ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1392, 19 March 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE KING'S TIIEATRK. Madame Kejaue, (lie -treat comedy ac-tress,-is the leading character in Victorien Sarduu's historical comedy "Madam Fans One," which is now being produced in picture form at tho King's Theatre. The enterprise of the proprietors in securing tin's magnificent film for local production was amply rewarded last night, for in spite of the unfavourable weather conditions a large crowd iilled the theatre. The play is -.ci'iicned with great attention ti> detiiil and is de.-.cribed in a manner which makes it easy to follow, while the acting of the principals is superb. M. J)ntiiioM]u nppears as Napuleun and M. .laeqms Dtireval as Count Ncipperg. The scene opens in Miidame Sans Genu's laundry, where Captain lionaparte, subsequently the Emperor, has his washing attended to. Madame personally delivers the captain's washing, but he remains indifferent to her charms and pons a note on his washing bill to the effect that ho is unable to settle, as he Ins l;i render financial help to his mother and sister.-. Madame very thoughtfully preserves the bill. Then follows tho revolution of August 10, 17!):!, in which figure Count Neippcrg, Austrian envoy at the Court of Versailles, and Sergeant Lefebvre, who eventually marries Madame Sans Gene. Nineteen years later (act 2) Captain Bonaparto is Emperor, Lefebvro has become Ihiko of Dautzig, and Count Ncipperg is still at the Court of Versailles, where his attentions to the Empress have roused the suspicions of Napoleon, who orders the Count back to Austria. Meanwhile the Emperor's sisters have complained about the bourgeois manners of the Duchess of Dantzig and she and the Duke ore summoned beforo the Emperor. Napoleon advises the duke to divorce his wife, but meets with refusal. The duke then retires and when til* duchess is left alone with tho Emperor, she produces the old washing bill which she has so thoughtfully brought with her. Napoleon immediately alters his opinion of the duchess and is prepared to pay his debts. While ho is still engaged with her, he surprises Count Neipperg seeking a. farewell interview with the Empress and on account of what follows, Napoleon gives orders for the Austrian envoy to lie shot at <law-n. The Duchess of Dantzig determines to prove the Empress innocent and to save the Count. To this end she enlists the services of an old friend, who happens to be at Court. It is arranged that the Empress shall send to her father a letter, which shall be intercepted by Napoleon. This letter refers to the complications that have arisen and requests that the Count shall never bo permitted to return to France. Everything works satisfactorily and Napoleon on reading the letter is convinced of his wife's innocence and pardons the Count. A number of other interesting subjects supplement the programme and among these may be mentioned "Paths Gazette," "The Innocent Burglar." an amusing comedy,'"The llnlfbreed's Daughter," an Indian drama, "Hy the Znyder Zee," a capital scenic, "Sea Life" an educational film, and several others. Such excellent entertainment is sure to attract large crowds during the remainder of tho week.

..FULLERS'PICTURES. Now pictures were shown at Fullers' Skating lfink last night. Best of a scries of strong films was one entitled "Home." It is an American picture, but, except for the fact that the Americans eat their annual turkey on a festival which they call Thanksgiving Day, the homing instinct apparently takes hold of them just as it is supposed to get the Britisher from time to time. The story opens in a sunny farmstead, where two aging people, live unhappily—unhappily because the prodigal son is not home to share the thanksgiving cheer. Wherefore tho mother inserts an impersonal advertisement in the personal column of one of the city evening papers, invitirfg her son to come hoim>. The advertisement is seert and read by all kinds of city folk—a mau-about-town, a clubman, an operatic star— and all of them suddenly decide to strike the trail at once for their own home fnrnis. Last of all somebody throws ;> used paper cut of a window, and the prodigal reads the appeal, and he too goes home. He has to steal a. ride in a freight van, but lie arrives home, and the great day is truly a thanksgiving day. Other dramatic pictures were "A Frontier Doctor," a story after tho Ralph Connor pattern n a setting which fits tho people, another tale with a moral appended, "A Tinvely lesson." and a pretty story called "Westaria." The scenic studies comprised a delightful series of snapshots and panorama of the goreeous mountain and lake scenery of the North of Italy, and a set of interesting views of the now home of the Dutch. The Patho Gazette for the week recounts'happenings of moment in Europe and America. There wero views of on ice-locked harbour, of a fire in New York at which the engines froze, and the wnter gets froze, and the - fire burned, and of a welcome.homo.to London of King George. The picture man did not forget the sorry episode of the death of the unhappy man who had invented a parachute, and who sought to try it onion himself by jumninp; from the top of the Eiffel Tower. The other pictures on the programme wero "Winter Snorts," "Baby Animals," "Nick AVinter," and "Groutan Interviews a Star."

STAR PICTURES. "Madame Sans Gene" was screened for the lirst time in Wellington at tho Star Theatre, Newtown, last night. Sardou'.s play, founded on fact, created a great sensation when first produced in Paris some years ago. Mmc. Rejnne, as Mmc. Sans Gene, acts her part to perfection, as also do M. Duqucsne (Napoleon), ami M. Jacques Doreval as Count Neipperg. The first scene is the laundry of Mmc Sans Gene, who washes for the nobility and army officers. Among others aro Bonaparte- and Captain Fouche. Foucho is unable to pay his bill, so he runs away, and when Mine. Gene calls upon Bonaparte he also is unable to pa)—his bill, which is still in existence, is screened. Ho nsks for time, and this Mme Gene grants. Shortly afterwards she meelii Sergeant Lofebvre at a fair, and becomes Ins sweetheart. Then the Revolution breaks out, and I.efebvrc goes Into action with his regiment. 'L'hnro is ;t fine seenu of Bonaparte standing watching the revj lutionists filing past—the men who late* were to hail him as their beloved leader. Tho closing scene of the first act depicts the wounded Count Neipperg seeking shelter in Mmc, Gene's laundry. Shu receives him, and manages to smuggle him into a bedroom before forced to udmit a detachment of soldiers, led by Lciebyre. Lefebvro attracted by a handkerchief covered with blood, supposes a rival, and forces his way into tho bedroom, where he finds the wounded Count. In order to regain his sweetheart's love, he helps the Count (o escape, and the first act closes. The second act takes place nineteen years later, when Bonaparte has become Emperor, and I.efebvre, is married to Mine. Sans Gene, ])uko of Dantzig. Count Neipperg, envoy from tho Austrian Court, is exiled homo by Napoleon on account of his attentions to the Empress Josephine. Being now a person of high estate in the new regime, Mmc. Sans Gene is informed that the Emperor's sisters are about to visit her. An amusing scene follows, in which (he now dnehess is visited by tradespeople, who endeavour to teach her tho court fashions and etiquette—much to her distaste. The Emperor's sisters arrive rather unexpectedly, and are first amused and then outraged at tho plebian manner'; of thu duchess. They return to their section of the palace, and complain of tin? behaviour of the duchess to Napoleou, who orders her to be brought before him. The third act commences with the. interview between Mine. Sans Gone—or the Duchess of Dantzif,'. a= she nnw is— and tho Emperor. The Emperor i>. like his sUters, enraged at her blunt manner*, and is about to ring to have her removed, when she presents her still unpaid washing bill. Old memories come back in a rush to the Emperor, and nil is forgiven, .lust as he is about to show the duchess out he sees the Empress's mail , , beckoning to some one. Suspecting an intrigue, ho puts out the lights, and wail.s. The Count of Neippei-g, negotiating to hnvo ft last interview with Josephine, is taught by the Emperor, and. in a fit of rage, threatens Napoleon. Guards rush in and capture the count, whom Napoleon condemns to death in the morning. Mine. Sans Gene, however, with the hell) of Fouche. manages to save him by satisfying the Emperor that the Empress is innocent, and the count notions; to her. The count is 'hereupon released. Among the other items, "An Unexpected Surprise" is very amu.-ini', while "Sea Life," an educational film, was viewed with much internst. Other Horns wore s "Nat Pinkerton, — tho

Blyth .Mystery," and "Tlic Baby ami tilt Stork." THEATRE ROYAL. Tlio second work nf vaudeville reintroduced at 'Jin Theatre Jioyal shows Hint the variety >\\mv i< still popular. Fasoln, Hk> Indinii necromancer, remains a great attraction. Jlis great '.-lock challenge" is ,a battling ami remarkably clover net. Firmly sraired within the stocks, Fasola escape's in two minutes. The Yiddisher Hoy (Roy Rene), and the Windsor Chorister's are among the other performers Tlio present bill will run for the current week. THE NEW THEATRE. Y'esterdiy's ilay and evening versions at die New Theatre were very well atleudeil. The "stiir" film, "A Victim of Hid Morii.mis" was again well received. ]t is e-.tiiu.'ileil that 1000 people saw this picture Jii>t Saturday. There are, of course, other gmd picture;, and the programme as a whole is an excellent one.. A new .series of supporting items will be introduced la-day and to-night. These will include: "A Foeman's Conrase" (Bison exclusive drama), •'Rresriii 5, (Cosmo scenic), "Harold Prevents a Crime," and "Mischievous Minx." "A Victim of the. Mormons" will lie repealed at all sessii s to-day, to-night, and until further notice. JAXSEX. Jnnsen, the Illusionist, who will appear at the Opera House on. Wednesday, March •J7, is a young American, who has made a name for himself as transformist and sleight-of-hand artist. Ho has mystified audiences of the various nationalities. On his last visit to India a wealthy Rajah built a special temporary theatre in order than Jansen might give one solitary entertainment before him and his women folk —the latter, of course, viewing the show from trcllised apertures. The last notable before whom ho gave a private performance was the boy Emperor of China, just before the great devolution. "I think," said Jansen afterwards, "I never had so much pleasure in giving a show as I did to that poor lonely little fellow, who, as'far as I could see, (lid not know what the joy of boyhood meant." Tho box plan opens tomorrow morning at the Dresden. PARIS THEATRE. Commencing on .Saturday night next, the Paris Prize Picture Company will inaugurate a moving picture season at the Paris Theatre (late Bijou, Ingestre Street). The management linvo secured a lengthy lease of flip theatre, and intend renovating the building throughout, which will necessitate tho closing of the building until Saturday next, the opening night. They have completed arrangements for a iifst-class supply of films, and will present, twice weekly, two complete changes of programme, of a well-varied order. Ail efficient orchestra will supply the incidental music to the pictures, whilst realistic mechanical effects will bo one of the features of the performances. In addition t> the pictures a handsome prize, of the value of throe guineas, will be presented to one member of the audience at every pi-vformnncc. On Saturday night a special prize will be given, viz., a lady's gold watch anil chain, value £1 10s. "BEAUTY AND THE BARGE." ' This eveniilg, at the Opera. House, Mr. Allan Hamilton's Company will commence a season of seven nights, when W. W. Jacobs's delightful farce "Beauty and the Barge" will be staged. Theatregoers still retain pleasant recollections of this iicharmiug piece when produced by tho Broughs some years ago. Mr. Hamilton has engaged a particularly strong company to interpret the east of Jacobs's quaint characters, and the names of such prominent performers as Messrs. Charles Brown, Kenneth Brampton, Robert Greig, Wilton AYelch, Hillinrd Vox, John F. Forde, Richard Bcllairs, Stuart Clyde, J'olm Bruce, Misses Beatrice Holloway, ! Lillian Lloyd, Muriel Dale, Katie Towers, and Agnes" Keogh will bo found in tho list. Special caro has been given to tho staging and dressing of the production, Mr. Harry Whaito having painted some excellent 'settings, and tho barge built at tho Haymarkct Theatre, London, will be'used in the last act. Tho revival of "Beauty and the Barge" is limited to four nWits only, arrangements having '\een completed to stage the stirring drawn "Why Men Love Women next Saturday and 'Monday with a special production of "A Mes«agc From Mars" to close the season on Tuesday. The box plans for all pieces arc now open at the Dresden l'iano Co.

IRISH CONCERT. It will bo a poor day for Ireland when St. Patrick's Day is not honoured with a concert.' Last evening the lown tt-ill was well filled despite the wretched weather, and those who deserted hearth and home were well repaid, for the concert was a very excellent one of its class, thanks to tho high average talent engaged. Prior to the opening of the programme 1 proper, Mr. Win. M'l/uighlin, organist ot St Joseph's, played several selections, including a couple of Irish numbers, and in strange relief Chopin s ' Nocturne (No. 2). Mr. J. F. Carr's light sympathetic tenor was heard in "My Homeland, Erin," "The Dear Little Shamrock mid "Love's Young Dream." Miss Rose Scrief who sinus with culture, contributed 0 "Terence's Farewell,"'a pretty little ballad by Lohr and "Itory O'Moro, Miss Teresa M'Enroe, a soprano of brilliant pronii.-e, who has been well taught, made a distinct impression in "Come Back to Krin." For an encore number she sang "liolieve Mo If All Those Endearing Young Charms." In this item the singer was inclined to rush towards tho end of the refrain. She also sang "The Last Hnso of Summer" with much sweetness and power. Mr. Farquhar Young (of Christcliureh) received an ovation for his really excellent 6inging of "The Wearing of the Green," into which he infused a lot of feeling and not a little dramatic force. He was not quite so happy in "The Cruiskeon Bawn," having to drop an octave in taking the most effective note in tho song. He also sang "The Memory of tho Dead" (W. P. French) impressively. Miss Adelaide Bruce, a newcomer to Wellington, who is tho possessor of a tuneful mezzo-contralto- voice, somewhat changeful in quality, sang "The Irish Immigrant," "Eileen Aroon" (an Irish perversion of "Robin Adair ), and Moore's rarely-heard son" "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded?" Mr. J. Parker is an artistic cornetist. lie interprets with intelligence, and he infused much sympathy into the playing of a few familiar Irish songs. His number was too long, and the final solo, "Killarney" rather suffered in consequence. Miss Nellie Simpson is a charming flautist, producing from her instrument a nice tone of good quality She played "To Myrra" (Clntsam) and a "Vi'ilse Impromptu" (Sabathial) very tastefully. An intensely patriotic poem entitled "Ireland a Nation" was recited by Miss M. Griffin, obviously a stranger to the graces of elocution, Mr. P. Barry played tho Irish pipes. Mr. P. Macarthy rattled through an Irish jig «.\pertly, and a troop of lads from the Marist Bros.' School sang "Kathleen Mavourneon" and "God Save Ireland," the audience joining in tho chorus.

Among those present wero Sir Joseph and Lady Ward and Miss Eileen Ward, his Ciracu Archbishop Redwood, the. Veil. Archdeacon and a mimtor of tho clergy, the Acting-Mayor (Mr.. John Smith), and tho Hon. J. Carroll.

SHORITS PICTURES. Shortf-s picture tlieat.ro in Willis Street was very well patronised all d«iy yesterday. The now programme is a most entertaining one. It is instructive, and ft is mirth-provoking. One of the finest items on tin , programme is "T.mivps from the Books of Charles Dickens." The scenes ni'i , enacted on tlu> actual snot referred to in the works of the greot Enslish novelist. The Kalein Company's film railway drama entillfd "A in the Night" lva » well received. In addition there was it number of topical mid comic pictures. A. pleasing feature of the; entertainment is the clnarnc-s of (lie pictures.

OPERA HOOSE. Mis< I'thel Irving and company concluded their short season in Wellington lust night. It is to hi' hoped tluit this will nut he the lust time Miss Irving will act hd'ove ii Wellington audience. In "Lady Frederick," Miss Irving delighted her audience in comedy, while in "The Witness for the Defence" she thrilled them in tragedy. "Lady Frederick" seems to have heeii the more populnr of the two, although (here have hecn crowded houses throughout the -earon.