ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 224, 16 June 1919, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE KING'S THEATEE. In tho photo-play "Woman," which is being screened at the King's Theatra this week, it is just a little difficult to understand precisely what tho author ia aiming at. Except it be, perhaps, to unnecessarily remind'people that niter all woman is not invariably man's betrayer; that really there is a lot of good in iter, that it may even be said of her that she bears on her shoulders most ot tho burdens and the of the world. It scorns a pity, therefore, tiiat such an amount of tuought. energy, and money has been expended on such a theme and to emphasise such a commonpiace. In expounding his theme the producer has selected five distinct stories illustrating the weakness and cupidity of woman. These are in order the story of Eve; that of the courtesan Mess&lina, wife of the Koman Emperor Claudius; a story of medieval France telling of the betrayal of a monk; a Breton fishing village idyll; and, lastly, an American' Civil War story involving the betrayal of a soldier, 'i'ho telling of these five stories culminates in a rapidly-mov-ing 6eries of vignettes illustrating the 'heroism and unselfishness of the modern woman in the great crisis through which the world has passed—a sort of chant of victory—which entirely removes the "nasty taste" whicli must inevitably have been left m tho mouths of many. From the producing point of view, "Woman" is an excelieut picture. The story of iMessalina, in particular, is a triumph of the producer's art—in fact, all through, the standard reached is very high, and on this account alone picturo is worth seeing. The minor films include "Woolwich Arsenal" (the third instalment), "A Modern Pilgrimage to CauterIrnry" "Jones Keeps House" (comedy), and the latest Gazette. Tho singing of Miss Elsie Keels, a «'.lentc<l soprano, completely ivon the approval of the audience, and many of Uiosc present will no doubt hope to see this lady at the King's again. The King's orchestra, as usual, performed capably.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Roy Stewart and Ethel Fleming taks the leading roles,in the thrilling romance of the Mexicau border, "Untamed," show, ing this week at the Empress. Theatre. It, is a AYestern story of outstanding merit, and one in which Spanish steel and treachery are pitted against a ranchmail's honour. Roy Stewart, who is one of the cleverest exponents of wild west roles, gives a natural and finished. representation of a border ranchman. His partner in business is a Mexican who is unscrupulous and treacherous, and tho partner, schemes to get complete p 05 6 .6 5sion of the ranch. Tho poisonous plotting -of tho Mexican nearly costs the ranchman his life, and what was doarer, to him, his sweetheart, for even her great love, was shaken to its foundations by the evidence of betrayal. An appealing love story runs through the piece, which reveals a colourful atmosphere of Spanish senoritas, clicking castanets, Mexican bravos, the flashing of knives, deadly gun play, and all the thrill and romance of the border. The supporting films include a very humorous Keystone comedy, entitled "Dimples and Danger." Mr. C. Melvin continues to sing the popular song,' "The Rose of No Man's Land, aiui this is being done in response to numerous special requests. Reserved seats may be ss'cured by ringing telephone No. 3«2. ' EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Hell's Hinges," the chief feature o> the new programme presented at Everybody's Theatre on Saturday, is a dramatic 'story of ranch life on the AVtstern plains, concerning the career of tne Rev. Robert Heiiley, who- visits the lawless settlement known as "Hell's Hinges ' to introduce the Gospel. Blaze 'Iracey (W; S. Hart) falls in iove with Henlers sister, and derides to help Henley in ms work, but is frustrated by Silk Miller, once his partner. Henley is tempted and falls, and while Blaze is away at another village tho 'desperadoes attack and burn tho church. On his return Blaze, Who is known as tho "two-gnn man," rescues Henley's sister, and after punishing his one-time associates fires the rest of the settlement. The conflagration which follows is intensely vivid. The acting throughout is perfect, and tho photography leaves nothing to be desired, hupporting this picture is an interesting number of the Patlio Gazette, while episode No. 1G of the serial, the "House of Hate," is a capital movie ' thrill. "Fatty" Arbucklo appears to advantage in a sparkling comedy known as "The Waiters' Ball."