ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2419, 26 March 1915, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE MUMMY 'AND THE HUMMINGBIRD." "Lady Windermero's Fail" was proscntcd finally last evening to an audiciico which thoroughly enjoyed the brilJ 1 , a . 11 ' comedy. The audicuce included His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Liverpool, who assumed then- seats to the strains of the National Authom played by the Natives' Association Band. lliis evening tho company will present Isaac Henderson's vivid play, "Tho Mummy and ths Hummingbird," a curious title, which satirically suggests au abstracted scientist, Lord Lumley, who, all unconsciously, neglects liis protty wife, who in a weak moment listens to the chirp of the hummingbird, hi the porson of tho insiiiuativa Count DOrclli; but Guiscppc, an Italian organ-grinder, arrives on the scene with a mission that consists of havhTg tho life of the man, who has desecrated his hearth and home. The mail who is wanted by the blood-thirsty musician, proves to be none other than D'Orelli, and the story of this interesting play tells how he, with Lord Lumley as coadjutor, brings about tho downfall of the scoundrel. A complete change of programme will be submitted by those graceful pianists, Mrs. Winter Hall and Miss Rima Young, which wilt include the beautiful "Nell Gwynn" dances of Edward German. Tho audience this evening will include a large theatre party, which has been organised by the New Zealand Natives' Association, as a compliment to the two New Zealand managers and the cause they are serving. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. As a comedian) juggler, trick cyclist, and sketch artist, Henri French is a host in himself, and his quarter of an hour on the stage at His Majesty's Theatre is one interesting whirl, the artist being an expert in each of the departments named. Smoked-glass carirature work is, Mr. Elton Fox's .specialty, and the turn is clever and finished. Excellent items are also contributed by Martyn, James Teddy, Jock Thomson, Piquo, Ella Airlie, Marzon, and Florence, Geo. F. Ford, and Meredith and Adnil. KING'S THEATRE. "Captain Alvarez," a big feature picture in six parts, is the special attraction at the King's Theatre just now, and it is appreciated by patrons of the theatre at its full value. The story is based on a revolution in a South American State, and a strong love interest runs through it. The acting is excellent, and the mountiug particmarly good ; The latest war pictures are full of interest, and the comedy side is headed by "A Corner in Hats." The programme will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night, and a change of programme is to bo given on Monday. "THE FRINGE OF WAR." An exceptional attraction is billed at the King's Theatre for Monday next, "The Fringe of War," a society and war drama, filmed by the London Photoplay Company. The drama opens in England at a garden party given by an English General, ana continues in Europe, after the outbreak of the present war. It is said to be a whirl of heart beats, toars and cheers, An outstanding feature of the production is the rcalistio battle scenes.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. . The vast spaces of central Australia, its inhabitants and its animal life are dealt with in a particularly interesting manner in the picture "Unknown Australia, which is the star item on the bill at Everybody's Theatro., The film was secured by Messrs. Hurley and Birtles, and _is certainly one of the most instructive and attractive pictures jeen for a considerable time. The supporting pictures are up to Everybody's standard, and a hearty laugh results from the screening of one of tho inimitable Keystone comedies. The programme, will give way on Monday to tho latest chango. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. A picture edition of tho famous French comedy "Divorcons" was presented at the People's Picture Palace yesterday with succcss. "Divorcons," which was a favourite play with Eejane and Bernhardt, has qualities that are fascinatingly French. Cyprienne does not get_ the attention she fancies herself entitled to as the wife of studious Henri des Purcelles, and encourages the attentions of . Count Adhemar, in order to arouse her husband's jealousy, going as far as to arrange that ho shall see some of the count's love-letters. "Contrary to her expectations, Henri reads them with perfect indifference, and offers her freedom by means of a divorce which is not at all what she wanted! "Bon oneevening she goes out to dine with her husband, having promised to meet the count, the latter becomes furious with rago, and finds out that her oxcuse that she has gone to visit her aunt, is a lioax. His behaviour secures for him incarceration in a lunatic asylum, but convincing the authorities that lis is sane, the count is released. Ho traces Cyprienne to a restaurant, whore, after a wildly comic scene, the luckloss ™ un k w oxpellod by a police officer. The comedy is full of lively action, which raises hearty laughter throughout. Other pictures to be seen at the cosy Palace are: "A Fallen Idol," "Th® Bulwarks of England," and an interesting budget of war snaps. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Unwelcome Throne," a stirring wild-aaimal drama by the Selig Com* Pany> fnd being the first section of Ihe Adventures of Kathlyn," a serial production, was screened with the new programme at tho Empress Theatre continuous pictures, yesterday. It is the intention of tho management to present a section of "The Adventures of Kathlyn every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until completed. Kathlyn and her father, Colonel Hare, are living a happy life in their home in California, where they keep a collection of wild animals as a hobby. Colonel Hare tells Ins daughter how he secured his favourite leopard. The Colonel shows how he rescued the King of Allaha from the clutches of the leopard, and for this heroism the king presented him with the animal. The colonel later on sets out tor India, again leaving a letter for Kathlyn with the written instruction that it is to be opened at midnight on December 31. On the fateful night a half-caste Indian steals into the house, steams open tha letter, and writes a note, instructing Kathlyn to follow her father to India. When Kathlyn decides to obey the instruction, which, however, is entirely different to her father's original message. _ When Kathlyn arrives at Allaha she is made prisoner. and told that she must submit to be crowned sovereign, as the king had died without leaving an heir, and her father, having refused to accept tho throno had been killed. As a matter of fact, the colonel is a prisoner in a dungeon. As there seems no alternative, Kathlyn allocs herself to be crowned, the ceremony being a magnificent affair. The villainous Indian who natl been responsible for her going to India endeavours to persuade Kathlyn to marry him, as he is a prince and worthy of lier. Tho others films on the bill are: "An Incompetent Hero" (Keystone comedy), "The Australian Gazette." and "A Trip Through Uganda." )

Gil AND A SS A.ULT-AT-A RMS. The Wellington Railwa-.Y Men's grand concert and assault-at-arms, whinh is to tako place at the Town Hall this evening, promises to be a. most interesting and instructive, entertainment. The programme is widely diversified. Songs be sjlflg l ir ' Tyfitlß. G»lrjnnMow Eong, "BnglaAd't Call,"

wall be preceded by some remarks by the Minister of Railways), Mr. Clias. Clarkson, Mr. Courtenay Mohr, and Mr. Chas. Hickmott. The assault-at-arms will consist of a bayonet contest (no killing allowed) between members of the 1 Expeditionary Force now in camp, an exhibition of bayonet fighting in detail, and a tug-of-war. The special attraction of the evening will be a "jiuiitsu" exhibition by Captain Leopold M'Laglen, who is said to be the finest exponent of this useful art in the world. A very handsome souvenir programme has been printed in connection with the entertainment. On the cover of oat-meal-paper is a oleveir device consisting of the crossed flags of England and Belgium in colours, and the border round tho printing matter is also in the colours of tho two nations mentioned. The object of the entertainment is set out clearly in the line "Help the starving Belgians." Lord Liverpool's message to the organisers, printed on the first sheet of the programme, is as follows: —"1 shall be very glad to give' my patronage to your assault-at-arms, and, if possibile, I will be present. I sincerely trust the entertainment will be a success, as we are all agreed that the sufferers of the Belgian nation deserve our warmest consideration. The grievous wounds which have been inflicted can never wholly be healed in our generation; but we can, at least, do something to assuage the misery and destitution.—(Signed) Liverpool." The _ programme is freely illustrated with pictures of squads at drill, showing details of bayonet drill.