AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1916, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. ; I The central feature of the new programme screened last night at the Empire Picture Palace is a magnificent Vitagraph drama, entitled "The Strange Case of Sylvia Gray." The story opens with the act of Sylvia Gray, the charming young wife of an impecunious playwright, who leaves him to become the companion of a rich young man named Lennox. He, however, soon tires of her, and while he i, 9 feasting with another woman she stabs him. Many years later her daughter, now an artist's model, falls under the power of Lennox, who I is_ travelling the country as a hypnotist. His own medium he is .tired of, eo he compels the girl, -by means of psychic influence, to accompany him and leave her fiancee. However, by a strange combination of circumstances and a wonderful dispensation of Providence, the two parent 8 are united to their child; the villain, Lennox, is murdered by one of his own paramours, and all' ends in happy circumstances. The plot is a thrilling one and the acting is very fine, the whole story being very powerful and heart-stirring. The supporting programme well merits attention, consisting as it doc 3 of the most interesting topical features, and two really clever comedies. The same films will be repeated for the last time to-night.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. \A new programme of photo-plays will be introduced to-night at the Theatre Royal. Owing to theatre bookings, this series can only be shown to-night and on Saturday afternoon. There are three big star features on the list, which appears to be a most attractive one. The famous Vitagraph Company are again to the fore with "The Mystery of Mary," a three-reel dramatic special. A strange meeting in a strange place leads to startling adventures. The plot of the story is thrilling and absorbing. Next comes the Ut.h episode of "The Master Key." This is the last instalment but one of ibis thrilling serial, and as the story draws to a close it become more interesting than ever. The Reliance Co. offer a two-part feature entitled "The Cass-Jancy Feud," featuring Raymond Dells, and portraying a stirring story of the mountains. Othe. films of interest include: "Pathe's Australian Gazette" (topical), "Playing Horse" (Lubin comedy) and "Bobby Bump's Adventure" (comedy). JOHXSON-WILLARD FIGHT FILM. At the Theatre Royal, New Plymouth, commencing to-morrow night, the John-son-Willard film will be shown. The season is for two nights only, and is creating a keen interest amongst the public of New Plymouth. . Apart from the fighting scenes, claimed to be some of the best every brought to Australasia, containing twenty-six most exciting rounds, the preliminary scenes are quite unique, the training quarters of both contestants being vividly depicted, and the latest and most up-to-date methods for preparing for a world's championship are shown. Willard, who is a magnificent specimen of manhood, gives an able exhibition of physical culture, and the system used by him is altogether different to any other yet seen. Johnson is also seen preparing for the great contest. The outdoor training, which took place around Mexico and Cuba, is an attraction in itself, and the scenic effects are truly magnificent. The management announce that the box plan is now open at Collier's, where intending patrons can reserve seats.