ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 143, 11 November 1914, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURES. ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Last night the ever popular Empire Picture Palace was well tilled to witness the lirst screening of "Antony and Cleopatra." The story is based upon Shakespeare's "'Antony and Cleopatra," 'but it lias an additional strength by the inclusion of the story of "Agar" which has been taken from Pieho Cossa's story of '■Cleopatra." One of the stroagest scenes is where Agar, who, to Cleopatra's mind, lias' been over appreciative of Antony's kindness, and who, at the risk of her life, sines Antony from assassination by conspirators, is thrown by the jealous Queen into the river to be devoured by crocodiles. It is a wonderfully effective item. Every part of the lihu is a beautifully staged picture, portraying luxury aim magnificence, and we are told that it lias cost double the amount to produce than "Quo Vadis?" cost, attd we can cn;;to credit it. The wonderful dresses and headgear of the richebt quality lire chronologically correct, and are marvels of the dressmaker's art. The architecture is of a similar design, being erected without, any regard to expense. It is well known that the Ones Com,' pany lias carte blanche as far as the Zoo in Rome is concerned, and tliey have made good use of the animals in this film. Every scene, except that of the sea, was taken in their own studio or in their own grounds, and one realises the extent of these when seeing.such marvellous pictures. The story of "Cleopatra" is too well known to need description, but some of the scenes which stand out in gnat contrast are the Palace of Pharaoh, the Witch's Cave, where Cleopatra's horoscope is cast, and "Two Wilful Hinds, the wife and the Queen," in which we have some exceptional acting. There is a grandeur and impressiveness in the whole setting that is far ahead of any ordinary subject. The strong story lias a sequence that makes it not only interesting as stage by stage, it proceeds, but makes those who see it anxious to follow the story in its various movements. To-night "Antony and Cleopatra" will he screened for the last time, and intendm-'-'atrons are advised to reserve thei JQ eats. Usual prices prevail. Theatre [.none .'IUS.

SAN TOY. ' '"San Toy,'' to he staged by the loea; Operatic Society on November 24th and 351 hj, promises to be out and nut the best of this talented society's work. The principals and dionis are working very hard and are rtithtlsiastic in tlieir work. Miss 'Aiken Beresford, of Auckland, who has been engaged to teach the dancing, is doing splendid work, and a v ast improvement in t!ie stage work has taken plaee since her arrival. .'The .Society is again issuing concession tickets three for 10s (id, available for rc_scrved seats, which may be purchased from any of the members after Saturday next. ' Mr Bradbury is making good pi'ogress with the scenery, which is to be all new, and, jv,d«ii)u: from v.h-.vt, is finished, will be'excellent. The'wardrobe, also, is to he new, and the wunkobe mistress, Mrs Kiddles, has a large staff busily engaged.