AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The crowded audience which assembled at the Empire Theatre last evening was well satisfied with the meritorious and well-diversified programme, that was presented. There are several films on this new programme which call for special mention. "The Four Grains of Rice" is a Chinese Tong, or social organisation, the leader of whom, Moy Wong, tries to get a young white girl in his power. He nearly succeeds, but through the rivalry and vengeance of a rival Tong, called "The Sons of the Brazen Joss," the suave villain is trapped and the girl and her lover saved. The plot is decidedly novel, and the whole production is quite out of the beaten track of photo-dramas. Lovers of modern romance., found much to appreciate in "The LiVing Wage." wherein is portrayed tlie story of a millionaire who endeavors to live on six dollars a week. He falls in love with a "child of the ••'urns.'' and it is hen! the romance starts. The conclusion is delightful. Two items of more than ordinary cleverness were cartoon films, "John Bull's Sketchbook" and "The Victorious Jockey.'' Both caused much laughter, the war cartoons being particularly good. Glimpses of South Africa were given in "Scenes in Rustenberg," the home of the Krugers and the hot-bed of the recent' rebellion, whilst "Do-well's Duels" and "One Busy Day" supplied excellent comedy. The orchestral numbers were &, real treat, and added much to the evening's enjoyment. The same series will be repeated to-night for the last time. THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. To-night at the Theatre Royal a new picture programme will he presented. One of the principal attractions will he the lOtli episode of the serial drama, "The Master Key." This instalment is replete with thrills and advances the story in n masterlv mnnner. State cavalry quell a riot and pistol battle at "The Master Key" mine: Wilkerson steals the secret of the rich lode in the mine inherited by Ruth Gallon and escapes from the soldiers who pursue him lit dropping from the end of a rope down the cliff side, and both Dore and Miliirsrn start out on rival expedi- ' "■' "'" "«"■■•} I""~--.VP ch-'t wHiich lie* in the depths of the Pacific Gcean. The result is graphically depicted. Another big drama is the Kalem Co.'s "The First Commandment.'' This is the first of a set of ten remarkable photo-plays dealing with the "Ten Commandments," all of which will be shown in New Plymouth. Love and romance, sunshine and tempest, charm and thrill are all nicely interwoven in "The First Commandment," in which Tom Moore and Marguerite Courtot are seen at their best. Other films include: "Pathe Ga-■-..tf,." M..„i n .,|>, "RnoWev's Bahy" (Vitagraph comedy, featuring Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Drew), "A Study of Frogs" (nn- !..,...' hi.-torvl ".)i„.k- Snvnrt'« l'sirrnt" fa clever comedy) and "A Good Business Deal" (Flying A drama). This programme will he shown to-night and at both performances on Saturday. MARY PICKFORD'S RIVAL. Marguerite Clark, described as the "girl who is different," will appear at the Theatre Royal, New Plymouth, on Monday evening next in the title role of the five-act Famous Players' masterplay, "Wildflower." Miss Clark, who has just taken America by storm, with her winsome personality, her piquant beauty and almost elfin grace, is looked upon I as a serious rival to Mary Piekford, who has hitherto enjoyed unlimited popular- ' ity in the picture world. In "Wildflower" she appears as an unsophisticated child of nature, a part that suits her ■style admirably. This should give New ■ ■•"• -i; 'i <l opportunity of judging between the two artists in question, as "Wildflower'' is a typical Mary Piekford role. It will be shown for three nights at the Theatre Royal, commencing, next Monday.