ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2177, 16 June 1914, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

The weekly change of programme at His Majesty's- was presented last evening, to an audience which filled every part of tho house. It is not often that such a strong list of attractions is confined in ono projjrainmc. The star turn, no doubt was that given by tho Four Casting Lamys, who proved themselves to be aerial artists of exceptional ability. Tho troup comprises threw gymnasts and a clown, who, whilst 'providing tho humorous business, proves himself a very clever acrobat. The feature of the performance is the work done between two fixed trapezes, on which are swinging two members of the combination, by a third member who is swung from ono to tho other in a very thrilling manner. Tho cleverest feats wero a double back somersault and a double body turn, these in each case being performed whilst tho gymnast is being swung from the arms of ono member hanging from the trapone, into the arms of the other, who is likewise suspended. Tho act was a short one, but' it created a storm of applause. What tho management is pleased to call the "New York Comedy Few" is another unique turn of quite outstanding merit, Thoy ire a male quartet of very haiv momous singers, attired in comic American dress, and they sing well and work in a lot of comic tsides. One of the company has a very fine bass voice, and his singing of "Asleep on the Deep" and "Annie Laurie," to which tho others gave a subdued vocal accompaniment, was very fine indeed. Millie Doris had a cordial reception, and amply sustained her reputation as a character comedienne. Mr. Bevan and Miss Flint made themselves very popular in their musical comedy sketches, and Ray ana Ray repeated their previous successes as eccentric entertainers, their jokes always hitting the mark. A very clever piece of impersonation wa» achieved by Ray Lawrence, who was described as "just an- American girl." _ A la,dy dressed in the height of Paris fashion sang several operatic numbers, displaying fino soprano voice. The gowns used ranged from walking costume to pronounced evening dress, and wlion, with a sudden change of voice and a snatching away of headgear, it was discovered that the performer was a man. the audience, at first dazed, suddenly broke forth,into tumultuous applause. -.The illusion was complete, for not only was the make-up and voice that of a woman, but tho.who'o atmosphero was feminine. The audience wero taken in, and there was probably not one present but who vowed he 'would not be_ doceived in tho same way a second, fcimo. Yet, within half-an-hour Hayes and R'lves wero pleasing everyone with their singing and dancing, and again came tho denouement, K'lvcs. who had charmed the audience with her dainty ways and tricky ballots, suddenly stood forth as tho same impersonator who had tricked all as Ray Lawrence, the lady of fashion., Mr. Vernon and Miss Sinclair contributed a musical sketch, which was in keeping with the general excellence of the porgarmmo.

THE KING'S THEATRE/ The thrilling adventures of tho Chevalier D'Artagnan and his three comrades in arms, Athos, ■ Porthos, and Aramis, as told by the great Dumas in his romance, "The Three Musketeers," aro being told over again by moving pictures at tho King's Theatro this week. The film, which was presented for the first time last night, occupies upwards of two hours in' projectionj-~and makes up tho wholo programme. The reproduction is . a very faithful one.: The background of scenic oifects is.so beautiful, the costumes oljh,?, rM'od. (about 1630 aVr^a?i'P.#' c '<^,* n d:.the; work of the players of such excellence, that to.see tho picture is almost to see the children of Dumas', genius "live and move. . -The role of D'Artagnan-. is played by a. superb artist, . and tho D'Artagnan which he presents is tho chivalrous, carc-freo soldier oi Dumas' dreams. It is an admirable performancfi. Another good study in the play is tho character of Athos. Ho is depicted as a thoughtful, sad man, grown grosser in middle-age from his habit of seeking in wine.forgetfnlness of the hideous mistake of his early manhood. The adventuress—she of the twico discovered fleur-de-lys—is also admirably portrayed. The humorous touch in tho picture i 3 some exceedingly good comedy by the actor who takes tho role of the stupid terror-stricken Bonacieux. The film does not, of course, cpver the whole of the story as related by Dumas. It begins with' the unhappy episode in the life of Athos, in which he discovers that his newly-wed wife wears tho executioner's brand of a-wanton. This explanatory introduction over, D'Artagnan is introduced, and the most exciting of his battles and hair-breadth escapes are depicted. Having saved his queen from disgrace by recovering for her the jewels which she had given to Buckingham of England, D'Artagnan is marked down for death by so great a man as the Cardinal Minister, and the picture relates how it-happens that D'Artagnan does not die, and how the wicked adventuress is actually executed on the warrant in blank that was issued to end D'Artagnan's career; And the story, entrancing as it is, is not by any means all that commends the picture. Tho mad rides through the woods, tho ambushes, tho endless encounters in streets, and at wayside inns, aro thrilling and realistic, but tho unexpected feature of it is the beauty of it all. The people, their fine clothes and elegant manners, the grouping, and the sumptuous interiors create _tne dream atmosphere of romance, ino picture is a great triumph of kinematographic art, and its presentation affords a wholly admirable entertainment.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Marl Pit Mystery," based on the novel by Georges Ohnet, was tho "feature" of the now programme submitted at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures yesterday. Carver, a heartless money-lender, finds that Lord. Desmond, his life-long enemy, cannot repay money lent to him by Carver. The userer declares that, unless the debt is paid before a certain date Desmond's castle will bo sold up. Desmond's son, Robert, falls in lovo with Rose, a beautiful young villago girl, who is also loved by Russell, a villago wastrel. In a lit of jealousy, Russell kills the girl, and throws her body into a disused marl-pit. Two villagers discover tho body, and with it they find a handkerchief with Robert's initials written on it. Carver thereupon decides to accuse his enemy's son of the crime, and Robert is arrested. Carver's son, George, suspects a plot against Robert, and offers to assist Lord Desmond in proving his son's innocence. This causes an estrangement between. Carver and his son. In the meanwhile- Lord Desmond disposes of his patents for an improved brick kiln, and is thus able to dispose of his indebtedness to Carvor. The real murderer of Rose is brought to justice in an unexpected manner, Robert is released, and every, thing ends happily. Supplementary to the "feature" are: "Topical Budget," "Bouifacio" (scenic), "Tho Kind-heart-ed Burglar" (drama), "Tho Ant and tho Grasshopper" (an insect drama),- and "Mamma's Angel Child" (Lubin comedy). The series will be screened again to-day and to-night. MISS ELLEN TERRY. The box plan for Miss Ellen Terry's season, which commences at the Graud Opera House- on Thursday next, was opened yesterday morning at the Dresden, anil judging by the demand for scats, a successful season is assured. The concessions' given to students and pupils is being taken full advantage of, ami a large v-ortinn of tho audience were early in their application for tickets shorilv after the office opened. Miss Terry will give discourses illus-

tratcd in her own characteristic manner by selections and scenes. Somo years ago Miss Terry appeared before the Shakespeare Lengue of Great Bri tain, and spoke to the members of that body on "The- Letter i in Shakespeare's Ways," and from this sprang the prci sent illustrative recitals, which have been received so enthusiastically in Great Britain, the United States, and Australia, and there is no doubt New Zealand audiences will bo added to Miss Terry's long list of triumphs. The principal centres of Australia have been visited and much enthusiasm has been shown in the performances of our distinguished visitor. Supporting Miss Terry are Miss Nina Forbes, an English singer, and Miss Gladys M'Dowoll, a contralto of great merit. Also Mr. Joseph Blascheek, who is well known to Now Zealand audiences as a master monologue entertainer. lii response to Miss Terry's expressed desire, a certain section of the reserved seats have been sot apart for students and pupils of schools at a special rate. "THE DANDIES." ' As "The Dandies' " Wellington season draws near the end, the standard of tlio programme is fully maintained, and the audiences show no falling off. Last night this bright little'costume comedy company again pleased their patrons immensely, somo specially good items boing contributed by Mr. Roland Henry, Mr. Andrew Pace, and Mr. Linda Bradford. Montion should also be made of Mr. H. Brahms, the accompanist, whose work was uniformly good. "The Dandies" will appear as usual this evening.