AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 19, 16 February 1909, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

j BURNS-JOHNSON PICTURES. Tins Theatre Royal was well tilled last night when Messrs. John Fuller and •Sous presented the pictures of the recent Burns-Johnson light. Tile light cannot be termed a scientific display of "the 'noble art,"' us it resembles a cuddling match more than a prize light. After seeing last night's pictures one must admit that Burns was palpably outclassed fro.ni beginning to end. Burns right through the light seemed to get his head oil Johnson's chest and tried to keep it there. This, although it may lie the prcsent-dav boxing, is decidedly uninteresting to spectators. Not tHie least interesting part of the programme was the training operations. Here again a. contrast between the two men is shown. Johnson's f raming being of a .much more solid nature than Bums'. Thi> pictures were well worth seeing, and met with the approval of tin; audience. The opening picture, the Italian cavalry, was a splendid film, depicting astounding ieats of horscmau-

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S STAR DRAMATIC CO. As a theatrical event, the first appearance- in New Plymouth of J. C. Williamson's Star Dramatic Co. is of great interest. to lovers of good drama. "The Thief" is the play selected for the season here, whic'lu is limited to one night, at the Theatre Royal on Monday next, 22nd inst. This play comes to us with a reputation of highest merit, and has been acclaimed in terms of enthusiastic admiration by the Australasian press unanimously. The company is headed by three stars of the. highest rank 01 their profession—Mr. (feorge Tltheradge (perhaps the most popular artist who has ever appeared on the colonial stage) returns to us after an absence! of some years, His receptions, in Melbourne, Sydnev and Wellington are described as ■•as much ovations of personal friendship. as tributes to liis artistic worth." Mr. 'Henry Kolkcr, a young and clever romantic actor of high repute, is considered the star leading iniiii of America, and is credited with being a remarkably powerful, graceful and virile actor. •Jliss Ola Humphrey, leading lady of the company, has made a great impression ill the difficult and fascinating character, "The Thief.' These three star artists are supported by one o! the best companies Xlr. Williamson has ever organised, siicli names as Miss Kmina. Temple, Miss Alma Vaugiiau, Mi. Dion Titheradgc, .Mr. Sydney Stirling, and Mr Cyril Muckay appearing among i the list of well-known and talented ar'tists included in the cast. Box plan for this performance, will lie opened at the Collier and Colonial ,I'iano Co. ou Thursday morning, at !) o'clock.

AlTSTlUli' UNISCOPK CO UPAS V. Tim above company open a seas"" till! Thralre .Royal tomorrow night. Tile films to lie presented include a large number of the latest direct ironi the celebrated iirni l Pathe l'roies, lilllS. The "faked" pictures are said to be a splendid lot, while tin; colored series are exquisite. One of the features of the company's entertainments is the smooth manner' in which the programme is carried out. This is due to the plant used, which is claimed to be the most up-to-date and convenient in the cinemato-,,,-apli line. The pictures are projected on to the screen by a powerful electric arc lamp, and are entirely ilickerless. Levarto, the. juggler of the company, is n host ill himself. Speaking of his performance. an exchange says: 'His conjuring and balancing with hats •umbrellas, candlesticks, plates, and all kinds of things proves him to lie a marvellously adroit and clever artist. -Miss Maud Kenton, a clever soprano, renders iti'ii)s> at each iierfoniiciuce.