ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2418, 25 March 1915, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE PLIMMER-lIALL SEASON. There was quite a remarkable scene at tho Grand Opera House last evening, created by a big turn-out by members of tho National Reserve, headed by bands. Tho northern contingents paraded through tho streets from the Government Buildings, and the south-' cm and eastern divisions from tho Basin Reserve. They swung along in great style, showing by their carriage' and step that the weekly drills are having their effect. The clashing music of the two bauds as they mot at the theatre was very exhilarating, and the sight of Wellington's homo defenders filing'into the big playhouse four abreast was something to bo remembered. Colonel I'ortcr, C.8., N.Z.C., Commandant of the National Rosorve, was present in uniform, looking very proud of the citizens who had, as far as lay in their power, decided to fit themselves for any emergency. The performance of tho brilliant comedy "Lady Windermere's Fan" was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, as was demonstrated by the applause at the end of each act. Oscar Wilde's play will bo produced again this evening for the last time. To-morrow evening, Isaac Henderson's powerful drama "The Mummy and the Hummingbird" is to be performed for tho first time for some years. It tells a moving story of love and hato, the motives of which form matter of distinct dramatic value. The caste includes Miss Beatrice Day as Lady Lumle.v, Mr. Winter Hall as Lord Lumley, Mr. Harry Plimmer as the Count D'Orelli. and Mr. H. Varna as Giuseppe. This play can only be produced for two nights, as Saturday evening closes the season of the Plimmer-Hall Company in Wellington. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Henri French, comedian, juggler, trick cyclist, and sketch artist, iB at present entertaining large audiences at His Majesty's Theatre. Not only does the visitor answer to tho above description, but in each department is away above the average, and during the fifteen minutes he is within view there are no dull moments. Elton Fox is an exceedingly gifted smoked-glass caricaturist whose effects in black and white, projected on a screen during the procoss is very clover and entertaining. Marlyn is a comical magician, who deceives and undeceives with equal facility to the accompaniment of hearty laughter. Other capable performers in the bill are James Teddy, Jock Thomson, Piquo, Ella Airlie, Marzon and Florence, Geo. F. Ford, and Meredith and Adnil. KING'S THEATRE. . At the King's Theatre a big feature picture in six parts entitled "Captain Alvarez, 1 ! is giving picture-lovers an undeniable treat. Tho story deals with a revolution in one of the South' American States, and is enlivened with a strong love interest, inspiriting action, and splendid acting. Tho programme also includes the latest war pictures, and the flaiighable oomedy photo-play entitled "A Corner in Hats."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. One hardly appreciates or even dimly realises the wonders of untrodden Australia with its vast spaces, its curious aborigines, and interesting animal life. To get a grasp of the potentialities as well as the wonder of these parts, the public could not do better than visit Everybody's Theatre, where a very fine film, .secured by Messrs. Birtles and Hurley, entitled "Unknown Australia," is at present being shown to crowded houses. The programme also includes a good Keystone comedy and some realistic scenes at and near the front in Europe. PEOPLE'S PICTURES. The cozy little People's Picture Palace, with its attractive list of films, appealed to a gieat many people yesterday. The programme was an excellent one, pride of place on the bill beiii" occupied by "The New Magdalen." br.sed on Wilkie Collins's novel. The wholo of tho supporting items were worthy of the slar film. The feature for to-day's change of bill will be "Divorcons," described as a "perfect scream," in three acts.. Tho picture deals with domestic. complications, following on the neglect of a wife by a husband who is very much devoted to his work. The fun is reported to be fast and furious as the comedy is unfolded. Other attractions include the latest "War Gazette," "The Fallen Idol," a pretty domestic drama, "Too Much Mother-in-Law," comedy, and a fair proportion of scenic and humorous items.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Unwelcome Throne," billed as a sensational wild-animal drama by the Selig Company, will bo introduced with the new programme at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures to-day. This film is the first of a series—the story running into 110 fewer than thirteen parts. The management announces that each section of the production will be screened on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of each week, until ™?„? tor -V i? completed. Miss Kathlyn Y\ imams will appear in the loading role. Tho plot concerns Kathlyn Hare and Colonel Hare, who in the opening scenes reside in California. Later on the scene, changes to India, where many startling episodes occur with, it is said, remarkable realism.' The mountings are said to be on a magnificent scale, there will a special supporting programme. •