AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

LAST NIGHT OF ALLEN DOONE IN "THE REBEL." Last night the T'leatu; Royal was the scene of much animation, the occasion being the initial presentation in films of the romantic actor, Allen Doone, also the new "singing' pictures," both of which were a decided success. Allen Doone appears in the stirring Irish melodrama, "The Rebel." The story is an exciting one, the many escapades of Jack Blake (the rebel) and his sweetheart Eileen, keeping the close attention of the spectator. Jack Blake, whilst a proscribed rebel, comes miles to be married at night to Eileen by a proscribed priest, and just after the ceremony, when Father Kelly is being hanged, according to military law, Jack rushes in, scatters the military to the four winds of heaven, and with his own gjfcod sword cuts the rope and saves the soggHith's life. But these are trifles compared to his escape on the night preceding his execution. The rebel in the next cell having opportunely committed 9uieide. Jack takes his pkje in the coffin, and is carried to the van its of St. Olaf's, whore, by arrangement, his friends are ti come and let him out; but the friends are late, and he is uncoffined by a pair of conscientious body-snatchers, whose custom it is to put in rocks the exact weight of the. purloined corpse. Having revived Jack with whisky, and having put in his exact weight in stones, they and Jack go into hiding, having first nailed on the lid of the cofiin. Jack's friends arrive, and are about to free him, when the villain, smelling a rat, comes along with the military, and after an exciting scene, the redcoats make'assurance doubly sure by firing a volley into <bt coffin. Then events move quickly with Eileen, who believes herself a widow. She is still pestered with the attention of the archvillain, Gaptain Armstrong, who proposes honorable marriage to her; but in the meantime Jack Blake returns, fights a duel with Armstrong, ;:i which he kills him; then, with his bride, escapes to France. The introduction of .the singing pictures proved a welcome novelty. Whilst ar vocalist sings the captivating Irish ballad "When 1 Dream of Killarney,'' the film presents tie action of the word 3 on the screen, the synchronisation being perfect. Several other fine films are also included on the programme, which will be finally shewn to-night.

EMPIRE PICTURES AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. '

Probably a better ni!-round bill of excellence has never before ljeen presented at tlie above popular picture house than the new series shown last night to a large audience. The piece de resistance is the tluoc-reel Vitagraph Broadway star feature, "The Way of the Transgressor," in which Miss Leah Baird and Leo Delaney appear in the principal role 3. The brilliance of the narrative and the talent of the actors make tliis a delightful picture which breathes the fascinating atmpsphere of high society on the one hand and the doings of cabaret froijuenteri on the other. Although long, the story is so human .and so engrossiv.b in its originality and treatment that it-grips the onlooker from start to finish. Another item which rivals the above picture is the Lubin drama, "Tlie Telegraphist's Peril." This storv, of the sensational order, reveals a tender romance which has been sympathetically treated by a well-ehoseii company (I 'players, who impersonate the characters with vigor and skill, whilst the scenery adds much to the artistic finish. Supporting these two capital items are "Ihe Cowboy Village" (comedy),. "Path t Australian Gazette," and "His Three Krides" (comedv) The new music by tie Symphony Or chestra is an added chain to a splendV. entertainment which will be repeated tonight and to-morrow. GABY DESLYS. , BOX PAN OPENS TO-pAV. The fame of Gaby Deslys is worldwide, for few have had wider publicity than the fascinating Parisian dancer, whose charms cost a king his throne, and who has danced her way into the hearts of thousands,'Of ad-nirers in Paris, London, and New York. Mdlle. Deslvs's charm and personality has bepn wonderfully caught, it ifi said, by the camera in the film story of her life, entitled "Her Triumph," which is to be screened at the Theatre Royal new Monday and Tuesday nights. Jlie j.inture, which is described as being gorgeously produced by the Famous Players Co., includes two nt' her own wonderful dance creations, "Dance Deslys," and "Danse des Apaches." The story is an excellent drama of the stage, with many excellent situations, and, Gaby DcMys reveals the fact that she can portray emotion as well as motion. Assisting Mdlle. Deslys is the well-known American d.mcer, Harry Pilcer, who ranks with Volinin as one of the world's best exponents of the classic dance. A strong suppoituig programme' has been arranged and <peeial music will be supplied by the Symphony Orchestra. The box plan for both nights opons at Collier's this morning (Thursday). PAUL- DUFAULT. Paul iJufault, who is widely remembered in the Dominion for the charm of his voice and his personality, will give a concert in the Theatre Koyal, New Plymouth on Wednesday night next, May 24. It is expected that his admirers here will give him a right royoi welcome. Mr. Dufault opened his Australasian tour in New Zealand, instead of Australia, as heretofore, and his first concert was given in Dunedin on Easter Monday. It is stated that during Mr. Dufault's Dunedin season, it was found impossible to accommodate the crow,ls desirous of hearing him. So many were turned away from the first two concerts that an extra concert was announced, an! although only two days' notice was given he was greeted by another full hou-e. At Mr. Dufault's final Dunedin concert, not only all the seats and permitted standing room were occupied, but the stage also was called into requisition and filled, and even then, many were turned from the doors. In' Christchurcb, where Mr. Dufault opened last Monday week, the audience have been limited only by the walls of the theatre. According to the critics, Mr. Dufault is in splendid voice. The Dufault season here is limited to one concert only. The box plan will be opened at Collier's on Saturday morning next*