ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 789, 12 April 1910, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA'HOUSE. "FOR THE TERM OF HIS NATURAL LIFE." Every inch of space in the Opera House was occupied last evening, when Messrs. Al Mahon and Carroll presented a pictorial representation of Marcus Clarke's vivid novel of Australian convict life, "For the Term of His Natural Life," a gruesome story strongly denouncing the evils which are said to have brought discredit on the convict system under the British Government in Australia early in the nineteenth century. The story, however, must not bo taken as a criterion, for elsewhere the lot of the convicts of those- days is depicted as not so very bad. Numbers of them were hired out as farm labourers and servants, and, behaving themselves, became landed proprietors themselves, and respectable members of a community that helped to found a nation now a jewel in the crown of Empire. I he picture which Messrs. M'Mahoh and Carroll present is a striking example of the manner in which a novel can be crystallised by the kinematograph, and credit must be given to the people enterprising enough,to work out the highlydramatic story with such fidelity and completeness. The picture consists of 3300 feet of film, and it took a company of some thirty people over a month to stage the novel in scenes similar to those m which the novelist chose for his mise-en-scene. With a studious regard for detail, the picture commences with, the murder in England for ■ which Rufus Dawes is unjustly accused, condemned, and transported. There are scenes on the convict ship, the mutiny and. its quelling; the convicts at work in the stone quarries; the dramatic Scene in which Dawes refuses to lash a fellowconvict at the triangles, and the punishment he undergoes when "tried up" at the hands of the brutal Gabbitt. Then follows in proper sequence the transfer of prisoners under the villainous Lieutenant Frcro; tho mutiny on the boat, and the marooning of Frere, Mrs. Vickers, and Sylvia on a.'remote part of the coast; the appearance of Dawes the escapee, by whose aid'they escape and aro picked up by a passing vessel. Frere's denunciation of Dawes, Sylvia's loss of memory of "good Mr. Dawes," his life of torture, and final escape with Sylvia- to a Home-wavd-bound vessel which is lost at sea, are all powerfully depicted,. with a wealth of realistic detail and effect that lends conviction to the picture. The picture,.which is graphically described by Mr. Alfred Boothman, who is conversant with much of the dialogue, was taken by Messrs. Johnson and Gibson,, of Melbourne.

"For the Term of His Natural Lifo" )s not the only picture shown. There is an excellent programme of good pictures that serve to while away a pleasant hour. "The Guerilla" is a tale of the American war, in which a guerilla comes between a-young officer of the Union Army and Kis lover, and who is worsted after a series of scones in which tho excitement grows white-hot. Other good pictures are: "Her I' 1"' Biscuits,"-."The Hunchback Fiddler, Xhe Renunciation," and a partiquaint one entitled "Tho Jealous Doll. Those pictures will be shown throughout the week at the Opera House

PULLERS', VAUDEVILLE. • Sparo seats were,at a premium, at the Theatre Royal last night, when the weedy change of programme was given by tlic Fuller Vaudeville Company. The bill had obviously been carefully thought out, and the result was an excellent programme, which won 'rounds of genuine applause from tho audience. Probably the most enjoyable item of the evening was that of Mr Charles Fanning, whose patter and singing kept the house in a constant state of amusement. The amazing feats of strength performed by the Crottons were followed with close attention, and Parker defied tho locks and bars and the handcuffs in a way whicbj completely mystified tho audience. The clover juveniles, tho National Duo, made their reappearance in new specialities, .which won tho goodwill of- the house immediately. Miss Blanche Carelli's soprano voice was heard to great, advantin "AU the .World," which , was loudly applauded. The Lewis Sisters danced and sang their way into popular favour, and Miss Gertie Johns reached S?v fame goal by similar means. Onarlotta, a child performer, sang and danced, her ability in the latter direction being very, marker!, Miss Beattie M'Donalds serio-comic efforts wero rewarded by a demand for more of "The Darkies' Serenade," and Miss Gertie Johns scored with her military specialty. The comic items provided hy Mr Joe. Charles wero well received. The performance concluded with a screamingly, funny farre entitled "Bibbs and Dibbs," in which tfie central figure was Mr. Charles Fanning. iVot the least interesting portion of tho evenings entertainment was the music supplied by Mr. Franb Crowther's orchestra. The programme will be repeated this evening., ..-

HIS-MAJESTY'S THEATRE.. A large and appreciative audience assembled at, His 'Majesty's .Theatre: last night,, when, the present fine programme of pictures evoked hearty applause. ' •■; . ': KING'S THEATRE. m Tho picture entertainment at the King's Iheafcre drew another, large audienco last mght. Every ; item was interesting, and the applause was frequent and hearty. STAR PICTURES.. The Star Pictures continue to cheer up the picture-lovers of Wellington South. Ihe 'new programme presented last evening is full of good things to suit all tastes. One of the,best and most up-to-date dramatic pictures presented for somo time is 'A Modern Highwayman." This depicts the assault on a motor-car by a ■motor-cyclist of 'evil intention. After, despoiling the opulent owner of the car, the robber orders the chauffeur to empty his petrol tanks so that he cannot be followed: But as booh.as ho whirls dff on his ejele another car arrives with plenty of petrol, and a great chase follows. ,The robber deserts his cycle and takes to the bush (a la Powelka), and gives Ms pursuers a lively time until ho is run to earth. Other interesting dramatic pictures are "The Hazards of Life" and "A Girl's Roads." The tcenic pictures include some beautiful views of picturesque B)rneo, and the Murole Channel, Finland, both of which are well worth seeing. Smile-raisers are provided in 'Macaroni Soup," "Undo Learns Hypnotism, "Who Wins my Heart," "Billikens," and "When Prison Bars are Useless." , SKATING. The Skating Eink is to be opened by Messrs. duller on. May 9. " Carpenters are at present busy in the rink putting in. a newjarrah floor. The whole of the skates to be used will be new, and everything is being dono to ensure tho rink being in excellent order for- the opening night.