ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1915, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"HINEMOA." As anticipated from the eulogy bestowed 011 the opening performance of the Maori opera "Hinemoa," there was a very largo audiemce at the Theatre Royal last night when another very enjoyable entertainment was given. The scenic effects were again greatly admired, especially! the effect produced 'by the rising moon over land and water. The singing was, if anything, better than on the preceding night, and the poi maidens once more charmed those present with their grace and skill, enhanced by their tuneful'melodies. They \ evoked a loud outburst of applause as Tin appreciation of one of the prettiest movements seem on a stage when depicting canoe paddling, in dumb show, seated on the stage and twirling the pois ' in a maze of movements, which concluded with the maidens adopting a recuin- , bent attitude and gracefully turning from side to side while twirling the pois and singing. The opera went with a swing from first to last, and fresh beauties were revealed as one became more familiar with the themes. The haka was again a favorite with the audience. Xothing but the highest praise can be accorded to this unique company of Maoris. They deserve to be liberally patronised. This afternoon a matinee will be given so that children may have an opportunity of being present, reduced prices being charged. To-night tho final programme will be given, and there should be a full house, especially as the profits are for our wounded soldiers. '■THi: MAN~YHO~STAYED AT HOME." At the Theatre Royal on Monday evening the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management will present for the first and only time lure the remarkably successful and inspiring patriotic drama "The Man who Stayed at Home," which, it is stated, had a wonderfully stimulating effect on the recruiting campaign in England and Australia. The new "spy play" has plenty of thrill and incident, it unfolds an 'intensely dramatic story, interwoven with a fascinating love interest, and it teems with delightful and genuinely numerous comedy situations. The booking has boon excellent, but there are plenty of seats in good positions which may be selected at Collier's. To-night, "The Man who stayed at Home" will bo staged at Stratford. ROYAL PICTURES, Some remarkable photo-plays have been screened in New Plymouth, but the feature on Tuesday's now programme surpasses all in its class. "The Millionaire Brigand" is the name of this big film and comes from the famous Italian studios of the Aquila company. It is a story with a grip; those who sec the film screened will follow it through with intense interest. The photography and acting is excellent while tho mounting is on a scale of grandeur. Seats may be reserved at Hoffman's. THE EMPIRE.

To-day's list of new pictures boaats two star dramas, the first a Kalem entitled "The Mystery of Die Ranee Hall," a sensational drama of the "girl" detective series. The plot is described as being most cunningly contrived, and the play is said to abound in startling spectacular episodes md rapidly moving events of great intciost. The second star drama is by Vitagraph, "Ann the Blacksmith," a sympathetic and romantic story about a woman who faced the world alone. The Keystone comedy, ''Hearts and Planets" is a yell-raising astronomical absurdity, in which the moon, stars and love get hopelessly mixed with ridiculously comic results. Kord Storling, now a Keystone Star Comedian, presents an extremely funny comedy, "Love and Water." Other films are: "Rose leaves" (Reliance drama), "Rattlesnakes" (nature study) and the latest War Topical.