AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 42, 19 February 1914, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S PICTURES. A rare treat in the picture world was the verdict on the series of films screened at Bernard's Theatre last night before a very fair audience. The Vitagraph Co., of America, made a decided hit in their 3000 ft. reel drama, "The Tiger Lily," which introduces most sensational and thrilling effects. "Moris Prince," the eminent French comedian, is as usual full of vim and has certainly proved himself a favourite with picture lovers. The culture of "Bulbous Plants" is a magnificent colored educational picture and should not be missed by flower lovers. Tonight will see the last of this fine series. ,

TO-MORROW, "QUO VADIS." The lover of pictures will to-morrow evening have an opportunity to witness one of the greatest films ever presented in New Zealand in the realms.of kinematography. "Quo Vadis" is a picture-play masterpiece. A conspicuous figure throughout the picture is that of the Imperial Caesar, Xcro— voluptuary and tyrant. The mad monarch's stupid conceit of his poor powers as a poet and singer were pandered to by sycophants and flatterers until, in the end, the monster and imbecile, at the suggestion of Ti'gellinus, caused Rome to be fired that he might seek in the awful spectacle of the Eternal City's destruction an inspiration for his latest Ilaid. • The story of the Roman Empire is told by the master hand of Henryk Sienklewicz, 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 conception and treatment, has been allowed to drop. Indeed, the wonder is that it has been possible to cover so huge a field in so short a space. It is a picture remarkable for its beauty, its extent, its completeness, and its magnificence. The film, which is the work of the Cines Company, is eight thousand feet long. The pictures bring delight. They transform the written word into actuality, and the characters are presented by actors of rank with a realism which gives the narrative life. The determination to make this production a triumph of cinematographic representation is evident in every detail, and is shown alike in the magnificence of Nero's sumptuous .feasting hajls, the .splendour of the great amphi-theatro. the gathering of the earnest Christians in the Catacombs, and the'.dow.ly: dwellers of ihe,. humbler figures in the great moral j conflict. A striking picture sjiows .a (banquet given which concludes with a ,scene of mad jrevelry f ; arid an impressive section of tho.grehib film is' that which reveals the Christians in the Catacombs, worshipping in secret and listening to the Apostle Peter. Again, the Apostle ajjid Nazariun dire, shown walking ahpng the Appian Way toward the Campania. Gradually, there grows |jnto view a figure of Christ unse,enji' by Nazarius, lnit.caus; <ing the* Apostle to Fall'to his knees, and to ask, "Quo Vadis, Domine?" On the screen is 'thrown the reply which, as the author;, wrote: "To Peter's ears came a sad and sweet voice, which said, 'lf thou desert my people, I am going to Borne to bo crucified a second time.' " The Apostle is seen to rise and turn towards the seven hills or the city; and to bis companion, who asks "Quo Vadis, Domine," he answers: "To Rome," and returns. The spectacle of Home, burning is one of awfnn 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, as is also the brilliant scene presented by the denselypacked Coliseum. The view of the great arena, with the thousands of spectators, is also a magnificent picture. Here are seen gladiatorial contests, chariot races; and the might of XJrsus as he overcomes a wild hull upon the back of which the maiden Lygia has been tied. Into this arena also are driven the doomed Christians, and to them are loosed twenty lions. The tragic death of Petronius and Eunice, his faithful slave, at a farewei.L banquet, given in accordance with the prevailing custom, is followed shortly by the end of Nero, hastened by the hand of a slave. The scenario is quite too long for the space available hero, and only the witnessing of the film as screened by Bernard's, can give any impression of the splendid finish to which Kinematography has brought this subject for present-day presentment. TOWN HALL PICTURES. Commencing to-morrow evening, through what will henceforward be known as the "Town Hall Pictures," Stratford is' offered a line programme of original and up-to-date pictures. As announced in last night's issuo, Mr B. G. King, who has had a largo experience in the picture world in Australia, has taken the Town Hall for a period. He holds the exclusive right to screen films not previously shown or procurable bv, anyone elso m Stratford and with new appliances, a proficient and talented orchestra, combined with a varied and attractive programme, it is anticipated that there will be a big audience tomorrow. The "Grim Toll of War" is the photo play distinctly realistic, and is a rare and original production, combining a story of thrilling and exciting interest with a moral lesson. This film has been screened at Sydney before a large and enthusiastic audience. "Pride of Angry Bear" is the title of a film in which an Indian Chief learns much from witnessing a white man's wedding ceremony, and which he introduces in the case of j his own daughter when she is mar-

ried after an attempt to elope with her lover. "In the Land of the Cactus" introduces Estelle, a society beauty, who goes to an American ranch for her health. On the ranch she meets two admirers Bob and Ramon. Ramon seeing that her health is not improving taKes her away. Bob arrives and she goes with him leaving the man who has saved her life., "Jim the Burglar." In this is shown Jim Brown, who being out of work turns crook. He has many misfortunes and comical adventures until ho decides to give up burgling and lead an honest life. ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND. This evening the Royal Artillery Band will play in the Theatre Royal, New Plymouth, and to-morrow afternoon will give the second and final concert of its tour in the Recreation Grounds. This evening's concert nil! have an excellent programme of popular music of a highly enjoyable class. It will be- found that the Band can play Wagner's music with wonderful effect; the "Entry of the Gods into A T alhaila" which is one of the principal items in the programme, has always be-ia a most popular item ance will* be that of Herbert Haines' "Rienzi," "William Tell," and .'"Egniont" are some of the famous works (rom which selections are to be g.'ven; and a very charming perto.-m----ance will bo that of Herbert Mames'l "Suite of Woodland Dances." Those who admire good solo playing will be 1 delighted with "The Wren ' (Damask which will be played on the pecolo by I Corporal E. Reynolds, one of the most: brilliant soloists in the Band. To-morrow afternoon's performance in the Recreation Grounds should be one of the most delightful character. Few finer situations for a concert by a large band could bo found than the splendid basin-like arena r.f the sports grounds, in the centre of which a platform for the band is being built, and round the sides ot ivhich is comfortable seating for many thousands. It is intended to keep the oval clear of the public, except for a small area upon which a block of reserved chairs is placed. The programme is one that must compel admiration. Contributions from Gounod's "La Beine de Saba," Mendelssohn's "Songs without Words," Wagner's Mascagni's "Cavalliera Rusticana,'!

ltd Herod's "Znmpa" make up Ja Selection which would delight any aulience. In addition to these, the '•Coppelia" ballet suite (Delibes) the so. 7 "Humoreske" of Dvorak, and two items by Brahms will be played. The afternoon concert claims the special attenion of country, residents/ for whose benefit the train from Ha.vera has been altered so as to arrive in New Plymouth at 2.25 p.m. and to leave at 6 p.m. The Waitara train vill connect with this altered running. The box plan'for the afternoon concert will be open at Mr H. Collier's music warehouse til] 1 p.m. to-morrow, for the reservation of heats in the 0ra1... . .<: WITHIN THE LAW. The Royal Command performance of "Within the Law" in the presence of their Majesties King George and Queen Mary, at the Haymarket Theatre, London, in October last, was unique., from the fact that "Within the Law" was the first play of its kind that had received Royal patronage, and Sir Herbert Tree, under whoso direction it is being produced, was personally congratulated by the King at the conclusion of the performance. The "Westminster Gazette" of November 17th, estimated that up to that date over a quarter of a million playgoers had seen this epoch-making play during its run in the Haymarket, and that the end of the season was not yet in sight. All fashionable London was flocking to it, and it was necessary to book seats weeks in advance. There must be something wonderfully compelling in a play which attracts the blase London theatregoers in such crowds. It is claimed for the J. O. Williamson production, which will be staged at the Town Hall next Wednesday evening, February 25th, that in many respects it is superior to the London representation, mainly for the reason that several artists of the front rank were specially brought out from New York to maintain the American atmosphere of the play. A rare find was made in Miss Muriel Starr, the leading lady of the Company. Young, handsome, and with a certain compelling magnetic charm, Miss Starr took the critics by storm in Australia, and more recently in Wellington. The box plans will be opened at Grubb'fi next Saturday morning. ROYAL PANTOMIME COMPANY. An announcement is made in this issue that the Royal Pantomime Company will produce the spectacular pantomime, "Old Mother Hubbard" at the Town Hall on Tuesday next. This pantomime is said to be even funnier than "Little 80-Peep,' the dressing and mounting being on a lavish scale. Nothing is said to l>e undone by the management to make this production second to none of a similar kind yet seen in Stratford. Dancing, including ballets, is plentiful, and the rag-time revue will no doubt prove a revelation to playgoers, nil the latest rag-time dances being introduced. Mr Bruce Drysdnle, as the "Dame," has a big comedy part, and along with Mr Victor Loydall causes roars of laughter. The Anderson trio in a unique musical act entitled 'At the Telephone," and the Gresham four in acrobatic, plantation songs and dances, provide the specialities. As this is the last opportunity of seeing this talented combination, a bumper house is looked for. The box plan is at Grubb's.