AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1916, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. On leaving the Empire Picture Palace last night, one experienced the' kind of feeling that comes after a satisfying meal. This was mainly due to the big attraction of the Second half of the programme, which is entirely taken up by an exceptionally powerful sea story of the Jack London type, entitled "The Enemies." Briefly it; tells of the punishment meted out to a scoundrel who caused tin innocent young girl to end her days as a fallen drink-sodden women. The girl's brother, a sea captain, seeks out the villainous one, a politician named Sargent, and arranges to have him ''shanghaied" and taken to sea among a gang of cut-throat ruffians ruled by n .brutal, tyrannous first mate. The life on the sailing ship amongst these surroundings provides some of .the most realistic and gripping situations imagiuable,' and has been faithfully reproduced in exceptionally line photography. The miserable man is subjected to much rough handling, and eventually meets his end in a manner befitting his past misdeeds. A brighter romantic side of the story is depicted in the love of the captain for the ship-owner's daughter, and the acting of Harry Morey and Edith Story throughout is good. A somewhat startling transformation takes place when the captain undergoes a dermatological operation, which alters him from a rough-looking seaman to a handsome man. On the same programme is the latest "Topical War Budget", an exceptionally powerful drama exposing I methods of the "White Slave Traders," land a trio of rippling comedies all of | which will be shown again to-night for the last time.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. To-night, at S o'clock, pictures will again resume at the Theatre Royal, and the management promise an exceptionally good programme. Followers of that exciting serial drama, "The Master Key," will have an opportunity of witnessing the fourth episode of this story, which here introduces :thc 'Frisco Confidence Man, Charles Drake, whoso daring exploits open up fresh channels which afford the producers unlimited scope for spectacular effects. Among these is to be seen a huge bridge in flames, also a terrific train smash. In the comedy line comes a 2000 ft Keystone featuring the inimitable Ford Sterling. As "Only a Messenger Boy," Mr. Stirling provides a number of'the most ludicrous and laughable situations in his pursuit of a married woman whom he is sent out to find. It all finishes in a big chase and the conclusion is a surprise. "A Knight of the Trials" is a drama of the popular Western type and it reveals a wholesome plot." The girl finds out her lover is a bandit.. How he proves to he a strong white-hearted man, and wins back her love is a splendid story of real life and adventures. "His Obligation" is a pathetic two-reel drama by the "Flying A" Company, the chief characters being an unsophisticated daughter of a village blacksmith, and the son of a city magnate. The girl—wronged and deserted— leaves her home for the city. The depiction of her sorrows and struggle for existence provide many tender and touching scenes, but the manner in which the man is made to realise his moral responsibilities makes an impressive and powerful conclusion. In addition to these four big features, the latest "Topical War Budget" is also on the programme, which will be shown tonight and at both performances tomorrow.

MARY PICKFORD RETURNS. At the Theatre Royal on Monday next tile popular actress, Mary Pickford, will appear in the. latest Famous Players aOOOft production "'Fanclion the Cricket." Mary Pickford as Fanclion is said to portray with .an amazing power oi conception all. the dramatic depths and varying lights, and shades of this famous character. The picture abounds in pretty scenes and blithesome comedy of the kind which shows Mary Pickford at her very best as the interpreter of maidenly moods, and is full of an appealing sweetness that is almost irresistible. "Fani'hon the Cricket" will be screened for three nights. ANNETTE KELLERMAN COMING. Prominent on the list of Australasians who have "made good'' in other parts oi the world is the name of Annette Kellerman. Many of us remember the young girl who, eight or nine years ago, 'established a reputation in the Southern hemisphere as a champion swimmer and diver, but Miss Kellerman to-day has a world-wide fame. Per medium of •''movies'' she will make her first appearance in New Plymouth in the title role of "Neptune's Daughter." which will open a-season here at the Theatre Royal on Monday, February 7. These pictures were made in Bermuda by Miss Kellerman and 200 specially selected artists, with hundreds of supernumcries. Some were taken in real submarine caves, illuminated with concealed electric lights, and some were actually taken under water from a glass chamber. In the latter, turtles and fish can be seen swimming round the human beings struggling there, for one of the most thrilling scenes shows a right for life at the very bottom of the ocean.