ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 161, 25 November 1912, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

■THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. j The programme to Ik- shown at the Theatre Royal to-night is one of the most brilliant and powerful selection ever arranged for any picture house through-1 out the Dominion. Prominent on the list is a masterful tableaux of a great character by the Edison studio, "The Prisoner of War." How are the mighty fallen? AJapoleon, it has been said, was , one of the world's greatest men. Possessod of brain far superior to Unit of any of his countrymen, having an infinite capacity for detail and an indomitable spirit, this great man almost conquered the world. How sad then his days of captivity must have been! How tedious and monotonous after his previous active and strenuous existence! Day after day, hour after hour, up and down ho paced, thinking, brooding, thinking. A ray of light here and there, a touch of humour now and then, but always the same thought, no hope, no liberty, till death. A glimpse of his last days are shown in "The Prisoner of War." * Story there is none. Just a few -picked incidents are shown. The landing, the quarrels, the dry humour, visions, memories, and then the death of this fine soldier. Then comes the great Nordisk film over •2500 feet in length. "Shanghaied," said to contain some of the most novel and thrilling incidents ever introduced into the moving pictures. There is also a beautiful Lubin drama, "The Violin's Message," scenics, comics and industrial films showing "The Rice Harvest in Ja-

EMPIRE PICTURES. < . The Empire Theatre was again crowd; ed on Saturday night, the occasion being the bi-weekly change of programme. One of the feature films of the evening was an Urban scenic, depicting a thrilling and, hitherto uneclipsed performance, "Motoring Over Ben Nevis." The automobile baulked at nothing, ploughing through snow and ice, and clambering over rocks and almost superhuman barriers until it reached the summit of this famous peak. Then it commenced the decent, which was accomplished without mishap. The return journey was almost as perilous as the ascent, and it was at times difficult to imagine that such a unique feat was possible. In "The Passer-by" the audience saw Edison drama at its best. The film was not of the sensational order, but was nevertheless full of interesting compelling situations, supporting a theme rich with human interest. It was not crowded with maudlin sentiment, and neither did it pander to the impossible. In a word it unfolded a story which gave points to many of our best-known novels. "Destiny is Changeless" was, as its title suggested, a picture of more than ordinary interest, introducing some finely-spun sentiment. It dealt with some of the perplexing problems met with in life, and above all stressed the fatalism that destiny is changeless. The popular A. B. !Compajny was ftvell-trepreseuted iby a drama of absorbing interest, "The Inner Circle," and the Lubin Company by one i of a sensational order, "Fire and Straw." An ideal scenic film was released in the shape of "At the L'Jungan" showing river, bush, and snow scenery, while in an excellent industrial subject {he camera piloted those present through a large iron-casting foundry, from beginning to end. The furnaco photographic effects were unrivalled. A bright and happy selection of comics was screened, including "The Ranch Girls on. the Rampage," "The Tragedy ef a Dress Suit," and an excruciatingly funny honeymoon skit. The whole programme was rounded off with the Gaumont Graphic.

"THE GEISHA." If veracious eminent townsmen are to be believed, t'he whole of New Plymouth is holding its breath in anticipation of the performance of "The Geisha" on Friday next. The financial success of the performance is already assured, <md we can promise all Theatre-goers a really enjoyable evening. Miss Kathie Bennett as the vivacious "Molley Seamore," will again delight |he audience. At the last performance she was a great favourite, her charming and maternal manner winning the hearts of everyone. Miss Olive Buckman as "0 Mimosa San," a difficult part to iplay, by the way, will again be a great success. She has some splendid solos to sing, which suit' her voice to perfection. The duet with Fairfax is also very nice, their voices blending beautifully. Mrs. Dell, as usual, will have the audience with her, and the only fault we can find with "The Geisha" is that Juliette has not at least another solo. The English party, under the guidance of Miss Berdie Clarke as Lady Constance Wynne will no doubt again prove a hit, and we look forward with keen pleasure to hearing the four chief Geisha in their concerted pieces with the officers. The lsox plan opened at Collier's Music Warehouse this morning. "The Geisha" is being staged at Stratford oh next Wednesday, first Show day, and the management have chartered a special train to leave New Plymouth at 5.35 p.m. for Stratford. The train will stop at Lepperton, Inglewood, Tank), and Midhirst if requested, and will return after the performance. "Geisha" patrons only will be allowed to travel by this train.