ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 222, 18 March 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE COLLEEN BAWN." ;) Something to please all tastes, was included in the change of programmescreened at, tlie Empire Picture theatre on Saturday evening. There was one star film in "The Colleen Bawn,"but other first-class pictures were also' shown, the selection of films being & good all-round one. In Dion Boucicf tilt'smasterpiece, "The Colleen Bawn,"', the audience saw cinematography at itß>, best. The reproduction was excellent in point of clearness, and added to this was the fact that in order that should be lost by way of detail and reality the ICalem Company of filmmakers sent a Special staff of experts Ireland. The scenes are laid in County Kerry, and there the operators had every opportunity to photograph theexact spots—many of them of historic interest—depicted in Boucicault's work. Every scene was, in fact, enacted In Ireland, nothing;of interest in the romance escaping the camera. The audience saw for itself the huge peat bogs of old Erin, the weird romantic scenery of County Kerry, the quaint architecture of some of the old castles there that have withstood the test of centuries, and, in direct contrast, the humble hovels of the peasantry of the time.. The customs and costumes of the period were reproduced with a remarkable absence of defect or exaggeration, an<£ aided and abetted by the subtle strains of the orchestra—old Irish aire wereplayed throughout-many a Hibernian, heart kindled with kindly sentiment, almost _ bordering on homesickness. The identical cottage in which Danny Mann 'The Colleen Bawn," and other characters resided at the time, is reproduced on the screen, as well as the secluded whisky still, and other spots immortalised by the pen. But the play did not have to rely on scenic effects, however well produced. Throughout the piece runs a strong current of love, pathos and adventure which held those present m strange fascination from beginninjr'to* end. The story is powerfully drawn and the simple but devoted love of the uolleen Bawn at once endeared itself "in the hearts of all. The theme is so well knojn that repetition of the many '2b-' sorbmg incidents is unnecessary. Mention, however, must be made of the acting. From the outset it was a particularly pleasing feature. Many good filmsare spoilt in places by defective cinematograph effects, but there was nothing of thiß in "The Colleen Tia-.vi,." Svnchronismg, as tlie play does, with the STv +°k f t ;. I>atlick '' s it h safe : to say that the management could not nave hit upon a better "catch." "The Colleen Bawn," which runs to 3000 feet r>f b ® shown again to-night. Of the other pictures which go to make up the programme, two in particular-'-a comprehensive view of Niagara Falls and an entrancing Edison drama, "Then you 11 remember me"-are both worthy of n being starred separately in any com-

ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT.

In another column is advertised this mornmg the programme for the St. Patricks concert to be held in the Theatreally engaged, and on the occasion of her hrst appearance here is certain to ex- " ® f ThO programme includes every local performer of note, vocal an<* instrumental, and so far as possible will be essentially Irish in character. The' committee is not out to make money rate IMR f Q the Charges at the lo^ /w and 2s, so that everyone may have the opportunity of enjoying a firste ass- national concert. Holders of t tickets may reserve their seats at Hoffmann's without extra charge -