ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 87, 29 August 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"SHAMUS O'BRIEN." More than one Hibernian heart heat fast in the Empire Theatre last evening to the tune of the screening of the vivid and heroic scenes in that patriotic and touching drama, "Sliamus O'Brien." Never before, perhaps, has a film received such a rousing and demonstrative reception. But then, it was essentially Irish in character, thought, and scene. The story, as depicted by Le Fann in his immortal ballad, has been recited again and again, and the audience ■were enabled to follow each scene with n certain degree of familiarity. It is a curious thing, but nevertheless a fact, that no matter what its title every film with an Irish setting has been an outstanding success. "Sliamus O'Brien" ha« eclipsed all records for popularity, ami undoubtedly this is in a large measure due to the superb acting, and the excellent scenic effects. Combined witli this, is the exciting and enthralling nature of the drama itself, .which culminates in the gallows scene, where, aided and abetted by the lovable parish priest, and the "boys," Shamus makes good his escape,' and after an exciting galloj across country, boards a barque in company with a little hand of dear friends, bound for America, "The Land of the Free!" His dramatic arrest, earlier is the story, at the dance in the barn, and later on the trial scene, also lend themselves to powerful dramatic interpretation. As regards the acting, the secret of much of the success lies in the fact that all the actors are themselves Irish, with their heart and soul in the piece. The drama, which is a story of the days when the best of Ireland's boys were "rebels," "and the bravest and hardiest lad of them all was Shamus O'Brien, of the town of Gengal," will be shown for only two more evenings. It is not without good company in the shape of a well selected programme of diversified subjects, including an educative film descriptive of the intricate and interesting art of "Pottery-making in America," "The Military Air Scouts" (a sensational drama in which aeroplanes play an important part), an instructive film dealing with the "Life of the uoncy Bee," and a brace of well-staged comics. In addition to the current series a special Lubin drama will be shown to-night, entitled "Mexican Courtship." This involves a sensational hull-fight by experienced matadors. "THE DANDIES." "The Dandies" will appear at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening next. They are described as "a jovial band, breeding an air of cheery optimism wherever they appear." One of the leading characteristics of "The Dandies" is (their remarkable ability in taking what under usual conditions would be termed a very common-place item, and by clever treatment converting it into an excellent attraction. As a case in point, Mr.Claude Dampier, the versatile comedian of the company, introduces the village quartette, and assuming the position of singing-master, proceeds to train the. quartette in the art of voealiam, the item solected for the performance being "Willie's Whiskers." This is one of the most diverting numbers in the company's extensive repertoire, and proved a pop* lar "request" item in Wellington and Auckland. "The Dandies" are very fortunate in their possession of three such fine artists as Misses Hilda Lane, Irene Vere, and Evelyn Ward. All the members of the troupe make a most harmonious combine, this pleasing fact being greatly responsible for the wonderful success which has followed them throughout. The plan is at Collier's,, the day sales being at Hoffmann's.