ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 10, 7 October 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

'■ 'JtACDONBLMVAIiDKOK SEASON. "Outcast" was played a second time to a crowded house on Saturday by tho Williamson Comedy Company. The performances of Miss Kathlene MacDonell and Mr. Chaß. Waldron in this play were greatly appreciated. The audience included His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Liverpool. This evonins the company will revive for.two nights only "Daddy Long Legs, a very skilful dramatisation of Jean Webster's story of that name, in which both Miss MacDonell and Mr. Waldron have already endeared themselves to Wolliiißton playgoers. . Miss MacDonell gives of her best as Judy, the charity home waif, who is taken up by the good rich man. and finally finds a nesting place in his heart The play is humorous and dramatic by turns, and there is a fine scope for characterisation. "Daddy Long Legs" can only bB performed twice, as the season is to end on Wednesday evening with a revival of "Komance."

FAREWELL TO THE PIERROTS. The' Concert Chamber was crowded on Saturday civeuing, when after nearly a week's lay-off, due to the ravages of influenza, the English Pierrots made a final jippearance in Wellington and flew &aJand. The only absent member of the combination 'Vas Mr. W. P. Turner, who .was still suffering from the effects of a cold.' All the other members of the popular little company were in good form, and a programme, made.up of the best in the Pierrots' repertoire, gaye immense satisfaction. Double encores Were the order of the evening, and the lady members Were simply "snowed under" with flowers and confectionery, as evidence of the deep impression they have made in Wellinprton. The Pierrots, leave for Melbourne this afternoon en route for Perth, where they will play throughout the summer. They return to Wellington for the winter season in May next. ••■■ THE KING'S THEATRE. .At the King's Theatre there is being Gcreened tins week. a.picture that is in several respects remarkable—indeed, unique. Some time ago one of tho institutions enjoying the patroifage of the British Academy of Dramatic Art was in urgent need of funds, and at a meeting of the board of the academy it was decided to adopt the suggestion of one ~o£ its members for raising those funds-i.e., to produce and exhibit a film in-the production of which was concerned on "all-star" cast of English players. The'-subject chosen was "Mask\and Paces," and when it is learned that the cast is headed by Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson and Irene Vaubrugh, who are supported, by a score or so of artists whose names are famous in'the theatrical world, it will bo recognised that this is no ordinary picture. "Maskß and Paces" is a play, that is especially dear to the heartß ' of players. It depicts roany of the leading incidents in the life of the famous Peg Wofflngtonshe who was born in Dublin of-humble parenta, and afterwards became leading ladys-at Drury Lane and Covent Garden and who played with Garrick, pwhose numerous love affairs we're notorious, and whose magnificent generosity and kindness of heart were, proverbial. As Peg. Ireno Vanbnigh gives a performance such as is rarely seen on the screen,- while the Triplet of Sir Johnston Pprbes-Eobertson is a .delight/ Tho acting generally is what would be expected from suoh a brilliant .cast. The photography and settings, too, are excellent. In' the form.of a prologut is'screened a scene from a-meoting of the board of the Academy of, Dramatic Art, depicting such .noled personages as Sir George Alexander. Sir- James Bai'rie. Sir Arthur Pinern, Sir Sauiro Bancroft, Sir John Unre, Bernard Shaw, and others. In connection with, the appearance of each of those is,projected oil the screen something ( apropos to the project under- dißuussfon, and-characteristic of the sneaker concerned. This proved quite an interesting diversion. -. A -Onssett-o and a fresh instalment of "The Fatal Ring" are also on the programme.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. - In a Titagraph picture, ontitlcd "The Daring of Diana," that very popular film actress, Miss Anita Stewart reappeared beforo Wellington spectatorates on Saturday. It is some time since Miss Stewart was last seen on the' screen at Everybody's, and her return waß very welcome. Always an actress of deserved popularity, ■Miss Stewart (in her latest appearance) lias lost noae of her power of appeal. Her work it still of the heat, and while pieces to suit her are found it will, no doubt, continue to be so. Added, to her fine talents, is a personality that carries her far. The piece in which she present starring in Wellington is • constructed on lines that are not unfamiliar, but MiBB Stewnrtf makes the leading role an almost fascinating part. As a newsboy (a. part which many a good actress has turned to , advantage), she discovers that there is afoot a movement to defraud her employer. With considerable grit and no little shrewdness she prosecutes a hazardous investigation, and any of the spectators who desire excitement get it, for the daring investigator finds at timc3 that she has jußt about run her head into a noose that is going to be hard'.to escape from. Nothing daunted, however, she persists and sees thi- matter through to the end. It in an exciting story and r.ithor a pretty one. Certainly there is a charm about'it.

.EMPRESS THEATRE. A very attractive programme is being shown at the Empress Theatre this week. Tho star film is a World pictwe drama ontitlcd "Who Is To Blame?" featuring-; Jack Livingston and Jack Eddie, a young Japanese, who is declared to be second to none of his countrymen as a film actor, and Maud Wayne and Lilian West. A young American attorney is travelling in Japan, and on arrival at a certain port, selectß from a number of rickßhaw operators young Taro Same. Grant, the. young, attorney, takes Taro, to America with Jlim as valet, and Taro turns out to' be an ideal servant. ' Grant eventually marries • Marion „ Craig, and soon after marriage, -when tho latter is called away tn Los Angeles to attend her sick mother, Grant meets ' Tonio Marsh and becomes attached to her. Marion returns unexpectedly and discovers. Tonio in her husband's arms. The shock makes Marion ill, and she declines to see her husband. Taro then takes a hand in the domestic trouble, and by clever strategy wins Tonio, who thinks he is a Japanese nobleman. • Grant makes a discover'', and orders Taro to leave his se'rvic. Taro having made hi" sacrifice leaves, but beforo doing so, ho tells Marion that Grant, is v*"-y i'l.opd she. hurries tn him only to find that he Is in good.health and glad to see her. It i« a "lost nppnn'ing story, delightfully produced, and with a continual clement, of tho unexpected. It is almost as good as « trin to t'"> Ori n nt to see the scen?ry. Tho supnorting nictures includ" n Vitasronh ."Heln! F«ln! Help!" a Pathe.film "Transporting Wood by Water," and the Topical. Budget.

■ ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Another excellent double feature programme is presented at the Ai'cral't Tncatre, Sydney btreet, this week. A typical Paramount picture entitled "The Hneo Man," and produced under the personal supervision of Mr. Thomas H. Ince, which in itself is a guarantee of extreme excellencs, will appeal to all lovers of picture films. ' The ftory is full of thrills and has an atmosphere all its own, giving vnaries Kay, one of the most popular of the screen's younger players, special latitude for his particular style. The scenes, are extremely fascinating, and real scenes of the Californian Pair, held near Los Aiigelcß, are presented; including many of th! Standard Fair attractions, 'and a thrilling balloon ascent. In the second star attraction tho great emotional actress Pauline Frederick appears in "Madame Jealousy," a story of modern society and of the good and evil to be found therein. It is, an interesting 6tory and not without educative value. Pauline Frederick gives a. very illuminating characterisation of a difficult role. This week's programme is one of the best -so far presented by the Artcraft Theatre, and tl" management .may safely expect good houses all the week.

" COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT. A concert which should be a musical treat for Wellington. has been arranged for Sunday night, October 13, and is to take place in the Town Hall. The concert is a complimentary one tendered to Miss. Ruby M'Donald, (he popular violinist, who is leaving Bhortly for Australia owing to health reasoiiß. An attractive programme haß'been arranged by prominent musicians, headed, by Mr. Bernard Page, who will preside at the organ. To those who are unable to take advanMge of Mr. .Page's "Saturday evening recitiHs this will t-e n, rolendid opportunity to hear him. Other items will be contributed by Miss T'">"er/i. Jl'Enrne and other vocalists, while that skilful accompanist' Mr. Harold Whittle. will be at the piano.

COLONEL PTJHDY'S HECITAL. A'most interesting and attractive' programme has boon arranged for the elocuiioii."T,v recital to be given by Colonel J. H. Purely on Tuesday evening in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. As Colonel Purdy has had much experience on the amateur starrc, and lias in addition been associated with most of the eminent elocutionists of the present day. a fine rendering of the various items selected is anticinated. Amongst the nieces chosen aro the following:—"The Demon Shins" (Tom IToorf). "Gungn Din." and "The Bolivar" (Kipling), "Frn, Gianomo," "The Temptations of St. Anthony" (Tngoldeby). "The Hishop and the - Caterpillar," and some well-known excerpts from Shakespeare. The entire nroceeds of the recital will bo given to the funds of ■ the Red Cross. , His Excellency the GovernorGonoral and. the Countess of Liverpool and leading military-and civil authorities will bo urceent, ,