AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

"NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER,* ; ''Neptune's Daughter," the film that has becu anticipated for some considerable time, was presented at the Theatre Royal last night. This picture has made a. reputation for itbeli throughout th« world, and it was but natural that there should be a large audience to witness it here. The water scenes, in which Annette Kellerman figures, are very line ones. Scores of mermaids lie around the beach; there are submarine caves; there is a fight to the death under the water, with fish swimming round, and like scenes abound throughout the film and make it a most spectacular one. 'The story is really a fantasy of the sea. King Neptune and King William being the kings of the immortal world and the mortaVworld, King William gives fishing rights in his private waters, which are in close prorimity to Neptune's kingdom. While playing with the mermaids one evening Annette is caught in a fishing net. She frees herself a;jl hastens to Neptune's cave to apprise him of the danger that threatens him. A five-year-old daughter of Neptune, however, is caught in a net and entangled in the seaweed, and dies. Annette finds her and swears an oath of vengeance against those whom she feels are her sister's assassins. Annette is transformed into a mortal being, and after various adventures she meets the king, who is seeking rest incognito. The king annuls his previous order of free fishing and deprives them of the right. The king is then in the centre of a conspiracy, the people having risen against him for imaginary wrongs, and he is hurled into prison. Annette manages to overpower the gaoler, but she is caught and is thrown into prison herself. She is afterwards thrown over a COft. cliff into the sea. She manages to get back to land, and is caught again by the man who has been hired to murder her. A struggle takes place on the cliff, and both are precipitated into the sea below, and it is in this scene that the thrilling death struggle takes place. Afterwards Annette is able to rescue the King, who is reinstated on the throne. Annette and the king, after passing through various vicissitudes, find themselves enthroned in all their regal glory, happy, peaceful, and contented. This magnificent picture should he witnessed by every picture-lover in New Plymouth. It can be shown for two more nights only—to-night a ud tomorrow night. Seats can be reserved at Collier's.

EMPIRE PICTUEE PALACE. A most lavishly-mounted version of Anthony Hope's exquisite romance, "The Prisoner of Zenda," will be shown for the first time with the change of programme at the Empire Picture Palace to-night. The photo-play is produced by the London Film Company, and is an achievement in motion-picture not previously eclipsed by anything seen locally. "The Prisoner of Zenda" has been presented by other film makers, but previous efforts cannot compare with the London Film Company's production. The mountings, scenic effects, court assemblages and coronation ceremony are deserving of the highest eulogium. The acting is artistic and convincing, and the general atmosphere of the play is that conceived in Hope's masterpiece. The story is an intensely interesting one, in which daring romance, adventure, sword play, love and sacrifice are seen in ever-shifting rapidity, and hold the onlooker enthralled to the very end. At the head of the caste is that eminent English actor, Harry Aimley, in the dual role of the King and Rudolf; whilst the popular beauty actress, Jane Gail, appears to advantage as the princess. The supporting films are good, and include "Pathe's War Gazette" (latest), ''Scenes at Bath" and "Charlie Throws the Ball,'' a comedy-cartoon featuring the inimitable Charles Chaplin. Special music by the orchestra will be a feature of the evening. '