AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1916, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. It is now some months since the first episode of the Thanhouser Company's serial, "The Million Dollar Mystery," was screened at the Empire Picture Palace. During the time it has been running it has been witnessed by large numbers of people, and no little interest has been aroused by the doings of the "Black Hundred" in their endeavors to obtain possession of the million dollars which so mysteriously disappeared. Two episodes of the serial will be shown on to-day's new programme which will be screened at both afternoon and evening, No. 20, "The Secret Warning, and No. 21, ''The Documents in the Treasure Box.'' As the story nears its completion it increases in interest, and during the unravelling of the mystery sonic sensational and unexpected developments occur. The paper secured by Helen reveals a secret warning of great import. The Russian Minister of Police arrives in America and warns the Black Hundred. Jones confers with the Minister, and is spied upon, but cleverly fools the spies. His turn has come to crush the Black Hundred. Unknown hands lift the treasure box' from its hiding place and remove a package of documents which are intended for the Russian Minister. The Black Hundred learn this and lay plans to attack and rob the Minister. In addition, there is a strong supporting programme. "Black and White Snowball" is an original comedy by the Vitagraph Company. "Cutting Down Expenses" is a comedy by the Lubin Company. The Patlie Gazette, contains all the latest news from the various theatres of war. The Edison players present a unique fantasy entitled "'twas the Night Before Xmas," and the favorite Lubin artists are featured in "Think, Mothers," a powerful drama depicting the vaunting ambition of an avaricious mother who sacrifices her daughter's life and happiness for social position.

LAST NIGHT OF "THE WOLF." "The Wolf" again attracted a large audience to the Theatre Royal last night. This six-reel Lubin feature, which will be shown at the matinee to-day and finally screened to-night, tells one of the most powerful stories of romantic adventure seen in years. The life in the far north of Canada during winter and summer is depicted with rare fidelity, and the actors and producers must have spent many months in those regions in order to obtain the scenes the films show so clearly. They are nothing short of marvellous, and certain it is nothing finer has ever before been pictured. "The Wolf" was adapted from the book by Eugene Walter, whose tales of the wilds are so well known. In addition to this remarkable production the programme also contains "Dead Reckoning," by the Trans-Atlantic Co., being the fourth episode of the serial drama, "Trey 0' Hearts." The "Topical War Budget" and a most interesting science series by Edison of "Microscopic Pond Life." Picture enthusiasts should not miss the last opportunity of witnessing this—one of the finest programmes ever shown locally. For Monday night the management announce another extraordinary feature, "the blue ribbon" Vitagraph. "THE JUGGERNAUT." At the Theatre Royal on Monday and Tuesday next, there will be screened for the first time what has been described as "the colossus of modern dramas." "The Juggernaut," as it is entitled, does not deal with the terrible sacrificial car of the Hindu, but with its powerful and oftime3 equally dreadful counterpart of modern and civilised days—the gigantic railway combines of U.S.A. Of course, not all railway corporations are unscrupulous and inspired by the Dlood-lust for big dividends, but there is no doubt that many oi the privately-owned railways of the United Stateß are a disgrace and a death-trap. It is against such a corporation that John Ballard, the district attorney, fights with all the powers ho possesses, and succeeds, but not before the most awful catastrophe had happened to the New York express, upon which the daughter of the President of the Combine was travelling. The inspector had vainly warned the authorities that a trestle bridge was in a most dangerous condition, but owing to the expense the necessary repairs were delayed. However, fate takes a hand, and the huge express with its hundreds of human lives dashes headlong through the weak trestle bridge into the water below. It is said that never before has such a terrific ncene been achieved in motion-pictures. The picture does not depend on this one incident, for it is full of strong dramatic situations, and the acting, especially of the popular artists, Anita Stewart and Earle Williams, is of a very i''"' l order. It is safe to state thr.i such a picture with these two favorites in the leading parts will be one of the most successful ever ucieened in New Plymouth. A strong supporting programme has been arranged, which iucludes a two-reel "Chaplin" comedy, entitled "Caught in a Cabaret," in which the grott favorite Charles Chaplin is seen in a merry mood. A special musical programme will be supplied by a first-class orchestra of five players.

ALLEN IJOONE IN '-THE REBEL." At tho Theatre Royal on Wednesday aa* Thursday next there will be presented a five-reel photo-play acted and produced by Australia's most popular Irish romantic actor, Allen Doone. The title of this feature film is "The Rebel," and the story of the stirring times of 'OB, deals with a daring blow for the freedom of Ireland. It deals with tlie adventures of Jack Blake and Ned MeDermott, son of the Squire of Dunleckney Castle; of Captain Armstrong, of the Wicklow Yeomanry, who pretends to be "in" with the young rebels. He and Jack Bljke are' in love with Eileen McDermott, and once the military officer's real character and motives arc made clear, tho play simply teems with adventure and hair-breadth escapes. Edna Keeley as Eileen makes a charming heroine," whose "Irish heart is welling" to court the handsome Jack Blake. Of this picture the Sydney Morning Herald says:—"The play is prolific in exciting scenes, and the plot is highly dramatic. The various incidents were of absorbing interest to a crowded audience, which cheered the hero, sighed with the heroine, and hooted the villain." "The Rebel," with a strong supporting programme will be shown for two nights only.