AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 18, 22 September 1913, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

A COUNTRY GIRL. Stratford people have a real treat in store for them next Thursday evening in the Town Hall, when the New Plymouth Operatic Society, recognised by the press as being the most brilliant amateur operatic combination in the Dominion, will present Lionel Mockton's comedy opera, "A Country Girl." The Society have just concluded an extraordinarily successful season in New Plymouth, and the people were so pleased that they have asked the Society to stage the opera again. Never before in the history of Taranaki has there been sucli enthusiasm shown as during the performance of this delightful piece. The vast audience rose en masse at the conclusion of the performance calling for the manager (Mr R. Hill Johnson), the scenic artist (Mr A. M. Bradbury), and for the individual rhembers of the cast. 'Without, doubt! the ' Scenery was splendid, and -wduld do credit to any professional company in'Australasia. •' . "A Country Girl" is 'claimed to be .the best of, all the light operas produced for years, being brimful of exciting and delightful episodes.' '"Thepiece is in two acts, and is one of the latest of those musical comedies that appeal to playgoers so distinctly, and that enjoy so great a popularity. It is full of wonderfully beautiful numbers, with an orchestra that at times soars into the region of grand opera. On the humorous side the play is described as "a whirlwind of gaiety." The box plans opened' at Griibb's this morning at 9 a.m., and judging by the inquiries for seats a very heavy booking is assured. The prices are as popular as the piece—4s, 2s 6d and Is.

HIS MAJESTY'S PICTURES. To-night a brilliant series of new star films will t»0 screened at Bernard's. The feature film is "The Ace of Clubs," introducing Nick Winter, the famous sleuth. Nick has won the enmity of the gang of criminals known as the "Ace of Clubs." Some of the members inoculate him with the germs of hydrophobia. Before the detective goes mad, he writes sufficient to give the clue to his identity. Two months later he is cured, and resolves to track out the criminal gang. He mixes with the thieves, and his identity is discovered, and he is thrown' into a dungeon. This begins to fill with water, and the thieves return to their discussion in the room above. He seizes upon the one chance left him. He manages tc get his pipe between his teeth and light it. At 7 o'clock the' police enter the tavern to make a thorough search. Smoke is seen to issue from a crack. He is hauled out more dead than alive, and recovers in a few moments, to enjoy the greatest coup of his life. "When the Desert was Kind," a celebrated Vitagraph drama, and "John Arthur's Trust." Lubin's best, and a host of scenic and comic gems will tend to make an enjoyable programme. Tomorrow evening the Photo-play of the period will be screened for the first time in Taranaki. "Sweet Xell of Old Drury," with .Miss Nellie Stewart, Australia's favorite actress, in the title role. Resorved seats at the Theatre, 11.0 extra charge.