ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 462, 22 March 1909, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. * ; . , . THEATRE ROYAL. THE CINEPHONE. The picture programme at the Theatre Royal on Saturday,evening was made interesting by the introduction of an instrument called the cinephone, which in snort is the kinematograph and graphaphone combined. Something of the sort lias been 'attempted here before, and in Sydney the chrononiegaphone, which does the same, work, has been exhibited for some time. Such a combination was inevitable. There are many in Wellington yet who remember Professor Archibald's visit to this city with the first phonograph, when the mummified voice of Gladstone was heard at the Opera House, and how the Garrison Band played a selection that was immediately' reproduced. Long after that came ihe moving-picture—animated in more senses than one, as the inventors had not then learned how to cheek the vibration which caused the flicker. Something new was wanted that would perfect the work of both machines, .andtproduce a closer reflection of the natural. That is what tho cinephone does. The song is heard and the singer is seen. Men are seen talking and' laughing, and what they say and langh at is heard by the audience. The reproduced sound might be a little louder, it is true, but an effect is produced, and,that effect marks a stop towards an invention that will eventually take the form of one compact instrument.'' The cinephone records consisted of "Mv, Little Eva,"' by Mr. Stanley Kirkby, who has" a quartet of ballet dancers to help him, through; the ballad "Daddy," sung by Madame Deering, and acted indifferently by persons whose identity is not disclosed. "The Apache' Dance," as done by Mr. Fred. Farren and Beatrice Collier, at the Empire Theatre, London, was perhaps the most topical turn synchronised. This is a dance said to be indulged in by the hooligans of Paris in those intervals when "the enterprising burglar's not a-burg-ling, and the cut-throat is not occupied in crime." There is a certain fierce grace and abandon in the quaint motions of the dancers. In some respects i f . resembles the dance of the Dartos ulgariset'. lit other respects, however, it is hxM happy. 'Ti-e other record was a scene representing Eve in Barracks," in which there is a band, some singing, and toasting, filled in "with small talk and laughter. The kinematograph nittures in ordinary were very good. Particularly striking was a lengthy film, descriptive of Rider Haggards story "She" in which most of tho leading incidents are portrayed with commendable fidelity. It is a novel in tabloid. Other interesting pictures were "A Rhodesian Railway Ride, The Old Shepherd," "A Persistent Follower, Saved by a Dog," and "The Electric Policeman.. vßy special request the pictures showing Wilbur Wright's latest aerial flight will be repeated to-night and on the two following nights. OPERA HOUSE. Playgoers have seen "The Pollards" in the past -produce "Maritana," one night and "Uncle' Tom's Cabin" the next. They have also seen them play every line of comic opera and musical comedy, but to-night they will have an opportunity of seeing them for the first time in. vaudeville. Mr. Pollard has so many clever young people who are only seen in the chorus that he has decided on presenting a vaudeville programme for the last week of the season, in order to show tho public the fullstrength of his company. The programme willinclude the very latest successes in songs, dances, sketches, ballets, etc., while several, favourite numbers will be reproduced. For the rest of the season tho management has de-: cided on doing away with the early doors. ; HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Despite other and changing attractions in town, the Royal Pictures continue to receive a full share of the public support, and crowded houses proclaim that the popularity of this picture-palace is not by, any means on the wane. Two exhibitions on Saturday—one a matinee, the other an evening performancewere very well attended. The same programme will be repeated to-night, and the usual change will be made on Wednesday. ' ORGAN RECITAL. The noble Fugue in E Flat, by Bach, and Mendelssohn's Organ Sonata, No. 2, were the star items of the organ recital given by Mr. Maughan Barnett in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance, auguring that the organist's second series of municipal recitals is not to be less popular than the first. The fugue and sonata wero beautifully interpreted, and the audience were generous in their recognition. Other items in a varied programme were Saint-Saens' "Le Cygne," Schubert's "Momens Musicaux No. 3," and Bizet's sparkling fantasie " Carmen." Another recital will bo given next Sunday night. PIANO PLAYING. In the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Wednesday evening . next, at 8 o'clock, Madamo Elderhorst, the wife of Mr. Carl R. Elderhorst, ! a well-known London violinist, will give a lecI hire on pianoforte playing, followed by a pianoforte recital, with quotations from Pro-, fessor Matthay's book, "The Art of Touch." Madame Elderhorst arrived from the south yesterday, where sho has given lectures and recitals with great' success. Tickets may bo obtained at the Dresden. ': ,