ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 212, 6 March 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. , '' ' "THE MYSTERY OFAHAXSOM CAB." To-night the amusement-loving i portion of the New Plymouth public will have the opportunity of viewing'another of those great picture attractions that have made the Empire Pictures famous. This time the great draw is a picturedrama of Fergus Hume's sensationaijcolonial novel, "The* Mystery of a Hansom Cab." It is hard to find anyone who is not acquainted with the story of this widely read book, and those who are not conversant with the plot are\ again" considered by the up-to-date Empire Picture management, who have specially engaged the well-known and gifted elocutionist, Mr. Alfred Boothman, who will' fully scribe each incident throughout the thrilling story. The story tells of Mark Frettleby's early life, his infatuation for Rosanna Moore, his secret marriage, the boredom-of station life, Rdsanna's intentions to break away, - the neighbor (Squatter Kelly), the flight with Kelly and the child, Mark's thankfulness" that the world will think her his mistress and not his wife. All these thrilling incidents are leading strings to -stirring events to follow. Later Mark se*eks a new love, but his heart is sealed, for'\ he has a living wife somewhere. Then the gates of sunshine open wide—a letter from England tells of Rosanna Moore's supposed death. Into his sunshine Fretteley. leads another bride, and thus the machinery of many lives ig. started, and the propulsion of the en-" ' gine ox fate is heard again' and again in the echo of its methodical thud.

ROYAL PICTURES. ■ \ ; 1 I AT THE EAST END BEACH. '

Given fine weather, the programme of pictures and music to he submitted by the Hoyal Pictures and Orchestra at th* East End Bathing Reserve to-morrow ' night should prove of more than usual interest. A full programme specially selected for the occasion has been secured and is said to contain a rnbst varied assortment of scenic, industrial, dramatic and comic studies. MISS MARIE BAINES. To-night the much-heralded Engligfc Comedy Company, Beaded by the popular . English comedienne, Miss Marie Baines, will open their New Plymouth season ii»' a. revised and up-to-date version of "Mia» Lancashire, Ltd.," in which the star will play her own particular part of "Our Mary Ellen." Miss Baines is admitted to excel in the character, the keynote of which is its naturalness and spontaneity,' and while she is on the stage the audience have time for nothing but laughter* • 5 '? M Tersatile > too, as she is clever, and her acting is as many-faceted as the Kohinoor. Nor has she to stand alone, for the artists she selected in ' England for the tour include a number of more than average merit, both where the musical element of the comedy 4s concerned and where its humorous char- ' aeter has to be sustained. None of these " performers have previously been in the Dominion, and this adds a freshness an|'' variety to the production not always'tfc '■ be associated with visiting companies.■'" The box plan is open at Collier's.., VON ARX, THE MAGICIAN. ' :

Local theatregoers have indeed a treat in store for them on Mondav, March 11, at the Theatre Royal, when Mr. •Hoy C. Jones, one .of the kings of theatrical enterpreneus in America, and whose headquarters are in St. Louis', U.S.A., will present Von Arx, the most mystical magician the world has ever known. This is the initial enterprise presented in this i country under the controlling direction ' of this big Arm, who intend sending many huge attractions over the water to us in the near future. Von,Arx has just completed a tour of America,-which for artistic merit and record seasons has '■ has easily outclassed all predecessors. The entertainment presented by Von Arx' will compare with the best ever witnessed on any stage. His illusions are wonderfully sensational, weird, romantic and absorbzing. His, we are told, is the apex of the magic art. He starts where others have left off, and his marvellous and intricate conceptions plunge all eye-witnesses into deep, profound and utter bewilderment. The vaudeville arT lists also have naturally been selected from the very best America was able to ' produce. Mr. George Murphy is spoken'/ of as the most talkative and at the sametime the most eccentric comedy juggle* that has appeared in New Zealand. Miss Pearle Mellnote is a dainty sbubrette, who captivates with her singing and dancing, and Mr. P. Shaw is -a versatile' actor vocalist of exceptional calibre.. .The Musical Reeves are a glorious combination, and the other artists are all specialists. The box plan and day sales are at Collier's. '