ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 33, 3 November 1920, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE.

Siibtlo humour, clean and wholesome is tho outstanding feature of "A Virtuous Vjmp," the principal picture in an interesting programme which : ie being screened, at the King's Theatio this week', Constance Tnlmadge, piquant and dainty, plays the leading part, and maintains her reputation for light comedy work. .A topical film, showing pictures of the Princo of Walcß in Australia and aa excellent Nature study, under the titlo of ."Oranqucita Valley," are also screened. Pleasing vocal selections are rendered by Mr. Charles' Moore, and orchestral selections by Mr. L. l). Austin's orchestra, accompany tho pictures. An orchestral matinee will bo held at 2.15 to-day. EVERYBODY'S THEATIIE. "A Agreement" is the title Of. Hie feature now screening at Everybody's Theatre. It relnten to 14 pledge, made according to ancient custom, that a, man who is rescued from death becomes a bond-slave. While out. West, the rescuer is reported to have died, and his young lady consents to marry another man, who, it-is subsequently discovered, is the bond-alave. There' is a dramatic conclusion. A Pathe Gazette, a travelogue, and a comedy are shown. '.'...■ ...' EMPRESS THEATRE. An original story and one that contains auite un amount of humnil interest is revealed in the World featuro "His Father's Wife," now screening at the Empross Theatre, in which the honours go to Juno Elvidgo in .the role of a pretty stenographer who'weds an ancient widower and his step-son—th© latter, of course, after tho' old gentleman has departed for realms unknown. The interest is well sustained, and many touches of real pathos are provided. "TILLY- OF BLOOMSBURY." Another large nudienco witnessed the' play "Tilly of Bloomsbury" at the Grand Opera House last evening. Tho bright: humour and .clover dialogue of the .production, which i.? froai the pen of lan Hav, the well-known author, combine to make a sterling pioce; and there is never a dull moment from the rise of lihe curtain to its fall. A strong cast, including Mr. Frank Freoman and Mr. George Blunt, and Miss Dorothy Mandeville add to the a'.'cractiveness of the piece. Two more performances will be .given before th? Wellington season concludes. - CARTER THE GREAT. Carter the Great, magician and illusionist, is to open nt the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and tne advent of this famous .magician is cicatinff much interest. Carter is aseisted'.in demonstrations of thought transference and mental telepathy by Evelyn Maxwell, who is said to possess remarkable psychic powers. The exhibitions civeu are said to bo most perplexing, and created much controversy throughout Australia. Carter, has astounded the world with his mysteries a nd uncanny, laughable entertainment in conjuring. He is said to have a bright and breezy manner on the stage, and even While executing - difficult tricks or illusions keeps the audience in good humour with his little quaint stories and patter. Among* his properties is a lion weighing 1175 pound-';. " This beautiful animal, it is stated, was purchased from the Portuguese Court after King Mnnuel was deposed, and was a ia-rouvile pet of the Sovereign's. This lion, in one Of tho big illusions, "The Lion's Bride, is made to disappear in full view of the audience, and to reappear an Carter himself, the change only occupying a quarter of a second. During tho last wren years Carter has travelled ovor 250,000 miles, and has presented his entertainment in French, Spanish, Dutch, Malay, and the Hindu tongues. The box plans for the first six nights of the season open at the Bristol to-morrow morning. v , . "THE SHADO.W-.OF- LIGHTNING--' , RIDGE." The' first general interest film attempted on a. big scale in Australia not-meant to bo absolutely typical of Australian life, but ajiowing v that' production has reached tho world's boat standard of excellence is "The Shadow of Lightning which is to be shown continuously from 11 till 10 at the Empress Theatre, commencing on Friday next, under the direction of E. J. Carroll. Snowy Baker plays the part of the elusive bushranger known as "The Shadow of Lightning Ridge," and he is supported by_ a full company of Australian artists, including Brownie Vernon, Berenice Vere, and Wilfred' Lucas. This is a sevenreel drama, showing the coiiflkt of. men of might willi love, jealousy, and hatred urging them on. It is a story of misunderstanding, mystery, and .thrilling romance, of a. highwayman's eft oris to right a supposed wrong, and the regeneration of a man's soul by a true woman. The main incidents were enacted amid tho scenic grandeur of Australia s great out-back, showing the actual haunts of Burke, the bushranger, and depicting some of the most picturesque and rugged scenery in New South Wnles. Snowv Baker's thrilling exploits of amassing skill and strength, his daredevil stunts, combined with a. dashing love-interest, help to make tile story what it is claimed .'to be-the best of the Snowy Baker se.rite to date. Seals may be reserved only at the theatre or by theatre telephone. . "HIAWATHA." ■ The box? plan for Coleridge Taylor's .masterpiece'will'open at the Bristol tomorrow morning ab 9 o'clock. The special attractions - are the engagement ot Biich world-renown artists as Miss Amy Evans (known in London as tlie Welsh Patti), and Mr. Eraser Gauge (the Scottish baiso). The tenor solos will bo sung by Mr. James Simpson, of Auckland. 'This willbe the first occasion "Hiawatha" has been sung by the society (in its entirety), and as Mr. Tcniplo White always gives his chorus a thorough (raining in any work taken in hand, a very successful performance is expected. A practice will bo held next Monday evening at St. John's Schoolroom, and- the final rehearsal at the Town Hall on Tuesday. The performance will tnke place on November tO. ST. LEON'S CIRCUS. . In tho year 1812 there was pitched oh Hie corner of York and -Market Streets, Sydney, a calico 6idewall, supported by freshly-cut saplings, which then grew in prplific numbers in the immediate viclnitv. ixirge tallow flares were nsed at night time to illuminate the interior, where seating of the crudest descriptionwas provided, for spectators. An orchestra, consisting of a, couplo of fiddlers, a tin whistle, and a sheepskin drum, discoursed tho popular melodies of the day. On the walls of the "city wero pasted "huge" (?) one-sheet 'posters, announcing "Gus St. Leon's- Circus had the honour of presenting a first-class company of eight actors of eminence, also the only man in the world who ever stood on a horse's back." This was the origin of the circus in Australia. The St. Leons of to-day nro the great grandchildren of the Gus St. .Leon ot '12. The eight actors of eminence now numlwr fifty-Sight.- The rider who was the first man to "stand" 011 a horse's back is replaced by women and men turning somersaults (hereon. The "two fiddlers and a tin whistle" are mieceeded by a professional brass bnnd of fourteen soloists. Instead, of tallow flares, one (if the most modern lighting plants in existence provides the illuminations, Tne "calico sidewall" gives way to a huge canvns marquee, measuring eighty yards long by sixty yards wide, and the itrray of beautiful horses and ponies would bo a revelation to the original members of the circus. St. Icon's Circus of to-day 1 embodies all these modem improvements, and is regarded as an institution throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. Tho j circm will open on Wednesday, November 10. LECTURE AT CONCERT CHAMBER. Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S., the wellknown Alpine clinibor and explorer, will lecture to-night in the Concert ChamW, Town Hall, on "Mountainaering.jind Exploration in Four Continents." Tho lecture will be illustrated by a number of lantern slides operated by Mr. A. A. Whitelnw. The proceeds from the lecture will be devoted to providing a playground for the children at the Wades-1 town School. ' I