ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 203, 16 January 1913, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

KUPiKK PJ CTUIvES.

lno ot-wtckl.v • change of programme presented at the Empire Picture Palace last night was of a high standard and was witnessed by a large and appreciative audience. A wide range ot subjects was dealt with in a series of very line films, both interesting and educative'. The scenic studies formed an attractive feature of the programme, depicting scenes in the far-famed dssan nlley in the Pyrnees, and customs in the tar hast. Lovers of exeitement were particularly catered for .when a Gaumont picture, "'A Lion Let Loose," was screened. The plot running through it is both thrilling and cleverly conceived. A lion is captured by Juan Moreno while it was raiding his flocks and herds. Moreno has a grudge against a neighbouring farmer to whom he owes money, and he determines to wipe off old scores with the aid of the lion. The neighbouring farmer (Fuentes) with his wife and daughter were resting in the courtyard of the farmhouse when the lion, maddened by several days' enforced hunger, was loosed by Moreno. Fuentes and his family see the lion just in time, and rush into the house and barricade the door. They were still in a terrible plight," for the lion was pushing its way_through the frail door, when a revolver -is handed through the window and the lion is shot. It appears curious to Fuentes that the lion should have appeared in broad daylight, which is contrary to the lion's ufiusual habits, and he goes to ascertain where the lion could have broken in. He sees sufficient to show that M(>rfcno was responsible for his unwelcome . visitor, lie places the matter before the Authorities, arid accompanied by a strong guard he proceeds to Moreno's house. Moreno's wife attempts to shoot Fuentes, but she is prevented by the guard, and with her husband and the foreman of the ranch is arrested on what can only be called a charge of attempted murder. A Kalem drama, "Missionaries in Darkest Africa," was unique, because every incident screened was taken in Central Africa when the Kalem Company of players were on their- world's tour. The Easanay drama, "The Little Sheriff," was received with applause, while the Lubin were to the fore with a drama entitled "The Impostor," full of interesting and complex situations. Pathe's London Gazette depicted a number of interesting events in the Old Country and abroad, while four hilarious comics completed a most enjoyable programme.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES.

There will be a complete new programme screened at the Theatre- Royal this evening, specially supplied from the huge importations of John Fuller and Sons. The dramatic pictures are a well ehoseh quartette, representing films by Kalem, Lubin, Vitagraph and Gaumont. As usual the educational section is well represented with some admirable pictures, amongst the number being "Beauty Spots in North Germany," "The Sponge Industry," and "Making Incandescent Mantles." A highly amusing series of comedy items are judiciously interspersed with the dramatic and educational pictures.

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

"THE GIRL IN. THE TRAIN."

It is probable that"the popular fancy will be largely caught by the J. C. Williamson production, "The Girl in the Train," to be presented here on Monday next for one night only. The seductive music, beautiful dancing, superb scenery, all contribute to the success of what is, by all accounts, an exceptionally firstclass musical entertainment. The play boasts the c6llaboration of three of the most famous writers of light opera. Mr. Victor Leon is responsible for the book, the lyrics are by Adrian Rose, while the music is by that master of harmony, Dr. Leo Fall. "The Girl in the Train" is chronicled as one of the big successes, and will be done here'in precisely the same manner and with the same attention to detail that has been observed in Melbourne and Sydney. It is doubtful whether there is any class of play more popular than the modern musical comedy. A great array of talent is represented. Misses Amy Murphy, Celia Gliiloni, Dorothy Brunton, Messrs W. S. Percy, Reginald Roberts, Victor Prince, Charles Albert, Edmund Sherras, Dick Shortiand being included in the cast. Much interest is evinced in the appearance of Miss Sybil Arundale. The 'box plan will be opened at Collier's this morning.