ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2243, 1 September 1914, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE ORANGE DANDIES. In whatever colour—pink, orange, red, or green—tho Dandies appear to bo ever welcome in Wellington. Tho orange division of Mr. Edward Branscombe's army of cheorful entertainers compare very favourably with those of other tints, and exhibit the same geniality and versatility common to tho genus Dandy, Considering the times we live in, the audience was fairly large, but during the greater part of tho first hair the cold breath that, psychologically speaking, blew between the audience and tho performance prevented tliat . flow of sympathy which is so essential to the fullest enjoyment of such entertainments. It affected tho Dandies, too, accounting for one or two slips or memory, but as tho show progressed the wraith vanished into thin air, and for the second half of the programme the audience • thoroughly enjoyed itself. Some folk may hold that to attend such performances at such a time has a relation to that calculated crank who fiddled whilst Rome burned, but that is hardly the correct attitude. There is no call to be glum and joyless, as pessimism breeds pessimism, and that feeling is not going to help anyone. Whilst it would bo bad taste to indulge m excesses of elation, there is no justification for breeding depression. The 1 Dandies provide the happy medium to a nicety. They are fairly strong vocally, and their ensemble items were most acceptable, particularly the pot-pourri from Balfe's "Bohemian Girl," which brought- with it the perfume of lavender and old lace. Of the artists, Mr. Andrew Pace is perhaps the most cultured and subtle. Thero was a polish about bis work that made an immediate appeal. He sang "Dingle Dongle Dell" in a refined manner without losing any of its quaint humour, and his "Tickling" song, though not so clever, was also artistically treated. Mr. Roland Henry forgot all about his wonderful digits last evening, and consequently was not so funny as we have seen him. His character sketch,- "The Boy in the ; Gallery,'' stamped aim as a character comedian of talent. Miss Linda Bradford returns with twice the vocal power she .exhibited when last in Wellington, and was quite interesting in that superblong "Molisande in the Woods," and the flimsier ballad "A Bowlof Roses.," Miss Ethel Walker is a bright, attractive soprano, a trifle hard at tho top of nor register. She was at her best in the duet "Nocturne," with Miss Bradford. Mr. Geo. Taylor was not in his usual good form owing to a cold., Miss Naomi M'Quoih is a mildly-pleasing BPubrette, and sang "What Has It Got To Do With Me or You" with modified aplomb. With the exception of the fact that he sang the same verse twice, Mr. David Lyle gave a spirited reading of Frances Allitsen's fine song "There's a Land," and in response to an encore made a very passable attempt at the dramatic number "On With the Motley" (from "I Pagliacci"). Mr. Harry Webster made himself popular in the lively ditty "Seaside Trippers" and 49." One of the most amusing comedy interludes was the duet "The Duke and tho Duchess" by Messrs. Andrew Pace and Roland Henry (with : plagiarisod patter). The Orange Dandies will be' at tho Concert Chamber ' for the remainder of the week.

S HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A number of excellent new turns wore presented at His Majesty's Theatre last night, before a large audience. The '»? Bt '■!!!*., °£ the evening "was.'made by Mr. Phil Percival, an English entertamer. After the considerable number of American oomedians New Zealand audiences have, become accustomed to, it: was a- pleasure to. hoar the clever humour of Mr. Percival. He gave a bright turn, and was never at a loss' to raise a laugh. As a musical monoi?& ui9 *_ he wa3 ' good l , but'in a'sk'it on ine Drama' he had the house roflcmg with laughter. There was not a dull moment while he occupied tho stage, and his clean and clever humour was evorywhoro enjoyed. The Bartletts appeared in an aerial act which was distinctive in the rapidity with which it was performed. It was a performance of the highest merit. Miss Bartlett, tho woman Hercules,", being especially clever. Tho acrobats never paused in their amazing feats, and they concluded their turn in a novel and startling nnale. Another particularly good turn was that given by. Sterling and Love. It was entitled ,f A Brush Up," and' had as a background a hunting scene. Iho musical portion, of the act was very entertaining, and the solos on hunting horns were well received. The reappearance of the Bright Sisters was enjoyed,', as their dancing and singing were good. The striking costumes worn by the girls added appreciably to the effect. .Hart and Konnoy proved themselves vocalists of a high standard, and ™. slr J?"6'ng of "Ora Pro Nobis" and In Old Madrid" jvas highly appreciated. Iho Fnllor-Brennan Stock Company gave a laughable comedy sketch, entitled "Tho Other Fellow," and the dancing of the '[Hesitation Waltz" by 1 hillips and Merritt was witnessed with hearty approval. Tho other turns added to a pleasing programme. The items will bo repeated this ovenin"

THE KINO'S THEATRE. Latest war news has been a feature of tho programmes at, the King's theatre during the past month, and, coincident with the announcement that German oamoa had surrendered to tho .Royal Navy, the management last night screened on interesting picture to illustrate what manner of territory had so recently been added to tho glorious Empire on which the sun never sets. The films included scenes in Apia, Samoa, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, which entered the port last Saturday, and the type of British warship which brought about the surrender of the German garrison. The big drama on tho programme is. a Vitagraph production, entitled "Lost in,Mid-Ocean," a. vivid sea tragedy. Something entirely new in the picture business is Been here as'the plot is worked out through a shipwreck in midiocean. A large liner at full speed is seen to strike an iceberg, and as she recoils and settles down, the wireless operator appears in the picture dispatching the urgent call for help. Then tho liner finally plunges beneath the waves, and her passengers are left in open boats until rescued by another. vessel. The story is full of startling experiences, which culminate satisfactorily. A Keystono comedy can always be depended on to bo really comic, and "Mabel's Busy Day" is certainly ono of the best of the company's productions ever soreened in Wellington. The scene is laid o na famous racing track where an automobile race is in progress, and two of the Keystono artists provide capital ontortainment by their antics among tho crowd. Supporting items are: "Gaumont Graphic" (topical) ;' "The Cockchafer" (natural history); "All for Science" (A.B. drama); "River Aven in Brittany" (scenic); "Tho Limpet" (lmture study); and "The Strategy of Conductor -786" (comedy). THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "A Celebrated Case," the first of the Kalem Company's now "World" series of adaptations of famous play<j, was flcreoned at the Empress Theatre Continuous Pictures yesterday. The film occupies over an hour and a'quarter in tho unwinding. There are some fine spectacular military scones descriptive of tho war against the English in France and Belgium about the middle of tho eighteenth century, including the famous battlo of Fontenoy. According to tho plot Jean Ronaiid marries Madeline, foster sister of the Countess d'Aulietorre. Five years Intel', in a fit of unwarranted jealousy, Renaud

leaves his wife and little daughter and joins the French Army. The French an " English forces bivouao near Renaud s home.' A prescribed nobleman, the Count' de Mornay, after placing his infant daughter :n the trust of tho mistress oF a college oudoavours to pass through tho linos of the armies, and receives a fatal wound, lazare, a robber camp follower, is about to kill and plunder the "Count when R'enaud conies to the. rescue. Tho Count hands his jewels and papers to Renaud for safe keeping. Renaud steals back to his home, and explaining how he obtained the jewels asks his wife to mind them till the war is over. Lazare, who is eavesdropping, waits till Renaud departs, and then makes Madeline (yield up the jewels. When 6he_ endeavours to prievent Lazare from leaving he stabs her to death. In the meanwhile Renaud distinguishes, himself in the field, and is decorated by ,the General. Subsequently _ news arrives of tho murder of his wife. He is arrested on 'a charge of having caused her death, and is sent to the galleys for life. Years pass and Lazare assumes the guise of the dead Count. By a mere chance Renaud is able to prove his innocence, and the bogus Count is arrested. This brings about a most pathetic reunion between Renaud and his daughter. The "feature" is supported by other attractive subjects.

EVERYBODY'S' PICTURES. A magnificent patriotic film, "War Dogs of To-day," headed the new programme at Everybody's Pictures at the old Opera House last evening, and the house was crowded. The film included views of all tho combatants in the war that is shaking the world at the present time. The section showing the battle-cruiser H.M.S. New Zealand and the Now Zealand troops roused the enthusiasm of the house, as did the Canadian contingent and the British Army and Navy. . Popular features of the picture, too, were "Our French friends, fine ships and men," and the Belgian' and Russian army sections, while the pictures of the nation's foes received a hostile reception. During the screoning of the film, Mr. Harold Grey sang Mr. Bert Royle's' patriotic hit "Britons All," for which he was warmly applauded.. The subject proved so welcome to patrons of the house last evening that it seems likely to draw record business throughout the week. The new edition of the Patho Gazette, which was shown, was interesting in that it included an event presided over by the King 'of England, and another at which the Kaiser of Germany was presont. "Views of Munich" filled an appropriate corner of the bill, and another really good scenic was "A Mountain Stream." The Edison Company *' a « represented by. a touching drama, Mother and Wife," while the famous Vitagraph Company provided "Back to Broadway," in which it is interestingly demonstrated how a millionaire might possibly become temporarily stranded. A Barnyard Flirtation," a Keystone comedy, provoked roars of laughter, liie same programme will be shown today when the theatre will be open continuously from noon onwards.

THE NEW THEATRE. • That the popularity of Wellington's nrst continuous picture house, the New •Theatre, has not waned at all during its closmg down of the past few months, is evident' from the large crowds flocking there at all &cstsioti» since its reopening on Saturday. The kinoma adaptation of Maxwell's Gray's story, "The Silenco of Dean Maitland,*' is the main attraction on tho opening programme. None of the appeal of tho well-known story is lost in its portrayal on the screen and picture-lovers should not miss seeing it at the''New Theatre. The supporting subjects are a most attractive lot and include "Osr& Fairmln g a* Coonamble, N.S.W. " 'The Rajah and the Ring" (a thrilling drama), and "Mike and Jake, Pugil" l&ts (comic). The theatre is open daily from mid-day till 10.30 p.m.

HARRY LAUDER. Within a few, days Harry Lauder, the famous Scotch comedian, will pay his long-expected visit to Wellington, and a. season of six nights and one matineo will be commenced at tho Grand Opera House next Saturday ovoning. We are informed that exceptional booking took place yesterday, and everything points to a most successful season. , Largo numbers of requests for various songs nave been crecen'ed, and so far as it is possible theso requests will bo acceded r°' ir d " nn S the six nights' season here Mr. Lauder will varv and change his programme nightly,so that tho nioro Popular songs from his fepertoiro will bo presented. A matinee will be given on Wednesday, September 9, when tho programme will be exact in every detail to those given at tho evening performances. The box plan is now open at the Dresden, and seats may be reserved for the entire season.