ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 60, 29 July 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE EMPIRE PICTURES. Picture pitrons have been so educated by the magnificent cinematographic gems that the Empire management has submited for their appreciation in the past, that the standard of excellence by which they judge the programme is naturally a high one, and to receive their hall-mark it must be particularly meritorious. The large audience on Sat urday night was delighted with the faro provided, and justifiably so, as every screening produced a star picture. It is difficult to decide which of the dramas.., should be starred, as all are worthy of the prominent place in any programme. "The Surgeon's Heroism," a Lubin drama, abounds in thrilling situations. It revolves round a young lady, employed in a large establishment, who collapses through overwork. The superintendent of the hospital, who attends t« her, falls in love with her. He arrives one evening to see the factory overseer declaring his passion, and thinking that the girl has been merely trifling with him the doctor leaves. The overseer,, however, is refused, and subsequently has an accident. By the irony of Fat« he is conveyed to the hosiptal where thedoctor is superintendent. At first the doctor refuses to operate on his rival, but in response to the girl's pleading does so "for her sake." The scene in the operating chamber is very realistic and exciting, for in the midst of the delicate operation the hospital takes fire. The doctor continues; and successfully performs the operation despite the strange environment, and all are rescued;, by the firemen. Of course, the ultimate denouement ensues—the overseer recovers and the doctor receives his reward. ,The Vitagraph drama, entitled' "Testing His Courage," shows how a young girl on a Western ranch, to test her Eastern lover's courage, takes th« role of a noted bandit. She is captured by the genuine article, however, and rescued by her lover, the bandit being given in charge. "The Loafer," an Essanay drama of much power, depicts a loafer, content to allow his wife and' family to slave, cured by a sound flogging, administered by his townspeople. Theleader of the townspeople next day presents him with horses, etc. By dint of hard,?) work lie becomes enriched, whilst: he, leader has hard luck and.is about to lose his home, but the erstwhile loafer, who had sworn to kill the leader, when discovered, present* him with mortgage papers on his property as a reward for "making a man of him." "The Cowboy Lover" shows how the cowboy outvies the Western dandy, ultimately commandeering his bride from a motor-car en route to the Wedding. , "From Ostrich Egg to Feather Boa" is a very interesting industrial topic. Th« comedies are also good, embracing- " Tweedledum's Cartoon Competition," "Willie on Horseback/' "Dupin Defies Waste-paper Laws" and "Tom Tilling'* Baby." The Gaumont Graphic and ths Pathe Gazette depict the latest topical' happenings. To-night will be the last occasion on which this fine collection will be screened, and all who have not riewed it should make a point of doing so.