ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1118, 5 July 1913, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MUNICIPAL PICTURES,

The star film, ‘‘On Secret Service” which is to be shown this evening has been run through the machine already, and it is a picture of unusual length and appears to be one of more than ordinary quality, so it behoves residents to patronise their own picture show to-night and see films that will satisfy the most exacting. The management has obtained an exceptionally attractive programme for Monday. The star picture of 3075 feet in length, is the immortal play ot Boucicault, and aptly termed his masterpiece, “ The Shaughraun.” Space will not permit of describing at length the many stirring scenes during the life of the hero of the play, or the numerous occasions on which the genial Con comes to the rescue and helps the lovers to be finally united. The various scenes during the Fenian times and the wrongly convicted hero, who was transported to Australia and escapes back to Ireland, are of such a stirring nature that this will no doubt be one of the finest films yet shown in this town. The tale ot ‘-‘Con, the Shaughraun,” is so well-known to all lovers of drama that it needs no further description. The other drama films are such as will bring forth the usual vociferous applause. ‘‘Blaokfoot, Half-breed,” is a real Indian tale which carries the audience with it, ‘‘For Washington,” is a film that will meet the likes of those who enjoy the stirring drama. The patrons who dearly love the cowboy scene will see a most interesting film in, “Love on Tough Luck Ranch.” The item of interest this time is, “Life in India,” and to those who have not had the satisfaction of travelling in India this picture will be most interesting. The small boys and those who enjoy a real hearty good laugh will have enough to laugh at when they see “Something Wrong with Bessie,” and “Oh, What a Peach.” Without any hesitation the programme, on the whole, is of a highly interesting nature.

HAYWARD’S PICTURES. An exceptionally strong programme will be presented on Monday. The chief item is a star drama by the Vitagraph Co, called “The Mills of the Gods,” and is in three parts each i,ooo feet long. The picture is founded on Mr Geo. P. Dillenback’s novel. Signor Lorenza, a rich plebian seeks to dethrone Prince Gran, of Nilan. He becomes enamoured with Narie, who repulses bis attentions and is protected by Miguel, whom she marries. Through Lorenza’s influence they are driven from home in poverty which causes Narie’s death. Miguel later acquires wealth, and Lorenza’s attempt to steal Miguel’s beautiful daughter and usurp the throne are foiled, and he is betrayed by Tane (Miguel’s servant) into a vacant house which is fired and his life is ground by “The Mills of the Gods.” Another star drama by the Pathe Co. is, “Dust for Gold.” Some rough characters decide to rob a stationmasler of some gold, by putting one of their gang in a a coffin and consigning him to a distant station, but the stationmaster manages to outwit them. “Faithful Unto Death,” another Vitigraph drama, demonstrates the devotion of a servant to his master. There is also a beautifully coloured education film by the Pathe Co., showing the “Haunts of Wild Birds.’’ ’ The remaining films are: “Snapshots at Lubec,” scenic ; “Snapshots,” Pathe comic ; “No Place for a Minister’s Son,” which will keep you laughing all night, and “The Australian Gazette.”

THE “BUTTERFLIES."’ A company that comes with the highest credentials from the press of Great Britain. South Africa, and the chief cities of the Dominion, is “The Butterflies,” a costume comedy company which will appear at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening for one night only. The company consists of seven performers of undoubted talent. The entertainment ranges from classical instrumental music to burlesque entitled “The Blue Hungarian Band,” from comic opera and comedy to vaudeville. The programme to be submitted is full of good things, and there is not a dull moment from start to finish. In noticing the first appearance of “The Butterflies in South Africa the Rand Daily Mail. (Johannesburg), said: “Without a doubt the show is the best ever seen in Johannesburg, and that is saying a lot. The seven Butterflies came in for a reception that is rarely seen at any place of entertainment, and they deserve it.” The New Zealand Times of Wellington was no less appreciative, saying of the recent return visit. Mr Jack Waller, of course, is the soul of the company. He is a comedian of not an uncommon type, but his clean fun, when combined with his fine musical talents, make him an artist who would be the kindly leading light of any company. Mr Waller has also arranged most of the important musical numbers on the programme, and in every one he has shown skill and excellent taste. Miss Marion Armitage, the little Yorkshire lady who captivated Wellington on her previous appearance, again made everybody good-tempered by her queer fun. She sang “ Father never Stopped SugWog" in a fine, rollicking style, and her distinct Yorksmre accent completely to everyone. Mr Frederick Deupett is a pianist whom all Wei-

lingtou people kuo.v. To see him as accompanist in a company even as excellent as the “ Butterflies ” makes one feel that he is a genius who is lost. Last night he played “ Rhapsodie Hongroise.” His playing is marvellous, for in every way he is a pianist of a kind we are seldom given the opportunity to hear. One of the best numbers is “ Ave Marie,” sung by Miss Ada Smart. Miss Smart has a very fine voice, and in this number particularly showed it to full advantage. In concerted items the “ Butterflies ” are very good. They have brought this branch of their entertainment down to a fine art. The box plan is on view at the Borouh Council office.