ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1831, 18 August 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE JUMUS KNIGHT SKA SON. The box plans in cc.nncction with the production of Lhc much-talkcd-of ".Milestones," under the of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at the Opera House on Thursday evening next, will bo .opened at the Drr-.ku at 9 o'clock this nioniins, ami judging from the many inquiries already made, the mauageim.\ut predict ('lot Woflinglon theatregoers will not l>o backward in welcoming a play of such noted reputation and ail artist of sucli _ undeniable popularity as Mr. Julius Knight. "Milestones" is said to possess quito a. distinction and charm of its own, lieing altogether different in character 11x1111 any of idle fine plays ilitr-oductxl to "New Zealand audiences by the J. C. Willikunson management. Not only in English-speaking countries has "Milestones" been so successful. /.Milestones" has made an equally strong appeal to French and German audiences ns to thoso of England and America. It 19 promised that the now play will bo presented on a most complete and elaborate scale, end it is said that the attention to detail and general surroundings in keeping with tlio three epochs, 18li(), ISS.i, and 11)12 is a masterpiece in stngo production. THEATRE 110 YAL. Several artists made Inst appearances at the Theatre Royal oil Saturday, and tonight t'lio Brennan-Fuller entertainers will be strengthened by now talent. Foremost among these will be the- St. Leonards (chair acrobats and equilibrists) with their wonderful somersaulting dog: Fred. J. Branscombe, male soprona; George Dean, vocal comedian, and Athol, the strong man. The other performers will inchidu" Henehey, Vincetti and Bush, and tlio Two Rosebuds. 'i ' "THE SMART SET." A successful appearance was made by the "Smart Set" at Lower Hutt on Saturday night. To-night this clever little company will resume its season at the Town Hall Concert Chamber, and every item in the programme is guaranteed by tlio management absolutely new to Wellington. l'rices will bo as usual and seats ' may be reserved at the Dresden. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Another big feature drama will bo screened at His Majesty's Theatre tonight. This is the Yitagraph Company's "The 'Web," described as a heart-throb-bing drama, with exciting incidents, knowing the evils of smart society life. "The Equine Detective" portrays a story wherein a sagacious animal eulcidates a diamond theft. Other items on the new bill are: "The liapids" (coloured scenic), "The Flirty Husband" (comic), and "Pathe' Gazette" (topical). . KING'S THEATRE. The programme commencing to-night, at the King's Theatre contains as a star subject an excellent drama by the Vitngraph Company, entitled "The Test of Friendship." The story deals with two men who are infatuated by a society woman, and grips the attention from start to finisli, tilie staging and acting being perfect tfir©i;ghout. A film of interest locally is

one taken aboard tho s.s. Walune, tho Union Company's new ferry steamer; while a topical subject, entitled "Motor racing in the Islo of M-an," Should appeal to all who lovo feats of daring on tne motor traok. Other subjects include "The School Principal,"'a Lubin drama; "The Express C.0.D.," a humorous story of the American railroad system; "Paris Fashions," "Tlio Ambitious Butler," and a film introducing the popular artists, Ellaline Tcrriss and Seymour Hicks, in a unique'vaudeville turn.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. To-day's new programme of tlio Empress Theatre continuous pictures will introduce a 'highly sensational railway drama, "Had She but Known." The story relates that an engine-driver and h,is fireman, ore in love with the same girl. Their rivalry kindles intense hatred Eventually the men eoino to blows while 011 the railway engine. A desperate struggle l ensues while tho engine is speeding at express rato. ITlio men are heedless of the impending disaster, and a tomfic collision takes place. 'The railway disaster is graph-

ically shown, and actual mows of railway wreckage lend realism to the ecene. The supporting sublets will include "The Mistake" (an impressive A.B. drama), "On the Coast of tlio Adriatic" (Welt scenic), "Flirtation at Sea" (B. and C. comedy), "Matrimonial A h-enturcs" (Kalem comedy), and others. j SIIORTTS' THEATRE. At Shortts' Theatre in Willis Street tho continuous picture show will be open as usual to-day from 11 a.m. to ll p.m. The programme will include: and Fortune," an exciting.drama by the Gaumont Company; "Othello in Jonesvillo" (Edison comedy); '-'Two Little Kittens" (Edison drama); "The Littlo AVooden tfoldicr" (trick comedy); "Trip on a Japanese- lliver" (Pathe coloured scenic), and others. SUNDAY CONCEPT. - Tho Wellington City Band's Sunday concert at His Majesty's Theatre attracted a great crowd last nis'ht. The banii pieces were all beautii'ujly rendered, and the entertainment proved a rare treat to tho delighted audience. Items by tho band included "A Night in Switzerland" (descriptive, with echo effeots), a well-a.r-ranged selection from Gounod's Faust,' "Idol of Mv Heart" (St-alil), a march entitled "Aimcizia," and a quickstep known as "West Point Cadets. Vocal items wore rendered by Mr. Hamilton Ilodge.s and Mr. Harry Phipps. Tlio former sang "Tho Lost Chord" (with, band accompaniment), and ."My Songs of the Sturdy North." Mr. Piiipps's nuiubors were "A Sailor's' Grave" and "An Evening Song."

MR. BAXTER BUCKLEY'S RECITAL. There was a largo and enthusiastic audience at the Town Ilall on Saturday afternoon on the occasion of the last -of tho series of six pianoforte recitals given by Mir. Baxter Buckley.' Tho "retjiiest gramme'' included a "Preludo and i'ugu" (Back-D'Albert), a "Pastoralo and Capric<fo" (-Scarlatti-Tausijj), "Etudes in F Minor,. C. Minor, and A lllot" (Chopin), "Andante," "Spuinato," and "Polonaise" in E flat (Cliopin), "Barcarolle" and "Concert Study" (Mosskowski) ,"La Soiree Dans Grenade" and "La Cathedralo Euglontie" (Debussy), "Valso ■ Caprice" (Rubinstein), and "Concert Study" (MucDowell). Such a list of classical numbers, whilst providing adequate scope for the display of pianoforte playing, exact very careful thought and intellectual conception by tho pianist, for, whilst following the score correctly, tho main idea must lie to interpret the music as conceived by the composer. Characteristics, varied themes, poetical grandeur, tho expressive purpose of tho i music—all these must bo considered; ,as well a.s the intrinsic merit and the technical difficulties wliicih may lave to be encountered. Mr. Buckley, whose playing has previously been" the subject of high praise by thoso competent to judge, played with a rare, cultivated taste, displaying admirable breadth and strength of tone, with tasteful and refined expression and delicacy of touch. In his playing he displayed admirable technique, without affectation. Nearly tho wholo of the programme was played from memory, .scarcely without a pause. At the conclusion of the recital, Mr. Buckley was compelled by his delighted audicnco to repeat the last item. "THE GREAT M'EWEN." "The Great M'Ewcn," hypnotist and conjurer, with his entertainers, made, his finail appearance at the Opera House on Saturday night. The entertainment was well patronised and 'those present appeared to thoroughly enjoy the different items.