ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 218, 3 February 1913, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EM PI UK THEATRE. A generous programme was screened at the Empire Theatre on Saturday night, before an absolutely packed house, hundreds having to be turned away from the doors. The class of films shown has reached such an excellent standard, that it is small wonder that this particular ' place of entertainment is so popular. I "The Darling of the 0.5.A.," for instance. was a superb production, based on incidents in that ever-green moving picture subject, the American Civil War. The, "Darling" was a girl spy in the armv of the Southerners, and her daring crosscountry rides between the lines, and other clever and exciting escapades quite took theatre patrons by storm. It would he hard to improve on the setting of this picture, in which, by the way, no fewer than three pitched battles were fought, culminating in the capture of the fort, and from the point of view of realism the acme of perfection was reached. "Lieut. Daring, R.N.. and the Ship's Mascot," comprised a series of sensational adventures on the part of this popular picture hero, and was likewise well received. The Lubin Co. was represented by a charming and endearing photo-play, in which light drama was seen at its ■best. It was entitled. "Bis Life." and told of the neglect for, and subsequent penitence of, home and mother by a. young ' American who had left his native village and settled in New York. He became a very successful business man. but the city "gobbling" him up. he never bothered himself about the old folks at home. "Swift Waters." another light drama, provided an acceptable character study, including a powerfully-cast portrait of a man. in the true sense of the word. It contrasted sharply tile varying degrees of human nature, and altogether was a very pleasurable film. On the scenic side came some beautiful seascapes, while the industrial section was represented by "The Sulphur Industry in Sicily," of special interest, in view of the ' projected development of White Island. New Zealand. The comics were a fascinating lot. ".Tnst His Luck" and "Bessie's Dream" being especially mirth-provok-ing. TTTFATTiE ROYAI, PTC'TCHES. A complete new programme of the latest pictured success* w ill l,e shown at the Theatre Roval this even in"' The Kalem Company are to the fore with a striking story of the American Civil War "The Confederate Tronelad," ami Lubin's shine in a fine Western story "The Deputy's Peril » Then- arc several other good dramatic numbers, and a .rood selection of educational and comedy pictures. '