ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 143, 4 November 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TARAXAKI GARRISOX BAND

BENEFIT

A new film service will be introduced, this evening, direct from the Empress Theatre, Wellington, by special arrangements with the Greater J. D. Williams Amusements, Limited. The opening programme under the new arrangements consists of ten pictures, and represents nine entirely different makers' productions, which should prove a popular change at this house. Th# principal item is the second series of the adventures of Dick Turpin, in "The Gunpowder Plot." In this film Dick figures in the "Gunpowder Plot." Sir Hugh Melville, together with a party of conspirators, is plotting to assassinate H.M. King George 11., and decides to solicit the aid of Dfck Turpin. Interviewed, Dick refuses to aid in the plot against the King, and is made prisoner by the conspirators, who proceed to make preparations to blow up Parliament House. Meanwhile Turpin escapes and arrives at the cellars in time to frustrate the plot. The Bow Street Runners find Dick in the cellars under suspicious circumstances, arrest him, and he is brought before the King, who, knowing the real facts of the case, pardons the highwayman, much to the chagrin of Sir Hugh. Soon after his dismissal, Dick, wishing to punish Sir Hugh, waylays him on the highroad, forces him to a duel, and is only prevented from killing him by the timely anival of the Runners. Turpin, after a long and exciting chase, escapes and leaves us with a courtly bow and smile, "to our next, merry meeting." The supporting programme is first class, and will provide a most enjoyable evening, and at the same time all patrons will be helping a most deserving object, the Garrison Band funds.

THE GEISHA. Great interest is being evinced in the forthcoming production of "The Geisha" in the Theatre Royal on Wednesday and Thursday next by the New Plymouth Operatic Society. Bumper houses are ensured. The box plan opened on Saturday morning, and by the evening over £IOO had been taken. "The Geisha" is at once one of the most successful and en£ertaining of our comic operas, and, gauged by the good work put in at the rehearsals, it will lose nothing in its interpretation by the local amateurs. The principals give promise of excellent form. The Society is indeed fortunate in securing the services of the talented Mies Olive Buckman (sister to Miss Rosina Buckman) as leading lady. Her pourtrayal is easily up to the professional standard. Success is also looked for for Mils Kathie Bennett, as the vivacious Holly Seamore in the charming "ClionKina" song and dance, while Mrs. Dell's sweet mezzo-soprano voice will be heard to good effect in "C'est Moi," sung by "Juliette," the French girl. Miss Brodie Clark is gifted with an excellent stage personality. She will figure in the role of Lady Constance. Mr. Jack Haslam's rich voice should admirably suit the breezy and dashing numbers in the part of Reginald Fairfax. He will receive the able support of Messrs. Downes, Browne and Ellison as brother lieutenants. The humorous element should- be well supplied by Mr. Will McEwen in the role of Wun Hi, the Chinese tea-house proprietor, and the part of the Marquis Imari will lose nothing at the hands of Mr. J. Sommerville. The incidental parts are likewise in capable hands, and a feature of the piece will be the music and dancing of the chorus. The box plan and «l*y sales are at Collier's.

EMPIRE PICTURES. On Saturday night the Empire Theatre was packed before the first film was released. The change of programme justified the generous patronage, and it covered an unusually wide range of subjects —dramatic, scenic, topical and eomifi. The Lubin Company was represented by "A Mexican Romance," well acted, and withall pleasingly told. It was mainly descriptive of the passionate anff reckless blood which flows in the veins of Mexicans, especially when love a (lairs intervene. The incidental scenic effects also helped to sustain interest. A pa* thetic story of the ups and downs oflove in a little American tillage was unfolded in a Vitagraph drama, "At Scrogginses' Corner." It was simply yet quaintly told, and waa enriched by the presence of John Bunny, in the role of the father (the proprietor of the village store), and he proved himself at home in drama as well as comedy. A stirring tale of the Soudan campaign was shown, in the shape of a Vitagraph drama, "His Younger Brother." The main theme was the trust imposed on a soldier by the old folks at home to look after his younger brother while at the front. The picture was enlivened by several exciting" brushes with the Dervishes. An Essany drama, "The Tndian atul the Child," also came in for much acclamation. "With the Boys ou Figure 2 Ranch" was one of the star films of the evening. It was a Western novelty, devoted to an exposition of stirring fents of horsemanship, and other exciting incidents in the daily routine of a cowboy. The Gaumont Graphic contained topical events of interest in various parts of the world, while a beautiful scenic subject was screened. "On the Shores of the Bosphorous." The comics were as amusing as ever. "Alkali Ike's Boarding-house" making the theatre rock with laughter, Mention must be made of the musie, which added greatly to the attractiveness of the programme.