ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2608, 2 November 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There was a Targe audience at His Majesty's Theatre last evening to sample tttc new programme, which was as replete as usual with, a wide variety of vooal and comic turns. One of the wiliest laughtergetters is Balancing Stevens, whose dry American humour has caught the fancy of the "Wellington public. His "stunt was precisely the same as last week, and the laughter.was every bit as hearty. Mies Engenie Boland, the junoesque contralto, sang 'The Lost Chord," '11 other Maohree," and "Your King and Country Need You" effectively, and Mr. Arthur Douglas's resonant voice and broad Scotoli accent were heard to advantage in "Wo Parted "Early in the and the Lauder lilt, "To-ta, My Bonny Maggie Darling." Aher a considerable absenco Vernon and Sinclair appeared in their very amusing musical sketch, "The Ticklewitt Romance,' - ' which was brightly actcd by boEIf tlie parties concerned. In one of his songs Mr. Vernon refers to battles in the Sudan and Florence Nightingale in the same breath. If he would' change Sudan to the Crimea it would be a concession to the verities. The second half of the programme was devoted to, the revue "Catch On," bv tho Elton Black E-evue Company,, which introduces half-a-dozen well-known performers in a new guise. "Catch On" is a second cousin to the last act of "Fun on the Bristol," only that it is fun on the Sea Queen, having, to do with the silly foibles of a wealthy widow,, whose one ambition is to neet stars" of tho stage. Tho owner flf the yacht, seeking to win the widow ind her gold, finds the means of doing o by iorcing his friend, Tiddley Tosh, to impersonate such well-known, characters is Charles Chaplin and Harry Lauder. This role is entrusted to Mr. Elton Black, a bright comedian, with a chippy, quizzical style, who makes all the points possible with the material to hand. His impersonation of Chaplin was fairly faithful and distinctly- laughable, whilst as Harry Lauder his mimetic ability enabled him to reproduce many of the little touches associated with the famous Scots comedian in "I Love a Lassie.'* Miss Kate Howard, who has not been seen in Wellington for many years, appeared as the. widow, Mrs. Baylis, successfully, and Miss Nellie Quealy made a bright, winsome Sadie Somers, whose son», "Ragging the Baby to Sleep," reflected the * prevailing rage. Miss Pearl, Livingstone, a vital exponent of ragtime ditties, scored in the lively "Back to tho Farm" rollick, in which the "Flapper Brigade assisted. Mr. Harry Quoaly appeared as Bud Allison, tne owner of tlie-yacht, and Mr. Billy Maloney as her skipper. ' Mr. Peter Brooks, a pleasing tenor, sang "Last Mght Was the End of the World," and —f. Gerald Casliman. a tenor of lighter calibre, obliged with "Come Back," which 'was very charmingly sung. A feature, of this bright TTttle company is the male anartet, which harmonised sweetly in I'ffht and 'airy trifles. «"Catch On'* will hold the stage for the rest of the week:

THE KING'S THEATER. . Leading artists wfero engaged .by Mr. D. W. Griffiths for all the principal characters in the feature film "The Escape," and the particularly strong cast ensured the success of this thrilling photo-drama. Its first Wellington screening -was witnessed by a big crowd at the King's Theatre last night, and the picture proved to be quite up to' the standard of -those usually produced by Mr. Griffiths, who invariably introduces elaborate 6tage effects and a wealth of interesting scenery. The story touches upon the sex problem and the science of eugenics, and is founded upon Paul Armstrong's play of the 6ame name. It occupies the whole portion of the evening's programme, and undoubtedly fascinates the onlookers, probably because of its adherence to the sordid truth.. The opening chapters deal •with, slum life, and show the eldest of •two sisters longing for a "brighter future and beseeching her father to better the condition of his children. She escapes just in time to avoid'a marriage with, a villain of the blackest type, but her delicate sister, to her lifelong sorrow Teadily agreed to become the wife , of the same man. Moving in higher but even more perilous circles, the -; eldest - girl is rescued for a second time by a young ambulance 6urgeon, whom she grows to love. Her niamage with the surgeon is & very natural and happy ending to a sensational story. The character of May Joyce, the eldest sister, is acted by Miss Blanche Sweet, who is well known for her finished work in picture plays. She has never been seen to better advantage in any picture produced in this city. With Miss Mao Marsh as the other sister, and' Robt Harron, Donald Crisp, and Owen Moore filling the principal male parts, the acting is all of the best. Special musical selratioiis are played by tho King's Symphony _Orchestra during the evening, and this adds considerably to the pleasure of the entertainment. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Dirty Work in a Laundry"—that is the rather taking title of one of the funniest comedies ever seeu. It 'is being shown this week at Everybody's Theatre. It is a Keystone film, 2000 feet long, and headed by Ford Sterling. Most of the scen{» take place in a laundry, where the fun is rapid and clean. The finish sees a sensational leap by 1 Sterling from a motor-cycle to an auto, both going at top speed. In the current programme at Everybody's the seventh episode of "The Million Dollar Mystery" is reached. Here the conspirators work a diabolically cunning scheme, and succeed in taking Florence prisoner. Norton, the butler, discovers her absence. Ho has sworn to guard and protect her, and now she' has disappeared from his watchful eye. Stung

to.quick decision, he decides on a plan. The situation, is thrilling, but he dares it. The "Gaumoiit Graphic" is repleto with interesting war topics. ■ As is often the case nowadays, these topical films are among the most interesting on the programme. Also, on the bill, is a pretty urama, rather pathetic, "Old Jane of the Gaiety." It is a film with a valuable lesson., "A Very Rare Companionship" is a Vita graph, study of great interest. EMPRESS THEATRE. Of late the Empress Theatre management have been noted for submitting o.v cellent programmes. _ This week's production is no exception to the rule, and patrons of this favourite theatre are assured of getting their money's worth. "The Silent Plea" headed the new programme yesterday. This picture wis produced under the auspices of the New Sfork State Commission, and it makes a powerful appeal for State aid to families who have lost the bread-winner. The film has a strong real life plot, and the leading parts aro portrayed by the wellknown artists Edith Stoiy and Harry Morey. Another fine picture is that of the "Topical Budget." This contains many interesting items, among which aro scenes in connection with the mysterious labour troubles which have happened in New Jersey, United States of America, inhere serious damage was done to factories engaged in the manufacture of munitions for the Allied armies in Europe. A Bplendid cartoon picture, "Gertie," is one of the best seen here for some time. "Gertie" is represented as an. animal of prehistoric ages. She ft shown tossing an elephant into a lake, and pulling up forest trees and eating thorn like grass. Undoubtedly the picture is a scream from start to finish, and yesterday's attendances' thoroughly appreciated the screening. Included in the. programme is a charming scenic, entitled "Up the River Nile." The remaining pictures are: —"The Fate of No. 1," a Kalem drama, and an amusing animal comedy, called "The Panther's Prowl."