AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES AND ORCHESTRA. "THE JUGGERNAUT" TO-NIGHI. There will be presented to-night for the first time in New Plymouth at the Theatre Royal, a picture-drama that is stated to have caused something of a sensation wherever it has been screened. "The Juggernaut," as it is entitled, is, according to exchanges, easily the greatest. film turned out of the studios of the "Vitagraph" Co., both because of the powerful and coherent story, and for the magnitude of the various scenes, especially of that forming the startling climax, in which the New York express dashes" headlong through a weak trestle bridge into the water below. Of this scene an Australian newspaper says: "The effect on the spectator is that of being about to be run over by the train, but just when the locomotive seems ready to spring from the screen into the stalls, the bridge gives way, and, instead, the whole train dives into the lake." The Vitagraph Co. state that they spent 50,000 dols. on this scene. But the picture is by no means a one-scene drama. There are said to be many powerful incidents, and the fight of the young lawyer against the unscrupulous railway combine is followed with breathless interest. It is claimed that this picture stands out as one of the most compelling of all the big feature films. The acting is said to be remarkably strong and convincing, with Anita Stewart and Earle Williams in roles that give them signal opportunities to reveal their undoubted talent. A strong supporting programme has been arranged, including a two-reel farce comedy, entitled "Caught in a Cabaret," which features the popular Charles Chaplin in his funniest creation to date. Another capital picture is "From Jungle to Trouble," illustrating the amazing and highly-amusing acting of two trained chimpanzees, Napoleon and Sally. The Pathe Gazette gives snapshots of scenes in Salonika, Serbia and in Flanders. There are some pretty scenes in Holland, and an amusing comedy film, entitled "Cartoons in the Country," one of the popular Edison series. This magnificent programme, which can only be shown to-night and to-morrow night, will be made doubly enjoyable by the introduction of a firstclass orchestra. EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE.

Since so much interest is being taken in the closing instalments of that mysterious serial photo-play, "The Million Dollar Mystery," the management of the Empire Picture Palace included two instalments (numbers 20 and 21) in the new programme shown on Saturday afternoon and evening to capacity business. Next week will see' the grand finale of the film, when the mystery which has puzzled so many brains will be solved. This week's episodes are rather dramatic. Jones, the butler, by his activities excites the animosity of the "Black Hundred," who try to make away with him by means of poisoned fruit. Florence is happily able to fmstrate this plot. The butler soon finds out that the Russian Minister of Police has arrived in America. He arranges to transfer the valuable documents, which had been recovered, to this gentleman. While doing so, however, Jones has occasion to go back to the house. Immediately two conspirators seize the Minister, bind and gag him, and relieve him of the securities. Then ensues an enthralling chase, in which Norton and Jones eventually overpower the ruffian who tries to make away with the stolen valuables. "Cutting Down Expenses," by the Lubin Company, is a rollicking picturisation of the penalties incurred by false economy. The latest European events and the newest Parisian fashions are ably photographed in the most recent "Pathe Gazette." The story of a mother's misplaced ambition in regard to her daughter's future is vividly told in "Think, Mothers," produced in the studios of the Edison Company. This famous company also presents a charming fantasy entitled "'Twas the Night Before Xmas.," which is well above average merit. ALLEN DOONE IN "THE REBEL.",

Produced by Allen Doone in Sydney, and pronounced by experts to be the most complete, thrilling and exciting picture ever taken in Australasia, thus the reputation with which "The Rebel" arrives here. "The Rebel" is one of those simple Irish stories of Erin which are attractive for the insight given into the kindly Irish heart. The plot is laid in the stirring times of 'OS, when a blow was struck for the freedom of Ireland. The adventures, 'the romance, the daring, the ingenuity of the hero, carry the story through with a swing and with many thrilling sensations, and he shows* himself to be a true son of the soil, and justifies the reputation of Ireland as being immune from the poison of ser-. pents. snakes and venomous things. Alien Doone as Jack Blake, the rebel leader, and Edna Keeley as Eileen, his sweetheart, give a delightful interpretation of the Irish character and the rest of the cast is in capable hands. "The Rebel," which is a five-reel feature, will be shown at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday and Thursday next. GABY DESLY& The name of Gaby Deslys is a familiar one to all those interested in the theatrical profession, although it is a new one in the picture world. The celebrated Parisian dancer, who came into prominence a few years ago in connection with the dethronement of King Manuel of Portugal, and who has had a wonderfully successful stage career, has appeared for the first time on the film in a picture entitled, "Her Triumph"—a story of stage life, and in which two of her famous dances, the ''Dance Deslys" and the "Danse Des Apaches" are presented Miss Deslys is assisted by the great dancer, Harry Plicer. The picture will be screened at the Theatre Royal early next week.