ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1559, 1 October 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"A VILLAGE PRIEST." The Pliimner-Dcimiston Company onco more charmed a largo uutlicnco last evening in Wilde's clever comedy, "A Woman of No Importance"—a performance which will live long in the memory of all lovers of gcod comedy in Wellington. This evening another play of quality is to be revived in Sydney Grundy's "A Village Priest," a play which will revive cherished memories of Hie sterling Brough and Boncicault Company of other days. It will be intensely interesting to witness once mere the performance of' Mr. Geo. S. Tithefade in the rele of the Abbe Dubois, one with which his name will ever be associated. The play, if will be remembered, deals with an engrossing set of circumstances ■whieli follow upon Die crime of murder committed by a deceased Judge, whose name is held ill the highest reverence by nil. The Abbe 's the ci.ly one who knows tho real criminal, bur is bound under the seal of tho Confessional not to divulge the culprit, and allows Jean Torqueniiie to suffer imprisonment, though it rends his heart to know that l.c is innocent. Then comes Torquemvie's escape, his appeal to the dead .fudge's son to take up his cause, and subsequently his escape from the pursuit at tho gendarmes to the sanctuary oFered by the Abbe's chapel. There he overhears the Abbe inform the officer that no criminal is hiding on his premises, which is the first indication he has that onother believes him innocent. How tho worthy Abbe is guided in his conduct, and how Torqueniiie resumes his martyrdom to save a shocking revelation •to those who have cared for his daughter, provides a plot of absorbing interest. Tho play is admirably cast, and should attract a largo audience. FULLERS' PICTURES. "Love Has Wings" is the title of one of the premier pictures of the .new set screened at the Skating liink last. evening. The piot surrounds tho affaire d'amour of two persistent lovers, and 13 011 very modern lines —in fact, so modern that an aeroplane provides a more ingenious way of escape from the wrathful parents. The father objccts to his son marrving the daughter of liis neighbour, but the girl plans an effective means of escape. !?he attends an aviation school, and is there .taught how to manage an aeroplane. One day she sets out in one, and arrives at tho residence of a country vicar. She takes him up in her airship, nolens voleus, and later on steers him to her fiance's residence, where the two lovers are united. "Havana Harbour" provides a capital scenic subject, which was much appreciated by the large number of patrons. "The Half-Breed's Treachery" is a stirring tale of the life in the West of a goldseeker. .Interesting events which have happened in various parts of the world recently ore depicted in the latest Patho Gazette. Other good pictures are: "The Coloncl'9 Escape,' "Tokio Fire Brigade," "Broken Hearts," "Tragedy of the Desert," "Life With a Circus," and "Calino Marries a Suffragette." The programme will be repeated until further notice. THE KING'S THEATRE.

An exceptionally good programme of moving pictures was submitted at the King's Theatre last evening for the first time. Principal amongst the "stars" is a photo-play version of Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake," by the Vitagraph Company. The scenes'which' Scott painted in his smoothly-glowing metres are shown on the screen with such completeness of charm as to constitute a very vivid realism of the idealism in his touch and genius. The acting, the beautiful scenery, aud tho dressing appealed to the largo .number of patrons present, who at tho conclusion of the series gavo vent to their appreciation in a marked way. Many of ■tho Vitagraph Company's familiar artists arc featured in this picture. New features of tho week, from all over the world, aro depicted in the latest number of Pathe's Animated Gazette. "Her Diary" is a capital dramatic study by the Vitagraph Company, in which Miss Florence Turner takes tho leading role. An old lady's son is arrested on a false accusation. She is forced to t-ell her home to a wicked brother in order to secure,means, to defend her son. The son is sent to prison, and she goes to the poorhouse. Her brother dies and makes her his heiress: She returns to her old home and finds comfort in her diary. Each entry appears l>efore her in a vision, and as she reads of her son's imprisonment he returns, to comfort and cheer her life. "Cowboy Life, in the United States" is among many other pictures screened.

THE NEW THEATRE. That fine .emotional picture-play "The Glamour of the Footlights" continues in favour at the popular New Theatre, in Manners Street. To-morrow the management intend to present that stirring Irish story "Shannis O'Brien," a photo-play founded on the well-known poem which never fails to appe.il lo the heart, of every son of tho Emerald Isle. It relates the story of Shamus O'Brien's capture, trial, his appearance on the gallows,, and his sensational escape from the brink of doom. This picture should ensure big houses for the rest of tho week. THE DADDIES. The popular Dandies (Red) attracted another large audiento to the Concert Chamber last evening. The secret of their success is the ingratiating sense of harmony which prevails amongst the company iu every number presented, in the business, dances, singing, and sketch work. Each member has his or her allotted work to do, and all may be absolutely depended on to do it with a will. The .eccentricities of Mr. Claude Dampier, the irresistible comedian of the Dandies, found expression last evening in the comic songs "Bachelors," "Shot-Socks," "Selected," and humorous ducting with Mr. George Morgan. Miss Irene Vere bounced into favour in "Patricia," and "Goodnight, Mr. Knight." That pleasing soprano -Miss Hilda Lane, sang with nice effect- "The. Nightingale's Warning," and "An Old Romance," and Miss Evelyn Ward, the pleasing contralto, sang "Norwegian Song" and "Robin Adair." Mr. Gavin Wood exhibited his robust bass voice in "The Diver" and "A Border Ballad." Mr. George Morgan, a clean and clever dancer, made quite good in "Funniosities," "Oh, Susannah," "The Dromedary Two-Step," and "See Me Dance the Polka," and Mr. Oliver Peacock sang "Life Has Many Roses" and "A Kiss." Among tho concentrated numbers were "Dame Rumour," the due's "Farewell to Summer," artd "Where Violets' (trow" (sung bv Misses Lane and Ward), the humorous quartet "Bashful," 'tho duets "Canadian Canoe,'.' and "Won't You Harmonise With Me" (by Miss Lane and Mr. Peacock), and Miss Vere and Mr. Morgan's song aud dance "A Parasol for Two." Tho Dandies' season in Wellington is to end on October 12, after which they are to visit Pieton and Blenheim.