ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8354, 14 February 1913, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

HUGARD, THE MAGICIAN. The Opera House was crowded last evening when Hugard, the magician, and his company again appeared. The star item of the evening , was tho “rifle” act,, in which Hugard was fired at, by throe well-known rifle allots, Messrs J. L. Turner, D. Rankin, and A. Hart, and he proved quite bullet-proof. Each man took his own ammunition and all had their bullets, which were of the regulation calibre and type, marked before shooting. In the case of Rifleman Turner he had his name engraved on the bullet. Hugard after the rifles and ammunition had been exhibited to the audience dipped the bullets in chalk and placed them in the rifles. The men then retired to the roar of the auditorium and while Hugard held a black cloth, with a red heart over his heart, the men fired, Hart and Rankin together and Turner last. The bullets struck Hugard and fell into a tray in front of him and were returned to the riflemen, each identifying his own bullet. It was a thrilling act and completely astounded the audience. Clung Sung Loo mystified those present by his clever magic during his production of “A Night in a Palace at Peking.” The company will appear again this evening. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The change of programme yesterday afternoon and evening resulted in numerously attended sessions at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures. The A.B. exclusive drama “Brutality” figures conspicuously among the new subjects. It is a powerful character study, in which the principals are working people. Not very long after her wedding the wife finds her husband different from what she hoped. He is a drunkard, and acts with much brutality. The husband’s reformation is brought about by his attendance at a theatre where “Oliver Twist” is being played. Happier days are then in store for them. Last night an elaborate costume drama, “Flower ot f.ove and Flower of Death,” was added This is a lengthy story of feudal days, in which a pago falls in love with hi* mistress. He meets his death at the hands of his master. The page’s sister swears to be revenged upon the murderer. She enlists the sympathy of tho Count by declaring she is .an orphan without a homo. The Count falls in love with her, arid persuades her to dress up as a page. The Countess, believing her to he a youth, also becomes enamoured with her. The girl plays her part so skilfully, and tho Count is worked up so that in a fit of jealousy he slays the Countess. He meets his own death through a bunch of poisoned flowers presented to him by the girl, , “The Flower of Love and the Flower of Death’’ will be included only at the evening sessions. Only at day sessions to-day and to-mor row Selig’s historical drama “Christopher Columbus” will be shown to enable school children under fourteen years of age to compete for the essay competition prize of two guineas, particulars of which are announced elsehere. “The Warwick Chronicle” depicts many interesting doings at Home and on the Continent. There are also a number of enjoyable comedies. HIS MAJESTY’S. The current programme of pictures at His Majesty’s is a very attractive one, and includes some very entertaining films, educational and amusing, “Lost Years” is a very strong dramatic story, while “Constantinople,” with various views of the Turkish capital is of particular interest j'ust now. On Monday next the well-known drama, “The Fatal ’Wedding,” will be screened. THEATRE ROYAL. The current programme at the Theatre Royal is full of variety and attractive items. One of the most clever and enjoyable vaudeville "turns”

exhibited for some time is provided by that versatile American, Jules Garrison, assisted by the two Roman Maids. The trio are highly popular. Fred Eivenhall’s local season is drawing to a close, and his performances are enjoyable. Other artists in a strong company are: —Maud Fanning (coon impersonator), Arthur Elliot (comedian), Victor the Groat (magician), and tjie Elliot sisters. THE NEW THEATRE. Good business was recorded yesterday at the New Theatre continuous pictures when a change of programme was submitted. One of the best items is the Lubin drama “Chief White Eagle. In this story the old Indian chief dies, and his coUcge-educated son comes West to take up his inheritance. He meets a young white woman, whom he falls in love with. She rejects his suit with such utter scorn that his savage blood is aroused and the young chief strangles her. The guilty man is then led out and shot by the soldiers. The Kalem Company have handled somewhat deftly the theme of “Days of ’49.” A young Indian who is driven from his tribe.,is kindly treated by some white settlers, and before dying from the result of injuries inflicted by his tribe he discloses to the prospectors the location of a gold find. The white people are' subsequently attacked by the Indians, but the latter are beaten off after a magnificent fight. “Trieste to Venice”-is. a worthy scenic study. An exciting dramatic number “A Fight in the Dark” is a popular subject. A very humorous situation provokes much laughter in the S. and A. comedy “Alkali Ike’s Pants.” Equally amusing are the farces “Rodolfi, an Apache,” and “Tontolini at Sea.” The programme twill be screened'again throughout to-day and to-night. “THE FOLLIES.” The return season of “The Follies” will commence at tho concert chamber of the Town Hall to-morrow evening. The bright performances given by "Tlie Follies” when last in Wellington are not yet forgotten. They are specially attractive in operatic numbers, whilst the dancing is also another special feature. Besides all the old members, Mr J. Balfour Ferguson, a tenor singer of more than usual ability, will make his first appearance here. Mr Ferguson is said- to give delightful interpretations of well-known and everpopular songs. Mr Percy Clifton, Mr Dalton, Mr Steyno, Misses O’Keefe, Edgar, Moore, and the Lusanne Sisters will all he heard in new numbers. The plans can be seen at the Dresden.