AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1916, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

Empire picture palace. The popularity of the current programme at the Empire Picture Palace waß again well exemplified last night. Its screening was much admired and appreciated and the large audience went away feeling well pleased with their evening's enjoyment. "Chinese Vengeance," is a unique production enacted almost entirely by Chinamen. The story is of the Fai East, and deals with dreaded secret societies. There in a quaiutness about this film which makes it decidedly interesting. Lovers of social drama found pleasure jn the Kalenv feature "Under Oath." This is a further episode ir. the popular "Mysteries of the firand Hotel" series. The story is full of romance and deep. intrigue. Quite the best comic seen here for some time is the Edison production, "The Parson's Horse Race." - It is both very funny and very clever. A comprehensive series of views of Constantinople is intensely Interesting, the photography t( ing splendid. There are several' other good items all of which- will be shown for the last time to-night.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. An example of first-class English drama, the London Film Company's "feature" photo-ply "The King's Outeast," was screened with the new series at the Theatre Royal last night in the presence, of a large and fashionable audience. The interpretation by the producers' talented stock company is one that rises above the average, picture portrayal, and the plot is feasible and attractive. The principal character is Charles Faulkner, the squire, ' wlio is wrongly convicted and sentenced to penal servitude for the murder, 'of his brother. The nctual culprit is Captain Havcrleigh ("the King's Outcast"), who has been dismissed from the army for ill behaviour. Ten years ' later. Haverleigh returns tc the scene, and cunningly wins the friendship: of the squire's son, who now is in possession Of the estate. Not only does "lie rob young Faulkner at cards, but induces him to arrange an elopement with Marjory, the local innkeeper's pretty daughter. Haverleigh also persuades young Faulkner to attempt to deceive the girl with a bogus marriage ceremony. The old squire escapes from prison, returns to the manor, disguised, in time to thwart the evil machinations of Haverleigh, and bring about the arrest of the scoundrel for the murder of the squire's brother. The ending is happy and satisfying to all. ; There is a two-reel fun-maker, "Pat Hogan—Deceased," which is irresistibly laughable. Hug-hie Mack, as the 'lrishman who comes back to life and finds his "widow" (Flora Finch) about to marry the false friend who had reported him dead, is as humorous Rs could be wished for. Another prominent item is the final episode of "The Master Key." The quest is ended at the death of the villain and as the ptory closes Ruth and Dore 1 are seen entering . the door of happiness, which has been opened to them' by -the "Master Key of Love." The series also include? the latest topical war pic tures, a "Hazards of Helen" railroad romance"- and two rare comics. ' The entire jfirogramme will be repeated again tp-night',Vand at both performances toriiorrow.