ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2207, 21 July 1914, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE FORTY THIEVES" PANTOMIME. The songs in "Tlie Forty Thieves" aro numerous and varied, and aro generally given, wo understand, with vocal ability—a notable feature is the way Mr. Barry Lupino and Mr. Edwin Brett succeed in working tho audience in joining in the inspiriting chorus, Whoops, Let's Do It Again." • The Chrysanthemum Song," by Mr. Lupi'io, is also mado a most amusing ballad by the quaint manner of rendering, and Miss Dolly Harmer is said to "ot much fun out of "Percy in the Park." A very appealing item is "I'd Like to Live Mil Loveland," by Miss Marie Eaton.

Possibly tho features which will mako tho widest appeal to public .favour are the glorious scenic display—tho ballots and the marches—these arc said to command individual attention on account of their beauty and artistic handling. It is said that in this department never before has a higher standard been attained. Mxich credit is due to ' the art displayed into the succession of beautiful'ballets—tho prin-. cipal dancer in which is' Miss Maggie Dickenson. Both acts of the pantomime end with a. gorgeous spectacularfinale, tho supreme moment being reached in the military pageant representing "The Drums of All Nations"—a rousing tattoo beaten on, side-drums by some 80 girls clad in costumes identical with the flags of the nations of the world. Tho box plan for the season of eight nights is now open at the Dresden. Late trains will leave Wellington to-morrow night' at 11.30 p.m. for tho Lower Hutt and Johnsonville. ' ■

MISCHA ELMAN, VIOLINIST. .In the Town Hall on Thursday evening Mischa Elman, the great violinist, will again appear, but as ho leaves for Australia on the following duy this will be Mm,an ! s last appearance in this country. Mischa Elman has a- delightimmense of humour, for which reason lie has always .a stock of amusing stones, among the best of which is his experience when ho played at the-Leeds .festival. Every corner was under police surveillance, owing to Suffragette invasion and dangers. Tho orchestra.was playing the Leonore ovei-turb,-*'No. 3. Ihe horn player appeared benind the scenes to give the effect of the trumpet call in "the distance, and had just blown his. first long blast when an overactive policeman jumped at him from behind, and, snatching away his instrument, said: "What are you trying to cor Don't you' know there.is a concert going on out there, and they can' hear you as plain as if you were on the stage?" ■ Tho overture- proceeded , without the horn solo. Elman also tells .ofhis experience when playing the' Vo'g-J-ich concerto in Berlin a few month's ago, and his E string broke. Ho remembered that' ho had, only six' measures before ; tho orchestral interlude, ■and iui those; measures he did not need 'the string;.-.By the time ho was ready to resume ho had taken his own Amati froin tho concert" master and continued without a break anywhere, except for the string. Elman says that ho always gives one of his own violins to the concert masteri to provide for an occuirence of this sort. Mdlle. EvaiGaiithier, the superb French-Canadian mezzo-soprano (who will show some of tlie latest gowning from Paris), and Mr. ..Percy Kahn', pianist, will again appear. The programme will bo -an entirely now ono. The box plan for tho 10s. ,6d. and'7s. Gd. seats is at the Dresden, while the day 4s. tickets will uo at Ghristeson's.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE,

Gordon aaid Day comedy cyclists, provide the principal new turn oil tlie vaudeville programme at His Majesty's 'lheatre, this week. At first appe'arancoon tho stage, Mr. Gordon, did not give one the ininression that he woiild rbe in Jiis element on a cycle, hit before ho retired he demonstrated that what ho does not know about trick cycling is-.not worth recording. His work on • a single wheel was particularly clever, and his silent comedy added new interest to any part of the turn that was old. Ho was ably assisted by Miss Ida Day, whose feats on her own cycle were almost as startling as those of her partner. Tho pair were vociferously applauded at tho close of their performance. Fred' Swift, described as'"The Musical Nut," was another new' arrival, who quickly gained, popularity. His efforts to entertain showed that even motor-horns can be mado musical with proper treatment, and, while he struck sundry stray notes on the clothes ho wore, ho gagged amusingly. The favourite sketch artists,' Tom ''Armstrong and Miss Howarth, reappeared after a. prolonged absence and contributed an acceptable item to tho first half of the programme. Misses Andrews and Dent, with the piano and the violin, scored heavily, and had to respond to several encores. Tho violin solos pleased the audience immensely. Tho Hnghes Trio, in their' musical meknge, also met with warm approval for their work on a'variety of uncommon instruments. In a programme so strong in instrumental items, Miss Bay dc Vero's sweetly-sung ballads served to vary the order of things a little.-Vin-cent, Arthur and Oliver harmonised in new songs, and the last-named supplied a couple of baritone, solos, which took well. A dramatic episode entitled "The Coward" was staged by Irve Hayman and Co., and was quite as entertaining 'as the previous playlets in which these artists have appeared. : Altogether the •programme is one of Fuller-Brennan's best, and it is sure to draw good houses during the remaindor of the week.

- '■ THE KING'S THEATRE. A capital variety of pictures was presented before a large number of patrons at the King's, Theatre last evening The star, film of the new programme is the study "Marvels of Nature," depicting scenes in the Indian jungle, viewed from the howdah of an elephant. The huie animal is 6een clearing a, path in l>he? dense jungle, a huge tree being easily swept aside. Thou are seen ants of all sizes and,shapes/bats as large as bantams, and quaint-iboking monkeys, the sinuous and poweuful folds of a huge python, and, lastly, ,tho'lord of the jungle—the- Indian tiger, often viewed with admiration in captivity. The Bcone, wliich rove&ls the.tiger roving in mid about the jungle, is stated to have occupied the photographer for eight days before a favourable view was presented for the camera. Various other scenes' of animal life are shown, and the Him < concludes with scenes of elephants haying a bath after, a day's work. "The Tin Soldier and. the Dolls" is a clever child comedy, aud is one of the most popular items on the programme. The latest Gaumont Graphic contains many scenes of important events on the' Continent. A splendid exhibition of superb horsemanship is depicted in a film entitled "Italian Cavalry Training." The programme, which includes many other interesting pictures, will bo repeated this evening.

"THE GREAT RAILWAY SMASH.'"

A feature drama of considerable note, "The Great Railway Smash," was screened yesterday at the Empress Theatre-continuous pictures at'the. head of the new programme. Not only ■by virtue of the engaging nature of' tlio plot is the play of distinctive merit, but the mountings, dresses, scenery, and acting are excellent. Lord Despard becomes tired of his attachment to Dora, a young dressmaker, and falls in love with Clara Clements, the daughter of wealthy people. The- marriage of Despard and Clara is soon effected, ond alter a. year Despard grows tired of his wife, and finds interest in Minna Vanderson, a beautiful society adventuress. Minna is ittran+Aj by De6pard,

and they enjoy each other's company at a fashionable reception in the house of a mutual friend. Minna extends an invitation to Despard to visit her castle by the seaside. Despard has already arranged to go to ljaden, but he decides to send Jus valet to Baden to'imporsonatc his master. Accordingly the valet,- carrying Despard's card and panel's, sets out by train for Baden, while Despard motors to Minna's castle. A .railway accident loecurs, and the papers report that among the debris has been discovered tho remains of a man in whose pockets are found Lord Despard's card, and papers. The news causes Lady Despard poignant grief, and in a manner unngs about the reform of Lord Despard. A specially selected series: o f auxiliary items makeup tho remainder of tho programme.

EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. A sensational detective drama was pictured at the Old Opera House in 'Manners Street yesterday under tho title of "Protea and the Infernal •Automobile." The story runs over 4500 ft. of film, and is well up to the high standard that has been set since "Everybody's Pictures" were established ac this theatro. Leading artists in tho employ of the Eclair Company are seen in the production, and there is not a weak spot in the acting from start to finish, while tho plot is worked out in. a thrilling manner, with magnificent scenery here aud there. Some delightful . comedy is welded into tho story, which grips the attention throughout. For the foundation of the play, thero is the death of a wealthy banker, who bequeaths, among other property, an undeveloped gold mine to his niece. A bogus-, .count, with a large criminal gang at liis beck and call, is bent on securing this mine with its incalculable wealth, and Protea, an eminent fenialo detective, is determined to defeat his efforts and to protect the heiress, who is Protea's personal friend-. Exciting incidents follow one another in quick succession, -until eventually Protea. sue* ceods in bringing the villain to justice,, and the heiress after many trials and tribulations conies to enjoy her ■ fortune --Supporting items include a brilliant'Keystpne comedy, "The Chicken Chaser," and a recent edition of the Eathe-Gazette. Tho theatre .will be open .continuously to-day from iio'on onwards. . , .

POPULAR COMPETITIONS., The. box plan for the four nights' season ofi.the popular competitions under the direction of tho Australasian Popular Competitions Enterprises opens at the Dresden to-morrow. Tho management state jfliat a- good:'number, of entries have already been' received for the various events. : Competitions for ladies, gentlemen, and children, are included in the programme, which is advertised in another column. Entries aro free, and nominations will close on Saturday next at the secretary's office, 29 Panama Street. : Intending competitors are requested to forward their applications as early- as possible to facilitate classification. It.is stated that if-'satisfactory arrangement can bo made tho winners.in each of the large centres will bo given the opportunity of competing against each other.- Substantial prizes will bo offered, and all expenses paid. 'Exhibitions' of the La Rinka waltz and other dances new' to New Zealand willbe given by Monsieur and Mademoiselle .Craus. ,'

BOYS' INSTITUTE CONCERT,

'An interesting,'concert, that varied ■widely in its character, was given at the Town Hall last evening in aid of tho current: -expenses of tho • Wellington Boys' Institute, a;training ground for young la»ls, which is acknowledged to be doing a great deal of good in an unostentatious manner. As is known, the institute is. about to bo in new quarters,, and a considerable siiiri of money has from time to time been subscribed towards a fund that will ensure the building boing Opened debt free. In the meantime the work lias to he kept going at the old quarters, - and n. certain ■ amount of funds is necessary to cover expenses. : 'Though the.big hall was by no means hill last evening, it is understood that, a .large, number of tickets hava been disposed of, ; and' that a fairly substantial profit will result.' Tlie programme opened With the march "Oriental" (German), played w«;h spirit by tlie . Wellington Tramways Band, which is showing good form under the baton of Conductor Bowes.' ■ The band also played "The Rosary" with capital expression. The dram and .fife band of the institute, under Mr. A. H. Brown, also made a merry noiso during the in-

terval. Mr. Courteney F. Mohr, in good voice, sang' "From Oberon in Fairyland," and Miss Flora M'Donald recited "A Similar Case" and "0, How I Envied M'Ginty" in a brightly humorous manner. A popular item 'with the boys was a couple of 3-round boxing bouts betweon some of the institute boys, who ducked, side-stopped, hit, and smothered in an approved manner under the eye of .Mr. Sampson. Mr. B. O'Connor sang "There's a Land" (Allitzen), and Mr. W. Goudio obliged with "Nita Gitana" (Nowton). A couple of very amusing stories were told by. Mr. Marcus Maries, who also recited some lines reflecting tho loyalty of New Zealandors to their country when abroad. Miss Eileen DriscoU sang very sweetly "Tho Awakening of Spring," and Mr. J. Culford Bell contributed a humorous recitation. Not. the least interesting item on the programme was the exhibition of somo moving pictures, illustrating tho processes of bee-culture at the Ruakura State Farm, and some haymaking scenes in'tho same locality. Tho orchestra of the institute played a number of selections during the .showing of the films. At the conclusion of the' entertainment Mr. James Hislop, apologising for the absence of Mr. (j. A. Troup (president), -who was ivnable to be present owing to tho illness of his father-in-law (Mr. Jas. Sloan), thankcA all those who had so kindly assisted the institute by giving their services for nothing.

Advices received from Sydney last evening state that Mr. Charles ' MacMahon, lessee of the New Theatre (Wellington), has secured the Now Zealand rights of the Fraser Film Agency. The films handled by this agency include the whole of the Klaw and Erlanger productions, which are acted by some of the finest players in America. The first films to be shown in New Zealand from this agency will be a very complete dramatic representation of "The Silence of Dean Maitland," tho great American play "Strongheart," and another entitled "Lord Cholmondeley."

The Williamson Dramatic Company playing "The Argyle Case" and "Ready Money opened a New; Zealand tour at Auckland last night. "'.