AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1916, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. "The Lure of the Mask," a most distinctive photo-drama in four acts, is the chief attraction of the new programme tp be shown to-night at the Empire Picture Palace. It is a romance of unusual power and plot, filmed from the book by Harold McGrath. The story concerns the identity of a veiled 9inger and it is full of mystery from beginning to end and the finish is a surprising one. Do you like stories dealing with the unseen, and the strange forces which are difficult to explain, but which at times have a tremendous influence over us? If so, "The Lure of the Mask" will take a mighty grip on your interest. It deals with the time-old fallacy that it is permissible for young men to sow their "wild, oats" without paying the penalty. The result comes to blight the love of two young people—all through a piece of foolish advice. Not only is. the soul of the guilty man, but that of the innocent girl attacked. It is a poworful warning to those who, even with the best intentions, deem it wise to inoculate a pure, idealistic nature with worldly experience. Supporting the big feature are: "Topical War Budget," "firinajaror" (Pathe scenic), "To Save Him for his Wife" (Vitagraph com-edy-drama) and Capt. lvidd and Ditto" (a comedy of rare merit). . LAST SCREENING OF "THE CRUCIELE." Many adjectives have been used to describe Marguerite Clark, the American picture actress, now appearing in the Famous Players five-reel, feature, "The Crucible" at the Theatre Royal. "Fascinating." "irresistible," "charming" and "talented" have all been used in turn, but perhaps the great secret of Miss Clark's success is her absolute naturalness. Seldom, if ever, has an actress, cither on stage or screen, so lost herself in the part as does this dainty little lady in "Mean Fanshawe," the lovable tomboy of Mark Lee Luther's story, "The Crucible." Not until the picture is finished does one realise that after all it is but acting—for the time being actual events seem to be happening, so convincing is the realism. This also applies in a somewhat less degree to the others in the cast, and is a big compliment to the producers of the picture. The story is a human story, such as might happen to anyone—no situation is forced, and the artists arc real flesh and blood people, not merely stage puppets. The picture is undoubtedly a great success, and will be finally presented to-night, together with a full supporting programme. " HOW WE BEAT THE EMDEN." In heralding the approaching screening at. the Theatre Royal of "How We Beat the Emden," it is confidently anticipated that picture patrons will extend liberal patronage to such a patriotic production. It is an Australian film secured hv special sanction of the Common- : wealth Minister for Naval and Defence, | and with the assistance and co-operation :of the Australian fleet. All the stir•ring, exciting incidents connected with the sinking of'the Emden are reproduced in the film, and are woven round a 'ory of patriotism, love, valor and de>tion to duty. The picture possesses strong dramatic interest, and contains "unv realistic scenes. Actual views ol 1 " Emden as she now lies at Cocos Is'"H battered and shell-torn, are in",u'l in the film, which will be shown '''I I .eatre Royal on Thursday, FriSaturday nexfe.