ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 192, 12 February 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE. Saturday night saw a change of programme at the Empire Picture Theatre, and with it were ushered in several films of more than ordinary interest. The subjects were a diversified series, scenic, industrial, comic and dramatic being all judiciously blended. Much interest was manifested in the screening of "Pathe's London Gazette" and "The Topical Budget." Both were replete with happenings "all the wide world over," and gave patrons an insight into the activities and customs of people of many nations in a manner which is denied to cold type. One subject included portrayed recent land manoeuvres of the "King's Navy," and it .was interesting, and wonderfully enlightening to see the active bluejackets run a heavy "pounder" up a twenty-seven inch planking. Like-' wise it was difficult to realise that men could drill and perform manoeuvres with such precision, the whole force moving as if they all formed one huge figure with so many aptennae. On the dramatic side there were as usual several good settings. One in particular, "Van Bibber's Experiment," showed clearly how, given the material in the place to work upon, mankind that has fallen on evil ways may be retrieved into better ways [ of living, no matter how deep the depths of his fall. That the good Samaritan must exercise tact as well as kindness in his work was also brought home to the audience by dint of the kinematographer'fl art. Indians and their summary justice also figured largely in a the Kalem film, "The Tribe's Penalty." In "Tent Village" those present readily saw that camping in the open is not without its seamy side, especially when the sea encroaches on the campers' preserves. Another highly diverting comedy was provided by "josh and Lindy*s Wedding." Some magnificent views of Prague and British North Borneo topped off what was undoubtedly a good allround programme.