ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2605, 29 October 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Messrs. .T. C. Williamson's New English Musical Comedy Company brought a successful season to n. close «t tho Grand Opera ITouso last night with tho sccond performance of "The Girl on tho Film." A largo audience followed tho play with keen interest, and tho principal actors wero warmly applauded during the pro. gress of tho show and again at tho fall of the curtain. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Excellent "houses" have l>een the order -at Hip Majesty's Theatre during the week. Vocal items hold sway through tho programme, and there arc certainly somo ."iigers of more than ordinary merit. Miss Maisie Pollard soon ruiis into high favour with the audience, while her associate, Mr. Jaolcson, is also well received. Miss Bolaud is a contralto of ability, and another capable vocal artiste is Miss Louie Duggun. The bright songlets of Mr. Leonard Nelson aro still popular. Other entertaining artists are "Balancing Stevens," who creates a humorous atmosphere about his unique balancing turns, Arthur Douglas (Scotch comedian), Billy Wells, the Eclair Sisters, and "Tho Two Colliers."

THE KING'S. After tho screening to-night, .and the matinee and evening to-morrow, the present excellent programme at the King's Theatre will be withdrawn. Picturelovers generally are enraptured with the beauty and brilliance of tho star film, "Whan it Strikes Home," it being probably ■the best-liked picture since "Hearts in Exile," many claiming it to be a better piccnro even that that was. Tho other pictures on the programme are also very good. '■ "THE ESCAPE." On Monday night next what is described aa the greatest feature film produced by that master producer, D.W. Griffiths, tho true artist ol the picture world, and entitled "The Escape," will be shown at •the King's Theatre. This picture raised a storm. of discussion in America, many contending that it went 'too closo to nature—was, in fact, too real—that its truths, though undeniable, were better left unsaid. It has bean described as a powerful, unusual, and sensational dramapowerful, because of its intense realism; unusual because of its artistic handling of a difficult subject; sensational becanso 'of its unparalleled truth tolling. The story, which takes up over 7500 ft. of film in tho telling, and occupies the whole of tho programme, is founded on Paul Armstrong's play, a play which has not yet rraiched New Zealand, but is one of the outstanding sucrcsses in America and Eng. land. It donls with the escape of a woman from all that is viie and ignoble— •from the hereditary power within, and evil surroundings without—from poverty, crime, sin, degradation, to the higher, better, purer things of life. Blanche Sweet, as the girl, is said to be really wonderful in the vividness of her acting, and she is ably supported by Mae Marsh, Hubert Hnrron, Donald Crisp, and an all-round star cast.

EVERYBODY'S. ' "The Countess's Coaching Party" is driving a merry and successful gait, jmlsing by the constant stream of people passing in and out of Everybody's Theatre daily. Tlii's sixth episode of the cxciting "Million Dollar Mystery" advances the story to an interesting point, and though practically complete in itself, it deepens the mystery and thickens the plot. "Wiflles on the Riviera," gives' the Pathe Company an opportunity of aombining colour with comedy. The really beautiful views of Nice and its surroundings aro the best that have been shown, and Charles Prince flirts outrageously amidst the gorgeous scenery. Britain's Now Army and the method of training is a splendid subject, and full of interest at this time of recruiting. A good comedy, "The New Valet," and the Gaumont Gazette of world's happenings complete an excellent programme, DAMON AND PYTHIAS. The last performances of the great dramatic spectacle, "Damon and Pythias," are now being given at the People's Picture Palace.' The story of- these. two friends Tins been woven into a play which bristles with dramatic incidents and thrilling events. One of tho most exciting 6cenes is that where Damon and Pythias burst through the armed guard before the Sonate, aid later, when Dainon strikes the tyrant king and is sentenced by him to immediate death. Tho scene in which Pythias pleads with the King to allow him to take the place of his .friend, so that he can bid farewell to his wife and child, is most effectively 'enacted, So realistic is the scene where Damon bids his' wife and boy farewell that tho tears can he plainly seen streaming down the wife's checks, and seldom fails to bring a like moisture to tho eyes of the audience. Tho Jast performance will be given to-morrow night.

THE-EMPRESS THEATRE. ti A dramatic production of high merit, "Woman and Wine," is now showing to crowded houses at the .Empress Theatre. Interspersed with the dramatic and thrilling episodes of the film there , are some very fine and instructive views of tho famous places of Paris, such as the Moulin Kou?e and Mtiximo's famous restaurant. "Studies in Clay" (cartoons) and an exceptionally newsy War Budget make up a splendid programme.