ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 6, 1 July 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE FALL OF TROY." One of the most remarkable signs of the advancement made by cinematagrapy is the ever-increasing number of world-famed classics that are being played, as they appear showing a marked advance on anything that has been done before. Such remarks are necessary before proceeding to describe the latest production of the ftala Company, who have one of the world's greatest studios. This is "Tho Fall of Troy," to be produced in the Whiteley Hall to-night. A truly magnificent film, of fine quality; the acting is all that can be desired, and the settings and costumes are wonderfully effective and . true to the period. Tho battle between I the Grecians and Trojans at Troy is a 1 spectacle unsurpassed in any film, and | probably unequalled in any stage production; entire armies, with all their/ old-time engines of war, are employed, "l the whole of the gigantic caste taking. their parts with animation and zeal, thereby giving tae historical and classical episodes such realism that the film might have been tnk'-n at the nctmil'battle, waged over WM'-il years ago. Some I of the pictures are intensely beautiful, tho scenes of Paris and Helen—favored by the goddess Venus—'being wafted away is a gem of artistic beauty and skilful staging. Splendid scenes depict the party of Menclaus, King of Sparta, and his wife, Helen, in a beautiful oldtime garden, Helen's faithlessness/her ; departure to Troy with Piriamus, the Trojan Ambassador, and the Greek war of vengeance against the Trojans. Then follows the siege of Troy, a complete city built on a fine plain, with its fierce fight and brilliant defence, ending in the repulse of the Grecians. The second part of the film shows the feigned retreat of the Greeks, leaving behind them the great wooden norse, supposed to be dedicated to their gods. The exultant Trojans decide to take the horse into the city as a souvenir, and to do so tear down one of the gates. The .Greeks, learning of this, return. Night has fallen, and the wooden horse opens, a troop of Greeks emerge from it and fire the city, and the Greek army enters by the dismantled gate. A terrific struggle follows amidst the falling buildings. This is a bare outline of an intensely interesting and grandly produced film, which forms only part of the programme to be submitted by Mr. G. H. Saunders to-night.

THE JOCK WILLIS—DAVE SMITH COMBINATION. The excellent reputation already enjoyed by this talented combination should 'be the means of drawing a fine house at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday next, July 5. Since their last visit here the company has been further augmented by the addition of several new artists. The following is an extract | from a northern contemporary:—"The ' best show ever seen in Hunterv'ille," was I the unanimous verdict of those who I patronised the Caledonian Entertainers on Thursday and Friday evenings. Owing doubtless to insufficient notice, the audiences were not nearly as large as the merits of the show entitled, but still the proprietor, Jock Willis, the famous Scotch comedian, will have the satisfaction of noting that he and his clever company have succeeded in impressing the public, and that a return visit will undoubtedly result in overflowing houses, •lock Willis is a typical Scot, and it was only natural when selecting a company he would do so with a view to making it "maistly Scotch." Numbered among his performers are champion bagpipers and dancers—not play-bill champions, but men whose breasts are adorned with medals won in various parts of the world.—Huutervillo Express ' The principal attraction will be the seeing of Mr. Dave Smith, New Zealand's champion middle-weight .boxer of the world, in a refined athletic display, intro- < dticing ball-punching, rope-skipping and shadow sparring. This portion of the entertainment is of a distinctly refined nature, and should prove educative as well as interesting. The prices are Ss 2s and Is, and seats may be reserved at Collier's without extra cliarge.