AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. Patrons of the Empire Picture Palace --and they are. many—cannot complain that their tastfs are not studied. The programme is' very frequently changed, and is never allowed to flag from want of variety. Certainly the efforts of the management to win approbation are not in vain. One of the foremost attractions on last night's new programme was the Vitagraph Co.'s Broadway feature, entitled "O'Oarry of the Royal Mounted,''' a three-reel drama of particular merit. The story is based on the "eternal triangle." and Miss Edith Storey's portrayal of the fema'e corner of the said triangle is a performance well worth seeing. The plot is laid amid the wild scenic splendors of the Rocky Mountains, some exceptionally beautiful scenery being revealed. There U a pleasing array of supporting films, chief among which are—"Sally's Busy Day." a comedydrama by the Jungle Film Co., one of the principal parts being played by "Napoleon,'' the wonderful chimpanzee, a film of which was shown here a week or two ago. This animal does everything but talk English, a draw-back not noticed in pictures: "The Topical Budget" shows interesting scenes in ill-fated Serbia; "Through the Dark Continent," portrays the primitive methods of cot-ton-spinning and making bamboo articles employed by native women in Africa; and there are several gocd comedies. Some excellent chosen and executed musical numbers accompany the screenings. The programme will be repeated to-night for the last time.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. i The rapt attention of the large audience and the hearty applause at the conclusion of each item testified to the way in which popularity had been at once secured by the new programme of star fi'ms shown at the Theatre Royal last night. It is one of the most interesting, and certainly one of the striking, series tlmt has been seen here for some considerable time. "Queen of the Rand" is put forth as the star film, but there are several other items which call for especial mention. The story of "Queen of the Band" is truly an exciting one, dealing with the theft and recovery of a priceless diamond. Ephode 11 of "The Master Key" is brimful of excitement. "Elsa's Brother" is a delightful domestic drama by the favorite Vitagraph players, whilst the comedians of the same company are seen in "The Highwayman." Most interesting war views are shown in the "Topical Budget,'' and "£O,OOO 'German Prisoners" make a sight to gladden the eye, The same programme will be repeated to-night. ELINOR GLYN'S "THREE WEEKS." The cinematograph production of Elinor Glyn's startling character creation—the wayward and tigerish yet suffering and beautiful Sonia, Queen of Severia—with all its imperfections on its head, must ever be regarded as a wonderful pipen of work, Brutally treated by the King, this woman of Slav origin, and with the peculiar Slav temperament, though loved and revered hv her people as the noblest lady who ever wore a crpxyn, (lies Into obscurity and lives incognito at Bergenstook. There begins and matures the story of an awakened soul, born of a first long kiss. Paul Verdayne, a young Englishman, finds this mysterious woman ft magnetic attraction. Her chameleon-like eyes, eternally changing their color, seem as wells oi love and passion, and as they gaze into his soul there comes to both undying love —the spirit of two natures v|. bratlng as one. A severe stroke of paralysis strikes down t|ie unworthy king. Ah tlhnft! Is pp son to succ.oed him, a fact which has earned him the contempt and hostility of his suhjocts, a successor from another line is chosen to succeed liim at his death. Tho Queen on hearing this decides that none but one harp in Soypria ijnd pf royal birth shall reign in Soveria, Then follows for Paul and the Queen what Miss Glyn describes as "Three Weeks"—of paradise. Later, the Slav Queen returns to Severia, leaving | hpr English Ipver disconsolate. In the eoprsp pf tin'P and evonts she presents her son and Pftul's as the true heir. The | dissolute King diplomatically aocepts the paternity of the child, and placates his subjects by proclaiming the fact to the patipp. Afterwards rage and jealousy awaken in him, Slid hp slays her. The film, which > s P v er 6000 ft long, will he shown at the Theatre Royal next Monday, Wednesday, The box plan for reserved seats opens at Opjljer's