ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 18823, 17 May 1920, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE.

A MAGNIFICENT PROGRAMME. The Albion Theatre was crowded to the doors and the management had to turn many intending patrons away on Saturday evening last. The programme in every' way is something out of the ordinary and should not be missed by anyone desirous oi a real night’s enjoyment. The star item on a programme of star subjects is the latest Clara Kimball Voting feature, "The Belter Wife.” In this play of England’s aristocracy the memory of a departed wife stands between Claia Kimball Young and her husband, which raises some interesting controversial points as to what constitutes a ‘‘better wife.” ’ln this case, the late lamented was a lady whose cade of morals was to say the least stretched at times, her laithiu! and loving spouse being in blissful ignorance, when the statuesque Clara comes cn the seen? as “the second in command,” she finds that not all her love for her husband and his wife’s child can blot out the memories of her predecessor with which lie is obsessed. Enlightenment eventually comes to him, am! ho realises what h.’ has missed. The story is undoubtedly good, and a remarkably able cast supports M. -lar in what is one of her best roles. The Prince of Wales’ picture taken on his w.xt to Rotorua was very splendidly shown, ■!‘ j acting thousands of stalwart Maoris ; in r h;:r hakas welcoming the Prince, beautiful M.,' ri maidens in costume doing the famous pci dancer, and many other interesting and vomlrrlul semes. There are two beautiful me -uahes, including Westland's beauty | -“pots, the late.-f Pa.thc Gazette and the | World News, Intending natrons are reminded that the whole programme will be screened once only to-night and to-morrow night, w-mmeiu’ing at 7.15. At S o’clock the over;t:r', ‘’Once Upon a. Time,” will be rendered by the Albion Orehestra. Seats may he reserved hr telephone at the Albion. CIVIC PICTURES. LEE KIDS AND A CIRCUS PICTURE The most fastidious lover of pictures con'd not fail to he other than thoroughly j ratified with the truly magnificent dmtblej feature bill that was pre.-ented in the Munijcn al Theatre on Saturday to a delighted and enthusiastic .audience, and which will be shown again to-night at 7.15. The worldfamed Lee Kids made their welcome reappearance in the big Fox production enI titled ''Do 1 !:'; "Their Bit," and judging by j the unstinted and hearty applause through- : out the screening of this excellent producj.tion, undoubtedly captured tho hearts of ; the large attendance once again. Drollery : and mimicry that bring the tears of laughter to the eyes are abounding features of : ; the work of these clever little artists. They i are not only funny, but thoroughly con- j vincing in their serious moments, which are ' [ plentiful in this play of espionage. No less ; interesting is the second feature—a new j Metro production—starring Bert Lyteil, in j “One Thing at a Time.” The story ia a j tender heart-appealing one of circus life, replete with thrilling romance. Everyone loves a circus story, anti this one is about the best that has ever been shown in this town. The acting of Bert Lytcll is excellent, and the picture is full of intense interest from the start to the very last foot of the film. The Australian News, cartoon, and English Gazette are all of high quality, | and the orchestral accompaniment is parti- | cuiarly good and pleasing. Intending patrons should be on time to-night if a good seat is desired; a better plan would be to • book at Begg’s music shop. I POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. There was a large and enthusiastic audience on Saturday night, when the six part Swedish production “The Flame of Life” was followed with the deepest interest. The big thrill of the picture shows a man stanil-

ing on a single log and shooting the rapids of death, an amazing achievement that is followed by a sigh of relief when at last he leaps to the shore. A picture of more than ordinary interest is “The Making of Motor Cycles,” which should prove attractive to every motor cyclist and mechanic. The CoOperative Review contains many . items of interest and completes a programme of all round excellence. The same programme will be shown to-night and to-morrow night. “LIGHTNIN.” There would appear to be little doubt, judging by the enthusiastic opinions of many contemporaries, that the famous play Lightnin,’ due here on Friday next, is something entirely out of the common. It is certain that the piece has created a splendid impression in Australia, where it has been voted the best comedy-drama yet presented in either Sydney or Melbourne. The success of (he play is due in a great measure to the compelling interest of the story, which is always human and possible, and also to tne wonderful performance given by Mr John D. O’Hara, as “Lightnin Bill Jones.” Of this fine aritist a prominent critic writes; Never in the annuls of the Australian stage it is siuo to say, has such an admirable delineation been given of a highly difficult and complex character as is shown in “Lightnin,” by Mr John D. O’Hara. The characterisation is perfect. It is a piece of splendid artistry—dovetailed, polished and wrought by a master craftsman of the art. It is certain that never hitherto has been seen benind the footlights so lovable a personage as ‘Bill Jones.’ He simply radiates bonhomie, although in his more serious moments the tear is very near the laugh. It is a striking example of the actor’s art brought to the very best intelluctual level, and one that cannot fail to be remembered and cherished.” As is proper, the company which will support Mr O'Hara is a representative one and includes some of the best names in the acting profession to-day. Besides many that are well and favourably known, there are several newcomers, notable amongst whom arc Miss Diana Wilson, a prominent American comedienne, Mr Robert loins, also an American actor of much repute, Mr Arthur Cornell, and Mr Fred Esmelton. Popular favourites will doubtless be lound in Misses Lizette Parkes, Marion Marcus Clarke, and Messrs lan Mnclaren, John Beck, H. H. Wallace, Thomas Lloyd, Fredo Cambourne, and Edward Lester. The box plan will be opened at the Bristol tomorrow morning.