ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 27, 22 June 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE ■EMRBRE THEATRE,

At the Empire Theatre last Saturday afternoon and evening a newprogramme of motion pictures was submitted, distinguished by the inclusion of Blache's sensational wild animal drama, "A prisoner in the Harem." This subject is notable for the interpretation of the leading role by the Countess de llarsini, an animal trainer, who gives a satisfactory interpretation of the part of Torn,' an Indian girl. The play is thorouglilv Oriental, and the costumes, scenes and acting give the necessary effect. Torn, is loved by Akliar, a young Hindu, who, like the object of his affections, is of ■humble birth. Her father, a humble old miser, gladly sells his haughter to the reigning Sultan. iPoor Torn is carried away heartbroken, to tin- Sultan's harem. Akbar, her lover, like Androcles, the Roman slave of old who removed a thorn from a wild lion's foot, renders a similar service to a huge jungle .-tiger, and cam's the beasts undying ■gratitude. The Sultan's bodyguard becomes panic-stricken when Ak'bar and his dumb comrade approa'ch the palace. 'During the confusion Aklbar aids Tbru ,to escape. Subsequently, however, the lovera arc captured, and the Sultan orders Ak'bar to be shut up with his tiger until the latter through hunger should be compelled to eat him. The •tiger, just as the lion refused to harm lAndroeles, declines to harm Akbar. [The Sultan then has lions turned in to I slaughter Akbar, but the tiger keeps | the lions at bay, and kills one of the least discreet of them. The Sultan decides to execute his prisoner, but the tiger kills the Sultan. Aklbar, in the en'•suing confusion, gains his freedom and brings the British troops in time to prevent the late iSuntan's brother from having Torn burned on the /pyre of the dead tyrant. The tiger also disperses the ra'bble, who had collected to witness the hideous ceremony. The programme also includes, "Pat'he's English Gazette," "A day in a Sailor's Life," (topical) "(lagry," (a beautiful colored scenic) and "Two Aristocratic Penitents," (Vita, drama.) Seats may be reserved at the Empire, phone 305.