AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1916, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The Selig Film Company present an unusual type of "feature" photo-play in "Tlic Carpet-- from Bagdad,"" which was shown for the first time here at the Empire Picture Palace last night with a new programme. The story, from the subtle pen of Harold McGrath, is a veritable page torn from the "Arabian Nights.'' There are presented Oriental .streets and temples, caravans of camels, an appealing love story, magnificent staging and startling realism. There is a real sand storm in the Great Sahara Desert, a hand-to-hand combat waged between Americans and Orientals, which rivals the realistic tight that proved so popular in "The Spoilers." The. machinations of a band of international '•'crooks" are circumvented, and over all there hangs the romantic and mystical atmosphere of ancient Bagdad. The story is an intensely exciting narration of how a precious prayer rug, boldly stolen from the innermost recesses of a sacred shrine, imperils the lives of two men and a lovely young woman; of how Mahomed, guardian of the carpet, follows its devious journeyings with the scent of a hound, and how at the final moment he lost the emblem of his faith, and was foiled in his plans for vengeance. Fortune (Miss Kathlyn Williams), the beautiful young girl, becomes the intermediary by which the plot of a band of criminals is discovered, and then her love for Jones, an American dealer in rugs, overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and finally is triumphant. "The Carpet from Bagdad" is indeed a rare production and, should not be missed by anyone who appreciates the better-class of photo-play. It will be shown for the last time tonight. On the same bill is a charming Vitagraph comedy, "The Honeymoon Baby," in which Mr, and Mrs. Sidney Drew are. featured; also the latest Patho Gazette, and sonic delightful studies of "Birdland." THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. Not withstanding that the hot evenings are sending people to the open-air in preference to the cinema theatres, excellent houses are the rule at the Theatre Royal. Another large audience attended last night to witness the second

■screening of that delightful representation of Harold McGratlrs rollicking military romance, "The Man on the Box." This picture lias been splendidly handled !by the director of the Famous Players Film Co. The acting throughout is superb, and it is one of the best connect-' ed and most wholesome photo-plays we have seen. The character of Lieut. Bob Warburton, in the hands of Mr. Max Figman, an actor of international fame, is a perfect portrayal. Several other good films are shown in support, the best of these being "Eclair War Journal,'' "The Honor of Kenneth Mc-C-rath" (drama), ''Whore Her Idol Foil" (comedy) and. a decidedly clever trick subject entitled, "Which' is Witch." Tliis programme will be repeated again to-night for the last time. For Thursday's change further big attractions are promised.