ON THE SCREEN.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 113, 30 December 1918, Page 2

ON THE SCREEN.

A . 11 The Hopper.” There is a very strong cast in “The Hopper,” a triangle play to be screened at Matamata on . Saturday. If ever a picture could lay claim to the line “All-star Cast” this, one can. And the play is worthy of this array of stars. Talbot and Wilton are both old friends, and both por-celain-collectors. A quarrel arises over an antique vase. Talbot’s son and Wilton’s daughter are lovers, but when the quarrel ■ occurs they are forbidden to speak to each other. Naturally they disobey; in fact they get married. Adversity overtakes them, and their child gets .lost. The Hopper, who is a reformed • l burglar, is the cause of the child’s disappearance, and is in a quandary as to how to return it without being charged with kidnapping. I The complications which ensue ; are diverting to a degree, and a l fine burgling tangle is the result. ■ There is a fine strain of humor \ and the interest is kept at a lively pitch throughout. The programme ; includes a Gaumont i graphic and the eighth instalment of “The Mystery of the Double Cross.”

Do animals contract influenza ? Statements made that horses and other animals are liable to contract •the influenza have been treated with grave suspicion. A case was reported in Masterton when the epidemic was in full swing of a cow displaying every symptom of influenza, and it became convalescent on the application of remedies somewhat similar to those with which human beings were treated. A racehorse owner in Masterton now avers that a horse of his which participated 'in the New Zealand Cup meeting, developed symptoms while iu Christchurch identical with those associated with the influenza, and ha£ since become almost a wreck, though it is now recovering. Mustard plasters were applied to the * animal’s throat, and he was given frequent doses of eucalyptus in sugar with successful results.