ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1677, 18 February 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "Tho Fatal Wedding," which heads tho | n*w picturo programme at His Majesty's Theatre, proved a big draw last nignt, practically every seat in the big theatre being occupied. The film is one, of Spencer's productions, and the story has been faithfully followed, while tho Mienery is of tho best. Altogether thoro ore over a hundred scones, and the interest never flags. A special feature is the introduction of flio famous Tin Can Band, in charge of Old Schwartz. In tho scene m which tho juvenile performers (at the invitation of Jessio) give a show at Mr. Wilson's homo, some excellent dancing is seen. During this time tho Elliott Sisters sing tho "Tin Can Band," and other choruses, with tin can accompaniment. This adds considerably to tho 'general effect, the intermingling of picturo and song being a happy arrangement. Tho film holds place among the best that have been screened at this theatre, and is sure to prove popular during the week. Supporting "items are of good quality. Foremost among them is "The Panther's Prey," an animal drama over 2000 ft. in length, produced by the Ga-umont Co. This shows a fierce encounter between wild animals in a jungle, and is calculated to cause a thrill to any picture crowd. Other items are the "Gaumont Graphic," showing tho latest topical events, "Way of tho Mountains," a Western storj, by the lubin Co., and a humorous, escapade by Kalom, entitled "Strong-Arm. Nellie.' While the various films aro being.screened appropriate music is supplied by His Majesty's Orchestra, under tho conductorship of Mr. John Garry. The programme will be repeated this evening and during the week. By request of numerous patrons, Messrs. John Fuller and Sons have arranged for the reproduction of "Sweet Nell of Old Drury" on Monday next. The following Thursday; "Tho Malting of tho Panama Canal" will be reproduced. THEATRE ROYAL. A capital new programme ,was presented at the Theatre Royal last evening, when a number of new artists made their appearance. Among the newcomers was the' highly dexterous performer Paul Pcdrini, \tho is as clever with his feet as most people are with their hands, and his wonderfully clever equilibristic and •juggling feats with fl. variety of objects, great and small, created a good deal . of amazement among the audience. Pedrini's act was enlivened by the grotesque comedy of Tony, a trained baboon, whoso strangely-human antics raised sjiricks of laughter. It is one of the best animal acts seen here for a long time. An old favourite reappeared in the person of Mr. Jules Garrison,, who with liis comely Roman maids presented a ' turn. that was very highly appreciated. Mr. Garrison's talent is expansive. He ; sings acceptably, recites Kipling very,well indeed, and last evening showed his skill as a poseur in- tho representation of such, well-known pictures as "Wedded," "Spring," J'The Irish Colleen," "The Outcast's Return," and "Rock of Ages. Mr. Garrison's impersonation of the Italian fruit-seller, was notably good. There is a strong vein of art in all Mr. Garrison's work, which is well worth seein". Victor the Grea* mystified in new tricks; Miss Maud Fanning sang a number of her dramatic coon specialty^songs; and. Mr. Arthur Elliott and the Fontenoys contributed acceptably. . . .'

THE NEW THEATKE. The New Theatre was liberally patronised at all sessions yesterday, when a complete change of programme was screened. The principal item in a which had many tcatures of merit was a picturedrama entitled "The Schemers Outwitted. The story is that of a pair of adventurers who scheme to deprive a gentleman of portion of his wealth. In the end tho schemers are outwitted, but the pictured details of their plotting and of tho manner in which they are finally circumvented is well worth witnessing. One impressive scene pictures tho fall of a ißotor-car into tho sea. Later a diver is shown engaged in an examination of the car as it lies at the bottom of the sea. "Tho Shotgun Ranchman" tells ft/spirited story of adventure in tho Wild West of America, "Tho Valo of Otta" is a scenio pioturo having for. its subject a beautiful Norwegian river. The element of oomedy has not be#n forgotten in tho programme, and its remaining items are well up to. New Theatre standard.

THE KINO'S THEATRE. Messrs. Wesfs, Ltd., and Linley and Donovan are showing at,tho Kings llieatre this week a magnificent military photoplav for which West's • have exclusive rights. "A Girl Without a Country is the title of tho play, in which. Miss Asta Noilsen takes leading part. Additional interest surrounds the drama because of tho story being written round the struggle on the Balkan frontier. A spy disguised as a painter introduces himself to a gipsy girl, whom he.induces to flirt- with a lieutenant of the military with the object of obtaining the plans of a strongly'fortified structure'in one of tho Balkan States. The gipsy girl uses her arts with effect, and secures the plans. The lieutenant is arrested as a traitor, and condemned to" bo shot. Tho gipsy girl, however, has grown to love this lieutenant, so she hurries to appeal for clemency for the man she loves. She arrives too late, for her lover has just been shot, while she herself is arrested and imprisoned for life. Supporting items include:."The Unveiling of the Captain Cook Memorial at Ship Cove. Pelorus Sound." This picture was specially taken by tho fine's Theatre expert (Mr. V. Vinsen) and is probably the finest New Zealand item vet screened here. His Excellency tho Governor is very clearly noted in tho por. trayal of the ceremony. Late Australasian and English editions of the Pat ho Gazette occupy their usual places ; on the bill t which also includes'a Pnthe coloured «ceajc "Beautiful Deanville." Other items are "Man's Lie," a Western story full "*■■ heroic deeds; "Faithful Unto Death," an Indian Mutiny story; "Aerial Removal," an- amusing comedy; "The Samaritan of Coogan's Alley," a story of the New York slums; and "The Telltale Umbrella." Music is supplied by the King's Orchestra.

SHORTTS' PICTURES. 1 "The Retreat From Moscow" figures prominently on the new. programme screened at Messrs. Shortts' Theatre yesterday. The film, which is 2000 feet long, is by the Paths Company and contradicts any rumours to the effect that that company is not turning out such good pictures as formerly. The retreat of Napoleon and his hitherto; victorious army forms one of the most dramatio events in the history of tho world. No reckoning has ever, or &ver will be made, of all tho hardships and tribulations that the' army had to i|ndergo on its homeward march. "The Rajah's- Hatred," by the Vitagraph Company, and "The Sailor Lad," likewise by the Pa tho Company, are both films of tho highest standard., The latest Australian gazette supplies numerous topical events and happenings of the Commonwealth. , EMPRESS THEATRE. Both afternoon and evening sessions at the Empress Theatre were well attended yesterday, when a chauge of programmo was presented. Among tho new pictures presented was a fine, old medieval romance, entitled "The Knights.of Rhodes," in tho depicting of which some hundreds of players are engaged. Tho story is an absorbing'one, in which lovo and Statecraft are interestingly' mingled. Tho acting and mounting of this picturo wo capital' Another picturo of historio interest, which all patriotio New Zoalandcrs should see, is a good film of the unveiling of tho memorial to Captain Cook at Ship Cove by his Excellency tho Governor. Tho chief actors in tho sceno aro readily recognisable, arid a very good idea of tho picturesque spot can bo gained through tho medium of tho picture, the taking of which reflects' credit on tho onterpriso of the management, Other good pictures' being shown in this comfortable theatre arc "The Editor Millionaire," "Broncho Billy's Heart," tho entertaining "Gaumout Gazette," and a number of other pictures, comic and dramatic. '