AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The current' programme at the above popular picture house attracted another large audience last evening. The same series will be shown for the last time to-night. "The Underground River," Which is one of the features of the series conatitutes the nineteenth episode of the adventures of Florence Hargraves in "The Million Dollar Mystery," which is becoming more and more sensational and entertaining as it nears the grand denouement. In the instalment now showing, Florence is trapped in a cave, where flows a great underground river. She plunges into this, and the gang follow. Norton eventually rescues her, after a thrilling fight in the water. The laugh-ter-producing portions of the programme are well worthy of notice. "Housekeeping Under Cover," by the notable World Film Company, proves to be one long scream. In "Think of the Money," the Lubin Company features a most amusing story of a legacy. The Edison Company is responsible for a vivid and pathetic domestic drama, "When Conscience Sleeps." Topical events are well described by the latest edition of the Pathe Gazette, and there are others.

THE MILLIONAIRE BABY. Commencing to-morrow (Wednesday) the management will present a story of gripping interest and one that is particularly alluring to the ladies, under the title of "The Millionaire Baby." This is one of the really great achievements in the world of modern motion pictures, and deals with the tragedy of a childless marriage—the mother-craving for the clutch of baby fingers and the mystery that surrounded an adopted child which a woman stole—from herself.

MARY PICKFORT) IN "MISTRESS NELL."

The seating accommodation at the Theatre Royal was severely taxed last night when "Mistress Nell," the beautiful film produced by the Famous Players' Film Company, was screened for the first time. The play, written by George C. Hazleton, junr., is reproduced in picture form, and depicts stirring incidents in the gay and dissolute life of King Charles IT., who was ever a pleasure and revelry-loving monarch. Mary Pickford added further laurels to her long list of triumphs in her portrayal of Nell Gwynne, the whimsical, impulsive and piquant favorite of the public and monarch of England in the latter half of the seventeenth century. Charles 11., in his free and pleasureseeking life, exposed himself to all manner of plots and intrigue, and it is from one of those that fair Nell rescues him. Louise, Duchess of Portsmouth, has designed to win over the King's affection towards Nell, and to wrest his kingdom from Mm, and transfer it to Loui9, King of France. Nell, having gained entrance to the King's court in disguise, witnesses the signing of the deed which is to give Louis control of England. She immediately sets about to frustrate the villainous designs of the Duchess. In the disguise of a young. blade of fashion she wins the confidence of Louis, and is herself given the documents to deliver. By a clever ruse she brings the King and his followers to her dwelling in search of the young blade who has disobeved all the rules of court etiquette. In a most sensational scene Nell reveals her own identity, and also the duplicity of the haughty duchess. The documents, together with a missive from Louise, are placed in the hands of Charles. The curtain falls with the monarch returning his gratitude to his faithful mistress. The scenery throughout the picture is most elaborate, and the succession of events i 3 depicted with attention to accuracy and detail. Another noteworthy feature of the production is the gorgeous costuming of the performers. The drama is by no means a heavy one, for the many scenes between "the haughty duchess and Sweet Nell were the cause of ripples of laughter throughout the large audience. There is a strong supporting programme in which "The Traitor," a war drama. "Pathe Gazette," and some clever skits from "John Bull's Sketch Book" are worthy of particular note. "Mistress Nell" will be repeated again to-night and to-morrow night.