AMUSEMENTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 652, 18 March 1914, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPRESS PICTURES,

''Quo Vadis" is a picture-play masterpiece. The story of the Roman Empire, toid by the master hanc; of Henryk Sienkiewiez in his notable book and scarcely an incident in all that great work, the omission of which would blur the understanding and mar the beauty of the author's conceotio ■ and treatment, has been allowed to drop. It is a picture remarkable for its beauty, its extent, its completeness, and its magnificence. To the story told in "Quo Vadis?" which is well - known, the picture bring 3 added delight. Tbey transform the written word into actuality, and the characters are presented by actors of rank, with realism and triumph of cinematography representation. This is evident in every detail, and is shown alike in the magnificence of Nero's sumptuous feasting halls, the splendour of the great amphitheatre, the gathering of the Christians in the Catacombs, and the lowly dwellings of the humbler figures in t e great moral conflict. The banquet given by Nero, a scene of mad revelry, is an impressive section of the great film. Again the spectacle of Rome burning is one of awful grandeur, and while the great and beautiful city is flame-swept to destruction, Nero comes forth to sing. This is one of the most thrilling sections of the film, aa is alsothe brilliant scene presented by the packed Colosseum. The view of the great Arena, with the thousands of spectators, is also a magnificent pic tore. Here are seen gladiacorial contests, chariot races, and the sight of Ursus as he overcomes a wild bull upon which the maiden, Lygia, Has been tied. Into this arena are driven the doomed Christians, and to them are loosed twenty lions. The tragic death of Petronius and Eunice, his faithful slave, and farewell banquet, {riven in accordance with the prevailing custofti is followed shortly by the end of Nero, hastened by the hand of a slave. Owing co the exceptionally high cost of securing this magnicfient photo play the management have to announce that the prices of admission are Is and Is 6d.