ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1945, 31 December 1913, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

I WITHIN THE LAW. ' There is little doubt that "Within tho Law" has succeeded in capturing the public. On cacli of tho four occasions of tlio production of tho piece tho Opora Houso has been filled, 'l'hjs is duo,in-n great measure to tho gripping power that "Within the Law" undoubtedly possesses. It is imbued with that subtelty of construction that makes tlio performance of it a natural sequence of events. _ It is certainly ono of tho most convincing dramatio playa seen locally for many years. Much is added_ to tho charm of its development by tho superb acting of Miss Muriel Starr in the exacting part of the luckless Mary Turner'. Miss Starr possesses in a remarkable degree a fascination and artistry raro ana captivating. Spondid work is also done by Miss Mary Worth as Aggie Lynch and Miss Sylvia Bremer as Helen Morris. The astute Inspector of Police by Mr. Lincoln Plumer, and the romantic Joe Garson of Mr. E. W. Morrison are also finely rendered. Mr. Mason is an ideal lover. Tho box plans for the last fivo nights of the season will bo openiitl at the Dresden this morning. A boat will leave for Eastbourne after the performance to-night at 11.15. Oil Thursday evening the performance will bo given in the presence of His ExcelIcncy the Governor and the Countess of Liverpool. . HIS MAJESTY'S. Vaudeville in His Majesty's Theatre is booming at present, nightly the audiences are largo,, even in this extremely large theatre, and invariably the patrons aro atuused and well pleased. • Tho present programme has all the charm -of variety inseparable from good performances of the -"short , order" stage, for ■tfiero are on the :programme somo notably fine acts. Amongst these, that of Mr. Irving Sayles and his colleague must rank as host, and tlio crowd liist night were convulsed with laughter at Ks eccontrio make-up and business. "LAST DAYS OF POMPEII." "The Last Days of Pompeii," as presented at the King's Theatre, is meeting with a great reception, _ . Bulwer Lytton's famous story is depicted with abundance of careful detail, making tho film a great spectacular treat. The scenes at the baths are particularly •beautiful, ■ and grand'views aro shown of tho arena scencs, and the , eruption of Vesuvius. Interesting 'and instructive the film is to the end, where Nydia, tho blind girl, leads Glaucus and lone to safety. Tho film is ono of the best seen in Wellington, and for interest is ahead of "Quo Vatlis," which was -shown at tho theatre some weeks back. There will be a matinee performance on New Year's Day at 2.30 p.m. j THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The final appearance is announced today and to-night of the A.B. Company's sensational "feature" drama "By Mail's Law," and supporting programme of I tho Empress Theatre continuous pictures. The central figure of "By Man's j Law" 'is a millionaire oil magnate whoso oppressive methods in business cmiso innocent people much suffering, and raiso public opinion against bim. IJe then makes a. great display as a philanthropist; but ono of bis victims makes an attempt to murder tho millionaire's daughter ,an incident that leads up to an exciting climax. Tho minor items include: "A Momentous Decision" (drama), "Picturosquo India" (travel), "A Circumstantial Hero" (A.B. farcecomedy), and othors. A new programme is billed for to-morrow. ' BRITANNIA THEATRE. ! Tlio new series of pictures at the Britannia Theatre is quite up to t-ho excellent standard sot at this theatre., "The Gold Cross," by the Pasqualo Company, is the chief attraction. The story is'of a young Italian Count who runs away with an actress and leaves his wife and' family. Through tlio influence of liis daughter ho is later ablo to return to his former position. An amusing comedy is "The Lato Mr. Jones," and "Schnitz the Tailor" is a laughable film. "The Old Folks at Homo" and views of the Auckland' Exhibition go to make up an excellent programme. "FROM MANGER TO CROSS." Tho phture "From -Manger to Cross." which describes with the closcGt possible detail a selection of the most striking of the incidents in the life of Jesun cf Nazareth, was exhibited again at tho Tor,-n Hall last night. In all the nights that it has bean shown hitherto it has invariably held the closo attention of the people in tho big hall, and for many of them it has given the already well known Now Testameufc stories a new meaning. The la6t nights of the exhibit tion are announced. - JOHN M'CORMACK. 'Although not yet 30 years of age, John M'C'ormack has achioved successes in grand openi and on tho concert platform which have earned him tho titlo of Britain's greatest tenor. Born in Athlono, County Roscommon, where ho received his primary education. this young Irishman was intended for the Church, but destiny was cheated, and the world of song gained another star. As a. student at college John M'Cormack had a brilliant career. In liis student days ho aciiiovcd local fame as a singer ot Irish ballads, and when ho was. persuaded to enter for tho Competitions held in Dublin annually, there were many who predicted success, and they wero not disappointed, as he won tlio gold medal awarded to tho best vocalist in Ireland. His .parents wore .always averso to his taking \ip -singing as a profession, but the winning of that medal altered their views, Mr. Vincent O'Brien, leader of the Dublin Philharmonic Society, recognising the boautv of Mr. M'Cormack s voice, took him hv hand. Later ho studied; at Milan, and created a sensation right through Italy, ami to-day Continental critics say of him that ho sings Italian better than tho Italians themselves. After touring Italy, John M'Connaw returned to London, and reemved an engagement for tho Poosey Ballad Concerts* and he tooK Ijondoii by stoiui. managers rushed him for contracts at liis own price, and he became the high-est-priced concert singer ot all tlio tenors of to-da.v Lngagemeut at Covent Garden followed, and lie, has since filled engagements at the principal Opera Houses in Europo and America. ' His first vis,t to Austra Jasia was as principal tenor ot t o Melba Grand Opera Companj, and his recont Australian tour Ims been a phenomenal succcss. Assisting tho tenor aro Miss May Huxley,. soprano, Mr. Donald K'Beath, violinist, arid Mr Vincent O'Brien, nccomnauist. Llic box plans for. tho concerts t-0 bo given here open at the Dresden on Tuesday, Tmuarv G. An advertisement in another column gives full particulars re-e-arding concessions to musical students and members of musical societios.