AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1915, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

THE EMPIRE THEATRE. No American novel ever a;ttaincd such world-wide popularity as Harriet Beechor Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which was depicted in motion picture form at the Empire Theatre last evening with the new programme. This production, which is by the World Film Producing Corporation, eclipses all previous attempts in this direction seen locally, though there have been some very cred-' ita-ble interpretations of the story. The | theme is capable presented by the producer, the main thread of the narrative I being closely adhered to, and the Btory I runs smoothly and coherently. The scenes bear evidence of careful selection, the play being enacted in the Southern States with natural and characteristic surroundings to form an appropriate frame to the subject. A real negro takes the part of old Uncle Tom with convincing effect, and the roles of the brutal Simon Legree, Topsy, Little Eva, George Harris and his wife Eliza are exceedingly well sustained. The tableau at the death-bed of Little Eva, which has always been observed as an essential in both the stage and cinema versions, is displayed without any of the exaggerated visions of long-winged angels which somewhat caricatured previous representations. The old-fashion-ed stern-wheeled steamers on the Ohio, and the bloodhounds that were used for hunting down escaped slaves figure realistically in the portrayal. The film was frequently applauded, and is assured of a successful season. The first part of the programme embraces an up-to-date Gauniont War Gazette, "Asphyxiating Gases" (exhibiting some of the noxious mixtures used by the modern Huns), "Cartoons on Tour" (Edison comic sketches), and "Seller" (M'lano scenic).

EMPIRE THEATRE SPECIAL. "THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERY." The great novelty in the picture world at the present time is the long serial which takes weeks to reel to its end. The Thanhouser Co. have produced a aerial, written by Harold McGrath and produced by Lloyd Lonergan, which is said to be easily the most absorbing ilrama placed on the screen. "The Million Dollar Mystery," a story of adventurous happenings, comprises twen-ty-three episodes, each and every one of which is brimful of romance and excitement, and the interest attached to the opening instalment is continued until "The Million Dollar Mystery" is finally revealed in the concluding number. The opening episode to be screened at the Empire Theatre next Saturday is entitled "The Airship in the Night," and in this grand story the audience is introduced to all the artists in the special characters they assume through all the remaining numbers. Immense interest has been created in Australia by the screenings of "The Million Dollar Mystery," and it is at present the chief attraction in the leading city theatres of the Dominion.

"MONEY"—THEATRE ROYAL TO-MORROW. "Money," the World Film star feature in five parts, will be shown for the first time at the Theatre Royal to-morrow night. There are many notable scenes of high society life, and these are staged in a manner which shows that money was no object in the production. Novel and unusual situations abound throughout the play. One of these is the oyster dance, and another striking scene is that portraying the champagne bath. The part where one of the guests in uniform, in eagerness to secure a drink from the fair occupant, falls into the bath never fails to secure a laugh from the audience. The Are scenes are very well done, and the photographic quality throughout is in keeping with the high standard of the production. The Topical Gazette shows Capetown's enthusiastic welcome to General Botha on his return '■ from German South-west Africa, recruiting scenes in England, and some very fine views of great crowds in Paris watching reinforcements leaving for the front, are also depicted. There will be no alteration in the charges for admission during the three nights this elaborate film sensation is showing.

MARY PICKFORD. THE THEATRE ROYAL. A packed house was attracted by the screening of the programme at the Theatre Royal last night, the star item being "Behind the Scenes," featuring that universally popular film actress Mary Pick:»ord. The film allows full scope for her talents, and the picture is thrilling from end to end. The story, in brief, is this: Dolly Lane (Mary Pickford) is a poor and pretty musical comedy soubrette, rehearsing and playing day and night. One night she and her comrades throw confetti into the audience, nearly blinding a young man. Dolly's sincere concern over the accident amply atones for it, and the young man, Steve Hunter, induces his friend to take him behind the scenes after the performance. There he and Dolly meet, and their romance begins, and next day they are- made man arid wife. Later Steve tells her that she will have to abandon her position on the stage and go west with him. After a terrific struggle between ambition and love, Dolly yields. But she soon wearies of the quiet firm, and one day, revolting against it all, she returns to the city. There she finds a wealthy man only too willing to back her as a star in a new play. But success without Steve to share it turns to ashes in her grasp, and when that night the wealthy producer of the play comes to her dressing-room, locks the door and demands the price of her triumph, she for the first time realises the nearness of the abyss and its yawning terrors. "A Corsican Revenge" and "Heart's Desire" are capital dramas supporting the main picture, while some most interesting scenes in the Vosges are shown. The comedies are most amusing, "Romeo and Juliet" especially. The programme will be screened for the last time to-night.