AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. The feature of the new programme presented at the Theatre Royal last night was the first episode of a serial drama entitled "The Master Key." From what was shown it was not possiblo to gain more than a glimpse of what the story Ims to reveal, but there is sufficient interest crowded into the opening stages to provide promising indications of a highly interesting pictorial narrative. The story opens with two mates prospecting for gold. One of tlio men flees from the scene under the impression that in a quarrel he had killed- his mate, and in trying to get home the runaway prospector travels on a ship which first of all provides all the excitements of a mutiny, and then ends its short career by taking fire and being burnt at sea. These episodes provide a wealth of remarkably realistic scenes, which add to the thrill of the story. The man is rescued and reaches home. Then without any explanation, he is next found as a director of a mining camp, and before there is time to explain how this happened, the narrative ends, and the book is closed until next week. Perhaps those who saw the picture are not quite clear what it is all about, but 'their curiosity is aroused, and the appearance of the next episodes will be awaited with interest. The supporting films form a splendid collection. The arrival of the Willoehra with wounded soldiers at Wellington proved a very interesting film, while there was much of interest in the Australian Gazette. "The Outcasts of Society," was a powerful and pathetic drama', and "Fatty's Tin-Type Tangle," proved to be one of the funniest comic pictures that has ever been seen here. Other films combined to make a ver; entertaining programme. EMPIRE PICTURE^ The new bill pre-ented at the Empire Theatre last night was particularly strong, and each picture fully merited the hearty applause accorded it by a large and appreciative audience. "Whom the Gods Would Destroy" is a highly emotional drama told in a bright, convincing way. Retribution of justice is the theme of the story, which centres round a mysterious poisoning tragedy. Exciting and thrilling incidents run through the drama, holding the interest firmly. The acting and arranging is splendidly carried out, and the film is considered the best yet released by the Lubin Company. An important feature of the programme is the fine series of subjects contained in the Australian Gazette, while "Bloomer and His Dog," a comedy, is responsible for many bursts of laughter.