ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1209, 17 February 1914, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE ARCADIANS,

The visit of the Merry Widow Company to Foxtou Is made in the nature of an experiment to ascertain whether local audiences will justify Foxton’s inclusion in the tours of such combinations. The railway facilities are a big handicap on account of Foxton being a dead end. The company arrived by the 7 p.m. train and were behind the footlights shortly after S o’clock to a fair and most appreciative audience. The piece staged was the Arcadians, Besides abounding in bright and catchy music, clever dancing and genuine comedy, a very interesting story runs right through the opera. The plot is a most entertaining one, and though somewhat involved, can be easily understood after the first act. The curtain rises on a scene in the land of the Arcadians. Without any warning, James Smith descends in great haste from his aeroplane into the midst of a group of these simple Arcadians, who love one another as brothers and sisters, and who do not know the meaning of marriage. After getting over their surprise, the honest people learn that the visitor is one of those Londoners oi whom Father Time has so often told them. Knowing ot the many sins of these city people, the Arcadians are eager to reform Smith. Smith very soon finds himself in trouble by uttering a very “wild” lie. His hosts are shocked, and he is immediately put into the “Well of Truth,” from which he emerges as a young man—he was middle-aged and wrinkled before—aud dressed as one of the Arcadians in their simple garb. Smith, re-named Siraplicitas, is warned that it he tells another lie he will be restored to his old sell. Next it is decided that the aeronaut, with Sombra and Chrysea, shall go back to London to reform the people there. Much curiosity is aroused by their appearance at the Ashwood race course, and Simplicitas immediately gains favour through riding a winner, whose jockey was disabled and unable to fill his engagement,. His companions, however, are the cause of much jealousy on account of the affectionate way in which they treat the young men with whom they meet. Sombra partly succeeds in converting Jack Meadows to the simple life, and Sir George Raddock,' a rival for Miss Eileen Cavanagh’s hand, takes advantage of Jack’s familiarity with Sombra to turn Eileen’s love against him. Simplicitas meets his wife Maria, and the latter, not knowing of his identity, engages in a violent flirtation with him. The scene changes to Mrs Smith’s Arcadian Tearooms. Being young and handsome, Simplicitas makes the best of his opportunities with the fair sex. Miss Cavauagh is twice grieved to see Jack ou two occasions kiss Sombra quite openly, and refused to understand that he saw no harm in it. Eventually Sombra herself intervenes, and explains the situation, leaving the lovers with all their misunderstandings cleared up. Simplicitas is suspected at last of a double life, and in being cross-examined by his wife, denies ever having whiskers. ,The lie cost him his youth, for he disappears in a well and re-appears as the original Mr Smith. Satisfactory explanations are made all round, and Sombra and Chrysea return to the land of the Arcadians with their work unaccomplished. All the parts were admirably sustained*

THE QUAKER GIRL, TONIGHT. To-night the Quaker Girl is to be staged and, judging by the excellence of last night’s performance and the enthusiasm of the audience, it should be greeted by a full house.

MUNICIPAL PICTURES.

A specially attractive programme is provided for Wednesday evening. The star -film, “Brennan of the Moors,” is said to be the sweetest and yet most dashingly brilliant Irish romance of all times. It is a stirring tale of Old Ireland of one hundred years ago, first made popular and famous in play form by the great Dion Boucicault. Brennan O’Malley was an Irish gentleman and Knight of the Moors; the rich called him the devil, and the poor worshipped him as a saint. The story is that of a witty outlaw, who stole from the rich to give to the poor, having been driven to this kind of life by the persecutions of the English, who robbed him of his estate. His adventures are startling and interesting. He escapes from prison. His cell is flooded with water, and he barely escapes drowning. He presses three roadside athletes into service for a human bridge, over which _e crosses a stream to elude his pursuers. A beautiful love story goes through the play, and “Brennan's” whole record as a highwayman will command attention and a warm sympathy for him from all. The other drama is, “The Hand of Destiny,” being one of Kalera’s “extra specials,’ * a startling and exciting play, full of sensation, and grandly staged. “The Kelp Industry” interests, educates and entertains, doing all three pleasingly. “Pathe Gazette”, gives the latest news and fashions clearly pictured. “Our Servants and Our Friends” is an interest-!, ing and excellent picture, which pleases everybody. The comics are, “Max as Musician” and “One Over Cutey. ’ ’ The former shows light and breezy Max Linder, thq most popular of picture comedians^

la a cougenhl role, while the latter is a delightful comedietta, being bright, breezy and sparkling. The whole programme is one that should attract a good sudience.