AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

MARGUERITE CLARK IN 'GRETNA GREEK" TO-NIGHT AT THE,' "EMPIRE.",. ■'. .... Marguerite Clark, the little actress of infinite charm and ability who lias won a host of admirers for her excellent work in "The Crucible," "Wildliower," and other Famous Players films, will appear to-night at the Empire Picture Palace in the romanti* comedy, ''Gretna Green." Miss Clark, who plays the character of Holly Erskine, a belle, a heiress, and a bit of a flirt, in this delightful old English play, adds further fnurels to her great reputation as one of the cleverest actresses in the silent drama of to-day. Though "Gretna Green" is a decidedly humorous production, there is a strong dramatic vein throughout the plot, which allows the fullest scope for the talents of Miss Clark. Commenting on the Wellington production of this film, the New Zealand Times says:—"The consensus of opinion among local picture critics and enthusiasts seems to point to "Gretna Green" being one of the most notable pictures of its class yet screened in the Dominion." The supporting features include "When Love Took Wings," a Keystone comedy featuring Roscoe Arbuckle (Fatty) and Mable Normand, "The Forecast," a powerful "Flying A" drama, and the latest "Topical War Films." "Gretna Green" will be shown for three nights. Seßts may be reserved at the Theatre or by 'phone 305. THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. TO-MORROW'S NEW FILMS FEATURE FAMOUS PLAYERS COMEDY. Miss May Irwin, as leading lady in the Famous Players' production, "Mrs, Black is- Back," will attract the crowds to the Theatre Royal to-morrow night. Comedies, on the screen are of varying quality, but there is no doubt about Mrs. Black being orte v 'of the most amusing characters yet 'discovered for the moving pictures. • As a widow of 40 years and the mother of a grown-up son she allows a professor of geology to marry her and believe she is only reaching the age of- 30. The marriage being an accomplished fact and the son being about to return from a sojourn abroad, Mrs. Black is confronted with the problem of hew to tell the truth about it all to her husband. Embarrassing situations, occur one after another, and the fun proceeds at a tremendous pace until the breaking point is reached. Mrs. Black then makes good her flight from the professor, who can forgive anything other than a lie, but as her motor-car breaks down she decides to come back, and all is arranged between husband, wife, and son. Miss Irwin's acting is responsible for the success of the comedy, which it :s said was great on the stage, and even better on the screen. Though the story luns to 5000 ft. of film, there is not a dull spot in it. The supporting items are all excellent. Full particulars will be announced to-morrow. I MARY PICKFORD IN "RAGS." Miss Mary Pickford, who has been named "The World's Sweetheart,'' will be seen at the Empire Picture Palace commencing on Saturday next in a 0000feet feature film by the Famous Players' Company, entitled "Rags." It has been said that "Rags" enables the clever actress to show her remarkable versatility as perhaps no other picture has done. As the sad little woman whose choice of a husband turns out so disastrously, Miss Pickford is said to present an appealing pathetic study in the prologue, and then, as the story move's on, as the little "Rags," the waif of the town, with a drunken father who needs her care, and for whom she is leady to fight all and sundry, a friend to all stray dogs and a terror to the lads, Miss 'Pickford gives a vivid and forceful portrayal. Romance comes to the little outcast, and happier days eventuate. "Rags" will only be shown for three nights and the matinee. The box plan is now on view at the Theatre where seats may be reserved for any n'ght. PAUL DUFAULT TO-NIGHT. To-night at the Theatre Royal the Paul Dufault concert will take place. Judging by the advance booking, the great tenor will be greeted by a completely sold-eut house. »This is not to be wondered at, as it is doubtful if any other male singer has ever attained as great popularity in this southern world as that achieved by the genial FrenchCanadian. According to press reports, Mr. Dufault is in superb voice, and has concerts have developed into a series nf ovations for the popular singer. Paul Dufault has a genius for preparing concert programmes, and that for to-night is being looked forward to With great interest. It is a very fine one, covering utmost every range of emotion. Mr. Dufault will introduce several new songs. 4mong these is "If You Would Love Me," which it is predicted by local critics will rival the popularity of "I Hear You Calling Me." The programme will also include two of the greatest 'favorites of his last tour, the' French march song, "Au Pays," and the hearttouching ballad, "How's My Boy?" Miss Pauline Bindley will sing an aria from "La Traviata" and a group of English ballads. She will also join with Mr. Dufault in a duet, "The Adieu." Miss Florence Scapini will play Lalo's "Spanish Symphony" as her principal violin lumber. Mi'. Harold Whittle will again delight us with his artistic accompaniments. The box plan is at Collier's.