AMUSEMENTS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 16 February 1917, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

; THESE STARS. I i In presenting to patrons of the Three ! Stars Theatre the Selig production "The Ne'er Do Well,'' the management

expresses its belief that it is the finest picture of its kind ever shown in NewZealand. Of all Bex Beach's books this is probably the best known and the most popular, and the story is one that lends itself admirably to adaptation for the seneen without detracting in any wise from the interest of the book. The Selig Company has never been more successful in showing a picture,, and even their portrayal of "The Spoilers," good though it was, pales ini ) insignificance before this thein latest. Nor have the artists ever done better work, and their characterisations, one and all, establish beyond question their dramatic ability. That the necessary atmosphere of realism should be imparted the Selig Company' journeyed to Panama,, where the greater part of the action of the story takes place, and filmed the scenes under ideal conditions. Thus apart from its dramatic interest the picture possesses added interest by reason of the many excellent views of the construction work in progress on the canal. To know that such universally popular artists as Kathlyn Williams, Frank Clary and Wheeler. Oakman appear in the leading parts is to gain some conception as to the worth of the picture. Their acting throughout displays conspicuous ability, and is clean, forceful .and convincing. Throughout its entire length the interest of the story is maintained, and there is never a dull moment. The production is in every way an admirable one, and should maintain, if not enhance, the reputation of the book.

EVERYBODY'S. ' The Three Godfathers'»:—Euth Merrill is forced through poverty to take a position as waitress in a milling camp. Her position is really that of an entertainer in a dance hall. Through her sweetness she is able to keep the respect of all. Bob Sangster, who has served in a penitentiary, and Ruth become fast friends. Sheriff Cushing is also fond of her. Three suspicious characters arrive at the camp and they recognise Bob. They plan to rob the bank, and knowing that Bob has lost all his money they ask him to help them. He agrees .to hold their horses in order to carry out their plan. Ruth sees a prowler round the bank y and tells the Sheriff. That night she sees Bog holding the horses, and recognises his connection with the robbery. She tells Bob that the Sheriff is on their track, but Bob will not desert his associates. Bob escapes but one of their number is killed. Ruth's scarf is found near the bank, and the Sheriff waims her that he will get the fourth man. The three bandits are overtaken by a sand storm. They find a deserted waggon in which is a woman who dies after giving birth to the baby. The dying mother names the three men as the baby's godfathers. They look after the baby and start a fifty-mile journey to the nearest settlement. Two of them succumb, but Bob manages to do it. He staggers into the saloon with a baby. Ruth has left the mining camp and is working in the saloon. Bob gives ,hor his godchild. Gushing arrests Bob, but Ruth and Bob escape.- Later Bob gives himself up. The Sheriff finds {hat it is his sister's baby which Bob has saved, lie arranges the marriage of Ruth and they bring up the baby. The ninth episode of the '•'Broken Coin" serial is also responsible for an interesting and exciting story. This programme will be shown for one night onlv.