ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 1915, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

("TON ON THE BRISTOL."—TO-NIGHT

"PV)r laughing purposes," is how the advertisement puts the performance at the Theatre Royal to-night of GeoTge Stephenstai's company of comedians m a revival of the well-known musical farce, "Fun on the Bristol," or "Widow O'Brien," a play made famous for over twenty years by the late Jolm F. Sheridan. Many playgoers have pleasant recollections of former visits to this play, and the revival should prove popular I to both old and new theatre-lovere for its wealth of fain, its pretty dances, its captivating melodies, its ready wit, and its genera] atmosphere of cheerfulness. After reading in the daily papers of stirring deeds of heroism and the disasters of war, the mind requires a change, and it is to such comedies as "Fun on the Bristol" that folk naturally look for relaxation. There is no heavy thinking to be done, but just go to the theatre to have two and a-'half hours of the lighter side of life. A good laugh is always a good tonio, and George Stephenson's company of comedians promise during their season to dispense plenty of "tonic." The box plan for the twonights' season is open at Collier's. There will be a. matinee performance pf "Fun on the Bristol" to-morrow afternoon, and to-morrow night the company will introduce the latest burlesque, "East Lynne Up-to-date."

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S NEW ENGLISH MUSICAL COMEDY CO.

The box plan for the musical jollity ;in three acts, entitled "High Jinks," which is to be presented under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at the Theatre Royal next Monday evening, will be opened at Collier's on Friday. It is stated that no prettier or more successful musical comedy lias ever been presented in Australasia, and the fact that it was played for three months in Sydney and ten weeks in Melbourne, without a break, proves it to be one of the high-water marks. Tliis comedy has a charm that captivated the theatregoers of London when it was originally presented last year, and which, since it was first produced in Australasia, lias won immense success in all the cities where it has been seen. There are three acts, each of which is more hilarious than that which preceded it, and the manner in which the characters are shuffled about is certainly ingenious. A young doctor, swayed by a false exuberance, created by the fairy-like qualities of the perfume of "High Jinks," celebrates a cure by kissing his patient. The husband of the patient demands immediate revenge, either the doctor must permit himself to be shot at, or he must produce his own wife to allow her to be kissed. It is through the medical man's endeavors to placate the deliverer of the ultimatum, and at the same time preserve his wife from insult, that a wealth of farcical opportunities arises. "High Jinks" will be presented on the same ■ elaborate scale as in the other cities. All the member of the company will play their original characters, so a first-class performance should result. Mr. Harry B. Burcher is the producer and Mr. Fred Young stage manager.

THE EMPIRE THEATRE. A wholesome and natural picture play was featured in the Hew programme at the Empire Theatre last night. In title the lilm was "A Child of God," the child of Cod being embodied in a young ranch, man. 'Die story of his conversion from almost primordial savagery, worked by a young schoolmistress, is'an appealing one. The young ranchman and the schoolmistress meet early in the story, the ranchman to love with all the ardor of his nature, but to kill a dawning love in the heart of the young schoolmistress by displays against his fellow ranchman of 1 his latent savagery. Then the scene of the story shifts from the wildness of the mountains to the conventionality i and order of town. A wealthy young civilian makes love to the schoolmistress and to save the latter from financial ruin the daughter consents to marry her cultured suitor. In the meantime her for-

mer admirer lives the wild life of the West, but is suddenly brought to a realisation of things by a terrible railroad accident. He then sees what Christianity and religion mean, and under the guidance of a minister is transformed to "a ciiild of God." The conclusion of the Story is satisfying. The film is splendiUly acted, while the great railroad smash is vivid to a degree. The supporting subjects melude an interesting film descriptive of the inspection of the New Zealand liospital ship. Other pictures are: "Cause far Thanksgiving" (a charming Vitagraph comedy featuring "Sonny Jim"), "Gussle's Backward Way" (featuring Syd. Oha.plin), "Switzerland—off the Beaten Track" (a beautiful scenic), and the latest Gazette. The fine programme will be finally screened tonight.

"THOU SHAW NOT KILL." A remarkable six-reel picture play is due at the Empire on Saturday next. I'Thou Shait Not Kill," or "Th Avenging Conscience," may be described as u mystery play, but not in the ordinary .sense of the word. It is the sort of ißTstery conceived by the weird ima?in•itive genius of Kr;iar Allan Poe, '«,zi transferred to the screen by the wonderfully vivid and artistic methods of D. W. Griffith, the world's foremost picture director. The play was suggested by iPoe's story of "The Tell-tale Heart," and Ms "Poems of the Affections." This feature is 6000 ft long, and has met with sensational success throughout America and England. It is said to contain many photographic, feats which arts new to the motion picture art. That very popular film artit, Miss Blanche Sweet, is associated with H. B. WalthaH in the leading roles. The box plan is now open at the Empire. Intending patrons are advised to book early. Usual prices.