ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 205, 9 May 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE PICTURES. "THE FATAL WEDDING." Seldom, if ever, has a pictivre received such a reception as that accorded to "The Fatal Wedding" at the Empire Theatre last night. The building was packed throughout. Owing to the dense crowd the sale of tickets had to be stopped a quarter of an 'hour before the performance was timed to commence, and hundreds of disappointed patrons had to be turned away. The film fully justified the expectations of the audience, in all respects. The play lost nothing in exciting incident and dramatic effect by its transference from the stage to the picture screen, those present being held spellbound until the entrance of "the tin can band." This proved an immensely popular diversion, and was quite a feature of the evening. Added effect was lent to the reproduction of this novel scene by the presence of a number of "real live" youngsters behind the screen, and right heartily did they "tin-kettle." The troupe also assisted vocally, the solo passages being particularly pleasing. As regards the band that figured in the film itself, too much cannot be said in praise of the series of clever dances which they executed to the Intense amusement of the audience. But the band episode was, after all, only a side-line of the powerful vein of love, passion and sentiment which flowed through "The Fatal Wedding." The wedding scene was particularly well pourtrayed. The play is undoubtedly a most touching one. Mention must be made of the clever acting of a child, who is one of the central figures of the play. The star film, which is supported by a good all-round programme, will run till further notice.