ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1663, 18 January 1917, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“OUR PICTURES.” Picture patrons attending the entertainment in the Town Hall last night were delighted with the screening of the remarkable Cines feature, “How Heroes are Made.” This film is a very tine production, being notable for its beautiful scenic effects, which seem to have been made a special feature of this drama. The story is of the vicissitudes of a young soldier and his sister, both of whom become connected with the army of the great Napoleon. In their early life this young couple come into the hands of an old couple who dwell in the country, through the death of their mother at the hands of a gang of rebels. The father, who is attached to Napoleon's staff on active duty, thinks the children also are dead. As time passes the young man joins the army, and the dramatic element is introduced by the fact of his becoming the victim of the hatred of a designing woman, who forces his detention in a castle while he is supposed to be delivering a most important despatch from headquarters. The father, who by this time is holding the rank of Field-mar-shall, is forced to condemn his own son to be shot for desertion,' and his task is made heart-rendering by his realisation that the young man is his son whom he considered dead. The end is made happy by the appeal of the sister to the leniency of the Emperor, and the young soldier justifies his pardon by leading his men in a great effort against the enemy. The supporting items include an excellent number of the Topical Gazette and a very amusing edition of “John Bull’s Sketch Book.” This programme will be repeated this evening, and can be recommended as a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. The change of programme for Friday and Saturday evenings will contain a further instalment of the delightful Stingaree serial, entitled “The Bushranger at Bay.” Besides this attraction there will* be shown a drama of exceptional power, produced by the Urban Company, of Paris. This story tells of the days when during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 the provinces of Lorraine and Alsace were ceded to Germany. The story describes the pathetic plight of a Frenchman who, torn between love of country and the marriage tie to one of German origin, is fatally injured in a riot because of his daring to speak up for his beloved France. Produced in the north of France by a French company with the celebrated Parisian actress, Madame Rejane, in the leading role, “Alsace” must be reckoned on as a war drama that is far superior to the productions of this kind that have gone before. The scenes showing the secret social gatherings of the French are well done. We see the Marsellaise sung with a spirit that is seldom so well portrayed in a picture. Almost can we hear the w r ords, so realistic are the expressions on the faces of the guests. “Alsace” has a human and romantic side as' well as its wuirlike aspect, and should prove a popular attraction. The supporting items will be specially selected.