ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 302, 15 May 1913, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURES. The chief picture of interest at the Empire Picture Palace last night was a dramatic study *»ntitl» d "Zika, Queen of the Gipsies," This drama, which was taken by the Eclair Company, was on a magnificent scale. The Gipsy Queen, Zika, was insulted by some farm hands, who received a well merited punishment at the hands of some Gipsy men who came and effected a timely rescue. Zika with the aid of a disgraced farm hand, determined to avenge herself upon the farmer by abducting his daughter. The girl was placed in a quarry, and guarded by the farmhand. During the night, softened by the girl's lamentations, lie attempted to set her free, but was detected, and the girl was sentenced to ) t gored to death by a bull. She was rescued from her perilous position by the timely arrival of her father's herdsmen, who then determine to hunt down the Gipsy gang. After a wild chase, Zika was captured, but with the aid of an accomplice, managed to escape. Besides these, a very strong supporting programme was screened. "Captured by Bedouins," was a Kalem drama expressivo of wild life in the desert. The photo play was actually performed in the desert of Egypt, and a number of real Bedouins took part in it. A young Englishman takes an interest in a young woman he meets on a liner. He again meets her in Cairo, and proposes, but is refused. The girl then sets out t' view the Sphinx and is captured by a few Wedouins. From this perilous position the young man rescues her and then claims his reward. "The Chocolat Revolver," by the Vilagraph Company, showed how a little girl captured two burglars with the aid of a chocolate and candy revolver given her by her father. After many exciting scenes, the two miscreants were handed over to justice. Besides these, there is shown some beautiful Italian scenery in the vicinity of Cervine. A number of exceedingly good comic films were also screened amidst hilarious applause. THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. The new series of films to be unreeled! at the Theatre Royal to-night will please the tastes of all picture patrons. Foremost on the programme is a beautifully colored dramatic masterpiece, "In th« Springtime of Life," and this star item is supported by a finely arranged selection of the latest and most popular picture gems.