ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1380, 5 March 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

BLASCHECK. Blaschcek, (ho gifted entertainer who made such a favourable impression on .Saturday ovening, amused and edified another largo nudionco at the Opera House last evening with his excellent music, song, and story entertainment. He was assisted by Miss Mildred Wrighton, whose work at the piano is a distinct aid to the completeness of the show. New items are being introduced to the programme each evening.

THEATRE ROYAL. A capital change of programme was presented at tho Theatre .Royal last evening. There was a good attendance, and (ho pictures were all well received. "Margaret Catclipole" is tho title of a capital dramatic black and white film by, an Australian firm. In the picture are shown some beautiful scenic spots, and tho acting is capital. Tho kinemacolour pictures are headed by an exceptionally lino and realistic film, entitled "Egypt and Its Pyramids." This shows tho Temple of Memphis and the Pyramids, and tho gorgeousness of Eastern colouring is reproduced with telling effect. Another very fine coloured subject is that depicting scenes round modern Rome. Other kinemacolour subjects shown are "Tho Fisherman's Daughter," "The Soldiers' Pet," and "The Strawberry Harvest." "A Hot Bath" is tho titlo of a diverting "comic." The programmo will bo repeated this evening and until Friday. THE NEW THEATRE. The introduction by MacMahon and Donnelly of the remarkably successful photo-drama, "Love and Friendship," resulted in packed attendance at all sessions yesterday afternoon and evening at tho Now Theatre, Manners Street. The production is the work of the Nordisk Companj-, which makes a speciality, of high-class drama. The theme deals with the mutual affection of two schoolgirls, who aro inseparable chums until ono day tho sad news comes that Edith must leave college owing to the death of her father. The girls aro almost heartbroken at their parting. Years later they renew their friendship. Yvonne has become a famous siugeT, and Edith is married to a handsome instructor of fencing. Yvonne and Edith's husband indulge in some flirtation, and when Edith observes them embracing she resolves to have her reveng». Edith challenges Yvonne to a duel with sharp foils. They fight desperately until Edith is severely wounded. Her husband bursts in on tho scene'. Realising the sorrow and pain his thoughtless actions had caused his wife, the fencing master clasps her to his breast, and then Y'vonne flees. Forgiveness is extended and the story ends. Some delightfully realistic . scenes are introduced, including a beautiful view of a beach, with happy swimmers of both sexes enjoying the waves. Tho costumes and settings are elaborate and unique. The picture occupies three-quarters of an hour, and the interest is well sustained throughout. "Love and Friendship" will bo repeated at all sessions to-day and tonight. A new series of supporting subjects will he shown to-day, including "Over the Rockies," illustrating the world's record flight of an aeroplane across tho United States.

KING'S THEATRE. The present programme at the King's Theatre is remarkable for Cwo pictures. Tho first is an idyll of the Highland hills entitled "Auld Lang Syne," a little love story, simple as you like, but full of heart interest, and worked out most artistically in beautiful scenery, which is idealised by some charming atmospheric effects' which give a fine sense of realism to the story. It is tho talc of Geordie's and Tammas's lovo for Jenny, a pretty Scotch farm lassie. She favours Tammas, the farmer, and in his great glee he calls ou the disconsolate Geordie (whom she has refused) to advise him of his luck. Geordic, wild with despair, curses Tammas, and in return. Tammas declares that he will never speak to Geordio again. Five years roll by, and Tammas and his wife are very happy ou their littlo farm, a happiness that is increased by the presence of a littlo Tammas. Coming home ono evening after au altercation with Geordio over the latter's collie becoming intrusive, Tammas 'omits to notice his son, as is his wont, and the little fellow is so cut up that ho wanders away crying. Ho is missed at eventide, and cannot be found. Tammas and his wife search all night for their bairn in vain, and, finding him not, return homo brokenhearted. At daybreak Geordie, driving his sheep to tho pastures, is surprised by his dog's antics. The dog clears off, finds the boy, and returns to Geordie with his hat. Geordio follows up the clue, fines the littlo fellow, and brings him home, greatly to tho relief of his parents. The imding of tho lad mends the breach between tho two men, and all is happiness. The other pictnro is a really splendid dramatic picture from the Nordisk Studio. It opens brightly in a pictnresquo Norwegian home, where the pretty servant girl is seen flirting with the coachman. The interest deepens when the host's nephew arrives on a holiday. He is immediately smitten with the lady's maid, and after a series of love scenes he secretly marries her, and shortly after leaves to take up an appointment. Time goes on until the girl is forced to confess her marriage. She is ordered from the house, just after she learns that her husband has been ordered to Africa. Reduced to penury she is forced to allow her child to be' adopted by her husband's aunt, and after being reduced to penury sho hears of her husband's death, and, stealing back to see her child, she falls in love with her old lover, the coachman, and with his connivance sho steals the child, nhoni sho has assigned by deed to the aunt. .The pair are followed, arrested, and the child is restored to the aunt. Thus mattors become exciting. The coachman, maddened with drink, threatens to kill the aunt, despite the protestations of the distracted wife. Tho man steals into the house, attacks the aunt, and in tho strugglo upsets a lamp and fires tho h.;use. From her garret window the wjfe sees the mansion on fire, and scrambling down tho roof, sho rushes to tho spot, fights her way through the crowd, and, at the risk of death, plunges through fire and smoke to her baby and makes for safety, but on every side she is iii'irt'u-d in by the flames. Leaping fon s aes cf flame drive her to the garret, winre she knocks away some of the bricks around a' ventilator, and shrieks fo those bi-Juv to aid her. A ladder is brought, and the child is rescued, but the rescuer perishes amidst the flame. The picture is 3600 feet in length, and occupies the whole of ihe rccond pert.

FASOLA NOVELTY COMPANY. Fasola the Magician has been engaged by Messrs. John Fuller and Sons to commence a season at the Theatre Royal next Saturday evening. His act carries with it gorgeous paraphernalia, and carefully trained assistants, and all that goes to make the magician, conjuror, prcstidigitatcur, illusionist, psychist, etc. This artist was engaged by tho late Harry Riekards to tour Australasia. This star act will be supported by the Windsor Choristers, a combination of beautifully trained boy singers, who are led by Master James* lies, the wonderful boy soprano. Popular prices are being charged, The box plan for the opening nights is now on view at the Dresden.

MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA" rOXCERT,' The programme of to-night's concert, published in another column, indicates that tlu> Municipal Orchestra is determined to place limsio of the highest class before tho 'Wellington public, mid to mnko every concert a treat to its audiences in everv wav. Under the able conductorship," of Mr. Maughan Burnett and the leadership of .Mr. Herbert J. Bloy, tho orchestra is making rapid strides not oiijy in proficiency, but in tho appreciation of the lovers of music here, and a large audience is anticipated to-night. The works cliosoa arc popular in tho highest degree, and comprise Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance," Brahm's "Hungarian Dances," Herold's "Znmpa," as well as Jariiel'clt's dainty "Prelude,".and a stirring "Processional March" by Richard Strauss, written for the organ, drums, and brass—an uncommon conibin.'ilion, but none the less 'attractive. Mr. John Proitso will sing-Tchaikowsky's "Pilgrim Song" with orchestral accompaniment, and Carissiini's "Yittoria," which should be highly-appreciated.