AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

LAST NIGHT OF " NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER." The large audience which attended the Theatre Royal last night were treated to something new in picture-dramas, when Annette Kellerman, the famous Australian artist, appeared in the remarkable photo-play, "Neptune's Daughter."' In the story of "Neptune's Daughter" there is much that is spectacular, hut Nature, and not the stage carpenter, has provided the properties. Screened in the Bermuda Islands, the crystal waters, coral c-ave6 and submarine grottos afford an ideal setting. The story deals with the Land of MakeBelieve, continuing for 2% 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. She is also recognised as possessing an absolutely perfect figure, the measurements of which correspond with Venus, of immortal fame. In this drama Miss Kellerman performs feats that appear humanly impossible, and that would be deemed incredible were.it not for the evidence of one's own eyes. From the first moment, when Miss Kellerman, with her lithe limbs encased in a fish's tale, is seen sporting on the beach, till the last moment, when the play endi with her as the bridge of the handsome young King", she . holds the audience spellbound by her beauty and daring. "Neptune's Daughter'' will- be screened for the last time to-night. The box plan is at Collier's.

"THE PRISONER OF ZENDA" AT THE EMPIRE. Tlie adventures in Ruritania of Rudolf Rassendyll, as told by Antliony Hope m _ his powerful romantic story, "The Prisoner of Zenda," are splendidly showing in film form at the Empire "Picture Palace, and were greeted, last night bv the enthusiastic applause of a crowded audience. The London Film Company and the clever band of artists selected tor the leading roles have given a faithful representation of the author's, ideas nnd ideals. It would be hard to imasine anvone better suited than Henry Ainlev for the double part of the Kin's anil Rudolf, while the charm and beauty of Jane (Jail make the Princess a most lovable character; and all the minor parts are splendidly portrayed. The story holds the attention to l the last by its vividness an ( l, force, the many Stirling- incidents being most convincing. Briefly told, the story concerns Rudolph, the weak king of Ruritania. He finds himself a prisoner 011 the eve of his coronation, mainly through his dissipated habits, at Zenda. in the power of Kiack Michael, an unprincipled member (if the reigning house, who is plotting to secure the throne for himself. In this dilemma the King's friends find Rudolph Rassendyll. a soldier of fortune, who bears a startling resemblance to the King. They urge him to impersonate the King and submit to lie crowned. Rassendyll does so. and falls in love with the Princess Flavia, and after a desperate struggle with himself decides to sacrifice his love and remain faithful to his oath to restore the King to his rightful throne. After a series of stirring adventures that duty is accomplished, and Rassendvll reveals his true identity to the Princess, who in heroic renunciation sacrilices her own love, because the welfare of her people demands !ier to rule in Ruritania. The supporting items comprise "Bntli." "The Pa the Gazette" and "Charlie Throws the Bull" (cornic cartoon). The orchestra, under the direction of Mrs. George, contributed most enjoyable and appropriate selections. "The Prisoner of Zenda" will be shown for the last time to-night.