ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 18818, 11 May 1920, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALSACE VAUDEVILLE COMPANY

The Alsace Vaudeville Company has every reason to feel satisfied with the largo audience which attended its opening performance in the Municipal Tehatre last evening and several of the items were very well received. The absence of programmes somewhat militated against the enjoyment of the entertainment as in several instances the audience were left in doubt as to the title of the numbers given and sometimes even as to the names of the performers. It may be said, however, that in “Meg,” who owing to her youthfulness has been termed “The Mighty Atom” the company has an attraction which should be popular with any audience. This clever little child with her captivating manner and bright ways possesses an aptitude for vaudeville which is Lacking in some of the older members of the company. Her catchy little songs were given with an understanding which said much for her training and intelligence. Although her dancing was good for one eo young, it was ,-fiightly kicking in grace. The Campbell 9 rot hers, whose popularity was established on a previous visit to Invercargill, made a welcome reappearance and delighted the audience with their numbers on the concertina. They were called upon to give quite a big part of the entertainment and they cliil it with credit. They are both versatile artists and although their repertoire included a wide variety- of compositions, they were all artistically treated and in both the first and second half of the programme they were recalled many limes, Louis Alsace gave a perform-arree which was worthy of a better reception -than it received from some members of the audience, although he has previously been heard to greater advantage. Ar times the accompaniment to his playing was a hike faulty and this, too. made him appear at a dxsadvantage. His numbers on the violin included many difficult compositions and his executive ability and double bowing was decidedly good. Alphonse and Wendy Dale, who supplied the humorous part of the programme, were fairly well received although some of their numbers were not new to local auiiienc.es. In these days when many of the references to the colourful incidents of life behind the firing line are known to others titan the righting men. jests of questionable taste hosed upon these little bits of ‘finner history” can be left unsaid by entertainers with advantage to themselves and to their audiences. The sot rain of the company, Miss bene B.arndey, has a good voice and her numbers included "I Pai.-ed by your Winflow,” “Beneath Thy Window,” and “Kilbrney.” Miss Mollie King acted as accompanist and performed her duties with credit.

civic pictures. -TEE TREASURE OF HEAVEN.” To-night will be the last opportunity afforded picture-goers of seeing that very fine all-British production “The Treasure of Heaven,” from one of Marie Corelli's greatest works. - Fhf pathetic picture of David Helmsley, the central figure in "The Treasure of Heaven," surrounded by everything that wealth could buy, but longing for someone to appreciate and love him for himself alone and not for his wealth made a fitting subject for the big picture at the Civics on Saturday. After putting a girl. whom everyone thought wa» tn he his heiress, through a test he finally decided to set out in search of tin interested love, assuming the garb of a tramp to lest those with whom he came into contact. On his wanderings he rinds that a fellowship exists among the poor that surpassed anything he had imagined, and he meets with many kindnesses on his way. In a little Cornwall village he finds what he is seeking for and there, surrounded by love, he ends his days alter many evidences that the poor are always willing to assist anyone who has fallen on evil days. Included in the programme ia ;m excellent Sunshine comedy also three other good pictures. The former featured the famous Sunshine animals which always create great amusement by their natural saien. A very powerful bill has been secured for to-morrow night when the two Paramount stars, Charles Rny and Lila Lee will appear in the double-feature Paramount programme. The supporting items are excellent. POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. “Over the Garden Wail," the comedy drama now .showing is one of the brightest pictures seer, here for a long time, and another large audience Last night expressed its appreciation freely. There is something in the picture for everyone; comedy, romance and a bright story backed up with perfect photography and splendid characterisation. A Nordtsk drama and splendid supports complete the programme, which will be shown finally to-night. There will be a complete change to-mor-row, when Pauline Frederick will l>e secn in a powerful Goldwyn melodrama "The Peace of Roaring River." It Is a gripping, virile story of the mining camps, full of tense action, that works up to a thrilling climax. There are several splendid supports including the third episode of "Railroad Raiders.” ALBION THEATRE. Another large audience witnessed the second screening of the varied programme submitted last night. The item entitled 'The Lesson" is a double star feature having for its principals the popular artists Tom Moore and Constance Talmadge. The play is a really wholesome type of drama with particular appeal to wife, father, daughter and son. Other films of note screened are the Prince of Wales' visit to Auckland, a Tour of Westland. Pathe Gazette, and an international study. Patrons are reminded that, to-night will be their last opjiortunity of witnessing this interesting programme. For Wednesday the management have secured the latest World release entitled “Bringing up Betty." This Is a story of a badly spoiled young lady, who had expectations of her own, :uid also youth, beauty, anti iu.-t that little bit of “devil” to make her wonderfully attractive. Consequently unde had a very busy time weeding out the suitors for her hand and heart. Incidentally he was not helped by Betty and situations dramatic and hilarious make it one of the brightest of films and worth witnessing. Other films screened are Gaumont Graphic, “Where the Green Trees Grow,” and the International News No. 10. Seats may be reserved by telephone at the Albion.