ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2117, 7 April 1914, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE,

Several new items woro introduced m tho change programme presented at His Majesty's Tneatro last evening. Tlio most poi>ular turn on tho bill is that entitled -'Maiitell's Marionettes/' audit is really worth seeing. Dccidoly tinted scenery, n la pantomime, formed the opening scene. Following this, a miniature- stngo front of a theatre is shown, with miniature "'nitrons" accommodated in four boxes, and a miniaturo orchestra. A small curtain rose, and a short programmo on vaudeville- lilies was run through. Each item was highly amusing, and at times tho "artists" appearc(i as though they wcro human beings. This "turn" should have a popular run. Brent Hayes, a talented banjo player, captured his audience with his charming playing. On his instrument ho played among other pieces, "Tales from Hoffman," playing throughout his own accompaniments. The audience showed their appreciation in ]io uncertain way, and'ho responded to a pressing encore. Moran (tenor) and Gahill (soprano), billed as "talented duottists," mado their initial bow, and sang several songs in an attractive manner. Moran sang "Doreen" in a manner which pleased patrons. Miss Ca'hill did justico to •'Come, Sing to Me," and in a duet for an encore, Doth mado a hit. Tho LecOhandlers, known as "American Ginger <jirls," sang several ragtime songs, and contributed some pretty step dancing. Their comedy sketch, w'hicii was not given a jianio on tho programme, did not appeal to the audience as it might have done, had it been better managed. Tito turn was a "skit" on a travelling circus, and tho two girls, with the aid ol a littio American slang, wcro ablo to capture somo applause. Winifred Stewart, "tho phenomenal lady baritone," sang several'songs, including a recent composition,.entitled-"When the Sands of tnd Desert Grow Cold," and pleased a percentage of those present whoa she sang the ragtime song, "Dixie." Dorothy Harris, a singer of ragtimo songs, is having a popular run, and last -evening had to respond to two .encores. Other turns aro provided by Foster, Lamont, and Foster (iron-jawed- acrobats), iiingeley and Graham (singers and dancers), Hliarratt and Lang (comedy artists), and tho Luxors (instrumentalists), 'i'no programme will bo shown throughout the week. KING'S THEATRE.

Lord Bulwcr'Lyttou's "Last Days of Pompeii" was presented in movingpicturo form at the King's Theatre last evening. It was a nno reproduction or' what one imagines must have been the old lloman atmosphere, nnd tho reeling otf occupied the wliqlc ot both parts or tho programme. Tho story is woven round tho lovo of Glaucus for lone, and inuidontally some awe-inspiring and wonderful spectacles find a place in tho plot. Among these- wore a storm on Mount Vesuvius, with tho volcano in eruption, and tho great city of Pompeii being steadily buned beneath tho fiery ashes. A realistic impression was also given of the old Roman arenas, and with their combats in which gladiators, lions, and tigers took part. I'horo wore also vistas of tho palaces of tbo period, and a presentment of tho manners and customs of citizens of tho timo. In this picture-, motion photography seems to havo been reduced to a very fino art. The acting of tho principals was good, and the makers of tho film must iiav.o gono to great oxpenso to obtain such large groups of artists, especially in tho arena scenes. Briefly told, the story, is .©no showing how Arbaces, a priest' of tho mystic religion of ancient, ■Egypfcj held sway in tho city of Pompeii. His love for lone, a beautiful girl, was not returned, and Arbacca plotted,.revenue. ~ione loved.Glaucus, w'ho.in-tur'n waa loved ly a] blind tlaye, named Nydi.i. In her grief Nydia consults tho priest, ■ Arbaces, and ho uses tho girl to further his purposes-by giving 'her a' co.sain potion. ' Nydia, thinking that tho- potion would mako Glaucus • lovo her, mixed it with his wine. Unfortunately,- it sent him insane, and ho suffered tortures at tho hands of men over whom thediijjh priest had influence. After many exciting incidents the fatal eruption and earthquake came, .and tho suddenness of it gavo Glaucus* back his memory. By the aid of Nydia, both ho and lono wero enabled to escapo in a boat, and wer« saved from.the disaster. . Tho picture will bo produced throughout tho week. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. TII6 new programme presented yesterday and last evening at tho Empress Theatre Continuous Pictures was headed by the Thanhouser Company's society featuro drama, "Woman Pays." The play, which occupies nearly an hour in tho screening, is magnificently mounted. Mrs. Watson, the beautiful young wife of a noted lawyer, considers that her husband neglects her in favour of his work, has a very ardent admirer in Jac, Dacres a wealthy, but worthloss young infill of leisure. Taking advantago of her husband's absence Dacres visits Mrs. Watson, and ki3ses her against her will. Tho act is witnessed by Mr. Watson who lias roturned unexpectedly, and he orders Dacres to leavo immediately. The husband lectures his wife for her indiscretion in permitting Dacrea an audience alpno. Dacres next writes a concocted love letter to Mrs.; Watson, and instructs 'his valet to act so that the letter falls into Mr. Watson's hands. The scheme is successful,, and results in Mr. Watson turning his wife from the home. Later on, when driven, through want and illness, Mrs. Wntson writes to her husband begging him to take her back for the sako of their child. Mr. -Watson agrees to receive her once.more. But tho villanous Dacrea again intercedes, and just when husband and wife nro about to be reconciled Dacres causes them to drift even further apart. Twenty years lator Dacres, having married Mrs. Watson, the two are conducting a fashionablo gambling casino when anittr cident occurs which results in the death of tho villain' and a sensational Court secene which proves a fitting climax to the plot. There are other excellent nlms_ including "The School Principal" (Lubin comedy-drama), -"In French Guinea" (scenic), "Eclair Journal -, (topical), and "Mister Jefferson.Groon" (A.B. coon comedy). AMERICAN MUSICAL BURLESQUE SEASON. ' All the essentials of a successful musical burlesque are to bo found in "A Day at.tho Rhces," with which Mr. Yv'illiam Anderson's specially imported American company will open its season at tho Grand Opera House on Easter Saturday. Not only aro the various roles sustained by artists with a genuine capacity for comedy, but it is said tho music incidental to tho picco is tuneful and exhilarating, and tho scenery as a whole is of the most olaoorate character. The music of the orchestra, under tho baton of Mr. George Lcapold, contributes in no small degree to tho success achieved, and tho various Konc;s interpolated by the principals, it is stated, all make popular hits. The ternsichorcan displays by Misses Teddy Martin and Fiitzio De 'Guy, the American dancing girls, aro described as exceedingly dainty and clever, while several ballets are marked by tho harmony of colouring and an effectiveness of execution which speaks well for tho artistic taste and inventiveness of Miss Fritzie Do Guy, by whom they were arranged. Tlie box plan ,for ''A Day at the Races" will "open, to-morrow morning at the Dresden.