AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 4, 29 November 1916, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

FOLEY'S PICTURES. FIGHTING THE FLAMES. CHARLES CHAPLIN—H EL 0 ! There is a limit to everything, and Charles Chaplin thought ho had reached it when the last picture, Tim Shopwalker, was completed, and they brought along another one in which they wanted the little comedian om> more to be the butt of everyone and everything. “Xni” said Charles in a very determined manner. “I have always been made out to look like a fool, and in order to earn my salary I have acted like one, but now 1 have reached the limit. Why should f not tic aMo co make the people laugh in some other way?” For a moment he remained deep in thought. Then an idea struck him. “I have it,” ho exclaimed. “T shall he a hero. I shall play the part of a fireman. 1 shall throw to one side the tattered rags and appear in the fighting garb of the firehoys. On the seat of my fire-engine T shall gather up the reins, tear through the streets, guiding my maddened horses through the traffic, arrive at the scene of the fire, take in the situation at one hasty glance, and then, risking everything, rush to the rescue of the fair maiden on the sixtli storey. I shall save her and be a hero. Likewise she shall marry me afterwards.”

Of course, Chaplin had not been in earnest when lie spoke. He was only fooling during an idle moment between scenes in the studio, hut his manager saw an idea, and although not in its original as outlined, it was afterwards adapted for the second Mutual-Chaplin release, The Fireman, to-night and to-morrow night at His Majesty’s Theatre, in addition to a good programme including the “War Gazette” and a star drama entitled “The Abyss.”

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.” For some months past members of the Stratford Literary and Dramatic Society have been practising hard for the production of the favoritepantomime, “Beauty and the Beast,” in aid of the, funds of the., Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Boy Scouts, and the initial performance was given in, the , Town Hall last night. The auditorium' might have been better filled, but there was a good house both up and down stairs, testifying to the excellence of past performances under the same management and also to the regard in which the two worthy institutions abovenamed are held in the district. About sixty performers were engaged last, night. Mrs A. Mcßoth being the sole directress, and Mr Y. X. Lester acting as conductor. That the production of the pantomime passed off so well is a distinct compliment to the management, and one and all are io be congratulated. The choruses and pallets were a striking feature of the evening, and the capable maimer in ! which these went with a swing earned hearty rounds of applause. In the nart of “principal hoy,” Mo; Ethel Payne had the heaviest part ic. play, but being gifted with a versatile character of no mean order, one and all of bed “turns” found her a really good “hoy,” and she is to he highly compliim-nted. Mrs Mcßeth was fortunate in having discovered Miss Payne. Her singing and acting ami general deportment was full of merit, and reached a fitting climax in the finale scene where the Prince attests jhis love for “Beauty” in the song, j “Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold.” It was a pretty scene, and the audience were not slow to recognise the efforts of the lovers. Miss Payne sang several songs in the course of the evening and generally, as has been stated, acquitted herself admirably. “Beauty” was in the hands of Miss Belle Kirkwood, and she looked and acted the part to the entire satisfaction of all. Mrs McBoth had no little share of the evening’s work, and in her part of “The Fairy Queen” showed plenty of initiative. An introduced item in which she took part was a duet (“I Live Lp Town”) with* Mr A. Drury, and their song and eccentric dance fairly brought down the house. Other novelties were a song, “My Tuttle Teddy Bear,” by Miss Nellie Robson to the accompaniment of a group ot dancing teddy hears in the background. This juvenile made a fine hit. During the song “Regimental Pet” Master lleggie Milne set the pace as the “Military Hero” in the march. He was a typical drummerTmy. Miss Vera Childs in a solo dance-oriental displayed excellent skill in her steps and was loudly applauded. The grand finale “Chin, Chin, Cinaman” was well thought out, and the tout- ensemble was very pleasing. Of the remaining characters, mention must be made'of Miss Muriel Sanderson and Miss A. Crossnn as the Bankrupt’s daughters, both of whom in their acting and dancing showed a high standard of proficiency. The part of the Bankrupt was taken by Mr A. Limmer, and bis sons were J. Crosson, F. Kirkwood, and F. Sutton. There were crowds of attendants and dancers, and the stage presented many rare scenes with special lighting effects. During the evening the principals were the recipients of many bouquets and presents from admirers among the audience. As a tower of support to the pantomime throughout, was I jester’s orchestra of seven instruments, and their numerous items received full appreciation from the audience. The harmony between the stage and the conductor was a pleas-

ing experience in amateur penormaiices iu these parts. The panto, will be repeated to-night, and with a little brushing up by some of the performers in getting “letter-perfect,” and by certain members of the choruses in matter of detail, the second production should be even more satisfactory. The curtain rises at eight o’clock sharp, and patrons are requested to bo in their seats punctn-

THE TATTOOED GIRL.

AT STRAFOUD SHOW. An event that will arouse considerable interest in Stratford is the exhibition given on the Showgrounds by Zenda La Lose, the Tattooed Venus, j This remarkable girl, who has just j finished very successful engagements I at San Francisco and Brisbane Fxhi-j bition, and lately played to a record season in 'Wellington for eight nights. She is completely tattooed in nine different colours from head to foot. “Zelda La Hose” is recognised as being a perfect model of a woman, her measurements .corresponding in almost every detail with the old-time beauty standards of Diana and Venus de Milo. Besides being an artist’s model, she has won over fifty-three beauty competitions throughout America and Canada. La Lose is now appearing on the Showgrounds under the direction of that well-known theatrical promoter, Frank l)e Lyall, and will no doubt prove to be one of the chief attractions of this year’s sideefforts at Stratford’s big Show. PATRIOTIC CONCERT. A high class concert will be given in the Town Hall on Wednesday next, when the well-known and popular Hawera Male Choir will take a prominent part in the proceedings. The orchestra will be under the baton of Mr R. Cottier, and as the proceeds are to ho devoted to the Stratford Wounded Soldiers’ Fund there should be a record attendance.