AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 February 1916, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

I 'MEATRE ROYAL PICTURE" ' A REMARKABLE FILM. "A picture that dares to reveal the truth; that will do more good tban sermons and political promises, that carries in it a powerful lesson and warning to .humanity, and which in itself is one of the most tense and striking dramas that has been seen on the photoplay screen, with some happy touches of humor, a fascinating love story, and deep emotional acting by H. B. Warner ar.d a strong cast of Famous players. This briefly sums up "The Lost Paradise," a six-reel masterpiece by the Famous Players Co., which was shown for the first time at the Theatre Royal last night in the presence of a large and appreciative audience. The Famous Players Film Co..are noted for the excellence of their pictures, only turning out one fej.turt-'Um a week, and, as a rule, they tell not merely, an intensely interesting story, but they convey some powernil message, this company being among the first to realise the mighty power of the screen. The presentation of "The Lost Paradise'' throughout the world will do more for the vast army of oppressed workers than years of preaching by half a dozen Tom Mann's; or reams of printed matter of the I.W.W. journals. It is indeed a forceful pictorial argument in behalf of the poor laborers who live practically the lives of slaves and in poverty, whilst their masters are in the lap of luxury. It is a splendid picture, superbly mounted and strongly acted throughout. Several other interesting films are also shown, the best of these being •'Trenches in the Vosges," a reguldr eye-open:r in topical work, "Pin Pricks," a Tattling comedy, and "The Child, the Doc, and the Villain," a neat little juvenile drnma by Selig. The s»mo seiies will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. '•'The Shu'.amite," a flOOOft, adnptatiou of Alice and f'.aude Askew's poicut novel, will he f.ln.wn at the Empire Picture Palace to-ni/.it. The picture, which is produced by the London Film Company, will serve to introduce two new lending players, Miss Manova Thew and Norman M'Kinncll, as well as the popular English actor, Gerald Ames, and a strong cast in support. It is not too much to say that the picture version of "The Shulamitc" is even more satisfying than the novel, which makes such pleasant and entertaining reading. There is a Biblical foundation for the theme in the "Sorg of Solomon," and there are three distinct phases in the story, which, however, principally deals with the sensational experiences of a beautiful young weman who was foolish enough to marry a husband much older than herself—a rich and exceedingly cruel old fellow, who sen.ied bent on making his own life and that of his wife, as miserable as possible. The picture is claimed to be the best sent out of the London Film Company's studios. Jt is full of remarkably vivid, and forceful scenes, which will appeal particularly to the adult mind. It is perhaps one of the most daring pictures ever at-. tempted, and yet in the hands of the censor it Received nothing but approval, the whole subject being treated with suMi delicate and artistic, skill. Supporting lilms include a "Trip Thro' North Wales'' (scenic), the latest "Canmont War Topical," and "Help! Help!" a brilliant comedy.