ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2595, 18 October 1915, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

"DAMON AND PlTfllAS" TO-DAY. ftrF' 1 ' 3 afternoon the great pl'ofco-dramn, Damon and Pythias/' will bo presented for the first time in New Zealand at the People's Picture Palace. This photo-play t° '! e °f unusual scenes- and thrilling climaxes. One novel scene depicts the interior of a captured Carthaginian galley, rowed by slaves. It also shows that the rules of ancient warfare- were not those of the present-day lTuns, for Pythias, the Greek conqueror, returning to Syracuse after his viotories, shows that he has a lieart even for the sufferings of his former enemies. One of the slaves, who is fainting at his oar, is about to be* flogged to greater effort by the galley master, when Pythias intervenes and protects him. As Calanthe, the sweetheart of Pythias, Anna Little, the wellknown "movie" star, has a chance to do some emotional acting, jxirticularly in the scene where her lover is torn from her on their wedding day by the rail of friendship. The matinee will be given at 2.30. The box plan is at the Bristol.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The now programme to lie presented by the Fuller Proprietary at His Majesty's Theatre to-night in point of excellence promises to eclipse its many predecessors. An unusually large number of new artists will appear for the first time, and prominent among the newcomers will be Herbert Brooks, an Anglo-American entertainer, who, it is stated, has created a sensation wherever 'he has appeared. During his performance ho appears to do tho impossible, and in his box trick he is said to baffle all understanding. Lacked securely in a small steel trunk, which is further encased in a leather bag, and corded round, he escapes in a few seconds. This artist is also an expert card manipulator. Supporting the star will bo a number of new vaudeville artists, prominent among whom will be the Ibson Trio, a troupe of expert musicians. The Do-Re-Mi Trio will also appear for the first time in an unique Continental comedy act. Other artists who will contribute new items will lie Leonard Nelson, comedian; Wells and The Eclair Sisters, dancers; The Colliers, novelty performers; Arthur Douglas, Scottish oomedian; Pollard and Jackson, operatic duettists; Len Hoffman, juggler; and Louie Duggan, soprano. The bill will be repeated nightly during the week, and a matinee will be given on Saturday. THE KING'S. At the King's Theatre to-night will be screened a sensational 5000 ft. "feature" by the London Film Co., entitled "Sons of Satan," which was written by that clever aud popular author William Le Queux, who has presented an original and daring story of London society life, and its many undercurrents. The "Sons of Satan" is the name of a gang of rogues and blackmailers, whose head is Harry Normand, but which is also known as Paul de Villereau, a famous detective. As detective, he ascertains many secrets, upon which as "A Son o-f Satan" he levies blackmail. His infatuation for a beautiful actress, his vengeance on her and her lover, his diabolical ingenuity and insidious schemes, and his final overthrow make a sensational and powerful story. This great picture is claimed to be the best yet sent out by the' London Film Company, and with such names as Charles Bock, Gerald Ames, and Jane Gail in the cast, the quality of the acting is assured. Among other pictures to be shown for the first time to-night is what is claimed to be an exceedingly funny offering by the "IComic" Co., entitled "Beppo. the Barber." A picture that should prove interesting is that showing "Yellowstone Park," the Rotorua-of America. "John Bull's Sketch-Book," with the clever patriotic cartoons, aud the latest gazette complete the programme. EVERYBODY'S.

[ To-day at noon will see the commencement of a superior set of pictures, headed by a thrilling drama, "At the Bottom of the Sea," the fifth ssjjodo of the big "mystery play." This part is exceptionally exciting. Tho butler, to evade the gang, secretes the parcel of securities, and travels full speed ahead ill a motor-boat. Ho is cbas>ed, but accidents happen, and. lie finally escapes. The programme will also include "The Midnight, Limited," a sensational railroad story, wher?in a brave girl telegraphist is responsible for securing the arrest of two notorious train robbers, "Flashlight Flowers" and a highly humorous Jvalem comedy, "Teheran" (scenic), "Homecoming of Henry" (comedy), and "Graphic" will also be screened.

THE EMPRESS. The head-liner on to-day's new programme is it drama of hereditary inHuence, wiled "In the Blood." It tells the story of a young man who inherited the unworthy nature of his father, but who was gifted, nevertheless, with ninny of the finer traits of his mother. It tells of his courtship and marriage to a worthy girl; his temptation; his struggle.; his early success in winning against his worst passions; his associations with unfortunate friends; the intervention in his family life of an unscrupulous cousin, who, playing on his faults, endeavours to lure his wife away. It is a story crowded with true life incidents—scenes of dramatic intensity—points of pathetic emotion, and all leading up to a remarkable ending, showing the man's redemption as a result of his wife's example in conquering temptation equally as great as his own, and remaining to him a true woman and wife, whose example for good he can no longer neglect. On the same programme is an Lubin Co. comedy, starring Billie Ritchie, called "Tiie v Fatal Note." There is also the latest "Topical Gazette," and a Kalem railroad drama, called "The Substitute Fireman." FOR THE WOUNDED SOLDIERS. It is hoped that the Wounded Soldiers' Fund will materially benefit as the result of a lecture, with musical illustrations, to bo given on Thursday evening at St. Andrew's Room, by Dr. F. *G. Shiuu, visiting examiner to tho Associated Board of tho Royal Acadcmy and Royal College of Music, London. Local musicians, Miss Edmondseu, Mr. Reginald Blow, and Mr. C. H. Stephens, are kindly giving their services to provide the necessary musical illustrations, and thl> ■whole proceeds will be given to the wounded soldiers. ORGAN RECITAL.' The City Organist (Mr. Bernard F. Page) gave a further organ recital in tho Town Hall on Saturday evening. Tho programme was well selected, and was listened to with interest and pleasure by those present. The first item was a concerto in D minor (No. 10); "Handel." Other items were: "Pavaul" (Byrd); capriccio, "Pastorale" (Frescobahli); "Musette" (Dandrien); "Humoreske" (Dvorak); "Preludio" (from 9th Sonata to tlio violin) (Corclli), "Psychological Poem" (Rabikoff);. "The First Movement from .Symphony No. G" (Beethoven);; "Romances" (Rachmaninoff); '"Finale in B Flat" (Op. 21) (Cesar Franck).

SUNDAY CONCERT. Another enjoyable concert was given in His Majesty's Theatre last night by the New Zealand Natives' Association Bnnd, assisted by other performers. The band played an acceptable programme of nnisic including a new hymn composed by Messrs. Keen ami Francis in honour of our brave New Zealand soldiers, and arranged for the band by the conductor, Lieut. T. Herd. This hymn Hie audience were invited to sing. The vocalists were Mr. R. S. Allwright and Mr. S. Laslett Exton, who appeared as soloists, and who also sang by special request the duet "Watchmen, What of the Night?" Sir. Turner's -mandoline orchestra of ladies played quaint little Hawaiian song of rareycll, and Mr. P. L. Minific a piccolo solo.