ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 176, 21 April 1919, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. The popularity of the King's Theatre is not very ililhcnlt to account for, since Urn entertainment presented generally conforms tu a high standard, and is sufficiently varied to exercise a wide attraction. Tho new bill introduced on Saturday was in every respect quite worthy of those that had preceded it during the past few weeks; tnat is to say, it comprised interesting, pictures (all- admirably photographed ami Well projected), and excellent music. Quite probably tho music would be to .some patrons the principal attraction, aiid that because of no demerit in the film fare, but simply because of the strength- of the orchestra, which brilliantly rendered such number* as "Slavonic Rhapsody" (Friedemanu),

I "Berceuse'' (Grieg), "Nocturne" (Berthold Tours), "Goiujolier's Song" (Mezzacappo), and "Meditation and ' Chauaon-e-tto" (Leigh). Sigiior. Lucien Cesaroni, the well-known basso, saug "Parter" and "Because." His finished artistry evoked the most enthusiastic applause. The main attraction of tlie picture portion of the programme was the playing of Alice Bradv and David Powell in "The Better Half." Alice Brady had two roles to sustain: the one, that of a cold and unfaithful woman; the others, that of a lover ready to make any sacrifice for the man of her desire. The story was sulli-" eiently original and well-constructed to rivet the spectator's attention nnd arouse emotion: the dressing of the drama was splendid; and the acting of tho principals in its force and vividness left little to be-desired. A new episode- of The Scarlet Runner" was, of course, included in tho supporting list. "Gowns and Girls," a lively farce by the L.K.O. people, the latest "Gazette," and part two of tho scenic "From. Fairlie to Mount Cook," came in for' a share of appreciation. A matinee is advertised {(>■; this afternoon.' .EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Medicine Man" is tho title of the feature photo-plny of the new programme presented nt Everybody's Theatre on Saturday. It is a powerful 'dramatic study of cowboy life mainly centring round the doings of tlie sheriff of a particular settlement. The leading rolo is played ha that very popular photo-play actor Rov Stewart. The girl in the story is supposed to be the-daughter of the doctor of the settlement,, and when she comes of ago she inherits certain mining properly. The villain of the piece, a. min'cr, conspires with the doctor-to gain possession of the property,, but,soon after getting the girl to make over the property, the two conspirators fall out on the' nucslion of shares. A terrific 'light ensues, and tho sheriff, who has ■lieen following up the career of the doc-, tor. intervenes at the right moment. It is a story loaded with thrills, and through it runs an annealing love-story. T'he supporting items include (he eighth episode, of "Tlio Houso of Hate"—a serial which is attracting .more than ordinary ink-rest—awl a very interesting Pnthe Gazette.

EMPRESS THEATRE. ' "The Appearance, of Evil," a _ World drama, featuring .luue Elvidge, is the star al(Taction <u" the r.icture programme prc.:eiiled Ill's week at the Empress Theatre. A widow, a. will and fortune, and a luver are the principal ingredients of the storv. and the appearance of evil is most marked. Mrs. Mnida Brown, a rich widow, who lives in a secluded town, is regularly visited by Louis Letehworth, an aeroplane manufacturer. These visits eive rise to scandal, and Nnida is obliged to leave Hie town. Her brother-in-law, tii whom the money reverts under her husband's will should she marry, accuses her of being married to Louis. Ho also brings suit to obtain custody of Maida's-little boy, because of her conduet, when she makes n clean breast of everything, and admits that she married Lelchworth in Belgium shortly after the outbreak of war. It is quite a romantic slory, with manv dramatic situations, and keeps the spectator interested as lo who is to finally receive the fortune left by the late lamented Brown. A Keystone comedy of merit and the Topical budget dealing wilh recent happenings make up an attractive programme. During tho evening Ml-. Charles Mclviu sings the popular song "The Long, Long Trail.'