ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 72, 14 August 1914, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"TUB ROSARY.'' The war fever had its ell'ect last night upon the attendance at the Theatre Royal, which lact is to be regretted, for "The Rosary," .presented by Messrs George Willougliby and E. J. Carroll, is a drama of compelling force and delightful denouement. The story of "The Rosary," as depicted to a delighted house last night, told of the splendid influence wielded by a priest, whose übiquity and kindliness were a by-word. It powerfully portrays for us, too, the terrible ravages wrought by a husband's jealousy in regard, to his wifc.a jea.ousy absolutely unfounded in this case and unwortlhy of the .husband of (lie woman whom the 'writer depicts as loving, faithful and true. Father Kelly enters early into the story, and. as befits the character, lias a strong inlluence on the whole production. The culminating scenes are excellent, even excelling the garden scenes in which, aro laid the seeds of the family rupture and the tonsequent machinations of an ill-disposed man, onee a friend. . In the final scenes the chapel promised by Bruce Wilton, th© jealous liusband afore-mentioned, to his wife, is about to be opened by Father Kelly. AH meet there, as hail been arranged before the cloud of suspicion ruined the 'home, and the priest, after long prayer, suddenly accuses Wright of having worked to ruin Wilton financially and morally. . A confession is the result. Mr. Harrington Reynolds, wlho is a deservedly famous American actor, played the. fine part of the priest, and hud the audience in his grip from start to finish. ili&s Jessie Arnold is -the principal lady, and it is really remarkable how she plays the dual part of twin sisters, infusing an apparently fresh personality into each. The other members of the company are in the first flight, and "The Rosary" should draw a higger audience to-night. It is a clean, virile and human drama, bringin" to the fore the best traits of human nature.

EMPIRE PICTURES* The. pkturc-loving nublic are reminded that the Ciucs feature drama, "His Solemn Oath," together with "Little Kainhieh" and others, will be presented finally to-night. To-morrow at the matinee a grand change o.f programme is promised, the star 'drama being "In Mid-Atlantic," a 4HMt Pathe production, featuring that great French actress, Mdlle. Rubimi, of "King of ihe. Air," "Honesty" and "Black Countess" fame. Seats may be reserved by 'pdioiie. A most enjoyable social was held in bt. Autyn Church last evening to welcome Mr John Nelson, vrho has recently been appointed to that circuit. The chair was taken by the Rev. A. 11. Ohappe]], who in a few appropriate re marks assured - Mr Kelson of a veiv hearty welcome to the district. Other addresses were also delivered by :r.e Revs. J. H. White and C. IT. Old's, an I Messrs W. W.. Thompson, C. G. Hytrin, L. Bellringnr, IT. Blaek, J. F. Arnold, and J. Olds. A musical'p:-ogramiV(> was rendered, to which the folMwinj contributed.—MLsses McTsauc, V. Morihead and ('lark, and Messrs Welch an I McCieHan, songs; the latter, two abo recited. At the conclusion supper was lianded round. The piano was kindly len. 'by -Mr Hoffmann. The annual social of St. Andrew'Church was held in the schoolroom last night. There was p splendid att-'-i dance, and the function proved mes; enjoyable. The proceedings wore in the hands of the gentlemen of the congregation, who proved ihem'selves excellent bests, The proceedings were enlivened by a varied and programriis of musical and otlier items, contributed 'by the following:—Song<, by Miss Ttca, the Rev. Ros'cTeare, and Air Morshead; recitations bv Mi'«s■•■ MeDiarmid and McClellan; piaircfort solos by Misses Smith and Bruce, um-j ■several quartettes by Misses Rea and Ambury and Messrs Morshead and M.'f'lellan. A pleasing and rdramlae',. supper was handed round, tht proee.'!ings closing with the lieneilk tion an! tile rendering of tile .\nlinna> Anthem.