« of the Lumberlands," will bo screened, and a apocial feature will be the presentation of "The K>i from Timaru," picturing the fitory of a Now Zealand hero from his school daya to the memorable landing at Gallipoli. Next week, in addition to "The Kid from Timaru," there will be screened tho throbbing drama, "Tho Serpent's Tooth," tho story of a battle of two men, ono poor and generous, the other rich but a drug fiend, with an innocent girl as tho prize. She chooses the latter and pays tho penalty. Then, silently an*J venomously as a serpent's tooth, the drug habit fastens itself upon her. How she finally regains tho mastery of her soul and finds love and happiness, is one-of the most powerful storica over screened. "The Serpent's Tooth" features the beautiful romantic actress, Gail Kane. Her work in this production is especially pleasing, and _ she dresses tho role of tho -unhappy wife delightfully. In fact, the picture is a singularly well-dressed one. "William Conklin, as Hie husband, exhibits great dramatic power, ari& makes a. repulsive role stand out with fine individuality. The actress plnvins the -ole of Hortensc, the vampire of tho play, does an excellent piece of work. Jane Pascal and Edward Peil aro also noticeable for their fitnese for the roles entrusted to them. The story centres about the home of _ a wedded pair, between whom a coolness arises on account of rlifforonces in taste. The husband, who has been an artist, loses his moral balance, in mixing with the smart set, and becomes infatuated with a fascinating woman of the vampire type. A child" born to the man and his wife dips, and because of the nervous condition of tho wife, her doctor administers a dm? with caution. One day. however, the bottle containing the drugdTops from his satchel, and is found by the husband and hi? affinity who plot together to convert the wife into a drug fiend. By tho time that this is accomplished, tho husband has degenerated morally and mentally from the excessive use of drugs and aloohol to such an extent that he becomes subject to hallucinations and drops dead in a fit. Tho only fault to be found with the construction of tha story ia a matter of consistency. For instance, tho wife, who has become attached to the drug habit, becomes apparently instantaneously deluched from her affliction. Of course this is beyond reason. "THE KID FROM TIMARTT." 'The .Kid from Timaru," which is to be produced at the Queen's Theatre to-day ajid all next week, is from the pen of Barrie Marschel, who will relate the story during its screening. It pictures tho etory of a New Zealand hero from hia school days to the realistic landing at Gollipoli. It ia produced under tho direction of tho author by pormiseion of Sir James Allen, Minister of Defonoe, and with tho aosistaneo of the miliauthorities. It has had highly successful eea-eons at Auckland, "Wellington, and Dunedin. -> CRYSTAL PALACE. , To-day will be tho last. opportunity of seeing the classio picture, "The Darling of Paris," at tho Crystal Palace Theatre. This is a pictorial representation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece. "Tho Hunchback of Notre Dame." There is also a strong supporting programme. An excellently diversified programme, full of snap, is promised for next week, when that great favourite of film audienccs, William S. Hart, will appear in a realistic drama entitled "The Narrow Trail." The story is written by Hart himself, and ia produced by that master of pictorial sotting and effect, Thomas H. Inco. It is the first picture made by Hart for "Artcraft," ami is stated to bo the first photoplay in wliiqjj he has had full scope to display hi*3 wonderful ability. It is claimed to bo a etory full of heart-interest, with many throbbing scencs, a story of strong men and fair women, one that thrills an audience to tho marrow. Exciting incidents crowd upon ono another in ouick succession, and the intense interest is sustained to tho end. Supporting pictures include another amusing Mack comedy, "Sheriff Nell's Tussle," featuring Polly Meran, Ben Turpin. and Billy A-mstr.-n-r, whilst in episode XX» of tlio invstery serial* "Who i 3 Number One?" the heroine risks all'. The "American Gazette," as usual, is replete with topical pictures. For the night session de luxe the services of Mr James Cocks, tho well-known baritone, have been secured, and w ill sing at 8.15 p.m., ''Corisande" and "The Old-fashioned Town." EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Tho Crosa Bearer, starring Montague Love, and the third episode of "The Double Cross," were screened again at Everybody's Theatre yesterday, and will be repeated for tho last time to-day. j Those who had the pleasure cf witnessing 1 tho last Goldwyn production at Everybody's , Theatre will pleased to know that yet : another one is to bo screened next week. This is "Sunshine Alley," in which Miss Mae Marsh plays the star role. It is stated to be a quaint and inimitable story which wavers between laughter and tears. The entire story is woven about the love of a litilo girl, Nell Harbost (Mae Marsh) for her marvellous bullfinch. When her grandfather, with whom she lives, and who runs a little bird and animal store in a poor quarter of ixe city, thinks of selling the bullfinch to A wealthy woman, Mrs Morris, who ia anxious to compensate him for damages sustained when he was knocked dc-.ro by her automobile, it is this love that restrains him. But it is the love little Nell has for her grandfather that impels her to sell the bullfinch to Ned, the handeome young son of Mrs Morris, when her grandfather's injuries prove serious, and she is at a IOS 3 for money with_ which to en-nee a doctor and purchase medicine. The bullfinch refuses to sing when M's Morris p?r>rv> to piir-ris? her (ru«t3 at a fancy drees tal'; aid ihe good lady sends post hasto for the bird doc'or. who nresently pr-tveq in of lit*]" Nell. bedecked in her grandmother's wedding-gown. X ho by thi« time hi.c fpU"n i-i love with the onaict child, introduces her to the rartv as his guest, and she the time of her life. In tb<» meantime, Nell's wayward brother. prsundM by an evil corncfnicn tbnt M-s Morris did not treat his grandfather fni'l** ill t'ne matter of eomrirrention for his iniurxe3, plnr_i to rob Mon-i? lion"* and get the compensation in that way. H" ari ~— at the housa "iaht when Noll is

aloco in the place and steals tho jewels of Mrs Jloiria. But just as he is about to ho starta a burglar alarm and ehless to prevent bis crime, hides him. a'.lv ho escacee. and Nell goes after him to recover the jewels, but her abeenco i. apoear to the returned iamu> that sh« i th~ thief, and they put the ponce on her trail. She is arrested, but her brother aamits that he is the puiltv party. A situation is cleared by tb> avowal of Ned th-.t the jewels were not Eloloh bu given bv him to Nell, who is to be* l "L f tie The fourth episode of the Mystery of th Double Cross" will also be' J? iTen ; will b<> a specially augmented orchestra, J*Vcre Buchanan will play a viol.n solo, "Ehapscxiio Hongroise" (Bohin). LIBERTY THEATRE The final screenings of -Puntbea ta-e place at the Liberty Theatre to-day. On Monday will be presented The S-lent .la* tcr" a Selzmck Ecreen version of the I>v E Phi'lirs OpT>?nieim, featuring Robert S.pp&lin, ai»» M>* ££ mont Graphic" (topical), and Her Uncle Dudley" (Triangle comody). GRAND THEATRE. To-dav and to-night will be tie last opportunity of patrons seeing >io.a The Winding Trail" at the Grand Theatre On Monday wh-t is termed a. big double bill will bj presented. The principal picture will be "The Chain Invisible, featuring Miss Gcrda Holmes and Bruce Mcßao. Tho picture is described as a daring one o. primitive love," and a marriage vow medo be.ore the King of Fire. The story describes the great adventure of a man who loved ft woman and a woman who bated the man, wrecked on a lonely island; an altogether new method ot dealing with an old subject, as old a3 the first primitive passion in tho Garden of Eden. Th? picture has been admirably adapted from the niaeter work of th' 1 co-lo brated author, Richard Le Gallienne. Charl;s Chaplin will also bo seen in "A Night at the Show," in which the inimitable Charles la seen in one of his funniest moods. The supporting films are all good, being both interesting and amusing. STRAND THEATRE. "Tho Son of His Father" was repeated at the Strand Theatre yesterday. The new programme to bo ehown to-day will bo headed by "Tho Mysterious Miss Terry," in which Billie Burke makee her debut in Para.mount pictures. "Tho Mysterious 11133 Terry" is claimed to bo a tulo of love and mystory. In it, humorous epiaodo and tltrilling adventure follow in rapid succession upon tho heels of each other until an unexpected and wholly thrilling denouement clears tho atmosphere and gives just the right "happy ending." Supporting items include "BurtonHolme 3 Travel Series," "Kelever Komedy," and the "Weekly Paramount Gazette." MUSICAL SOCIETY. Tho Musical Society's first concert for the season 1918 will be given in the Choral Hall on Tuesday, July 23rd. The programme will bu an unusually attractive one, coi statin? of tho cantata, "A Tale of Old Japan,' by Coleridge Taylor, for soli, chorus, and orchestra, a, work which has not before been perfoimed in _ Cliristchurcli, and the song cycle, "The Daisy Chain," by Liza Lehmanu,, comprising twelve songs of childlinrvi as soli and < uartets. The soloists will bo Madam Gower Burns, Miss Marian Woodhouse, Messrs A. E. Petty, L. Bowron, and Rex Harrison, ar.d tlio accompanist will bo Mrs P. Osmond ; Smith. Mnny new subscribers are being enrolled. Subscriptions are 10s Gd, 15s 6d, 21s for two, three or four tickets for each of three concerts. MALE VOICE CHOIR. The Cliristchurcli Male Voice Choir, under Dr. J. C. Bradshaw, announces its second programme of the season, which will be given in the Choral Hall on Thursday, July 18th, and Saturday, July 20th. An advertisement in another column invites the enrolment of additional subscribers at popular ratss.