ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8358, 19 February 1913, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE NEW THEATRE. The very attractive programme now running at the New Theatre drew satisfactory audiences at all sessions throughout yesterday. Particular interest was caused by and great attention was be-' stowed upon the star film, a.drama of! the sensational order entitled, “Thej Schemers Outwitted.” It tells a story of absorbing attractiveness. Another specially fine drama is ‘‘The Shotgun Ranchman,” and a third is "The Samaritan of Coogan’s Tenement." Among the' remaining motion-pictures of merit is a scenic study, “The Valley of Otta.” The] programme will be shown again throughout to-day. • EMPRESS PICTURES. There were good attendances throughout yesterday at the Empress Theatre to. see the new selection of motion-pictures which was put on for the first time on Monday night. All the pictures were well received. The principal film is a mediaeval spectacular drama, “The Knights of Rhodes." It deals most interstingly with the siege of Rhodes, and with the operations of the Knights of Rhodes, the famous brotherhood of soldier-priests. The film is a well-pro-duced one, which is interesting for every second of the forty minutes it occupies. Among the very excellent supporting pictures are "The Unveiling of the Cook Memorial, “Broncho Billy’s Heart,” “The Oaumont Graphic,” ‘‘Strong-arm Nelly," and “The Editor Millionaire." The programme will be screened again to-day. “THE POLLIES." That versatile and merry company known as “The Follies” have established themselves in popular favour, and last night were greeted by another appreciative audience. ‘The entertainment has a pleasant diversity, from rollicking choruses in which the whole troupe takes part to solos and monologues. The comedian of the company, Mr Percy Clifton, raises much laughter with his amusing ooster sketch, in which the. general intelligence of judges is much criticised. His "Captain Ginjah” is a good piece of work. Mr Balfour Ferguson, who has a fine tenor voice, received numerous recalls. The Misses Lussane, Ins Edgar. C. O’Keefe, and Lily Moore are all popular with the audience, who signified their approval of numerous duets, solos and choruses in which the ladies take an effective part. “The Follies” appear nightly at the concert chamber of the Town Hall. HIS MAJESTY'S. His Majesty's was again crowded last evening, when the excellent series of pietuxes in the current week's programme was again screened. There is abundant variety and an agreeable range of subject matter in the programme—facte w bich account for the interest whioh _is sustained from opening to close. “The Fatal Wedding" was followed with close attention, and the play is splendidly acted. Seldom is such realism achieved on the kioematograph screen, and not the least meritorious adjunct to the production are the accompanying vocal efforts of Mias Fanning and a troupe of specially trained school children. Tills picture is really well worth seeing, and hearty applause followed the close _ °f, the reel. Another outstanding film is The Panther's Prey," an exciting story of the lust for gold and the passions of animal?.. “The Way of the Mountain' is a meritorious drama, and another item worthy' of mention is "Strong Aim Nellie.There are sundry topical and other pictures, making a capital programmo, which will bo repeated nightly throughout the week. - theatre royal. The Theatre Royal was again crowded last evening, when the new programme of vaudeville items was repeated. - Paul Pedrini. foot balancer, proves to he a great attraction. He balances all manner of cumbersome things on his feet, and is assisted in other portions of his work by Toby, a clever baboon. Jules Garrison and his two Roman maids portray (the latter acting as models), the paintings of many of the world’s great painters. These artists stage other novelties, all of which are worth seeing. There are others who help to make the entertainment at the Theatre Royal interesting in every way. The programme will be repeated, to-night., , “The Emerald Isle” was repeated at the Opera House last night by the Celtic Dramatic dub before a large audience, which extended to the performers a very encouraging reception. Mr McLaughlin’s capable orchestra gave its services gratuitously both nights.