ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 251, 1 April 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PETER DAWSON. "Lancelot" (Mr F. ftilbcrt Webb) flic well-known musical critic of the lieferee, London, commented recently on the fact that music would seem to be putting a girdle round the earth. He only, however, gave one instance to justify the remark. The gramophone records of Peter Dawson's voice already sold, if placed side by side-, would form a girdle round the world, a wonderful record, in a double sense. No matter where you be in the English-speaking world, be it in the Wild West of Americo, Darkest Africa, or i n the back blocks of Australia, there lie is to be found singing, be the weather ever so adverse, always in good voice, and all that is required is a fresli needle; for eacli song. Gramophone records have made Mi Peter Dawson famous throughout 'he ] English speaking world, but to few indeed outside the British Isles have been given the opportunity of hearing the great singer in the zenith of his triumphant career. A n English concert company which includes Miss Annette' George, the possessor of a beautiful soprano voice, of charming quality and extraordinary range; Miss Grace Newman, violiniste, whose exquisite, playing is given with perfect artistry, and Miss Carlien Jura, solo pianiste, will support Mr Dawson. Those who have not experienced the pleasure of hearing Mr Pet'*' Dawson sing i n the flesh, should not fail to take the opportunity of doing so during his forthcoming visit. He is, without douht, the finest bar; tone singer that Australia has c-cr produced, and wiio at the present time occupies a premier' London position and a popularity that is second to none. Box plans are now on view at Hoffmann's. For prices of sea's see our advertisement column.

ROYAL PICTURES. Tlic star feature on Saturday's programme is Kalem's 2000 ft drama of science and crime, "The Riddle of the Green Umbrella." Helmar, an eccentric old professor, owns a green umbrella, tlio handle of which was once a portion of a deadly instrument used by the Borgias. Lloyd and Reynolds, two professors, aie rivals for the hand of Dorothy, Helmar's daughter. Reynolds is . discovered to have misappropriated the funds of the college by Helmar and Lloyd, and is ordered to return them within twenty-four hours. Reynolds has been experimenting with racinus, the deadliest poison known, merely inhaling it causes death. Reynolds, disguised as a tramp, follows Helmar into a barber's shop, and wh«n the barber finishes shaving Helmar, he discovers he is dead. Madelyn Maek takes charge of the case. She suspects Reynolds. He has fastened the crime o n Lloyd by means of the green umbrella. Madclyn secures evidence of Reynold's guilt. He captures her, and announces his intention of giving her a hypodermic which will deprive her of her memory, and tells her that ho murdered Helmar by placing racinus in his shaving mug. Just as lie is about to give her the memory-depriving drug, picking up a vial standing on the table, she dashes it into his face. It contains racinus. Reynolds crumples up just as the detectives, who have overheard his confession, enter. Many excellent photoplays, scenics and topicals are o n the supporting programme.

EMPIRE PICTURES. I "Out of the depths," the star feature on to-night's new programme, is a drama of love and mystery and also gives one a good idea of life on an American ] battleship. Albert Rogers, president of the National Bank of California, where John Harvey is employed as a cashier, has a daughter named Vera, who is loved by John. The father is disposed to look'with favor upon this state of affairs, until he sees John gambling, ile takes him to task, and as John seems penitent and promises not to repeat the offence, the old banker restores him to favor. Tom Carr, the old watchman, who makes his home with his half-wit-ted daughter, Clara, and idolizes his little grandchild, Allie, is dismissed. John is sent with 1000 dollars in ca;.h to pay a note, and while on this errand comes across Carr, who tells him that Allie is ill, and that since his discharge, poverty had got them i n its grasp. He i determines to call in and see the little girl and offer what aid he can. Arriving at his destination, after the visit to Allie, he is horror-stricken to discover that the money has disappeared, lie knows that he will be suspected of the theft, and he enlists in the navy. Therefollows a sequence of events, exciting, interesting, and novel, which result in the unveiling of the mystery, the vindication of John, and a happy reunion of the sweethearts." He Loved the Ladies" a Keystone comedy, is full of the real Keystone fun. The husband says he is going to New York but remanis in town and takes some girls to a restaurant. His wife finds him there; then the fun begins. Other films are "Where the Mountains Meet" drama; "Such a Mess," and "Andy Learns to Swim" comedies; "Happy Go Lucky," drama, and "Australian Gazette," topical. Seats may be reserved.