ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 287, 31 May 1912, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The undoubted merit of the new programme at the Empire Theatre attracted a big crowd of picture lovers again last night, who were throughout verv appreciative and enthusiastic. "The ;: Moonstone" was watched with breathless ; interest, and excitement grew as this thrilling narrative was screened in picture form. A heart-throbbing Vitagraph production, entitled ''One Touch of Nature," vied with the former film for popularity. Perfection in production i« at all times the aim of the Vitagrapfc Company, and their photo-plays, which they designate as 'life portrayals," no matter how simple in plot, always contain such real pictures of life as to go direct to the heart. This is one of the secrets of the great success that attend* all their subjects. "On« Toue-h of 1 Nature" is just the kind of story that appeals to everyone, and is even better than many previous productions which' have stood out for so long as masterpieces of picture production. Once mora, we have the two ardemt lovers and the antagonistic parents, and the two combined give a succession of pictures thai cannot fail to rouse the best that is in one. Last night's audience watched! breathlessly the development of every incident in this story. Yet there is nothing morbid or unnatural depicted, no improbabilities attempted, but a mere record of a human happening, in a manner that appeals direct to the heart.' In lighter vein are two good comedies, each 1000 ft. long. "Aunt Jane's Legacy" (Lubin) is a rollicking love story, with a hundred laughs and a happy ending. "The Luck of Reckless Reddy"*is one of those breezy western comedies so popular with picture patrons, and its screening caused no end of fun. Other notable items of this splendid programme, which will be shown for the' last time to-night, are "Agriculture by Motor." "Glimpses of France," "The Strike Leader," and "Bill among the Lions."