ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 120, 8 October 1912, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. Bhere will be no pictures showing in the Theatre Royal to-night or to-mor-row night, but on Thursday the Theatre will be again occupied by the pictures with a complete change of programme consisting of a "star'" selection direct from "Hayward's Picture Enterprise." The new selection will consist of a number of the latest film releases including a lengthy "featore" drama. "The Venganoe of Fate" or "The Roaring Days of '49." This picture holds the mirror up to life in the early days of the American gold rush, and faithfully depicts the hardships, and sufferings of the early settlers in the fight for gold. The remaining- itemsi are all new to local picture lovers, and are of the vcrv best quality procurable.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The programme at present showing at the Empire is one of the best screened so far, the cheif attraction probably seing the Edison masterpiece, "The Corsican Brothers." This deeply interesting romance by Alexander Dumas has been carefully handled' by the moving picture producer, and in picture form is equally ae entrancing as the book. Other fine subjects a.re "The Stolen Invention" (Ralem), '-The Forgotten Clue" .(Selig detective drama), and a screaming comedy "The Laugh on Dad." This film is by a new maker, and if all their productions are as good we shall 'be pleased to see a great deal more of the "Broncho Films. The programme will be shown again to-night for the last occasion. BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT. The secretary (Mr. F. Coleman) and his energetic committee have every reason to be proud of the success of the Robertson benefit entertainment which was put on in the Theatre Rvyal last night, in conjunction with the Royal Pictures Company. . The public showed its appreciation of the deserving nature of the appeal for assistance by attending in large numbers, the building being packed. The first part of the programm* comprised an overture by the Iloval orchestra, a selection by the Garrison Band, and an excellent series of moving pictures. The balance of the programme consisted of vocal items. Songs were given by Misses Ward, Ainswortli.' Butler, and Messrs. AV. Perry, 11, Nippert.nml F. Olivers. A sextette, "Anchored" was sung by Miss Ainswortli, Missvs GiUwrt, Messrs. Ainswortli, Millluirn, and So;nmerville, and a quartette, "Stars of the Summer Night," by Messrs Olivers, Ainswortli, Millburu and Sommerville. The Misses Gilbert gave a duet, "Nocturne." The thanks of the promoters are due to Mr. Crust, of the Royal Pictures, for his kindness in giving the benelt.

Ml. SCOTT-LESLIE.

Mr. Scott-Leslie, who Appears on Friday next in the Theatre Royal, relates a couple of good stories concerning his experiences in India. On one occasion he was asked to name a. fee to appear before a wealthy potentate in a distant part of the country. Being well booked up and not at all anxious, for the engagement, Mr. Scott-Lealie named what he thought a prohibitive fee, three thousand rupees. The Rajah accepted. On Mr. Scott-Leslie's arrival, the performance proceeded. There were no European present, those in uttenda<m , ft being the Rajah and his native suite. The only member of the audience who undierstood the language was the Raj:ih himtself. The natives gazed not at the performer, but fixed their eyes very earnestly on the Rajah, and when the Rajah laughed, then the natives laughed. And so a pleasant evening waa passed and Mr. v > t Scott-Leslie drew his'exoraftantlec. Uh-

der somewhat similar circumstances, but before another Rajah, however, Mr. Scott-Leslie had si very different espericnoe. Tire audience consisted of the Rajah and his secretary alone. After singing about forty-five songs and telling numerous stories for close upon three hours, tho entertainer closed the performance, whereupon the Rajah inquired! the fee. Having visions of fabulous wealth, Mr. Scott-Leslie replied that, he would leave the matter to the generosity of the Rajah. This move was not a financial success, a 4 the reward forthcoming only amounted to one hunderd rupees. Since then Mr. Scott-Leslie always takes the precaution to, state his fee in advance. The artists appearing i» support of Mr. Scott-Leslie in New Plymouth n.re Mr. 0. Farrow and the Misses Ownyth and Daisv Evans. The plan is now open at Collier's. 0i _ , „ -