ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1289, 18 November 1911, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA IIOVSE. At tho Opera House last evening a splendid scries of photo, iilays were presented by tho Grand Operatic Pnoto-l'kiy Company. Tho bill includes stones twit appral lo wide tastw-nlmost every kind oi picture, boinir represented, from romantic druma to comedy, lint in all tins category there are two studies which, by tho magnificence of their mounting and tho excellence of their acting, constitute themselves tho "star" items of tho programme. Tho first—"Baron Munchausen s> Dream"—is a food exnmplo of trick photography, 'i'ho baron, having dined well but not wisely, has a series of nightmares, in which goblins, gigantic spiders, eprites, and nymphs join lorces to disturb Ilia slumbers. Instead of remaining . m tho background, this motley collection actually seem to walk on tho baron s bed, and otherwiso torment him, till, in an agony of fear, ho seizes a chair and wrecks tho bedroom. In the morning ho is found sleeping on his own doorsteps. Tho other picture is a romantic story of medieval times, tho whole plot of which hinges on what was then called "the law of sanctuary." Apart from its setting and mounting, this firm makes a special appeal by reason of its beautiful colouring. "Tho Law of Mercy," as it is entitled, describes how two men quarrel and fight a duel, in which one of them is killed, and how the dead man's friends pursue tho victor. In desperation ho enters his victim's home, and beseeches the wife to hide him from his pursuers. She, not knowing that her husband is the victim, conceals him in a private chapel. Shortly after,'the dead body of her husband is brought, and then she realises that his murderer is hiding in her home. She is about to betray him, but remembers ' the law of mercy." The climax is reached ■when tho wife shows her husband's murderer the door, and tells him that ho is safe from pursuit. "The Quaker Mother" is a fine Yitagranh drama, which relates how a mother prevents r-.n estrangement between her daughter and her daughter s husband. The.young counlo havo not been long married when the husband slights his wife, and shfc, maguifyinK it, regards it as a sign of coldness. The relations between them are very strained, and tho appearance on the scene of tho wife's former lover does not improve matters. However, the mother steps into tho breach, and, after mutual explanations, the young couple became reconciled. A number of other interesting pictures were ehown.

THEATRE ROYAL. Wellington's vaudeville house, the Theatre Royal, was well filled last night, when the numerous artists appeared in their various turns, much Co the satisfaction of tho audience. An item—amateur trials—which is always' looked forward to with interest by vaudeville patrons, is to bo repeated to-night, and a large number of aspiring amateurs will appear. On Monday night, Messrs. John Fuller and Sons, will present a very large bill of star items. Among I'hq artists are:— Madame Haydees, who will present for tho first time- in thic city a marionette vaudeville show. The Delefoiros, entertainers and musical experts; The Willis Sisters, sprios and dancers; reappearance of tho National Duo; alfo Martinctti and Grossi, novelty entertainers; society lady entertainer: Lily \ ockler, balladist; and Devale nml Gilbert, patter comedians. Also a number of other good artists. On Saturday night next tho Theatre. Royal will close down.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The attractive programme now being presented at His Majesty's Theatre wns appreciated by a very fair audience last night. "The Bells," n pictorial presentation of the piny produced here twenty years ago by Walter Bentlcy, is a great attraction. 'Tho Puthc Australian Gazette is full of interest. Other good pictures are: "Lucerne," "The New Faith," "Five Bold, Bad Men," "Cod Fishing frnm a Trawler," and "Foolihead's Removal."

. THE KING'S THEATRE. The very fine picture of Mount Etna in eruption, screened for tho first time at the King's Theatre on Thursday evening , , large audience last evoning. As an-example of kineraatographic enterprise and daring this film is unique, for tho camera was taken in such close proximity to the raging inierno that tho photographer must havo carried his life in his hands. Other good studies inoludo "Cup Day at Melbourne," "Samuel, of Posen, and "Notre Dame do Paris." Tho usual matinee and evening exhibitions aro announced to-day.' THE Ne"w~THEATRE. The development of kinomatography has given a fillip to tho revival oi tho thousand and one romances and dramatic incidents that cither have their origin in the American Civil War or are tho creations of clever imaginations which use tho war as a background, and often the basis oi tho picture scheme. This was so in that niomorablo picture "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" shown at the New Theatre last week, and in the first programme screened this week. The latest ona is

"With General 'Stonewall' Jackson," a pretty romantio drama of the days of the great war when brother fought against brother and sons against their fathers. The incident is said to bo founded on fact, which makes the story all the more interesting. "Grey Cloud's Devotion" is a pretty story with a Wild West setting, which tolls of tho love of an Indian maid for a pale-face doctor, who cures her grand-parents of fever. He, however, is married, and shows the girl of the wilds tho photograph of his wife, little thinking that ho is covered at the time by the rifle of the girl's Indian lover. When the girl explains to the Indian the position and consents to become his wife, he holds the doctor in. such high respsct that he presents him with a bag of gold nuggets. Tho salt industry of Sicily is capitally illustrated—from tho timq the water is admitted to the pits until tho salt is emptied froo into the steamer's hold. "Soothing Music" and "Entertaining Auntie" are both calculated to raise hearty laughter. The programme will be screened from 11 a.m. to 11.n.m. daily.

HOSPITAL CONCERT. Among tho performers who have oomo forward to a.=sist in raising funds for tho Wellington Hospital, a special feature of tho concert to bo hold in the Town Hall on Friday, November 24, will bo the appearance of the St. Mary's of the Angels' Choir, who will render the three competition test pieces. The Orphans Club orchestra ,of 30 instruments will also give selections during the evening. A number of young ladies of the Girls' Realm Guild and nursing staff of the Wellington Hospital will have a large and varied assortment of home-made confections on sale. Populr prices will bo charged. Watch, the papers for the programme. HUDDEESHELD BELL-RINGERS BAND. Tho Huddersb'eld Hellringera Band, which opened its Australasian tour with great success at Dunedin, commence their Wellington season on Saturday night nest, i'rom reports to hand the performance is an exception al treat to music-lovers, and creates great enthusiasm. Never in the history of Australasia has such a complete band of bellringers visited its shores, and it is impossible to convoy an idea of tl>o excellent pitch these- Huddersiield workingmen have brought tiieir performance to until one hears them. Speaking of their performance a leading English daily pays: "The band was bfautifullj balanced, and all the features of the mudc were brought out with neatness and precision. It was wonderful how Mr. Townend, the conductor, was able to secure Buoli delightful tone, colour and rhythm and well-marked response to his expressive beating." Assisting the band are several English artists, including Ella Airlie, the charming young London piaiiDloquist, mimic and xylophone expert, and Mr. George Campbell, the quaint humourist an<l instrumentalist. _ It might bo mentioned that Miss Airlie is recognised ns one of the cleverest infantilo mimics that has been heard, in London, and in addition to being a clever artist is a composer of no little note. Popular prices are to bo charged, and day sales and box plan will bo as usual.

PUPILS' CONCERT. Mr. Leo. Buckeridge, who hag uiado a study of the vocal art in Italy and England, gives a concert on Wednesday next in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall with a programme comprising entirely the work of his pupils. En passant" it may bo noted that a. bracketed number has a special local interest, being (a) a eong composed by Iho lato Mr, Ashcroft Noall, of Napier, to words by Mr. Buckeridge, and wititlcd, "If Lovo and I no'er meef'i and (b) a very beautiful little eoag ("At Eveatide") {rota wo

pen of Mr. Joseph Stevens, who lately visited Wellington. BAND PERFORMANCE. Tho Wellington l.'ipo Bund will give a porformnnco at New town Park to-morrow afternoon,