ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 1, 30 November 1914, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

JVLJfJS KSfcHT ES r -"A ROYAL DI iV:_ '■ *t'OROE."'. i .-' i The box plans will be opened at (jloitier's to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock for the production of the great Napoleonic dra'matic spectacle, "A Royal (Divorce," in which Mr Julius Knight i'ill make his re-appeararice here on Thursday night next. Never previously has there been so many applications fbr scats for a theatrical attraction in New Plymouth, and Julius Knight's farewell is likely to be witnessed by a packed 'house. To prevent any crushing at itho box office, a queue will be formed j at 7 a.m. Julius Ivnight is absolutely: at his best in the role of Napoleon, and the triumphs he has achieved as "The Man 'tf Destiny," are remarkable. "A Royal ,Divorce" is the outcome of much stagecraft and experience, and the author has accordingly brought on the central 'figure chiefly at stirring crises in the action. Dressed in tsie girey surcoat covering the simple white uniform iof a Colonel, the black hat without trimming or lace, ornamented by a little tricolor cockade, Julius Knight exactly resembles the appearance of the Emperor »js described by Meneval Masson, and scores of other historians. Ever coming swiftly on the scene to trumpet fanfares and bursts of martial music, or standing in traditional attitudes i\s "le p'tit corporal" as he endeavors jto 'penetrate with eagle glance the clouds that veil his ultimate fate, Mr Knight, it is said, brings home to the audience the dazzling power of the soldier of fortune who made and unmade kings at will. The British people's love for; a brave soldier was never more exem'plified than the love every Britisher has for the character of Napoleon, and it is the interest in him which to a large extent is responsible for the fact that "A Royal Divorce" is the most successful drama ever staged by the J. G. Williamson, Ltd. management. The history of the unfortunate Josephinb's life, too, has a wonderful fascination for all sections of the community. This character will be played on the present occasion by Miss Irene Browne, who is said to give a better representation than any who have previously essayed the j.art in Australasia. Eairdley Turner is said to be v.'ry humorous as Grimaud, iind Leslie 'victor, particularly good in the role of Talleyrand. Miss Lizette '"Parkes and Herbert J. Ben'/.ey both | have congenial roles to portray.

THEATRE ROYAL. "CALLED TO THE FRONT." Commencing to-night, a two-night's Beaison, the management present the greati war attraction "Called to the Front," a British film for British (people, being a great patriotic .photo-play made for the purpose of assisting recruiting in London and the larger centres. It opens with love scenes between Jim Warrington, a young Secret Service man and his sweetheart, _iK.utsh 'Denham. Warrington has n. wireless installation at his home., by which he is able to communicate in a private code with Ruth. A' declaration of war with Germany gives him opportunity for distinguishing himself, lie is sent to the Russian Embassy at St. Petersburg with a despatch, and is entrusted with a reply to deliver to tihe authorities at Home. A German spy learns that Warrington is returning wth the despatch, and lie is waylaid, but having, hidden the important paper in 'his boot it is not discovered. Warrington learns that tlie German fleet is about to invade the British coast, and he determines to .find a way to warn the Home authorities. He manages to'despatch a code telegram to his sweetheart. Ruth at once warns the authorites, and. preparations for Britain's defence are hurriedly completc<k Warrington makes his escape, i'oftches land on a lonely part of the coast, and witnesses, a fierce battle between tlie British troops and German invaders. The British troops, assisted by a. naval brigade who arrived by an armored train, drive tihe invaders from British territory. Once more Warrington falls into the hands of the enemy, and is placed in prison, after some remailkable adventures. Th|e .prison,' is bombarded by Britisli guns,, and falls in ruins. From the debris Warrington crawls to freedom once more, and intercepts two of the enemy tapping the telegraph wires. He shoots them at sight, ond with' their field instrument manages to send a messages through to headquarters, giving news of tlie enemy's designs mid his location near the firing line. Ruth determines to ~o on her motor-cycle to t! o rescue of lier lover. After an exciting time she reaches Warrington, and together they return f|o London, where Warrington delivers his precious despatches to the authorities,, and the play leaves the lovers- to their well-earned peace, with the prospect of a happy wedding when all danger is over. The box plan for both nights is Hoffmann's.

EMPIRE OTOTIMFK » At the Empire, the star is a notable Vitagraph. drama "Lost in Mid-ocean." (Last Saturday night it was witnessed by a packed house. Its effects are wonderful ,tlie foundering of the huge transAtlantic liner at sea is one of tihe greatest achievements yet attained anil does great credit to the V'itagrapli company. The following is a short resume of the plot,: Kidnapped in Japan from her husband, the young wife escapes from her villainous eaptor. She sails for America. The liner fitffikes an iceberg and sinks in mid-ocean. Clinging to a part of the wreckage the girl is saved-. All trace i of her husband is lost until she is rescued from 0- burning building, and thev aro strangely united. It is truly a draima of lihrilling adventures l and starty ling experiences. A Keystone comedy,

"Mabel's Busy Day," with' (Mabel Norraand and Clhas. Chaplin in tbe leading role, is equal as a mirth-provoker to anything yet turned out by this popular firm. The "Giwimont Graphic" contains many very interesting spectacles. Two dramas, two interest films and a scenic preceded the star and were thoroughly enjoyed (by all This programme is screened nflall- to-night. To-morrow a great military drama will be present'od entitled. "Sealed Oiders." Seats may be reserved at the Empire at t heusua' 'jiriees. Box plan now open. '/ t