ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2523, 31 July 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALLEN DOONE COMPANY. There was another Rood attendance at tho Grand Opera House last night, when tho Allen Doone Company repeated "Molly , Bawn." Tho delightful singing of Mr. Allen Doono in several Irish numbers was heartily appreciated, and "A Toast to Erin" was ono of the most successful numbers. Other songs included "Molly Bawn," and "Holly's Eyes aro Irish," and theso were also well received. This evening the company will produce that favourite play "In, Old Donegal."THE KING'S. "The. Middloman" was responsible for another "bumper" houso last night. The programme will bo screened for the last time to-day at the matinee and this evening. The plan, is at the Bristol, mid late bookings may bo obtained by calling •phone £113. ELINOR GLYN'S "THREE WEEKS." Monday night at the King's Theatre will see the first screening in Wellington of, the .record breaking film "Three Weeks." Of its recent exhibition at Auckland the "Star" said: "Elinor Glyn's, 'Three Weeks' caused something of a literary sensation. What will be , said of it as a picture play? The book Was for a long time banned. The play has been approved by the Board of Censors. Obviously, therefore,'there must have been somo changes, and curiosity probably accounted for tho fact that the theatre was not, large 'enfiugh to hold the people who wanted to be present last evening. Tho story, of course, is fairly well known. Sonia, a Slav Queen, young, beautiful, and wayward, is the consort of a worthless and dissolute king. An heir is necessary to save tho dynasty. The Queen proceeds incognito to Switzerland, and there meetg Paul Verdayne. The scenes that follow during tho ensuing three weeks, and the period from which tho book takes its name, are fraught with question marks. Elinor Glyn, now accepted as a standard author, and a contributor to the most respectable magazines, had to fight her way through the English Courts in order that tho ban. should be lifted from the publication of her book. Its literary merit was such, and ils treatment of dangerous situations so clever, that ultimately she won out. In dramatisation the same skill has been observed in skating over thin ice, and the probability is that the vast majority of those who see the picture will say they liko it, and see nothing objectionable in it. The acting is of a very higji standard." The reserved, seat plan at the Bristol is filling rapidly.' . !

, HIS.MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The current week's programme at His Majesty's Theatre has been responsible for attracting largo audiences. Chief amongst the'new items is that provided by the Butterfly Company, directed by Mr. Jack waller. The turn by this talented com! pany of versatile artists is well worth witnessing. '"The Great Baffling Baker Company" is another good draw, Som» of Mr. Baker's illusions are of the b?st that Have been seen in Wellington. Seve-. ral other artists also appear nightly. A matinee will be held this afternoon, EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.' To-day will see the last production : of th 9 splendid programme of moving pictures which his been showing at Everybody's Theatre, in Manners Street, during the past week. "A HERO OE THE DARDANELLES." A picture play, which is expected to prove of partioular interest will be shown at Everybody's Theatre on Monday, after the arrival of tho express' from Auckland, It is "A Hero of the Dardanelles," and is a sequel to tho remarkably successful military play, "Will They Never Come?" i'he picture, is based on the .spirited description of Mr. Ashmead: Bartlett: of the landing of the New Zealand and Australian troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula; and it is Said to bo: intensely thrilling in its realistic representation of the landing and of tho dash and daring with which "our boys" helped to make historyi on that famous occasion. Those who have seen the film describe it as a masterly production; and-everyone who saw "Will They Never Come?" will doubtless be pleased to see the "don't care lad" of that picture in a new-perspective in "A Hero of tho Dardanelles."-

V THE EMPRESS. ; Densely crowded attendances approve the present good programme at the popular. Empress Theatre. That fine American play, "Tho Slavo Girl," is a' great favourite. Unrestrained laughter approves Kcyatono's side-splitting absurdity. "Ambrose's Fury." "Lovo Will Out", is a conspicuously good drama. "The Haunt<*l Attic" evokes yells of laughter, and ill© Australian Gazette" is decidedly interesting. This programme finishes tonight. Monday's all fresh 'pictures, especially selected, are a Vitagraph Western romance of tho school made famous by tho late Bret Harte, entitled "Anne o' The Mines." The play contains a big sensation in the' shape, of .an explosion in a. gold'mine, which is said'to be startlingly . realistic in character. Keystone fun will generate laughter with "Fatty Arbuckle's Faithful Fido," said to be a very clover, comedy. "Indiscretion" is a unique Lubiii play, "The Fresh Agent" is a comic love' interlude, and "The Topical Budget" is said /to be "the most interesting number to date."

"THE MAN WHO STAYED AT HOME." Few dramas have made the 6amo sensation as that created by "The Man Who Stayed.at Home,", to be presented here for the first time! by J. o'. Williamson, Ltd., at the Opera House, on "Wednesday, August 11. , It is still attracting record audionces in at_ least l a dozen English theatres, whilst in Australia it has proved most successful., Tho authors, Messrs. Lechmo're Worrall • and J. E. Harold Terry, have, it is said,.shown both, skill and enterprise in their treatment of the German spy problem.. It is really a forcible and patriotic indictment of -England's generous toleration towards her enemies—an indiotment couched in subtleties of drama and comedy. They have drawn their material • largely from ugly and insidious realities. . In the recorded facts of the newspapers there have been scores of plots.- The wireless installation up the chimney, the, use of the oarrierpigeons, the Germans in confidential channel of the Defence Department, the duplicity of plans showing trees for forts, and ilagstaffs for lighthouses, the wholo paraphernalia of deceit is there. The authors have seized upon two highly significant features of the titanic war struggle of the nations, and have weaved them into an intensely interesting and stirring story. There are the : long planned treachery of the Teutonic secret service agents, the serpent whom England has nursed in her bosom, and tho sleeping heroism and astuteness of tho traditional "Johnnie" of the monocle order. Both, of them have been false in their popular portraits, the one inglorious, tho other magnificently. The box plans will be opened at the Bristol on August 9. In England and Australia the production of "The Man Who Stayed at Home," it is said, had a remarkable stimulating effect on the recruiting movement. .

THE KED DANDIES. At intervals during tho past few years Mr. Edward Brajiscombe has introduced to the piiblic of New Zealand one or other of his concert parties and costume comedy companies, and this winter we are to have a visit from tho Ited Dandies, who were so deservedly popular two years ago. Tho Branscombe firm now control six different companies in Australia, and tlie Ked Dandies, wiio will appear at the Concert Chambor on Saturday next, have just completed a successful season of seven weeks in Auckland, where nightly they" played to tho full capacity of the hall. Since tho Bed Dandies were here last tho company has been reorganised, and wo aro given to understand that the combination is oven stronger' than ever. Mr. Claud Dampier, character comedian, will make his reappearance; f as also will Miss Irene Vero, the dainty comedienne, and Mr. Oliver Peacock, tenor. Tho new members include Miss Mona Thomas, soprano; Miss Ida Newton, sotibrette; Mr. John Welby, a young baritone; Mr. Cyril Connolly, a violinist and dancer; and Mr. Harry Barradale, who, in addition to being an clooutionist, is said to be a delightful light comedy artist. With a Topertoiro of the latest novelties ineonj?, dance, sketch, burlesque, and dramatic recitals, tho Dandios present programmes jrhioh should appeal to all The

bos plan opens at the Bristol on Wednesday, when seats may be reserved at tho usual Dandy prices. Miss Rima Young is the pianist of the company.

TATRIOTIC DRUIDS. ; Ths Order of Druids has arranged an excellent programme for its patriotic concert at the Town Hall this evening in aid of tho Belgian Relief and New Zealand Wounded Soldiers' Funds. Among the vocalists are Mrs. Rosowarne, Mrs. J. P. Woodward, and Miss Barry. Ml'. J. Parker will give a cornet solo, Miss M. M'Laughlin a violin solo, Mr. J. Culford Bell and Miss Betty Purdom recitations. Messrs. Phipps, Clarksou, and Mohr will sing, and Mi's. Ernest Queree will accompany the various performers. _ A torchlight procession by Druids will precede tho ' concert, • leaving the Government Buildings at 7 o'clock, marching through the'streets to the. Town Hall. SACRED CONCERT BY TRAMWAYS BAND. .. To-morrow evening the Tramways Band will givo another of their enjoyable Sunday evening recitals.. Tho support accorded these Sunday recitals has been most gratifying and indicates that they are becoming more Mid more appreciated. Besides several selection by the band, two vocalists now to Wellington, will appear. Madame Anderson, contralto, a pupil of Menchesi, will maka hor_ first .appearance before, a Wellington audience. Judging by reports patrons may expect something out of the ordinary. Mr. Hayward Eisner, basso, will-also assist.