ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2518, 20 July 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATER. Interest in Madame Marion's performance at His Majesty's Theatre has been increased by a challenge issued to this artist (who is appearing in n playlet entitled A Daughter of Proteus") by a prominent Wellington citizen, who maintains that more than one person is taking part in the performance. Tho challenger lias agreed to donate ,£5 to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund if his contention should prove to be incorrect. Messrs Fuller have taken the matter np, and havo agreed to allow a test to be made on Thursday, when a well-known citizen will view the act from behind tho scenes, and if it is proved that more than 0110 person is making tho change tliev will donate a cheque for a substantial amount to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund Among the new turns at the theatre last evening was that of Gardner and Lemar, two jiu-jitsu exports, who gave an excellent display of skill in this very useful art. Tozart, the artist, provided a. complete change, and Miss Dorothy Harris, the "ragtime- queen," continued her triumph over Wellington audiences. Tho excellence of Nellie Kolle's male i"mperson«tions_ caused her to be recalled time after time. Phil Ascot provided a dancing scene of a somewhat extraordinary character; and also on the bill wero Fleurette. (artist's model), and Val and Lottie Newman (comedy sketch). THE KING'S THEATRE. This week's programme at the King's Theatre is well up to the high standard set recently, and the big business of last week should be maintained. The feature film in the new series is a stirring society drama, "On the.Stroke of Five," presented by the Vitagraph Co., and played .by a powerful cast, including Mr. Darwin Karr and Miss Naomi CMlders. • The plot is very original and the scenery remarkably good. On his brother Vance's .graduation Irom college, Guy Lansing, a lawyer, promises to take him to Paris. When the time comes Guy finds he cannot accompany Vance, but promising to follow .shortly sends him on. In Paris Vance falls into the toils of a society adventuress,, who is the cause of him committing suicide. His brother arrives in Paris on the day of his death, and finds out the cause of it all. He tracks the woman down, and she falls in love with him. Then he starts to plan his revenge. ' The concluding chapters of the play are thrilling to a degree, and ■ the end is well thought out. Another good drama on the programme is the American Film Company's "Heart of Gold," while the Lubm Company present a comedy drama, "Mother of Pearl." By special request, the film showing the return of the Wiilochra's wounded was screened again last evening, and will bo on the bill for a few more nights. Other sidelights on the great-war are included in the "Pathe Gazette," and in lighter vein there are the'clever, cartoons under the name of "Dishing the Dardanelles." Miss Flora Pinch, the Vitagraph Company's well-known actress,' causes much laughter in a comedy-farce, "A Strand of : Bloride Hair," in which she was associated with the late John Bunny. There are, other items to add variety, and the entertainment is helped along by the delightful music of the -King's Symphony Orchestra.

EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. Vivid battle scenes are portrayed in the Loiidoir "57tm Company's big star drama, "1'J14," or' "Scotland For King and Country." Tho film was introduced at Everybody's yesterday, and was witnessed by big crowds at all sessions. It is a story of war and the red ruin of desolation that follows the entry of the German Army into a small, State. Tho scenario is ironi the capable hands of tho. well-known novelist "Rita," *nd the play has been produced by George L. Tucker, producer of "England's Menaco" and other good films. Leading parts are played by Miss Jane Gail and Gerald Ames, and they ture supported Wy a strong cast. From Scotland- the story runs to the firing line in France. Special attention has been paid to the fighting scenes and good views of trench warfare are featured in the production. A Keystone comedy, featuring ,'Syd. Qiaplin, figures on the programme under the title of "That Springtime Feeling" and there is a charming scenic "Village and Wood" by the Hepworth Company, which has recently devoted milch time and thought to this branch of kinemato--grapliy, Tho result of this is plainly evidenced in tin. improved effect given to this latest picture by the stereo process. This week's edition of the Gaumont Graphic contains views of,the anti-German demonstration in London, the military sports at Chelsea, the effect of the Zeppelin raid on Bamsgate, the Serbians digging trenches, tho Swiss Army guarding the Swiss-German - frontier, as well as other interesting topical views. Tho picture showing the return of the Wiilochra's wounded soldiers will be screened for a few more days and other items will be introduced as occasion dtmands.

THE EMPRESS- • Packed attendances were present at the popular Empress Theatre throughout yesterday, where an unusually line programme hokls the screen. Vitagraph's big star feature drama, "Tho locked Door," is a film play of great power and force, «nd its telling story, admirably acted. One of the outstanding features is a strikingly realistic fire scene, than which, nothing better of its kind has ever been seen here. The film points a strong moral. Laughter unrestrained followed the exhibition of "Fatty Arbuckle's Heckless Fling," one of the best of Keystone comedies. "John Bull's" Visiting Card," in tho shape of bombs dropped vpon the Kaiser and the Sultan of Turkey is distinctly clever and vastly amusing. There is an excellent "Topical and War Budget," containing many, interesting items, and a diverting comedy, "Tilly and tho Nut." "Our Wounded- Heroes Back From the Dardanelles" was rescreened N amidsfc enthusiastic applause, •' ALLEN DOONE COMPANY. On Monday next Allen Doone will commence his season at the Grand Opera House. Few actors have don© so much to obliterate the infamous stago Irishman ' with his- flaming red hair, green whiskers, and ridiculous actions a 6 has Allen Doone; and in so doing lie lias established a sympathetic bond between his fellow-countrymen and himself, tho ties of which are so strong that they make the announcement "Allen Doone is coming" a welcome one. Theatre-goers, irrespective of nationality, who appreciate wholesome plays acted in a refined and legitimate manner, are ardent supporters of Mr. Doone. His sweet voico, soft, unaffected brogue,, natural artistic-acting, genuine humour, and personality stamp him as a leader of his particular line. Ho lias surrounded himself with an excellent company, led by the charming young actress, Miss Edna Keeley. Tho piece el" lected for the opening production on Monday is "Barry of Ballymore," and is one of the choicest of liis repertoire. Tho $an opens at the Bristol, to-morrow morning.

FOR THE WOUNDED SOLDIERS* FUND.

At the Town Hall this evening the Wellington Musical Union will give its first concert for this season. The works to be performed are:—"The Last Post" and "Hiawntha." "The Inst Post" was written by Mr. W. E. Henley during the period of the Boer War and set to music by the famous Irish composer, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. It was first performed at the Hereford Festival'in 1900, and was inspired by the bravery of our Empire's soldiers in that war. The performance of this wort should be appropriate during , the present crisis and as the proceeds are being devoted to the Mayor's Fund for our wounded soldiers, it expected that the hall will be taxed to Its utmost. The principals engaged are:—Soprano, Mrs. Percy Carter, A.T.C.Ij.j tenor,' Mr. Harry Phipps; and baritone, Mr. Hamilton Hodges. Mr. Charles W. Kerry will preside at the organ, aiul Mr. Herbert S. Claughton willconduct, Seals can be reserved at the Bristol,