ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1333, 10 January 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

.- i —— . "THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER." Last evening tho Opera House was again well patronised, and that bright and Kparkhng comic opera, "The Chocolate Soldier." went with a swing from start to finish.. Miss Amy Murphy, ---iw Nadina, again delighted the audience with her singing, and with Mr. Leslio Gaze ("The Chocolate Soldier") apponred to be much appreciated. Mr. Albert. Kavanagh, as Colonel Popoff, was most amusing, and Mr. Noel Fleming (tenor), who hiid the part of tho self-opinionated Major, acted thp part to the life. Other principals and the chorus acquitted themselves capably. THEATRE ROYAL, In the new picture programme which is being screened at the Theatre Koyal this woek, the management-has scored heavily with tho public, for tho selection of items includes some of the most striking examples of the art of the kinernatographer which have yet been seen in Wellington. In kinemacolor studies, the programme is distinctly abovo the average. Ono of the best of these is the spectacular scene which was witnessed at the unveiling of tho Queen Victoria memorial by his Majesty King George V, an event which afforded the new kinemacolor system with a great opportunity. Here is displayed in all its dazzling splendour the gorgeous pomp and circumstance oi the British Imperial Army, as represented by tho Life Gunrds, the Lancer Regiments, the Highland Corps, and others. The march past of the brilliant procession is a scene to quicken the pulse, to fire the ardour. Another fine kinemacolfir production is the Delhi Durbar film, which throws on the screen, in all its Oriental magnificence, the scene at tho Coronation Durbar which was held at Delhi recently. Last evening there were added, several additional scenes from the Durbar, the whole series affording a complete conception of the great' ceremonial, as vivid in its;colouring and clear in its delineation as if tho spectator in the' theatro were at the moment transported to India, and privileged to witness the brilliant scene with his own eyes. Mention should also be made of the beautiful kinemacolor study of "The Zuyder Zee"; , "The London , Zoo," a most interesting and instructive study in ; kinemacolor, showing the splendid plumage of the tropical birds; nnd "The-Chef's Preparation." Jn addition to the kinemacolor studies are a number of interesting black-and-white productions, the most conspicuous of which is "The Adventures of Ulysses" (adapted from Homer's "Odyssey"), a very long film, full of interesting incidents and situations, and highly instructive as affording a peep, into "the classic days of long ago. . In matters of detail as regards costume, etc., great attention quite apparently has been given by the artists who assisted to pro-, pare tho result, > Tho programme will bo repeated to-niglit. FULLERS' PICTURES. "Pathe's Weekly ,Gazette," as shown at Fullers' Picture Theatre in Ingestre Street, is worth seeing this week. Tho principal. feature. is a series of pictures showing the King and Queen embarking on their tour to India, and incidentally the handsome steamer Medina and her escort of warships passing, through, the Strait of Gibraltar. Included in this week's programme are some capital photoplays, one entitled "His Exoneration" being ft beautiful drama, depicting scenes in New York and out West. The programme will bo repeated this evening.

THE NEW .THEATRE. ..... . , ' The continuous sessions at M'Mahon and Donaelly's New Picture Theatre in Manners Street were crowded yesterday, the attraction being a new programme, featured by Eeveral studies of conspicuous merit. The sta-r item of the series is a very fine drama of tho period of the American Civil War, "A Daughter of Dixie, wherein are set forth, in wnsatioual incident and interesting situa-tion-i. the adventures of a Southern girl, her rebel brother, and her lover, who is a Federal soldier—a set of circumstances easily capable of striking developments. The American Civil War lias been a happy hunting ground for story writers and kinematograph artists in search of dramatic material have not been slow to recognise, its value to the picture theatre. Tii "A Daughter of Dixie-" the story is worked out iD such an interesting way that it would really be a pity to detail its developments, and so deprive futurepatrons of its surprises and denouements. Suffice it then to say that "A Daughter of Dixie" (which is a "Champion exclusive film), is quite an exceptiotiai production, and should be a very popu'ar itea. at tho New • Theatre this week. There are several- other good pictures, and of these mention should be inii'l" of t>ll interesting romance of old Sp.iiu biwd on Cervantes's classic dr.im.i "Lo Cid," and produced by the Cines Company; a Bison film (exclusive), ontitled "The Lost Letter"; an amusing comedy by the Eclair Company, entitled "Fond of Animals"; a sensational "Fight With Fire"; "A Hindu Village" (travel scenes); and "A Strange Invitation to Dinner," a French icomedy. The programme will be repeated this evening.

THE KING'S THEATRE. Kinematography as produced at the King's Theatre this week is of a high order. The various moving pictures ,aro well up to standard and an evening spent at "The King's" .repays one. Those who wish to sco a striking screen notion of Hall Caine's "Christian" can witness it at this place of amusement-. Another feature was a series of films taken at tho recent Australasian championships held at Wellington. The programme, will be presented again to-night.

WIKTH'S CIRCUS. The annual visit of Wirth Bros'. Circus is agaiu approaching. It will be located near Thorndoii Railway Station, on tho reclaimed ground. Having agents everywhere seeking out new joatures for-tho amusement of its patrons, it makes known to Australasia the exploits of other countries or .originates now sensations. It brings to the doors of the public strange people and odd and curious animals. This year tho proprietors have engaged from America and Europe no less than thirtyh've new artists and twenty new wild animals. Amongst tho latter are ten pure whito full-grown Polar bears, which, 'together with two American buffaloes, three grizzly bears, and two Russian boar hounds, perform a remarkable act, irrespective of their value for show purposes. This group of Polar bears cost Wirth Bros. ,£2OOO, plus their fare and expenses from Hamburg. 'J'he circus artists, too, inclnilo the seven Flying Jordan?, double company of aerinlW?; tho sistnr.s Ailulia and George, acrobatic wire-walkers: Alt'. Tack, tho upside-down phenomenal; I,a Van Artois anil Stump, aerial horizontal bar performer.-; I'oy and Kitchen, trampoline experts; Harry ISargo and companv of six comedians, in comedy act on n real motor-car; Herr and Frnulein Schmidt, Polar bear educators; aud Ihe Bastien family of eleven, who perforin an acrobatic act on horseback. There may also bo seen tho menagerio in the afternoon from 1 to 5 o'clock. The box plan is at the Dresden. There will be a matinee on Wednesday afternoon.