AMUSEMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 243, 20 February 1911, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

"THE DOLLAR PRINCESS." TO-NIGHT. ] To-night we are to welcome "The Dollar Princess" at the Theatre Royal. This bright and lively comic opera is spoken of as the very best musical play produced for many years, and comes to us with the highest credentials. For the New Zealand tour, it would appear that Mr. J. C. Williamson has sent his best both in the matter of attraction and, company. It is possible that no stronger] musical organisation has visited the Dominion since the palmy days of the original Royal Comic Opera Company, i "The Dollar Princess" is described aa "The Merry Widow's" successor. It has, as a matter of fact, easily eclipsed that volatile lady in point of popularity, being well into its third year at Daly's Theatre in London. In the present case, the interpreting company is certainly a particularly complete one. With such competent and. favorite artists as Miss Ivy Biekford, Miss Olive Godwin, Miss Lottie Sargent, amongst the lady principals, and Bert Gilbert, Herbert Clayton, Frank Greene, \V. S. Percy, Victor Prince and Charles Albert among the gentlemen, an excellent exposition of this charming comic opera should unquestionably be given. The London public were most enthusiastic about "The Dollar Princess," and showed their appreciation of it in the most enthusiastic manner. After its production at Daly's, it was simply showered with laudatorycriticisms from all quarters, and during the first week no less than forty thousand pound's worth of tickets were sold at the various box offices, while every available seat in the theatre was booked for months ahead. The company, which, since its last visit to the Dominion has been materially added to, comprises over 100 people. Patrons are requested to be early in their seats. Children in arms will not be admitted. An augmented orchestra will be under the direction of Mr. Fritz Hart, Mr. Frank Stirling being stage manager.

BIOGRAPH PICTURES. The Theatre Royal was again crowden on Saturday night, on the oecasionof the weekly change of programme. Tin selection of films submitted certainly included some of the finest moving pictures we have yet seen. The point at present claiming our attention regarding moving pictures is the short-sight-edness of the publis in general. Pictures such as have recently been 'boomed" here by travelling organisations have drawn far better houses than the weekly programme, yet taking them either from the standpoint of the actors and actresses, the photography, or the subjects treated, they cannot compare with the t-velve or more varied films screened on each weekly change. Still the public rush to view a pftture boomed all over the country, and arc asleep to the excellence of the ordinary advertised biograph picture show. We sincerely hope the hard-working and energetic manager of the local pictures will soon bo rewarded by seeing the theatre well filled on each occasion the pictures are screened. This week's programme proves most interesting under the dissecting knife. First there is a scenic, showing "Dartmoor and the Dart River," a fine picture with fine river views. Then follows a powerful drama "The Room of the Secret," intensely dramatic and finely mounted, and a most interesting industrial film of "Plate-Glass Making," which concludes the first spool The second spool opens with "Poorluck's Dream," a most original comic picture, the dream of a jovial huntsman after dining not wisely but too well. Following this mirth-p'rovoker is "The Cyclone of Cetara," bringing to view the ruins caused by this disastrous storm. The last film before the interval is a wellacted star drama, "The Princess and the Outlaw." The Princess falls in love with the outlaw, who eventually shows his true colors by capturing and holding her for ransom. She escapes, and a clever ruse lures the bandit to the castle, where a speedy punishment is awarded him. The (irst picture after the interval is another good industrial subject, I "Shrimp Netting," showing the process of cooking and export. Then comes a thousand feet comedy by the Vita graph Co., "The Peacemaker.' "jealousy upsets love's young dream, and a number of amusing situations oleeur before true love runs smooth. "Little Willie and the Tramp" is one of the best comics we have seen, the child's acting being little short of wonderful. The last spool opens with the world's old favorite "Carbine," showing the famous racer, now twentv-six years of age, in a portion oi his daily life. "The Rivalry of the Guides," is another thrilling drama, the scenes being outdoor, with nature supplying all staging and effects. The last picture is "Foolshead knows all and does all," a screamer by this well-known comedian. The programme will he screened again to-morrow and Wednesday.