ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 57, 25 July 1912, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"ARRAH-NA-POGUE." After the remarkable reception that has been given the Kalem Company's "The Colleen Bawn," which crowded photoplay theatres in whatever part of the country it was shown, it is hardly necessary to urge the popularity of these Irish subjects, the latest of which, "Arralr Na-Poguej" was screened at the Empire Theatre last evening before a large audience. "ATrah-Na-Pogue" is another of Dion Boucicault's romantic Irish dramas, and one which has had some vogue in its day. It was written at a time when rebellion was rife and British rule was oppressive in Ireland. The period is about the same as for "The Colleen Bawn," and the scenes of the picture were taken in the same locality, as primitive today as they were when the supposed characters were living. Thanks to the eareful work of the producer those scenes and characters have been produced in all their primitive quaintness and simplicity in the pictures. The drama, which is responsible for much clever acting, is in three acts, comprising 3000 ft of film, and covers a lapse of time of about thirty hours. In that time much happens and that fact gives action to the picture. The Kalem players have added a prologue to the written version, which goes back to the time when Arrah Mellish aided the escape from prison of her foster brother, Beamish McCoul, by passing a message to him with a kiss, for which she was given the name of "Arrah-Na-Pogtie," or, "ATrah, of the the kiss." Then the events of the pl*y, which are well-known to most readers of fiction, follow in regular order. Beamish McCoul has returned from exile at the request of his sweetheart, Fanny Power, and is to take her back to France with him. He robs Fanny of the proceeds of the estate and gives some of the money to Arrah as a wedding present, for she is to marry Shaun the Post on the following day. Fanny happens along and sees the notes in Arrah's possession, and at once believes that Shaun helped to rob him. He is in love with Arrah himJself, and; pees a good chance to get Shaun out of the way and get his money back at the same time. Shaun is arrested and tried for the crime and sentenced.to be hung. Many exciting events happen before he finally gains his freedom, for 'his innocence is established. There is not a dull moment in the entire three acts of this subject, and there are many situations which? ar-e intensely gripping. Of an entirely different' setting, but not the less interesting, is an outstanding Vitagraph success in the shape of "The Victoria Cross." The film, which was fully described in yesterday morning's News, centres around the historical events of the Crimean campaign of 1854-55, and the worldfamous "Charge of the Light Brigade." The picture is concerned particularly with tlie fortunes of a young officer, who wins the most treasured" emblem in the British Army. It was an instantaneous success, being screened to the accompaniment of deafening rounds of applause. A number of other films are contained in the new change of programme, including several good comics and s«enics.