ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2206, 20 July 1914, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

MISOHA ELMAN'S RETURN VISIT. Tho box plan for Mischa Elman's return, visit to Wellington on Thursday opens at tho Dresden Piano Company, at nine o'clock this morning. This will bo Elman's last appearance in New Zealand, for ho sails lor Sydney the following day. There will be an entirely new'programme for this concert. A tamous psychologist recently asserted that personality was as essential a factor in the success, of a musical' artist m tho mastery of the art itself. L atrons of music who have heard Mischa Elman will doubtless confirm ,tliis verdict. Many of Elman's hearers have not analysed this state of affairs, 'but if they were asked what it was in Elman s playing that particularly impressed them they would probably answer that his magnetic vitality was one of the elements. The truth of this contention is borne out in the audiences that turn out to listen to the music this Russian genius draws from his instrument.' And on Thursday again MiscTia Elman will give another practical demonstration of his popularity when, he plays a concert here. Associated with Elman again will bo Mile. Eva Gauthier the brilliant French-Canadian mezzosoprano, and Mr. Percy Kahn pianist, fho day sale for the 4s. tickets will be at Christeson's as usual. Only a limited number of 2s. tickets can be sold at tie door. J. C. WILLIAMSON'S "FORTY THIEVES" PANTOMIME. It is said tliat the nursery tale of the Forty Thieves, as told by the J. C. Williamson pantomime looms largely in tho production, and the crowds of children who have attended the various matinees elsewhere appear to support the argument. *To tlie grown people the pantomime is splendid spectacular vaudeville, with a number of astonishing ballots, and specialty features. It is understood'that the "Forty Thieves" has been conceived with the object of 'attracting both children and adults, the astounding vagaries of "Quicksilver," the wonderful donkey, being an especial delight to the little folks. It is said that, judging from tho standpoint of unusual excellence the pantomime of the "Forty Thieves" leaves little to be desired. The comicalities and eccentricities of Mr. Barry Lupine- and Mr. Edwin Brett, and the cliarm and cleverness of Misses Marie Eaton, Winnie Volt, Dolly Harmer, and Dorothy Firmin, and the quaint acrobatics of tne Three Rubes are thoroughly enjoyed. The music throughout is; we understand, of a very pleasing kind, and the ballets and spectacular effects, it is claimed, have never been surpassed. Tho plans for the season will be opened at tho Dresden at 9 o'clock this morning. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. _ A particularly fine programme is promised by the Fuller-Brennan management at His Majesty's Theatre for the week commencing to-night—one of the finest, it is claimed, ever presented. An outstanding item will be that of Gordon and Day, a pair of comedy trick cyclists, who; come from America with a very big reputation. Speaking of this act a northoni contemporary says:—"A star turn was provided by Gordon and Day,. who cloaked a saries of cycling tricks with a veil of comedy. Mr. Gordon as the cheerful tramp was a character that the audience was loth to let off tho stage." Another new act will be presented by Mr. Fred Swift, who is said to be an up-to-date musician, who provokes motor horns to break out into popular songs, while every button and pocket of his clothea and finger of his gloves hides a musioal note; This act is said to be altogether a most amusing one. Armstrong and HowaTth, a pair of musical sketch, artists, will reappear '.after a prolonged absence, aud will present an entirely, new sketch. A number of .artists who. appeared last week will contribute to the programme, including the Hughes Trio in their clever '■ musical'melange, Irve Haymau and Co., who produce a new playlet; Andrews and Dent will submit entirely new songs and violin solos; Miss Ray Devere will introduce new items; . and Vincent, Arthur, and Olive, a vocal trio,'will complete what promises to be an entertaining programme. "THE MARVELS OF NATURE." To-night's special film at the King's Theatre will be "The Marvels of Nature" or "A Day with Cherry Kearton in the East," a picture which is said to bo unusual in. nature and of distinct educational value. It is a result of the explorations of Mr. Cherry Kearton, known as fho modern Mu'ngo Park, in India, during which ho secured many pictures of. wild beasts Teaming in the jungle.- Sections of the film show hunting elephants, elephants clearing a path through the jungle, uprooting trees, colony_ of ants, bats as big as bantams, Indian tigers, monkeys at home, young monkeys, pythons 30 feet long, elephants bathing, etc. Other subjects will be "Tho Master of the Mine" (drama), "When Hazel Met the Villain" (comedy), "The Black Mask" (drama), "Training Italian Cavalry" (interest), "Soldier and the Dolls" (comedy), and the latest copy of the "Gaumont Graphic." The King's orchestra will supply, incidental music. Box plans are now open at the Dresden. EVERYBODY'S PICTURES.' Crowded attendances at .the Opera House were tho rule at Saturday's sessions. To-night's big. star .'4sooft. feature, "Protea the Second,'/ is spoken of as the best detective sensation and mystery play to date. .The story is that a banker dies and leaves'to his niece, Mabel, all his possessions, which include an undeveloped gold mine. Tho banker's will is found to be complete as to the bequests, but it' fails to disclose the locality where the gold mine is situated. Protea, the eminent female detective, is sent for to make investigations. She finds that Count Skettich is protending *to bo in love with the banker's niece, but his real object is to secure her fortune and locate the gold mine. Protea and the Count discover about the same time that the plan showing the whereabouts of tho mine is tattooed on the shoulder'of Sharp, the old banker's valet. Then begins a hunt for Sharp. He is found by Protea, but the tattoo has been removed. Villainy prospers awhile. The Count secures the fortune and the mine and enjoys both in wild reckless fashion until Nemesis, in the shape of Protea and her trusty assistant, get upon his track, when after many desperate adventures and encounters Protea succeeds in bringing the arch-scoundrel to bay, and restores the wealth -to tho banker's niece. "The Chicken Chaser," described as a brilliant Keystone comedy, and the latest "Pathe Gazette" will also bo screened.

SUNDAY CONCERT. Despite the wet weather there was a, Rood attendance at' His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when an instrumental and vocal concert was given. The entertainment was arranged by-the Corporation Tramway Band, which played some delightful items under the baton of Mr. G. W. Bowes (formerly of the Bfch Royal Irish Hussars). The b'and played a grand march* "Triomphale," composed by Herr Carl Sauor, of .Wellington. Hcrr Sauer personally • 'conducted the band for this item, which was loudly applauded. One of the chief items of the evening was the solo, "0, For a Burst of Song." which was sung by Madame Careva,.. who had beon specially engaged for the concert. Mr. B. H. Mayall, tenor, was heard in "Mother o' Mine." An item of special interest to bandsmen was the horn solo, "Burgomaster," which Mr. M. Bowes playecL Altogether the concert was a great treat,,and there was ample.proof that those fortunate enough to be- pre-

6ent thoroughly appreciated the efforts of the musicians.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Great Railway Smash," described as the Latium Company's greatest dramatic "feature," will he introduced at the Empress Theatre Continuous Pictures' to-day and to-night. The central figure in the story is the wealthy, but rather frivolous, Lord" Despafd. He tires of his humble sweetheart Dora, a dressmaker, and weds Clara Clements, the daughter of noted society people. Still unstable in his affections, after a year's married life, DespaTd becomes at-' tracted by a famous-adventuress, Minna Vanderson. Minna invites Despard to visit her at her beautiful palace by the seaside,'but he finds some difficulty in, doing so without causing his actions to ! be talked about. It is necessary for Despard to go to Baden, but he decides to send his_ valet instead, and handing the latter his cards and papers, instructs' the valet to impersonate his master. Then Despard proceeds by motor to Minna's castle. A shooking railway accident occurs, and the charred.unrecognisable remains of a man are found in the debris, together with Despard's cards and pacers. The body is believed to be that of Despard, and his wife is prostrated with grief. The story shows how the news of his death brings about the reformation of Despard, and his wife forgives him for his duplicity. BOYS' INSTITUTE CONCERT. A final reminder is given to patrons and supporters, of the Boys'' Institute concerning the annual concert to be held to-night in the Town Hall. The boys of the Fife Band, who paraded on Saturday, will also parade prior to the concert this evening, and after playing through the streets will take part in',.the programme at the hall. Tho boxing display, under the auspices of the Wellington. Boxing Association, will be.controlled by "Mr. Sampson. Of the moving: pictures, which are being; screened,; two ..'are being supplied by; Hay wards,, Ltd., and two by tho Department ; of, Agriculture, for whom they were specially taken by Mr. S. Tavlor. _ One shows the industrv of beekeeping,. as carried on at Ruakura farm The second film shows the work.of haymaking, which is carried on by means of the latest methods, and the up-to-date implements for cutting, raking, elevating, and stacking are depicted very graphically. The programme is such as should appeal to all who enjoy a popular entertainment, even if they were not among the many who' accord their heartiest support to this splendid organisation for the boys. ' POPULAR COMPETITIONS. By advertisement appearing in anothor column attention is drawn to the date of closing of entries for tho Popular Competitions to be held at the Town Hall, commencing on July 29, under the direction of the Australasian . Popular Competitions Enterprises.. ■ Entrios mill close' at 12 noon on Saturday next, and tho management request intending competitors to forward their nominations as early as possible'in order to facilitate classification. As there is ample really good amateur talent in Wellington, it is anticipated that a laTge number of entries will bo received. The box plan for the four, nights .will be opened at the Dresden on Wednesday next.