ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2249, 8 September 1914, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HARRY LAUDER. 'Again last night, on the second appearance in Wellington of the famous Scotch comedian, Harry Lauder, the Grand Opera House was crowded by a huge audience which instantly acolaimed the art—it can be oalled such—of the world-famed laughter-raiser. The faintest sign of a smile had just to dawn on the comedian's face and simultaneously the audience would rock with laughter. It was marvellous to watch the absolute control he had over his audience. Sentences which, coming from other comedians' mouths, would sound foolish, drew simply roars of laughter, when uttered by Harry Lauder. The well-worn favourites. "Tobermory," "I Lore a Lassie," Saftast of tho Family," "She's the Lass for Mo," "Killecrankie," etc.. were all invested with a new unfathomable comicality and even charm when' sung by the comedian. Before tho arrival' of the great "Harry" there is an excellent programme of vaudeville, well calculated to whet the appetite for the star turn of the evening. There is Ireno Bcrcseny, a fair and talented little cymbalist, who is-more than ably assisted by Yoska, a talented violinist; Ernest Sewell, most entertaining with his living marionettes; Jack Ark, a unique diabolo'expert, and ethers. A capable orclißstra under Mr. Horace Sheldon contributes incidental items. ■ . - There will be a matinee to-morrow. , HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The vaudeville ball is kept rolling merrily at His Majesty's Theatre, where there'is ample cheer for those who favour a little light relief when the toil of the day is ended. It is a decided and very welcome change to note the inclusion of some English artists alter the flood of Americans, who have threatened to make the public think in rag-time. One English artist who is tearing is Phil. Percival, a gifted pianist, and comedian, who tells a brisk story with plenty of point, and whose mock drama (with the assistance of tho Bright Sisters) was' the most notable comedy effort on the bill, although it was put on in place of another turn tht did,not materialise. '.Another English turn', was that of Stirling and Love, the former an expert cornetist and performer on the coach-horn, and the latter a singer cf ballads. The two present themselves in sketches, and succeed in causing much" hearty laughter. Bonita- is such a deadly shot with the rifle that, she should be commandeered for service at the front, and her partner, Billy Lee, displayed his skill with the ! stockwhip and lariat.' Marcell and Bell, tango dancers and patter come-. I dians, returned to favour with some now quips and a new. version of tho hesitation: waltz, 1 which is as various in its habit as the elusive tango. .Next week, these artists aro to superintend a hesitation waltz competition among amateur votaries to the shrine of the modern Terpsichore. The Bright Sisters in bright costumes sing and dance in unison after the manner of all vaudoville sisters, and Miss Ray De Vero lift's up a bright musical soprano in a refrain from "The Arcadians," and "Here's a Health." .This attractive young lady's singing would be better appreciated if she paid a stricter attention te enunciation. . Among the artists' who are to appear shortly. at His Majesty's are Matilde and Elvira, the Great Wostin,Alfred Latell, Tho Miltons, Mann and Pranks, tho_ Dumctrisque, Troup, the' Mullaney Twins, and Carmen ana Lawrence. /'''.''

THE KING'S THEATRE. Micawber, the immortalised character from Charles Dickens's "David Copperflold," appears so> true, to , tho general conception that one would imagine he had just;, stepped, from tlie pages of the book on to the screen, in the pictorial presentation, of "David Copperflold," which was given at the King's Theatre last night. Dickens's masterpiece as shown was a thoroughly enjoyable picture._ from the first scenq to the 1 last,'but it was Micawber who was the most delightful character. From his big bald head, surmounted by •a generous white hat, down, to .the gaiters on his. ever-restless . feet, Micawber was'complete in every detail, and his fortune as he waited for "something to turn'up" was eagerly follow-, ed. To renew acquaintance with such a'character was alone worth a visit to see tho film.' The whole story was faithfully given. In tho early life of David Copperiield' he' was shown, first in his happy home,-and later in that model school, "Salem House," whore he had to undergo so many hardships before he went to live with his aunt, Betsy Trotwood. Uriah Heep, with his humble ways, was another excellent character; and the scene wherein his deceit is exposed by Micawber was one of the_ most exciting. Daniel Pegotty, and his funny little boat house, were ■pleasing features of the story, and°the wanderings of Litttle Emily had an important part. To lovers of Dickens the well-remembered scenes were a treat, for in every respect of costume and manners were tho characters true to those which Dickens so well pictured. The scenes, as far as ■ possible, were taken from the exact places,mentioned by'the novelist, so that it was an education to watch the unrolling of the film. In addition to "David 'Copperfield," a topical", fifth, showing the launch and arriyal,.in Wellington of H.M.S. New Zealand,: was. given, and was witnessed with great interest. The films will be repeated this evening. EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. Big business was recorded at the various sessions of the continuous programme at Everybody's Pictures at the old Opera House, in Manners Street, yesterday. The new series of films included a remarkable production by the Selig Company, entitled "The Unwelcome Throne, or the First Adventure of Kathlyn Hare." As a collector of wild animals, , Colonel Hare (father of the heroine) had visited India, and on one occasion had rendered distinguished service to a certain Maharajah. The latter Iconsidtered himself deeply indebted to the colonel, and conferred a royal title upon him, so that in the event of the Maharajah having no direct heir. Colonel Hare was to succeed to the throne. On a subsequent visit to India, the colonel discovers that he has succeeded the Maharajah, but declines to mount the throne unless he has power to free all the slaves in the kingdom. He is thereupon imprisoned, and his daughter,'-Kathlyn, who has been decoyed to India by a forged letter, is told that her father is dead, and is forced to assume the crown. ' A husband is chosen for her, and she is stricken with terror at the choice. Her further adventures are to be pictured in an addition.il series.-Startling scenes, in which wild animals appear, occur during the screening of this first adventure, and tho crowning of.tho queen is carried out amid great pomp and splendour. The supporting items on the new programme include interesting views of "Paris, the Queen City of France," where the great war iB centred at the present time. This week's edition of Fathe's English Gazette shows the Homo Fleet drawn up at Spithead ' for review by His Majesty the King. Other numbers are "Max s Persuasive Suicide," a Patho comedy, in which Max Linder appears; and a highly amusing Keystone comedy, Our Country Cousins."

COMPANY. "His House in Order" is the story of an eminent man who has married a woman.—a real woman. His first wife was a woman too, but tho side ho saw was her ■ machine side. His late v.ifo's relatives control his house because the "real woman" is incapable of thmkbs on mathematical Jinej, Tiia,

man who understands is her husband's brother. There is a little son. Ho loves Major Maurewarde, a friend of the family, and tho little son by accident finds a wallet owned by his late mother (tho perfect machine), and gives it to his stepmother (the woman of flesn and blood). This is the dramatic) point of a singularly strong play, for the wallot contains letters from the dead (and perfect) lady to Major Maurewarde, the father of her child, and in spite of all temptation to use these terrible.documents to punish and avenge herself on her oppressors, the ical woman pities the insufferables. The box plans for "His House in Order" open to-morrow morning at the Dresden. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. At the Empress Theatre (continuous pictures) yesterday afternoon and evening, "Man's Enemy," a stirring melodramatic "feature" by Klaw and Erlanger, was shown for the first time in New Zealand. John Warrinor, a country squire, and his neighbour, Sir Arthur Stanton,, are implacable enemies. While out shooting, Wanriner meets with a, fatal accident. Notwithstanding that tho tragedy is proven to be tho result of an accident, Warriner's son believes that Sir Arthur was responsible for his father's death, and tho son swears vengeance upon ■ Sir Arthur. Harry, Sir Arthur's son, on coining of age, associates with a fast set in London, and falls into the power cfl Warrineir's son, wiha, under the pseudonym of Drako, conducts a- gambling casino. An adventuress, who poses as Drake's sister, fascinates Harry, and eventually he marries her, contrary to Sir Arthur's wishes, and is disinherited. From this point the story develops in a series of fascinating incidents. The play i\ magnificently staged and convincingly interpreted. Excellent supporting films also appear. MAGMAHON'S NEW THEATRE. That absorbing picture, "Absinthe," continues to attract large audiences to the New Theatre, and it is a photoplay of certainly quite exceptional parts. Not only is it admirably conceived, the construction being beyond all reproach, but it is delightfully acted by a strong cast. There will be only two more opportunities of witnessing this' picture,as, owing to popular demands, the management has decided to change, the feature pictures at quicker intervals. As a result of this'decision, on Thursday "The Hour of Her Temptation" will take the head of the hill. . This is a charming Nordisk drama of exception, ally strong interest, beautifully told in picture form, by this celebrated firm. It has an exceptionally strong love interest to sustain it. On Saturday 'another new headliner will be shown in "Strongheart," a Klaw and Erlangei_ Indian drama of vivid pathos, portraying how even the crucible of love cannot eliminate racial, instincts. There will bo tho usual strong supporting programmes with each of theso star pictures, changing from day to day. HOTORUA MAORI CHOIR. A unique entertainment will be given in the Town Hall to-morrow and Thursday ovehings by tho Eotorua Maori Choir. Hakas, poi dances, part singing, old-time life portrayals, and old legends enacted, will comprise the first part of the display. The second part of tho programme will include a pretty tableau entitled "Hinemoa and Tutanekai." Hinemoa, the beautiful daughter of Umukaria, is sought in marriage by the three sons of Whakaue, and by his adopted son, Tutanekai. The latter offers his love and is accepted. Owing to her father's averseuess Hinemoa clandestinely seeks to join her lover on Mokoia. . Her intentions- are anticipated. Hearing the music played by her lover she can resist the'impulse no longer, and she determines to. risk her life in an effort to- swim to the island. She -reaches the island, cold and exhausted, and ■ Tutanekai'a ■ vant, in tho darkness of the early morning, comes to the lata for drinking water for his master. Hinemoa, assuming the voice of a. man, asks for drink; after drinking she breaks the calabash—four thncs successive]} 1 she breaks'the calabash offered to her. Tutanekai, enraged, goes out to kill the person who dares thus to insult, him. His surprise is great on, finding Hinemoa —tho couple return to his home and become man and wife. Tutanekai's brothers, consumed with rage on learning that Hinemoa has chosen their halfbrother, rush on him with their taiahas to kill him, hut are deterred hy Whar kaue, their father. . ; a . I A charge of ono shilling will ho mado to all parts of the hall, and tho proceeds are to he devoted to the Mayor's Patriotic Fond.

"SAMSON AND DELILAH.", "Samson and' Delilah," a Biblical opera by the most distinguished of living French musicians,' was first produced at Weimar in 1877, although it was written some years earlier. An exceptionally strong cast of soloists has been engaged by the Royal Wellington Choral Society for this opera; which will he heard for the first time in New Zealand at the Town Hall on Friday week, the 18th. under tho conductorshipof Mr. Herbert Eloy. Two of ! the artists engaged have already sung in "Samson and Delilah." Miss Mina Caldow took the part-of Delilah in England early last year, while the tenor 'role, Samson, has also been sung previously by Mr. Walter Kirby. Mr. Barry Coney, of Auckland, will take ■the part of the High Priest; Mr. Fred Twiss that of Abimeleoh; Mr. Frank Young has been engaged to sustain the bass part, "Aged Hebrew," and Mr. P. Cutforth that of tho Philistine.-.The box plan will open at the Dresden on Friday morning next at 9 o'clock. Patrons of the society are notified that ill view of the heavy copyright fee charged by the publisher for printing the English words in the programme, the committee has therefore decided to' make a charge of 3d. for each programme. These will be on sale at the Dresden and W. J. Lankshear's from Friday.