ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1182, 18 July 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"TIII-1 AIiCADTANS.

The attcuduncc at I he Opera House last evening demonstrated that the popularity of "The Arcadians" continues uuabateit, and that not a tew regrets will be heard when (lie curtain is rung down on the merry'comedy lor the last time this evening. "The liclle of liritlany," to be produced far tho Jii-s-t time in Wellington tomorrow' night, is tlio last piece in which tlin present Clnrke-.Wfviicll Comic Opera Company will appear'in Wellington before reluming to England. A Sydney contemporary says: "Miss Winifred O'Connor .-eemed tu have all the qualifications for the Jiart of liarbette. Apart from her artistic: singing, the leading lady of the Clarkc-Moynoll Comic Opera Company ai-lcd in a manner which marked an iidviince on her appearance in "The Arrndians.' 'Tom Jencs,' and 'Mi=s Hook of Holland.'"

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The "Lyons Mail," tho drama which was so closely associated'with the name of the late Sir Henry Irving on account of his fascinating performance, iu tlio dual roles of Dnbosc and Lesurques, is most certainly the most, notable, picture displayed 'in' tho new. programme at His Majesty's Theatre last evening. The plot, of the' story is alivs. with interest, and the acting of the French players who are concerned in. it is very realistic. A coach conveying the mail and seven million francs in notes, with which to pay the army of Napoleon Bonaparte, is held up by a party of bandits, who kill the driver and his companion, and make their escape, after having carried off the booty. Through an unfortunate chance it. happened that one of the bandit?, Dubose, bore a striking resemblance to an honest man, Joseph Lcsurrines, who had been summoned to Liouraint some hours before the attack on tho mail. Lesurques was alleged by witnesses to bo one of the instigators of the crime. He, however, relying upon his innocence, negleetal to defend himself properly, and the evidence against, him was so strong that he was condemned to death. One of the victims declares I.ostirquo-i innocent at tho last, but it is too late to save the head of the. innocent. It is interesting to not? that this play is to be .staged by Mr. H. B. Irving in Sydney on Saturday next. "Tho Knight of the Road" is a very entertaining A.B. picture, a make of film unsurpassed for photographic quality. A wealthy ranch-owner has drawn a larpre sum of money to pay his hands, which fact, becomes known to a gang of thieves, who plot to get possession of it. One of them, however, is a tired individual, who has accidentally .met the daughter of the ranchman,' and who has a sentimental feeling for her. He will not take part in the coup, but after the others have departed to raid the. mansion gives the alarm, and has them arrested. So grateful is the man of wealth that he instals the man in a bedroom, but instead of sleeping iu bed he wops forgetfulnEss on the floor. Next morning he finds everyone so profoundly busy that it gives his tired nature a shock, and instead of presenting himself he sneaks out of the window, and makes off for the long white road and its sunny restfuluess. Other capital pictures are "Slim Jim's Last Chance." "Cantiin Barnacle's Courtship" (made delightful by the sctine of fvw immensely fat comedian), "Tli* Papeaiit. of Emnire," "Pn.t.ho Gazette," and "The Evolution of Womankind."

KING'S THEATRE. A fine patriotic spectacle is included in the- new programme of pictures presented at the King's ■ Theatre Inst ■evening. This is "The Pageant of Empire," a splendidly-arranged allegory depicting. England's oversea Dominions paying homage to Britannia. The picture commences with a map of England, and from the spot on which London is located a number of ribbons extend in different directions, representing those countries over which the English flag flip?. Then follows a pngeant a la pantomime, with (he Dominions being , introduced to Britannia by John Bull—Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Newfoundland,. India, Ceylon, Hong-Kong, South Africa, Uganda, Gibraltar, and Malta are all typically represented, and finally they all group picturesquely around a bust of King George, surrounded by a huge, floral crown, the streamers from which arc suspended outwards over the cheering crowd. It is a picture that will bo appreciated by the patriotic for the sentiment it conveys, and to those with a theatrical taste for the effectiveness of the display. "The King at Aldershot" is another picture calculated to interest the Imperialist. Here the King is seen riding . about the country with. the staff in attendance, a detachment of thft Horse Artillery and some regiments of the line manoeuvring round the big paradeground. Of the narrative picture?, "Slim Jim's Last Chance" As perhaps the best. Jim is ono of the underground—a pleasant, slippery, smiling rascal, who simply cannot go straight. His foil is Tom, with whom he has served time in prison. They both make their way West, and Tom strikes a job on a. ranch, aJid is rising in value and falling in love at tho same time. Then Jim happens along, smiling behind his cigarette. Ho is Riven a job, but is caught by Tom purloining a. wad of notes from the boss's desk. Jim by way of retaliation tells tho ranchman that ho and Torn were in gaol together, in the presence of the daughter of tho house, whom Tom hoped to iuako his wife. Jim is placed in custody, but escapes, and Tom is ordered to quit. ■ Love follows' him even to the 'prairiewastes, where the couple are attacked by , Indians. They are putting up a brave fight when Jim takes a hand, and helps to keep the red men off until help ar-rives-in tho ranchman and a posso of cowboys. , -So-Tom wins the girl of his heart, and boy Jim is offered a chaucn to pull-himself on to the narrow trail, but. , smiling nonchalantly he lights another cigarette and goes his own way. Tho acting ot the' young man who plays Jim is as near perfection as it is possible to obtain. Other pictures, all of merit, included in the new bill are: "Dupin Disappears," "A Marriage Advertisement," "Egypt," "Manny's "The Pa the Gazette," "Jack Mason's Last Deal," and "A Famous Battle." Tonight is a special Harriers' night.

THE NEW THEATRE. Tho continuous pictures entertainment, at tho New Theatre again attracted throngs throughout yesterday. The' customary bi-weekly change of programme today will embrace an exceptionally attractive collection of subjects.. "A Sioux's Reward" is an interesting Indian drama. "A Knight of tho Road" is a fine drama by the American Biograph Company. The knight is an American tramp, who is impressed by the daughter of a ranchowner. So captivated is the tramp that ho becomes the protector of the ranchowner and his daughter against the machinations of other tramps. The hero is offered a comfortable position on the ranch, but tho "call" of tho road is too strong, and he steals away fo remain ever a "Knight of the Road." The Italia film Company's leading comedian is seen at his best in a typical ludicrous conception, "Foolshead lias a. Needle." Another of ail old man desiring to wed a young girl is cited in "Captain Barnacle's Courtship." Tho famous London historical event, "The Pageant of the Empire," is graphically reproduced in a brilliant, photographic work. "The Sergeant's Stripes" is a stirring drama, by the Molies Company. Tho new scries will bo shown conlinuously from 11 o'clock this morning till 11 o'clock to-night.. "A TICKET IN TATTS." Messrs. MacMahon and Donnelly announce that on nest Saturday night tho Australian picture drama, "A Ticket in Tatts," will be presented at the Opera House. This sporting drama created a record at the Lyric Theatre, Sydney. In addition to the "star" attraction," there will be .1 magnificent series of sunnorling subjects. THE CALEDONIANS. Mr. Jock Willis, his Caledonians, and Mr. Dave Smith, tho well-known boxer, entertained another large audience at the Concert Chamber last, evening. The songs of Mr. AVillis and Mr. Colin Cameron were in special favour, and Mr. Dave Sniiih's athletic interlude was distinctly interesting. The Caledonians will perform again this evening.