AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16257, 6 July 1918, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

I THEATEK ROYAL. Before a jjood attendance at the Thefttro Boya-1 last night the Brindon-Cremer ComP. an T presented Sydney Grutdy's side-split-ting comedy, "Much Married," in which the misadventures of the giddy young married man and his endeavours to-disentangle himself from the complications that arise provide an excellent evenings amusement. The company, which has hitherto concentrated on drama, gave a highly creditable display of their powers in the realm of comedy, as was fully evidenced by the spontaneous merriment and the hearty applause of tho audience The part of Hummingtop, the young married man, who departs from the paths of strict respectability due to the fascinations of tho "dashing queen of th-o ring,' Rosa Colnmbier, was capitally taken by Mr A. Brandon Cremer, whose previous reputation in light comcdy characters in drama was considerably increased by his admirable representation of the husband landed in a mess. Miss Kathleen Arnold was also well cast, and gave a vivacious rendering of the circus girl's part. Another character admirably portrayed was that of Hummingtop's mother-in-law, which was in the capable nands of Miss Alice Rede. Mrs Hummingtop found an ex- j oellent exponent in Miss Loris Bingham. Joshua, the young man in love with Hummingtop's niece, was «rell represented by Mr K. Carlyle, and Mr Will Ewat made the most of the part of Ralph Omerod. As the ponderously solemn, truly British butler, Dobson, Mr E. A. Senna was quite convincing. The remaining Darts were well taken by the other members of the company, and the result was a performance of high, even quality. To-night, which closes the company's season in Chriatchurch, Much Married" will bo again staged

OPERA HOUSE. There was a very large attendance at the Opera House last evening, when the Harry Farrow Company presented for the first time "Babes in the Wood." The new production is brimful of good, wholesome comedy the robbers, Messrs Harry Farrow and Yorke Gray, being responsible for moat of the funmaking. A touch of charm is given to the piece by tho frequent appearance on the stage of the babes, Misses Iris Edmonds and Bonnie Murray. The scenery ie good, and tho many ballets are pretty and effectively staged. Of the musical numbers, "I Wont to Go to See," and "A Boozey Serenade' (Mr Warwick LurnlSy), "Welcome for a Boy in France" (Mies Winifred Lumley) "Mississippi Girl," and "Keep Yotit Eye on the Girl" (Mr Yorke Gray), wero particularly good. In the last-named song tho chorus girls promenade the side and central passage-ways. Miss Iris 1 Edmonds sang tho chorus of "Blarney Stone," which proved one of the hits of tho evening. The chorus girls wero in no small measure responsible for the suocess of most of the musical items. Tho danoe, "Pierrot and the Moon," by Mr York> Gray and Miss Olive Uerniud, earned th..m much hearty applause. Tho bird ballot, ~oy ' the whole troupe, and a skipping rope and clog danco by throe of the ballet w«ro also very popular numbers. In the vaudeville portion of the programme Graham and Graham were received" with warm appreciation in presenting their human marionette turn. Unfortunately this Qne act was presented fox the last time last evening, and they will not be appearing at to-day's matinee as previously announocd. Miss Maud Courtney and Aft C., Bertram and Raymond, Ward Lear, and the Balancinos, who were all well received last evening, will appear for the last time to-night. On Monday nighty an entirely new vaudeville programme will bo presented. Mr Murry Livingstone, one of America's leading character impersonators, will open a limited season of- five nights with a very fine protean act, entitled "Th© Dreamer." This turn can be summarised in the words of the billhead, "A man and his masterful makeup." Aubrey and Rich, two American girls, will also appear for five nights only. Th«ir turn consists of singing and dancing, a special feature being their very fino wardrobe and eoenery effects. Miss Nellie Kolle (comedienne), Laywocd and Norell (burlesque comedy team), and Brandon-Cremer and Arnold (comedy akotch team) will also ftDneax on the bill.

M3IS BTTRNES-LOUGHNAU'S CONCERT.

Theeecond of Mrs Btunes-Loughnan'r; concerts in aid of tho Lady Liverpool Christmas Parcels Fund will be given in Everybody's Theatre to-morrow at 8 p.m. Tho programme is as folIowB:—'Cello solo, "L© Reve," Mr O. Martinengo; song, "Lead, Kindly Light," Mr J Cooks; piano solo, "Polichinelle," Miss Mina Ward; song, "Entreat Mo not to Leave Thee," Miss Millicent Jennings; song, "O, Rest in the Lord," Miss Beryl Mareden (first appearance); cornet solo, "The Lost Chord," Mr Herbert Fox; vocal duet, "Crucifix," Miss Jennings and Mr J.- Cocks; so'ng, ''Devon Moor," Miss rJeryl Marsden; ~piano solo, "Etude," Miss Mina Ward; "Marseillaise," Miss Millicent Jennings (by ftpeoial request).

' CRYSTAL PALACE. " Another full house witnessed, at the evening session do luxe at Crystal Palace yesterday, the -screening of this week's highly attractive programme. "THo Narrow Trail," featuring William S. Hart, was followed with keen interest and enjoyment, and the varying fortunes of hero and heroine were grea'ily enjoyed. The Mack Sennctt comedy, "Sheriff Nell's Tussle," was a top-notch mirth-producer, and the deepening mystery in the serial, "Who is Number One?" held the audience spellbound. The vocal items by Mr James Cocks (baritone), and the admirable selections by the-Crystal Palace orchestra added greatly to the evening's enjoyment. To-day, from noon, and this evening will be the final opportunities of witnessing "The Narrow Trail" and its supporting subjects. | The programme t<ft next week gives promise of exceptional attractiveness. It wi'l be headed by the five-part romantio photoplay, "Every Girl's Droam," in which the ever-popular and fascinatingly boautifn) young nctrosa, Juno Caprioe, will be starred. Sho will be supported by a galaxy of film talent in Harry Hilliard, Kittens Reichert, Margaret Feilding, Marcia Harris, and Dan Mason. The scene of "Every Girl's Dream" is laid in old time Holland, in a quaint old town far famed for the beauty of its girla. Of these tho most beautiful is Gretchen (June Caprice), who lives with her fostermother, and who loves and is beloved by Carl vHarry Hilliard), a humßle woodchopper. Mynheer de Haas, the town lawyer and capitalist, though old and a wig-wearer, seeks Gretchen for a wife, and has the support of her foster-mother, Mrs Van Lorn (Marcia Harris). So the course of truo love runs far from smoothly. Mynheer is /rejected by Gretchen and, to vent his spite, wrongfully accuses her of having stolen an important document. Just as Gretchen is to suffer the indignity of ( the stocks, the old lawyer finds 'the missing mortgage. Meanwhile Carl has bsen recognised as the long-lost heir o the throne, and subsequently Gietchen is discovered to be a mi&iuig princess, and the grand finale can be well left to the imagination. Also will be screened the 3ide-ap.it-ting ifack Sennott farce, "His Hidden Purpoae," in which the leading fun-makers are Chester Conklin, Marie Proves!, and Gene Rogers. Startling developments take place in the new episode of tho mystery serial, "Who is Number One?" That mysterious and elusivo entity, "Number One," is disclosed, but nevertheless this but leads Jo more intonee 'complications, which wili take eavorai more episodes to clcar up. The latest American Gazette will round oB a wellselccted programme. "At 8.15 p.m. Mr James Cocks, the popular baritone, will sing "Bright Eyes Glance," and "A Big Lot of | Sunshine Coming Soon." The Crystal ' Paiace orcheistTa, under Mr W. H. j baton, will render appropriate selections at the evening session de luxe. I < <

QUEEN'S THJiATRE. "Well-filled houses witnessed the varied and attractive programme at the Queen's Theatre yesterday, Gail Kane, in "The berpent'a Tooth, arousing the keenest interest. Mr Barrie Marschel received quite an ovation with "The Kid from Timaru," which with the other films will be finally screened to-day and this evening. Heading next week's programme will be the Mutual-American photo-comedy, "'Molly, Go Gel 'Em," featuring delightful Margarita Fischer. "Molly, Go Get 'Em" is described as being more a string of comedy incidents than a regularly constructed drama. The story is woven round the escapades and Tomboyish caprices of a half-grown girl, a combination that usually ensures an attractive picture. There ia no end of amusing situations, ,in which Margarita Fischer gets tho fullest scope to display her powers of depicting the kittenish proclivities of the flapper. The main incident concerns Molly's mischievous interference with her elder sister's matrimonial prospects. Matters roach the culminating point when Molly goes off to a bail, attired in her sister's best evening dress, with her sister's beau, and when, returning after the dance, they get held up bv_ the automobile bw&kinff down. A thrilling episode is that in which Molly, at tho pistol's point, captures a bogus count, who is on the point of docampin<r with her sister's jewels. There will shown also the ninth en is ode of the absorb in el y interesting wrial, "A Lass of the Lumberlands," featuring Helen Holmes: "The Gulf Between," a tworeel drama; "A Mix-up at Rudolph's" (comedy); and nn interesting a film, "Th* South African Whaling Industry.*'

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Tho final screenings of the Goldwyn special feature, "Sunshine Alley," starring Ma© Marsh, and of the excellent supporting subjects, including the serial, "The Mystery of the Doubly Cross," will take place to-day at Everybody's Theatre. Heading next week's programme will be the screen version of Rudyard Kipling's masterpiece, "The Naulahka" ("The Jewel of Desire"). In this superb production in six reels of perfect Pa the, Antonio Moreno, Doraldina, and Helen? Chadwick are featured, and tlie dances by Doral-' dina are described as a revelation, especially her marvellous "Dance du Vontrc." Another special feature of the production is the magnifioent pictures of Indian soenery, no detail having been overlooked in the endeavour to giv e Kipling's spectacular and intensely human story, the richest possible setting. Antonio Moreno takes the part of the young hustler from the backblocke of Colorado, tho part of the. American girl who believes her mission is to save the women of India, is tnken by Helena Chndwick. and the worldfamed dancer, Doraldina, is admirably cast as the Indian dancing qirl. Episode five, "Life Current," of the serial "The Mystery of the Double Cross," will be also screened.

STRANT) THEATRE. The final screenings of "Tho Mysterious Miss Terry," featuring beauteous Billio Burke, were witnessed by large and wellpleaeed audiences at the Strand Theatre yesterday. To-day's new programme is headed by tho Paramount special feature, "Babs's Burglar," featuring winsome Marguerite Clarke. The film is a version of one of Mary Roberts Rinehort'e "sub-deb." stories, and simply bubbles over with merriment and incidents of girlish irresponsibility. How Babs squanders her year's allowance in one "perfeot day," buys a motor-car, assists in detecting the elopement of her sister, and gets mixed up generally in mirth-provoking scrapce, makes a finoly-constructcd and interesting comedy. The "supporting attractions will be a Burton Holmes Travelogue, a comedy, and the American Gazette.

LIBERTY THEATRE. To-day _an 3 this evening will bo tie final opportunities of witnessing Robert Warwick in "Tho Silent Master." Next week's programme will be headed by a fascinating, romantio drama, +he action of which takes place during the American War of Independence. It is entitled "Betsy Ross," and Alice Brady plays the name part. To Betsy is ascribed by hiotory the honour, of having mafie the first flag of "Stars and Stripes," and around her story is woven a deeply interesting love episode. The cast of character? includes "many Lietorio figures, including: George Washington and Benedict Arnold. Included in the supporting features ie tho Pathe interest film "Stecplechasing." Thi3 should prove of unuaual attractiveness in view of the approaching Grand National Meeting. The camera depicts with remarkable detail the muscular action of horScs whilst jumping, and will be of particular interest to all who love horses. Other filmß to bo Bhown include: "Cope and Cusßedness" (Vitagraph comedy) and the latest Gaumont Graphic.

STARLAND. Patronsof Starland attended in large numbers yesterday to witness Nanoo O'Neill in "The Love Question." which, with its supporting subjects,' will be finally screened today. For next week's new programme the top-liner will be "The Jaguar's Claws," featuring See sua Hayakawo, This is a thrilling story of the capture of. a bridal party by a Mexican bandit chief." There is • plenty of sensational incident, rapid movement, and an absorbingly interesting lovo story. Supporting subjects will inolude a revival of the Mack Sennett comedy, "It Pays to Exercise," and the Topical Budget.

3 » e 3 1 I S I > I CHRISTCfHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY. For the opening of tho Christohurch Musical Society's 59th season, an unusually attractive programme j 9 being prepared. The ule of Old Japan," by Coleridge Taylor, >3 a charming work, and will bo performed for the firsi time in Christohurch at this conccrt, which is fixed for Tuesday, July 23rd. . The work is for eoloiots, oroheetra, and chorus. The solo vocalists will bo Madam Gower Uurna, Miss Marian Woodhouse, Messrs L. and Rex Harrison. Dr. Bradshaw will conduct. The Symphony Orchestra will | awist, and Miss Macleod Smith will b© at tne piano. The sonc: cycle, "Tho Daisy Cnain, by Liza Schumann, which fills tho § art '. twelve conga 0 f S Wllil 80108 aad th ° »W^ 9 ' XL 6 Bame Vo " a Hßto as mentioned above., with tho exception of Mr Bowron whoso place will taken by Mr Petty. R©l vised subscription rates are announced and anbccribeia wiU tstmi. 7 on - Mrs W ml son, Wftlhana. Now Brighton ('Phono 3577«> or by any member of the committee'' h I

J. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME. The box plans for the J. C. Williamson "Dick Pantomime will be opened at Milner and Thompson's on Wednesday morning next. The tale of VVhittington and his cat is" perhaps one of the old legenda that lends itself for the purpose of pantomime better than moot others. The fact that most of the comedians and comediennes appearing in Dick Whittington wore engaged in the successful pantomime of last year speaks for i tee If. Again that doyen of Damee, Mr Arthur Stigant. will appear, this time as "Molly" the Cook. As Alderman Fitzwarren, Mr William Fullbrook is said to be splendidly cast, and the "Idle Jack" of Mr Harry Roxbury ie well spoken of. As | "Thomas," the Cat, Mr Billy Lebrun, an animal actor of muoh distinction in England, ! should be in his element, while the eccentricities of "Johnnie" should provide Mr Ernest Langford with that dry and unctuous humour for which he is w'idely known. Vocally the pantomime is eaid to be well equipped with first-class artists. Mr Vil.liers Arnold, a prominent member of many comic opera companies, will appear as "Ro- J dento," tho "Demon Rat," and Mi Howard Vernon, the famous "GUbertian," ne "The Emperor of Morocco." Mias Pearl Ladd, also a light opera prima donna, has on important paxt in tho Prinoees "Rosy Dawn, while Miss Ethel Walker, who plays the good fairy "Dulcibelle," haq. many good opportunities vocally. Tho premiere danseuee is MS 38 Maggie Dickinson. Of the other principals, pride of place is given to Miss Vera Poarce, who plays the impeccable "Dick." Mis® Constance Cayley i 3 tho "Rupert" of tho production while Miss Pauline Bindley will be "Alice.'., The season commences on Friday night next. -

christchurch male-voice choir. atv s "wa-J! JS 4Vi y d m jST? i?,Ss.?T£ -jftetgFSti&zaai Scgera? of Una-row combination of male

SKATING RINK. There were lar-o atirndances at -11 scs!S ° f tb ° Colosseum Skating Ri-!> yesterday, the carnival of tho two preccdire oven,n"f, . ,appan»rt'y~ made many converts to this hea tnv, fascirnHner, and exhilarating exercise.. S»r C. Dunn's band •arilj be in etterdaDou at both afternoon and evening sess,?2? '°-day All prizes won in connexion wiffi the carnival will be presented at the link to-night.