ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2723, 31 January 1910, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PATHE PICTURES.

There was a very good house at 'His Majesty’s Theatre o'n Saturday night to witness the change of programme billed by tbe Pathe Picture management. Something exceptionally good had been promised during the week, and the large audience had assembled anticipating a bill of fare a good way ahead of the ordinary. The new films comprised a .pleasing variety of most interesting subjects, and the continuous applause testified to the appreciation of all present. Perhaps the most popular film of the new programme is “In Old Kentucky,” which reproduces an episode of the American Civil War with marvellous realism. A home in Old Kentucky is divided by two- brothers espousing opposite sides. * Eventually the war is over, the brothers return, a reconciliation takes place, and all ends happily. “The National School of Cavalry in Ypres,” Belgium, was another fine film, which, depicted feats of horsemanship, which were truly amazing. -Marvellous displays of trick riding and obstacle jumping are given by the cavalrymen, whose horses are trained to perfection. The last performance shows the horses and riders scaling an almost perpendicular cliff, demonstrating alike the wonderful sure-footedness of the animals and the ability of the riders. A film which was received with marked favor was a condensation of the principal features in Shakespeare’s drama “Julius Caesar.” The series opens with Caesar’s return from Gaul. Brutus surprises the tyrannical aspirations of Julius Caesar, and shows his anger at the attempt against the liberty of the Republic. Mark Antony obtains from the Senate the triumph and crowning of Julius Caesar, notwithsanding the opposition of Brutus and his friends. The triumph was a gorgeous spectacle. Despite Culpurnia’s dream and prayers, Caesar faces fearlessly his destiny, and goes to his death. Mark Antony’s excitation of tbe people against the murderers was a powerful piece of acting, as was alsothe hounding of Brutus and his friends from Rome by the enraged populace. The last scene shows Brutus’ death at Phillippi. Other very fine films included “Picturesque Biarritz,” “The Leprechaun” fan Irish fairy tale), "On, the Zambesi” fshowing splendid views of the Victoria Falls), “The GreatKabylia” (depicting native life and customs in Algiers), and “The Twelve O’CTock Express.” The comic films were of a high order, and caused great merriment. Among these may be mentioned “A. Jealous Old Maid,” “He Tried on Handcuffs,” “Charming Children.” “A Suffragette’s Dream,” and “Black Hands and Feet.” Tire programme will be repeated this evening and to-morrow, after which there will be no exhibition of the pictures this week, as the theatre is to be occupied by, the Scarlet Troubauours. A new programme of pictures is to be shown on Monday next.

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS. Tlie Scarlet Troubadours will appearat His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday and following three mglits. Many wiil remember the enjoyable evenings provided by this clever company on their previous visit, and will doubtless welcome their return. Mr. Edward Branscombe, the director and organiser, in presenting the Troubadours, has endeavoured to appeal, not only to those who appreciate good music, but also to the general ‘theatre-goer, who enjoys such music enlightened By the introduction of refined humor and harmless mirth, still further enhanced by its presentation with costume and action. The vocal abilities of each member of the company are spoken of by the critics in the highest, terms of praise.. Part-singing is a notable feature of their performance, and as an assurance that this has proved of an exceptional character, it is mentioned that. Mr. Branscombe is acknowledged in London to be a- high authority in this class of music. Additional interest is lent to the various choruses, quartettes..duos, and solos, 1 by their presentation in the form of short scenes with movement and gesture aud refined comedy. A novel feature of tlie-new programme will be the appearance of Miss Gertrude Parker, who was, for a- considerable period, principal soubrette with George Edward’s Loudon companies. Another strong attraction is Mr. Claude Leplastrier, the famous Sketch and smokepicture artist. The fun and merriment in which all participate is headed by Edward Warwick, who is known as one of London's most versatile and refined society entertainers. Two of the vocalists (Messrs. Alfred Cunningham and Ford Waltham) were members of the world-famous male quartette, the London Meister Glee Singers, Mr. Sydney Mannering (tenor) was .for four years playing leading roles with the MoodyManners Opera Company, Miss Maude Fane, from the Lyric Theatre, London, and Mr. Leonard Griffiths, pianist. The nlans are open at Mr. Miller’s. Four entirely new programmes trill be presented in four nights.