ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 241, 11 April 1912, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE EMPIRE THEATRE. j "IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND." . Seldom, if ever, has a more powerfullydrawn drama than "It is never too late to Mend" been placed before the public on the stage or its latter-day contemporary, the moving picture screen. The film, which runs to a length of 4000 feet, I was shown in the Empire Theatre last | night before a crowded and appreciative | audience. Added effect was lent to the photo-play by the presence of Mr. Alfred Boothman, the well-known elocutionist, who from time to time explained in dramatic vein that which was denied to the kinematograph. The various scenes are all excellently reproduced, the photographic effects leaving little to be desired. The late Charles Reade, when he committed to paper this masterpiece of fiction, made for himself not [ only a niche in the temple of fame, but created a work which will live for all time as a standard novel. If the story only embraced the genuine love of George Feilding for his cousin, sweet Susan Merton; their many difficulties; their long separation, when the former was away in far-off Australia; the desperate machinations of John Meadows, who passed through the valley of hell in his endeavor to win to himself the woman he so passionately loved—if it contained only all these thrilling episodes it would still remain a creation of exceptional and thrilling interest. But there must be added to all this the daring and striking revelations by the author of the degrading and fearful prison system which existed in England at this period, and which he so boldly and harrowingly revealed to the British public. "It is Never Too Late to Mend" is a story with an exceptional moral; it is the gift from the brains of a genius to his fellow-man. We in the colonies must display more than general interest in the novel, for it reveals phases of early Australian life, and the gold discoveries of that period, which must possess a fascinating interest to all. In the construction «f the story for picture purposes, tho adapter has endeavored to retain all the main and most salient features of the novel, allowing for the bridging over of many incidents to make [ a natural sequence and clear-cut story. Tho creation is entirely Australian in every respect—produced, adapted, acted and filmed by Australians. "Never Too J Late to Mend," which is backed by other good films, will be shown again to-night. The supporting programme includes one picture ("Lorna Doone") which is itself worthy of being "starred" in the best of company. _ Like "Never Too Late to Mend," this film is adapted from one of the classics of English literature. Some : of its scenes are delightfully rural, and on the other hand it depicts many stirring escapades for which "the Doones," a band of lawless robbers, were responsible. Another film is descriptive of "Torpedo Boat Firing," and a good allround programme is topped off with a rollicking comedy, "Who's Who."

JANSEN. Jansen, the marvellous and mysterious, repeated his performance io a fair, but appreciative, house at the Theatre Royal last evening. Of its kind, the performance is unequalled:, and fully merits the patronage it has been accorded throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion. It will be many a day before Jansen will be forgotten in these parts, and that the brilliant young exponent of the necromancy of these advanced times will continue to meet with success will be the hope of all who have been pleased, interested, and mystified by his exhibitions in this town. I

COUNTESS DE CISNEROS. The Countess De Cisneros, the famous mezzo-soprano singer, with her full concert company of the world's leading artists, will make a tour of New Zealand during August and September next, playing in the chief centres. Mr. Gilmour, of New Plymouth, is at present trying to arrange with the management for a concert in New Plymouth. It will be necessary, however, to first obtain a fairly substantial guarantee. !