ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2648, 20 December 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A programme of artistic vaudeville surprises is wffiit tho Fuller management claim for the now show to be presented at His Majesty's Theatre 10-night, and judging by the fine selection of acts they claim should bo justified. Several new imported artists will appear- for the first time, Miss Anita Primrose, who is billed as America's character comedienne, will ■make her initial appearance locally, and submit a number ot humorous character studies. Mr. George Fredo, who is also appearing for the first time, is a. recent arrival from the States This artist is stated to be an excellent instrumentalist and humorist. Another prominent engagement is that of the Leonards, chair balancers and equilibrists, who introduce a well-trained troupe of performing dogs. Mr. Con Moreni, an Australian comedian, will mako his Wellington debut, and oifer the latest in humorous songs. Several artists have been retained from last week's bill, and include Armstrong and Howarth. Sterling and Crowe, Decar, Ford and Davis, Dclavale and Gilbert, all of whom will contribute new items. The pregrammo l will be repeated nightly during the week, and a.matinee wilt bo given on Saturday. MURIEL STARR'S FAREWELL SEASON The J. C. Williamson management aro presenting on Monday night next a strong attraction at tho (.(rand Opera House. Many claim that Miss Starr is the best emotional actress Australasia has known, and lxer farewell appearance in Wellington will doubtless be accorded generous support, lu addition to Miss Starr, "Bought and Paid For" will introduce Mr. Charles A. Millward, and another of America's foremost artists in Miss Dorothy Davies, both of whom wero seen in leading roles in the original New York production. Mr. Millward impersonates the drunken- husband, and Miss Dayies, sister to tho "bought and paid for wife," (Aliss-Muriel Starr). Two girls reared in luxury arc left struggling to earn thoir living in commercial pursuits, -until tho younger becomes married to her rich em-, ployer. Tho latter, unfortunately, has a past, .which is only discovered and understood, to her sorrow and dismay, after the matrimonial, happening. Tho interest of the play'.treats exclusively on the daily developments, which emphasise to tho young wife the prico she paid. . The second production of the season will be a new American comedy, "?vobody's Widow." This piece, which lias achieved a great success on tho American stage and deals-with the story of a separated husband and wife, is iull of charming comedy, and is said to be fascinating not only' for its crisp, witty, and sparkling dialogue, but by the rapid actions which tho play hurries along and tho many compelling situations, which are dramatic and full of surprises. The final production will be "Under Cover." The season is for twelve nights; "Bought and Paid For" will be staged for. five nights, "Nobody's Widow" foar nights, and "Under Cover" for .the last three nights. The box plans for tho season will be opened at the Bris- i tol next Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. THE KING'S. The London Film Company liavo adapted Anthony Hope's falnous romantic play, "Tho Prisoner of Zenda" to the screen with, it is said, remarkable success. It will be shown for tho first time at tho King's Theatre. to-night.' The picture is most lavishly mounted and elaborately j staged, with the distinguished and'popular I artists, Henry Aimley and Jano Gail in the principal roles; The story has become familiar not only through tho book, but by its dramatisation, it having been played throughout New Zealand with Julius Knight as Rudolf Eassendyll, the young Englishman who undertakes to save a Icing and a nation by masquerading as tho Inng, to whom he bears a remarkable likenc-ss. How Rassendyll carries out his royal duties, and how he falls in love with the betrothed princess, and finally sacrifices himself for honour's safe, makes one of the most 6tirring stories of romanco and adventure in modern fiction. This picture, by the London Film Co. is, they olaiiii, their latest .and.; greatest achievement. The film" adheres closely to the book, and is 6000 ft. in length, and is more perfectly produced and acted than was possible, previously. Tho 'latest "Pathe Gazette," an excellent scenic ' study of Bath, England, and a clever cartoon comedy (with Charlie. Chaplin as the central figure) will also be shown, and special musio has been arranged" by the King's Orchestra. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Secret Agent from Russia" and tho supporting films were shown for the last time at Everybody's Theatro on Saturday night. To-day will see the first screening of the'new programme, including a dramatic study of 2000 ft. in length, entitled "Tracked by . Secret Service," full of powerful situations and startling climaxes. This is tho fourteenth episode of "The Million Dollar Mystery." An. exciting and thrilliug story of the sea is shown in "Tho Guiding Light." "Charlie Chaplin's Busted. Romance" features ill caricature Charlie Chaplin, a world-favourite comedian, and "Foiled" has 1 somo very humorous scenes. The "Gaumont Graphic" and "Through Switzerland" complete a, varied bill. ' The symphony trio (Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bloy and Mr. F. Johnston) play music appropriate to every | subject, THE EMPRESS. \■. • Heading to-day's new programme is a Titagraph Broadway feature, entitled "O'Grady of the. Mounted." It tells _ the story of two miners, one of whom is given to ill-treating his wife. Situated far from civilisation, the woman, Marie, turns for sympathy to her husband's partner, and jealousy between the men brings about a quarrel. The partner, O'Garry, deddea to go away and join the mounted police. Subsequently lie finds it his duty to arrest a man for murder, who turns out to be his old partner. Ths.ro is a terrific struggle, and the constable is thrown over a precipice into a river. Marin endeavours to save him, but her husband cuts the Tope. An Indian whom O'Garry had befriended comes to tho rescue and avenges the f;>ul deed. O'Garry returns to headquarters with the wish from Marie that he will return somo day. The leading part is enacted by clever Edith Storey, and the drama is staged amid somo beautiful scenery in tho wild country. In support of tho feature there will be a two-reel Keystone, in which Syd. Chaplin takes the lead. There will also, be a film trip "Through Darkest Africa," and "The Topical Gazette."' ■