ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 290, 11 May 1914, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. The Theatre Royal Picture Co. is screening to-night a new collection, said to be one of the best yet received for allround excellence. There are two star features, one found in the Keystone's comic creation "Zuga, the Bandmaster," for which is claimed the distinction »f being the biggest Keystone to date. It is 2100 feet long, and illustrates the somewhat eccentric mannerisms of a widely known composer-conductor. The other star film will be found in "The Famous Players," in a delightful picture detective drama, "An Hour- Before Dawn," introducing the popular lady detective, Kate Kirby, who is seen to special advantage. It is a play of unusual power and sonic novelty, and the plot is stated to be cunningly contrived and ingeniously worked out to an exciting denouement.' A sensational explosion resulting in the killing of a man takes places in an early section of the film. For the purpose of this ell'cct the new Italian scientific discovery known as the '''infra-red ray" is, introduced into a film episode for the first time. The inventor of this latest explosive claims that its use is so disastrous and far-reach-ing that it will ultimately render warfare impossiblo. The supporting subjects include ''The Little Hero," a dramatic reproduction of the popular old song of that name, the sentiment of which lends itself beautifully to the working out of a delightfully tasteful cinema production; a charming Pathc colored scenic, "St. Cloud," and the latest number of the "Gaumont Graphic." This line programme has drawn record houses wherever shown, and we feel confident patrons can look forward to one of the most pleasurable evenings yet enjoyed at the pictures. Prices are Is and iCd, ami the box plan is at Collier's.

EMPIRE PICTURES. The new programme screened at the Empire Picture Palace on Saturday night and to be screened again to-night, is unusually attractive in point of novelty and excitement. It is full of "stars," distinction difficult and comparison invidious. Probably no more daring undertaking was conceived in the entertainment world than the screening of a picture in which tigers are as plentiful as actors—and considerably more lively. This has been accomplished to almost incredible perfection in "The Tiger." a Vitagrapli production, which attracted much attention. The picture is vividly realistic, and smacks of wild life with a spice of adventure. The drama is brilliantly conceived and effectively presented. There is not a dull moment in all its length. "The Plot of India's Hillmen" is unique. India in all itso ancient mystery of caste and creed is difficult to present, but the producers of thi.-; big film have succeeded in this in no small measure. The Imperial soldiers who guard the Indian Empire figure largely iu the drama, and lend additional interest to the picture. Lovers of the lighter vein are exceedingly well catered for in a Pathe 2000 feet comedy entitled "Whiffles and the African Potentate." The inimitable "Whiffles" is absurdly ludricrous in his relations with the dignified African potentate, and the film is "'the limit" as a laugh producer. These films are well supported by a strong programme of other sceim-s, comedies and dramas.