AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

ANNETTE KELLERMAN COMING. Something now in picture-dramas is promised lis when Annette Keilerman, the famous Australian artist, appears here in the . remarkable ' photo-play, "Neptune's Daughter." In the story of "Neptune's Daughter'' there is tnucih that is spectacular, but Nature, and not the stage carpenter,' lias provided the properties. Screened in the Bermuda Islands, the crystal Waters, coral caves and submarine grottos afford an ideal setting. The story deals with the "Land of Make-believe," continuing for over two hours, with beautiful and thrilling scenes, and unfolding a tale of absorbing interest. Annette Kellerman, who enacts the leading role, is recognised as the world's greatest swimming and diving expert. ' ijShe is also recognised as possessing an absolutely perfect figure, the measurements of which correspond with Venus of immortal fame. In this drama Miss Kellerman is said to perform feats that appear humanly impossible, and that would be deemed incredible were it • not for the evidence of our own eyes. Full details of the first presentation will be announced later.

MURIEL STARR'S FAREWELL. "BOUGHT AXD PAID FOR," A play of engaging qualities, admirably balanced, on its dramatic and comedy sides, and to be presented by a company thoroughly .in .accord with its artistic demands, "Bought and Paid For," to be presented for the first and only time in New Plymouth at the Theatre ißoyal on Thursday next by J. C. Williamson's famous dramatic company, headed by the distinguished American actress. Muriel Starr, is assured of a crowded house. There is the appeal qf a set of circumstances. Miss Starr is saying her farewell to the Dominion, and few American actresses fcave captured so completely the interest of the public. Originally with an engagement of six months, Miss Starr's grip on theatre-goers throughout Australasia has been of a sharacter which has justified the firm of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in keeping her for more than two and a-half years. ■ Then, too, the production of "Bought and Paid For" has the additional attraction of being the means of introducing an artist of such dramatic and intellectual calibre as Mr. Charles A. Millward, Whose interpretation of the millionaire is one ot authority and power. Another accomplished actress is Miss Gertrude Boswell, wall equipped with temperament and ability for comedy roles. - "Bought and Paid For" is the composition of a clever dramatist, who has realised that in the entertainment of the public there must ■be the capacity for laughter as well as tears. Where the author has scored is in the ability to keep the dramatic motive always superior to the irrespon- j sible elements of humor. The other members of the company include; Hobart Cavanaugh, Leonard Stephens, Frank Harcourt, Austen Milroy, David 'Bellbridge, and Florence Hestoir The play will be produced by Mr' Thos. | Foster, and Mr. E. B. Gilchrist will conduct a dramatic orchestra. The box plan will open at Collier's next Tues-1 day morning at 9 o'clock, and as J C. Williamson's attractions never fail to fill the theatre, patrons should secure their seats as soon as possible.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES, The new programme shown at the Theatre Royal last night included two pictures that are Well above the average, and contain particular merit. The first is the third episode of the serial drama, "The Master Key," Picturegoers are now enthusiastically following up this new form of picture-book, which is becoming more interesting as the story advances. This instalment opens with the hounding down, by Wilkerson, of Gallon, who is made to realise that his former partner is a real being, and not an apparition. It is this Knowledge which breaks the spirit of Gallon and prepares him for death. Wilkirson compels Gallon to employ him as superintendent of the mine. It is the last straw; Gallons sinks fast, and as his life i 3 about to flicker out, his daughter, John Dore and the old cook are gathered in the death-room. Supported in Ruth's arms, Gallon writes hia last will, .Mid it is here that events move swiftly and huild up a startling climax, leaving the onlooker anxiously awaiting the next chapter. The other 9tar film is entitled "What Happened on the Bermuda," and is presented by the worldfamous Edison Film' Company.' This picture-play is a splendid, gripping romance of the sea, with ari ably workedout plot. "The" Artful Artist," the latest Lubin fun-film, is well worth a visit, while there is a real good scenic showing views of Holland. The ever-popular Ivomic Co. presdnt a new grotesque called "Faithful to the Finish," and this week's "Topical Budget" is very good. The same programme will be repeated to-night, also at both performances tomorrow (Saturday).

EMPIRE 'PICTURES. The popularity of the Empire Picture Palace was ag«in evinced last night on tiie occasion of jflie usutvl tri-weekly change of programme. new pictures proved a splendid lot, 1 and, combined with the orchestral music, formed an entertainment of intense interest. Each item was a feature in itself, and it is difficult to single out any one film for particular mention. Perhaps the story that came in for most comment was the one entitled "The Greater Strength," the plot 'of which concerns the miners of Bid Creek. They advertise for a doctor to live at their camp. Ilart comes and settles among them. He is a young man of unusual physical strength,' who, in a friendly wrestling bout,'has unintentionally crippled a dear friend of his. Hart is seeking distraction from the incident. He has taken a vow that never again will he use his phenomenal strength, except to save a life, "In the camp there is a bully, Bob Warner, who makes insinuating remarks about Dorothy Paul, the schoolmistress, with whom the doctor has fallen in love.. Hart is strongly tempted to trounce him, but, romembering his promise to himself, he resists. Dorothy misunderstands this action on the doetor's part,as cowardice and luck of chivalrous regard for herself. Later, however, diphtheria breaks out- Bob Warner's litte girl falls sick, and the bully, whose solo thought is for his child, is frantic with fear of losing her. The young physician goes to the rescue. Not treating Hart, however, Bob tries to prevent him from using the 6erum needle on the child. Realising that in this lies the only means of saving little Barbara's life the doctor overpowers and binds the father, Ho then Injects the needle, and the child recovers. When Dorothy learns the whole story, she forgives her lover and consents to become Ills wife. Another long drama shown, »u 'WiciM'ixte.''- This la a sensi^jotml