ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2279, 13 October 1914, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. If the FuUer-Brennan management keeps tip to the standard of the new programme of vaudeville presented at His Majesty's Theatre last night they will do well. Last night's show, presented to a packed house, was really n most enjoyaole one. Foremost in the new artists were "The Boudini 8r05.," with their accordions. Tlicy are really masters of this somewhat prosaic instrument of melody. In the "William Tell" overture of Kossini, modern ragtime, and other efforts, they proved themselves really masters of rhythm, more particularly so in ragtiino melodies, the' playing of which they invested with a peculiar appeal. Other newcomers were Brown and Sorlie, two coloured comedians really excellent in their line. Tho more comical of the two kept the house in a ferment of laughter with his droll absurdities. Arthur Troutt made his reappearance at tho theatre with yioles, his mermaid. The pair eat, drink, juggle and perform other extraordinary acts under water. The Oasselli Sisters made their first appearance. They sing, dance, and smile just as neatly as other "sisters" havo done before them. The Miltons, a pair of roller .skaters, really worth • seeing, again interested and amused. . The Groat Westih gave life portraits of'celebritics past and present in really clever fashion. Mann and Franks pleased exceedingly' in a laughable burlesque, "Married Bliss." Though there was nothing exceptional about White and Grey's turn,- their musical comedy act was enjoyable. Other artists were tho Two Storeys (a popular duo who excel in ragtime) and Drysdale and Fay (singers, dancers and patter people). The programme will he repeated throughout tho week. "THE LIFE OF GENERAL VILLA." Prior to the outbreak of tho great European war, General Villa, the Mexican rebel leader, was one of tho outstanding tigures in the history of tho times and. the management of the .King's Theatre undoubtedly showed enterprise in securing tho remarkable picture by tho Majestic Company entitled "Tho Lifo of General Villa." The film, which is SSOO feet long, was screened for the first time last night and must surely be voted one of the most extraordinary life stories ever shown in moving pictures. It was photographed by special arrangement with the famous, Mexican and contains several real battle scenes, with tho general himself figuring prominently, and worked into tho .tragic story of his lifo. Years ago Pancho Villa was a young rancher, and the story opens with scenes of his home, where dwelt his two sisters. An oflieer -of tho Federal Army betrayed tho younger sister and Villa vowed vengeance on all mankind. Leaving his ranch, ho went to the mountains' and lw:camo leader first of a small ring of bandits and subsequently of a groat revolutionary army. His march against the Federals was one long succession of victories and in tho picturo story he is shown face to face on the battlefield with vho men who assisted in' the abduction of his sister. Villa .shoots this villain with his own hand, and later the actual betrayer meets similar, fate at the hands of the torriblo revolutionary general, who, from being an outlaw with a price- upon his- own head, becomes, with the swing of tho war pendulum, the conqueror of tho wholo Federal Army and Government. A strong supporting programme includes the "Gaumont Graphic," an edition full of war news with views of the Tsar, the King of Belgium, and Lord Kitchener. "Hubby's Surprise" is an amusing comedy, and "A Halt'in tho Junglo" is a kinemacolour scenic of interest. Appropriate music is supplied by the King's Orchestra.

EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. •Big business continues at Everybody's Pictures at tho Old Opera House iii Manners Street, and at the evening sessions yesterday many patrons had to wait their turns for seating accommodation; Tho capital, programmes provided by tho management since the theatre, opened to pictures have had the result of establishing its popularity on a firm basis.' This week as usual the latest war news from Europe is screened to rounds of applause, and is followed bj; the feature film "Old Reliable," a magnificent Vitagraph production acted on a high scale of excellence. The story is of a banker's scapegrace sou, who is sent out AVest to reform. He causes ■ troublo prior to his departure by thieving a large sum of money from the bank. Daniel Ray, known as "Old Reliable," to save his master's honour, accepts the blame for the crime, and receives- ten years' im.prisonment. The banker, not knowing of the old man's sacrifice, is astounded at his apparent fall from grace, but takes "Old Reliable's" daughter into his employ as stenographer. When the old man comes from prison he becomes waiter at a restaurant. Tho scapegrace returns from the AVest, and becoming smitten with his father's stenographer induces her to tako dinner witli hirn at the restaurant. A violent scene ensues between "Old Reliable" 'and the banker's son, when tho truth comes out and is overheard by the banker, who banishes the son forever and reinstates his former faithful servant.- Among the other items on tho bill are: "Mack at it' Again," a bright Keystone comedy.; "Tho Missing Jewels," a beautiful Kalem drama; and "On the Banks of the Dahl," a delightful scenic. An orchestra is in attendance at both afternoon and evening sessions. MACMAHON'S NEW THEATRE. There were two complete changes of programme at . MacAlahon's New Theatre, in Manners Street, yesterday. During the day the Nordisk Company's drama entitled "Theresa, tho Adventuress," was shown for the first time in Wellington. The story is full of exciting incidents, and demonstrates the thoroughness with which the company put. on this class of photo-play/ "Theresa, the Adventuress," was supported by a fine programme of moving pictures. At 6 p.m. tho second change for the day was screened. It consisted of a full programmo of tho first of the war pictures. "Men of the Moment" is tho name of the long film which deals with the earlier evonts of tho war, and includes pictures of the Gordon Highlanders, the Lancers, and Ghurkasj.the British Commander-in-Chief (Lord Kitchener), Lord Roberts, and many other notables. These war pictures are the first of a series which tho management has arranged. Tho next budget of war pictures will include: "The Capture' af Louvain." The management announce that duo notice' will be given of tho presentation of later war films.

THE.EMPRESS THEATRE. "When Men. Hate," a, sensational "feature" drama by the Warner Company, figured as the principal subject of tile new programme submitted at the lEmpi'css Theatro Continuous Pictures yesterday. A quarrel over a horse causes old Jem Morrison to exchange shots with young Don Weston-, thus reviving ill-feeling that liad laid dormant for some years. Several brushes occur between the two families and old Morrison receives a .severe wound. His daughter Ruth nurses her father, who recovers, and .Ruth in her strolls in the neighbourhood of her homo meets Don Weston without knowing his identity. Don is also ignorant of the fact that the girl is his enemy's daughter. They fall in lovo with each other, but when they discover the real position a mutual disdain is engendered. Piqued by Ruth's, coolness Don kidnaps her, and sending for a preacher, makes him marry Ruth

and himself at the point of a revolver. The Jlorrisons are made aware of Kuth's plight, and they arrive just after the ceremony, and a desperate fight ensues. Ruth escapes, the AVestons are beaten back, and the girl returns to a convent. Later on Don and old Morrison become friends, and Don goes to the convent to claim Ruth, hut finds that her vows preclude them from meeting again. Of the remaining items the best are: 'Manila Public Schools," ""His Last Burglary" (A.B. drama), and "The Double "Wedding" (Keystone comedy).