ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 111, 26 September 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

| EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. DICK TCRPIX OX THE FILMS. 1 A delighted audience had "air"'opportunity of viewing this picturesque (lm- '" tlcman Highwayman per medium of the moving-pictures at the Empire Picture Palace last evening. Turpin, the son of a poor country family, is of an adventurous disposition, and soon tires' of the peaceful life of a son of the soil. He commences his maraudering life by annexing a yokel's fine cow. Surprised by the yokel and a couple of Bow street runners, Dick has a nairow escape, and only succeeds in getting free after an exciting struggle. Still pursued by the runners, he meets a farmer leading a beautiful black horse. Stopping him Turpin barters for the. horse and is soon in possession of the famous animal that afterwards became known as Black Bess. A couple of Dick's confederates send the runners on a false chase, whilst he colly holds up the man from whom he bought Black Bess, and relieves liim of the purchase money. Turpin next "holds"up a coach single-handed, and is> again forced to fly before the runners. His next adventure is to hold up Tom King, another famous Knight of the Road, and at the pistol's point demand his valuables. King soon makes his identity known, and they agree to join forces, and gathering a band around them plan to -hold up the London Mail. Forcing .the startled occupants to descend they are soon relieved of their valuables, but hardly has this occurred when the sounds of horses' hoofs cause the highwaymen to look up, to find close upon them a band of mounted runners. Turning about, our hero and his band hastily make tracks, and now ensues what is undoubtedly the most exciting spectacle of the subject. Pursued and pursuers take; part in a headlong dash across country, through ponds and over fences, and the runners are finally distanced. An amusing inei-, dent is shown when the latter seek solace in the Blue Dragon Inn, when one observes the entry of a man whom he supposes to be Turpin. Together, with his companions he creeps up behind the unsuspecting stranger and then springs on his back. But Squire Tootle, for he is the victim of the mistake, soon llings them to the ground,- and-has administered a' sound thrashing, when to every body's surprise Turpin himself appears and ironically bows to -his fallen .foes. All the supporting items are of firstclass merit, making a most brilliant picture programme.

'\SINBAD THE SAILOR." The curtain will rise at a Quarter to eight this evening at the Theatre Royal on the pantomime, "Sinbad the Sailor," the subject of the annual extravaganza, of the J. C. Williamson firm for 1912. It is claimed that whilst the new version' of the legend is skilfully constructed upon novel lines, it is the wealth of spectacle and specialty that has made "Sinbad" such a success in Australia. Good things are said to abound from first't© last. Tn the way of brilhuicy it is said nothing is more dazzling than the scene beginning with the home of the watchful serpent, passing through the Cascade of Jewels into the Valley of Diamonds, amidst whose sparkling lustre the Diamond Ballet, takes place. The seen* at the end of the play is spoken of as another gorgeous stage effect, and there are hosts of others all most elaborate. A number of comedians will make their first appearance in this production. Mr. Pip Powell is, according to critics, the best "Dame" that Australasia has seen. Drew and Alders, as a pair of British sailors, arc said to be intensely funny, while Mr. 0. E. Lennon gives a-fine conception of "The Old Man of the Sea." Other performers favorably known will be found in Miss Nell Finnis (Ruby), Mario 'Eaton (Princess Fatima), ' \ T ance Maher (Fairy Queen), Messrs Charles Howard (Sinbad). William Winn (Emperor). William Har-san (Dirk). Miss Florence ImesoK will appear as "Ilinbad," th« hero of the play, and conies with a splendid reputation as a pantomime artist. Sensational features may be expected in Mr. George Kirby's* famous Flying Ballet, and the Mysterious Hotel by the Sloedes. There 'will lie a matinee to-morrow afternoon at a quarter; to two, when children will be admitted to all parts at half price.

THE LAUGHTER-MAKERS. At times the Theatre Royal literally rocked with laughter last night, at many of the humorous skits and turns provided in the programme of vaudevilhie put on by the Wyk eh am-Noble Company. The performers played to a good house Oliver Twifit—,like' the audience iu variably asked for more. TheCompany drew from an extensive and varied repertoire, the programme includ-s. ing several novel turns, and some very neat footwork. Miss Maud Chetwymi carried all before her in her burlesque, and inimitable dancing, while as a talented halladist. Miss Rrossy Tre-don scored many triumphs. Mr. Lashbrooko who has had long experience in comic opera, captivated those present in. his rendition of light and- airy selections. In conjunction witb the vaudeville entertainment an excellent series of kine* matograph films was screened In- the, Royal Pictures proprietary.