ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 34, 4 November 1907, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. MACMAHON'S PICTURES. A crowded aiulienco greeted the first display of AlncMiihnn's Picture Entortaiiimciit at the Opera House on Saturday evening, and it is satisfactory to record that, judging by tlje spirit in which the show was rocnivotl, everyone seemed satisfied that they had received thoir money's wortli. A foaturo of the entertainment was the marked improvement noticeable in a number of tho pictures shown. Every management has introduced tho'alleged "flickerloss" kineinatograph, but none hitherto seen in Wellington have quite realised the ' perfection in that regard which is achieved by MacMnlion's new machine when showing the new i'"rench "Patho" films. But for "tho hissing of the electric arcs, and tho whirring of the machine, it would have been easy tu imagine that the pictures were not pictures at all, but rather the real thing. The first of these was a representation of seventeenth century robbers and incendiaries. The spies arc sent out from the robbers' rendezvous to return with the news of a mansion inhabited only by an old man and his servant. The robbers are scon boating across tho river in the moonlight, they knock at the door, and tho servant who answers tho door , is promptly despatched. The robbers enter, bind the old man, seize his gold, and fire the place. The fire spreads to the village, and soon the whole populace, is hot on the trail of the robbers. They take to tho rivor in boats, and are pursued, and finally burned out in their rendezvous, and shot down under very realistic conditions. "They "Would Play Cards" is a still-film "screamer" of the first order. Two carpenters' apprentices have developed the card-<playing . mania. They are caught by the "''boss" and "sacked" —then the fun begins. They play cards everywhere, on an indignant lady's lap by the wayside, on the footpath where they are run down by a perambulator, on tlfe road where they cause a bicycle catastrophe. They board a train and snatch a passenger's newspaper to play on, are ojected from the train, and are seen rolling down an embankment, at the bottom of which they recommence play; then a gamekeeper interferes, and they sit on him and play cards on his hack, and afterwards set fire to a haystack that affords them shelter for a game. They are chased to the river, where they play in a boat, , which slowly sinks as the gamo progresses, until finally they aro dealing the cards on the surface of tho water. Finally, only their hands can be seen above water taking tricks—then bubbles and the hereafter. It is an exceedingly clever picture, and all but perfect in its smooth continuity. Another gem was called "Easter Eggs," a peculiarly French trick picture, in which a fascinating woman creates huge eggs out of space, and opening them in turn liberates miniature ballet dancers of different types who pirouette gracefully until enclosed once more :'n their shells by the conjuror. As far as tho public were concerned, the "Robbery' Under Arms" were the "draw." Not so good Icinematographically as the, French pictures, the series rehearsed the principal incidents in Rolf Boldrewood's capital story to the manner born —from tho time when old Ben Marston "duffs" the first herd of cattle to Starlight's last stand agains't the troopers. Country, .characteris-tic-of that, in which the scenes were originally laid, has been selected for the picturedrama, every derail of which is worked out with scrupulous attention to detail. Another jolly film was also from the French —a posse of eccentric policemen chasing a dog which, has stolen a lop; of lamb from the butcher's. After an exciting chase, they finally stick up the dog-tit its kennel, when the animal assumes the. role of chaser and the policemen that of the chased. In addition to this varied selection of pictures, Mr. Howard Vernnii, the well-known operatic comedian, and Miss Vinia de LoitteV revive pleasant memories of Planquotte's charming opera "Rijv Van. Winkle," in.a sketch consisting of bits lifted from the first and last ; acts of tho oncrn. Age cannot apparently subdue Mr. Vernon's wonderful vigour on the stage, but the subtle' finish lie was wont to give the roles ho assumed in the dear'past was not so apparent on Saturday evening, and 'there was .an overphis of superficial gesture. Tie was much hotter in the. "twonty-years-after" scone than as young Rip. and throughout sang vigorously. Miss Vinia do Loitte made a charming dark-haired Gretchen, and equally as fetching an Alice (in tho last act). Her best effort was the wcll-rcmeni- ■• bored "Letter Song." They were assisted iii the last act by Miss'.lris Vance, who played young Jan Vcdder, ■ the innkcepor, sprucely. The same young lady Exhibited a robust contralto voice in a couple of admirably-illustrated songs entitled "Like a Rose" and "The Fireman." Abc.Mahon's Pictures will run throughout tho week, with a matinee performance on Saturday afternoon next.

THEATRE ROYAL. As usual, thero was no room for latecomers or dull care at Fuller's on Saturday niglit. The programme was admirably arranged to..suit all tastes, ldalngersoll with her song, "Snuggle up Close," appealed to the sentimentally inclined, while the Kancoous, old favourites now, .catered for theso who like a good variety turn. Mr. Dave "Warms is new to a AVellington audience, but he soon established himself on the best terms with the' house on Saturday night by his songs, " The Twenty Third," and " On the 17th or' March," both stirring airs' with lively choruses rendered with great verve. For an encore was, .given a clever burlesque of a rustic recitation, which took like wildfire. The lover of a good ballad found his predilection favoured by Mr. R. 11. Cqllius,_ a coloured tenor robusto, in songs entitled "Come, Beloved " and "'Sincerity," both treated with delicate expressiveness. Tho Quealys are old but ever welcome friends of the patrons of tho Theatre Royal, and their slietch "Owen's D.T.'s" added to their reputation. Musical items were also contribuod by Rupert Christie, tho boy soprano, who'achieved success with tho, laughing refrain of "When you know you're not forgotten .by the girl you can't forget," and also by Miss Lorraine Tanslcy, a vocalist much appreciated whenever she comes to Wellington- Her songs were, "Dream Love of the Sea " and "Down Where the Swannee. River Flows." An expert piece of trick cycling was that performed by tho Valdenos7 who made a powerful bid for applause and won a decisive tribute from the audience. Messrs Dclavale and Gilbert andMiss Gertie Everett maintained tho high standard of the programme, and then Mr. Puller sprung a surprise upon the audience. It was one of the best biograph films of a genuine event ever seen in Wellington. The series of pictures of the Squires-Burns prizefight for the championship of the world was a triumph of the kinematographic. art. Squires was shown in training, skipping, exercising, sparring; Burns also performed his part, and then came the day of the great event. Crowds rolling up to tho ground in the hot Californian sun, the throng of spectators about the ring, the typical American flagwaving, the master of ceremonies introducing JolFries (the ex-champion and judge for .the occasion), the combatants themselves, and then the clearing of the ring. The fight commenced, Squires leading all the . time. Then came the knock-out blow, and the record fight was over. The performance will be repeated to-night.

AIiIDA LOMAN,

To-morrow evening the famous soprano, Madame Alida Lomnn, will mako her first appearance at the Town Hall (concert room), and it is hoped that local amateurs, especially vocal students, will avail themselves of the rare opportunity of hearing a large number of songs rendered in one concert by a singer \yho not only has a groat Continental reputation, but who also comes to us while her beautiful voice is still fresh and youthful. The reports from Auckland, whore 'the tour began, are enthusiastic, and tho programmes are delightfully varied. Madame Lom.lll sings in each programme about fifteen songs, covering such widely differing styles as the great airs from the oratorio "Tho Creation," "Lo, hear tho Gentle.Lark" (with iluto obbligato), " 'Twas April" (Neirn), "The Swallows" (Cowon), and also French, Dutch, and German songs. Messrs Anderson Pooro, and .Scherek contribut bass songs, piano and flute solos respectively. The plan is rapidly filling at the Dresden.