ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 92, 14 September 1914, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE DAXDIES. Mr Edward Branscombc's company, "The Dandies," which opens a short' season at the Theatre Royal next Mondayevening, has earned the distinction of being the best company of its kind which ever toured the Dominion. When the calibre of previous companies in the same line is remembered, this i-j high praise indeed. Although the' various members of "The Dandies" is a specialist in his or her own particular work, it is not the merit of individual performances which count mostly in the particular class of entertainment associated with "The Dandies." Concerted work forms a prominent feature in their programmes, and the performers must display their ability collectively as well as individually before they are considered qualified to claim a place in the company. And in this department the company appearing next week comes with excellent credentials. They are remarkably versatile, and their concerted numbers range from selections from grand opera to items in lighter vein. "The Dandies" carry a strong quartette of comedians in Messrs Roland Henry, Andrew Pace, Harry Webster, and tieorge Taylor; while Miss Naomi McQuoin is described as a most sprightly and vivacious soubrette. Other prominent members arc Messrs David Lylc and Misses Linda Bradford and Ethel Walker. The musical director is Mr Herbert Brahms. The plan will open on Thursday morning, at Collier's.

"THE THREE MUSKETEERS." The policy of screening lengthy films has hitherto met with much success in \ew Plymouth, and the first presentation of "The Three Musketeers" at the Empire* Theatre on Saturday night was greeted by a very large and enthusiastic audience. A comparison between "The Three Musketeers" and other very long pictures—say, "Quo Vadis?" or "The Days of Pompeii"—cannot fairly be drawn, for the two last-named relied for their excellence almost wholly on great spectacular scenes; whereas the picturo under review is a stirring story of a stirring period—a period in which intrigue played a great part in the lives of the people, particularly the ruling class. The story is, therefore, essentially romantic, leavened with a great lump of tragedy. All is portrayed by characters in magnificent costumes, acting in sumptuously furnished apartments or amid some charming Old World outdoor spots. The Court scenes are especially brilliant. There are really n ,j Courts: Louis- XIII. and hi 3 followers, the Cr fiu Anne__of Austria and her circle, and in tho br v .«ToUnc!, vet all powerful, the great Cardinal Richelieu, It is unnecessary here to attempt even a sketch of the story of the thri* famous musketeers—Athos, fcorthos and Aramis; it is sullicient to say that many of the most stirring incidents in the advanturous careers of these three reckless troopers are depicted in a most realistic, manner. (Perhaps one of the best scenes depicts their journey to London, under the brave d'Artagnan, to bring back the Queen's diamonds, upon tho successful accomplishment of which so much depended. The acting throughout is of tiie highest order. The characterisation of tho dashing d'Artagnan is one of the features of the picture, and that of the Cardinal is a fine study. The part of Miladi de Winter was also well handled. Some of the Old World inns and rural highways shown in tho ride from Paris to Calais are really beautiful, and arc an added pleasure to a picture that is in itself one of the verv best. The selections by the pianiste were also much enjoyed. "The Three Musketeers" will be screened finaly to-night.