AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9707, 1 February 1910, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

WRESTLING. HACKENSCHMIDT. Next Friday evening George Hackenschmidt, toe champion wrestler of the world, will make his first appearance in Masterton at the lown Hall, in a novel and attractive series of wrestling exhibition, postures plastique, physical culture displays, training methods, and many other physical exercises of which the Russian is such a notable exponent. Born thirty4wo years ago, Hackenschmidt as a boy quickly acquired fame as an athlete, first as a cyclist, then as a runner and swimmer, and since his first wrestling contest against Paul I Pons he has never been defeated in I any ot his numerous struggles. Hack- [ enschmidt is said to have arranged , his athletic displays so as to make j them as instructive to women and children as they prove attractive to athletes and students ot muscle culture. His wrestling endurance tests, posture posing, training exercises, and general physical development scheme are described by the Sydney press as possessing many educative elements for the youth of to-day. Hackenschmidt brings an expert, who adds interest to the series by describing the various exercises as Hackenschmidt demonstrates them, assisted by Gunner Moir and Alex. Bain. Contrasting features in lighter vein are monologues, magic, mirth and melody by English entertainers, Clifford Eskell, Mark Osborne and others, also films oi some of the Russian Lion's most famous struggles. POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY.

Tn criticising "The Belle of Cuba" with which this popular combination will inaugurate a seaaon of two nights on Saturday, a Southern contemporary says:—"Pollard's Opera Company commenced its season of mirth and melody at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening of last week. The opening production was a musical comedy, "The Belle of Cuba." The piece is built on lines familiar to compositions of its class, and it contains some clever dialogue and right flashes of music. The scenery and costuming were in keeping with Pollardian traditions, and the work went with a capital swing; in fact, every ounce that could be extracted from the class of comedy to which "The Belle of Cuba" belongs was served up in tasty form for the delectation of patrons. Most of the old favourites of the company appeared in the production. Playgoers should remember that the plans of reserved seats for the season will be opened to-morrow morning at Miss Rive's. There is almost certain to be heavy booking, especially for the Monday night, as playgoers have been anxiously awaiting the production of such a world-famed musical comedy success as "Miss Hook of Holland."

THOMPSON-PAYNE PICTURES. The crowded houses at each change of programme bear unmistakable evidence of the ever-increasing popularity of the Thompson-Payne Pictures, and last night a greater crowd than ever filled the hall to its utmost capacity. The star picture is "The Midnight Express," a powerful and sensational drama having for its climax the attempted wrecking of an express traip. The scene on the footplate of the engine is very fine. The driver and fireman suddenly get sight of a red danger light being frantically waved, the brakes are put hard down, and the train pulled up just in time to avert a catastrophe. This great film was most enthusiastically received by a delighted audience. "The Great Motor Boat Race" is a splendid filai and conveys a good idea of the remarkable speed attained by the motor boats of to-ay. Adam 11., the great ape, is a picture that will appeal to all who are interested in intelligent and highly trained animals. Adam 11. drinks and smokes like a man. It seems most remarkable to see this wonderful ape calmly blowing the dense smoke of a pipe down his nostrils. "Incidents of the Franco-Prus-sian War" is a very fine historical picture with great educational possibilities. "Views of the great North German Lloyd steamer, the s.s. Berlin," is a picture of great merit and intense interest. A Pathe colour film showing a family of dwarfs performing is another highly entertaining picture of this series. The dwarfs are seen conjuring, performing feats of agility and strength, and dancing. Some very fine comics are included in the programme. "No rest for the weary" is a beautifully coloured comii.', and some wonderful trick photr graiihy is shown. To the lay mind it <h simply marvellous how such pictures are made up. "Dancing Tabloids" and "A glass of goat's milk" are other mirth provoking films of great merit. A picture which is of special interest to the children is one of the Great Zoo, illustrating the daily life of the animals and birds in their confinement. Some beautiful scenica are - shown, scenes on the Taurin, in France, being a most charming series of views. The recent alterations have made the hall a very cosy and comfortable place of amusement, and other lmrovements are under consideration. It is quite a boon to have such a high-grade en T tertainment where one may spead an enjoyable and profitable evening whenever he feels so inclined.