ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2998, 8 February 1917, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"DAMAGED GOODS." "Damaged Goods," to bo produced at the Grand-Opera House by J. (J. "Vfilliamson, Ltd., has inspired great' controversy and many diametrically ojposito views have beon -expressed as to the wisdom of using the theatro for file propngada work of reform. Many leaders in the religious and serious thinking world have, it is stated, expressed their sense of gratitude to the management for having tlio courngo to assist in this much needed campaign against vice, ignorance, and hypocrisy—others appear to think the best plan for warning the public would be to keep/all such works safely on the library shelf. There are even those who complain of "theatrical managers becoming eelf-constituteu teachers of niorals for the sako of gain." This the management consider a somewhat narrow- and unworthy view to take. All teachers of niorals, they point out, are self-constituted, inasmuch as every man chooses his own work in life, and as all men must live the accusation "for the Bake of gain," as unworthily bo levelled at every author who has written for the uplifting of humanity, every man who has devoted his life to reform, or even religion. If simply actuated by hope of gain the firm could, they etate, have selected many lighter, more frivolous, and fare more certain money-winners than "Damaged Goods" with infinitely less risk. Tho production, according to the management, was only undertake 'after much persuasion by earnest woraiers in the cause brought so vividly before the public in Brieux's play. Speaking of the Melbourne production, a contemporary writes:—"The strength and arresting jorce of such a- 6ermon from the stage as 'Damaged Goods' is incalculable. In this strong, tense treatise we have the cancer of our 6ocial life uncovered and exposed, and its dire rsnlts hown in a way which drives, it home with telling power." Box plans are now open at The Bristol. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The' current bill at His Majesty's is proving a good draw, and , largo attendances are still the rule. The best musical turn for a long time is that provided by Madame Alverna. and M. Jean Lnerte. who have bntli achieved considerable popularity. Emerson continues nightly to delight the 'house with his amusing songs and patter, while Tsnda performs somp striking feats of balance. Miss Violet Trevenyon, , a popular roubrette. eings. a number of son>rs. The second Dart of the bill is filler! by tho La Blanc Company's fare, "In Watts." TTTE KING'S TTTRA.TRK. The Triangle play, "Peggy," with charming Billie Burke in the title role, continues with popularity unabated. Miss Burke will have many admifoTs awaiting her next screen appearance in "Gloria's Romance." "Peggy" wi!l not be shown in this city after Friday night next. On the same programme the recent pictures of tho bowling tourney are being shown. Commencing on Saturday at tlie matinee a first-class picture, eallefl "The Law Decides," will bo tho premier attraction. EVERYBODY'S. Norma Talmadge, in the Triangle play, "Tho Social Secretary," has one of the best all-round roles yet. allotted to her. The story, which tells of The difficulties of a pretty typists-to escape the attentions of too amorous employers, varies from charming comedy to serious dramatic episodes,' culminating in a suitable and uuiversal denouement. The production is replete with the elaborate finish and photography which characterises the Triangle plays. Mention should bo made of the farcical Keystone, "She Loved a Sailor," full of fun .and novelty, not usually seen in these pictures. On Saturday Charles Chaplin will appear as a pawnbroker. Chaplin, has played the part of fireman,' shopwalker, count, and even curate in his time, but as u moneylender he is .. said to havo put up a N.Z. record for attendance in Auckland recently. _, THE EMPRESS. Exceptional interest is being taken in one of the supporting features at tho Empress Theatre, which item shows how the wounded Somme iieroes a.ro nursed back to fighting form at the big hospitals in England. The star attraction, too, is receiving much commendation. Entitled "The Velvet Paw," it pictures a story of political life in Washington, in which a beautiful woman (Gail Kane) is used as a catspaw by a scheming old party leader. The picture is splendidly done, and includes a peep at the Senate and President Wilson. Saturday's change is the great fashlan drama, "As in a Looking Glass." ■ ' .