AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The Thaiihouser Company's «rcat serial, "The Million Dollar Mystery," "has proved a strong attraction since it began at the Empire Picture Palace some time ago. The story has lost none of its interest, and in this week's instalment Trapped by the Flames," there are many exciting moments. A masked ball is one of the big scenes, and during the ball an explosion causes a great conflagration. This again affords Jim Norton an opportunity of rescuing Florence and the versatile reporter proves equal to the occasion. Another good drama on the programme is the Vitagraph Company s production featuring the popular Edith Storey, entitled "Love's Way " a splendid story of a man's redemption. Two highly-amusing comedies are "Honeymoon Pact," by the Vitagraph Company and featuring Lillian Walker and Billy Tuirk, and "Never Again," by the K.B. Company. Of particular interest just now is the Gaumont scenic "In the Heart of Egypt." The subject was one oflermg much scope to the photographer, and the most has been made of it Every week something that attracts your attention is seen in the Pathe Gazette This number is full of .-icenes from the war zones. A fresh addition to the'popular "Hazards of Helen" railroad series will be shown in "A Matter of Seconds." In this the intrepid Helen Holmes shows how remarkably daring she can 'be-when occasion arises. This splendid programme will be shown at both performances today and again on Monday for the last time.

THEATRE ROYAL.

Thp current programme of photoplays at the Theatre Royal will be presented at the matinee at 2.30 this afternoon and finally screened at S o'clock to-night. The series is a strong one, there being two three-reel special features, in addition to the serial drama "The Trey 0' Hearts," which had such an auspicious opening here last week. This is the second instalment now showing and the story goes merrily along, everything seeming to indicate the success of the hero's plans in eluding the villain's wicked machinations, although the old saying "true love never runs smooth" is often much in evidence. Lovers of the mysterious will find much to interest them in "Tho Avenging Hand," a weird, I;ut fascinating story of ancient Egypt. A modern story is "One Performance Only," a Vitagraph Broadway feature of unique conception. The programme also includes topical war' views and comedy items. Owing to the Theatre Royal being otherwise engaged there will be no pictures shown there next Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

'GET-RICH-QUICK; WALLINGFORD."

"Get-Rich-Qniek Wallingford," George Cohan's famous comedy, last staged jn New Zealand by Fred Nible, will be presented by special arrangement with

•I. C. Williamson, Ltd., at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday next for the farewell performance of the "Within The Law" company, which is again headed by Miss Hilda Dorrington and Mr. Lionel Walsh. "Get-Rich-Quick" is the comedy that should do no end of good at tho present troubled times, a clean sentimental play showing how simple it is to become a millionaire, providing one can only find a sufficient number of boobs or believers in company promoters. The comedy is clean, sparkling, and unusual. The season will be openel with "The Man Who Stayed At Home," the thrilling spy play, which has already become famous. "The Man Who Stayed at Home" will be staged on Tuesday night and the season will 6c strictly limited to two nights. The box plans are now on view at Collier's where seats may be booked without any extra fee. "UNDER *TRE.»

Probably on no former occasion has so much genuine interest been aroused by the J. C. Williamson management for any similar presentation than that which is being centred in the production of the great war play "Under Fire," which i 3 to be produced by the Julius Knight company at the Theatre Royal on Monday night next. This pro-Allies war play is not merely a series of ex.l- - incidents, but a play of impressive power, both as regards action and dialogue. It reflects, too, the meaning of the great world struggle now proceeding in a form that will drive home the lesson it inspires by every phase of the drama. It achieved success in New York and Australia, where its pro-Ally sentiments made a strong appeal to sympathisers with the Entente powers. Scenes on the Western front, including the invasion of Belgium by the Germans; interior of a shell-swept cathedral in France, and the British trenches furnish many exciting incidents. "Under Fire" will be interpreted by a brilliant company, including the diatinguishe.d actor,* Julius Knight. It is stated that over 150 people take part in this production, which is to be staged for one night only. The box plan is now on view at Collier's and as this great attraction is being looked forward to with much avidity by theatregoers, the wisdom of booking seats Will no doubt commend itself.