ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 302, 31 May 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CHARLES CHAPLIN AT THE EMPIRE. The Umpire Theatre was packed last Saturday night, when a programme of exceptional merit was presented. The star film was a screening of Charles Chaplin's comedy, entitled "His Musical Career." In this the Keystone comedy man has ample scope to give full play to liis entirely original method of hum- • our, and he kept Saturday night's audience in a continual roar of laughter at (lis absurd antics. The plot for the comedy is simple. Charles Chaplin seeks and obtains work as a piano-shifter, and has as, a working mate a man of tremendous size and physique, in marked contrast to Chaplin's diminutive appearance. Two pianos have to. be shifted—one to a "Mr, Rich" and the other from a "Mr. Poor," and Chaplin and his partner, aided by a small and patient donkey, set out on the job. Needless to say they get the details of their contract hopelessly mixed, but this allows Chaplin to get in some of those i which have made him famous as a picture comedian. The humour is irresistible, and scene after scene in full of the cleanest fun, which makes these films so enjoyable. "His Musical Career'' will rank as one of the best comedies yet turned out by the Keystone Company. In addition to this attraction the programme contains a strong dramatic subject by the Famous Players Co., entitle.! "The Redemption of David Corson.'' David Corson is a Quaker, and a very upright young man, but he comes under the spell of a beautiful gipsy girl, the wife of a travelling quack doctor. Corson leaves his home to travel with the doctor, and succeeds in tricking the girl into a bogus marriage with him. on the grounds that she has been deceived by the doctor. In a fight with the latter, Corson blinds him, and then escapes. lie sinks to the lowest state, but eventually is redeemed by a former conveit of his own, meets the blind doctor before the latter dies, and is eventually enabled to again reach a respectable status in life, and to marry the girl, who ] has remained faithful to him. Tt is a story of strong human appeal, and is played with the distinction of the Famous Players tilms. Other good items in the programme are: "Officer Kate" (comedy), "Summer in the North" (scenic), and a War Gazette. The programme will be repeated this evening. To-morrow, "The Best Mar.." TIIE WHITE SLAVE TRAFFIC To-night, in the Theatre Royal, a film storv exposing with the minutest detail the adventures of a young girl lured away by vile creatures engaged in the horrible white slave traffic will be the star feature of a big programme. The picture is one that, according to the press of other towns, should be seen by all, as it tells of a danger that has for years threatened, and still threatens., our young womanhood. In dealing with such a delicate subject, the greatest care lias to ho taken to avoid anything of a sensational or objectionable nature. The film can onlv be shown lice for one night. Waitara will be visited on Thursday next.