AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

LAST NIGHT OF MARGUERITE CLAItK IN GRETNA GREEN.

Record business is reported- from the Empire Picture Palace where the favorite Marguerite Clark, who stars in the Famous Players' comedy romance, •'Gretna Green," appears to have captured the fancy of local picture-lovers. The essentials that make for the success of this charming film play a-ppear to be the brightly constructed plot with its big underlying human interest ant! the irresistible acting of the leading lady. In "Gretna Green," Marguerite Clark bewitchingly portrays the adorable character of Dolly Erskine, a little English belle and a bit of a flirt, who queens it over the beaux of the realm with sovereign sway, until she loses her heart under the circumstances both humoros and dramatic. Miss .Clark's winsome personality, her piquant beauty and elfin grace assist her in m&kinlc the role of Dolly one of her greatest creations. The romance and humor of "Gretna Green" have thrilled and amused countless audiences as a play, and the screen version of this noted subject, with the amplification of the plot and the authentic reproduction of the famous Green, made possible only through the film production, enhance the general interest and appeal 0 f the story, while the striking and unique costumes of the period contribute to the total ■iharm of the picture. A'though "Gretna Green" is a lengthy film, it is by no means the only feature of the programme, "The Forecast" is a thrilling drama by the "Flying A." Company, whilst the old favorite iseystone artists, including Roscoe Arbuckle, make merry in "When Love Took Wings," which shows incidentally some very daring feats in spectacular flying, The Topical War- Budget is as interesting as usual, and there are also shown clever war cartoons by an artist who is also a humorist. "Gretna Green" and supporting films will be shown again for the last time to-night.

LAST NIGHT OF "MRS BLACK IS BACK." ..

TJie comedy with this catchy title, which will lie shown again at the Theatre Royal to-night, and finally presented at the matinee to-morrow, was x most successful theatrical venture last year in New York, a large measure of the success being due ito the clever acting of America's distinguished comedienne, Miss May Irwin. Fitted by nature for the part of the plump, goodnatured, but timid widow, who seeks happiness for the second time by marrying Professor Black, Miss Irwin brings a wide stage experience and pleasing personality to aid in the unfolding of this delicious comedy. Critics state that the comedy has gained by its "fllmatisation" by the Famous Players Co., and that Miss Irwin is even better on the screen than on the stage. Mrs. Black courts trouble by yielding to her woman's weakness in hiding her real age —and knocks some nine years off her ripe 36—and then the fun commences.' Her son, by her former marriage, who was in England when his mother became Mrs. Black, returns to America, and he is a fine strapping chap of !"• Mrs. Black's attempts to reconcile her son with her 27 years, result in much wholesome and hearty comedy. The play moves swiftly through five acts, and it kept last night's -Audience in roars of laughter throughout. The programme also includes "The Crack o' Doom," a two-reel episode of "The Trey o' Hearts." "The Wardrobe Woman," Vitagraph drama of stage life, "Topical War Budget," imd "A Stone in a' Tea Cup" (enmedv). On Saturday night arrangements have, been made to screen "Rags," Mary Pickford's masterpiece, at this theatre. Seats may be reserved at Collier's.

THE MARY PICKFORD SEASON. The announcement that Mary Pick.forti will appear on the screen is sufiicent to attract and when she lias such a charming story as "Rags," and a character to play that suits her perfectly, it is not to be wondered that the theatre is packed to the uttermost and that hundreds are unable to obtain admission. Such has been the experience of every manager who has secured "Rags" for his theatre. Possessing rare charm, a mhgnetic personaltiy, beauty, and undoubted talent. Miss Mary Pickford is undisputably the foremost in her profession to-day. She has scarcely ever failed to give a great performance, though some plays suit her style and personality better than others. As "Rags," the chief character of the play of that name, filmed by the Famous Players, Miss Pickford's remarkable versatility and talents are given free scope; her glamour is irresistible. "Rags" is a waif in a Montana mining town, an imp of mischief, a terror to all the boys in the town, and to her father whom she loves with a devotion that "no cruelty can destroy. However, romance comes into this strangely warped nature, and in time "Rags" 'is transformed into "Riches" with something of the polish of society. The play is wholesome and sweet, and above all human. It is doubtful if there are any plays ever written with such tender sentiment and strong appeal. "Rags" will be shown at the Empire Picture Palace on Saturday. both afternoon-and evening, also on Monday and Tuesday nights. On Saturday night MRags" will also be screened at the Theatre Royal.

"FRIEND AND FOE." There have boon several naval pictures of more or leas interest shown since the commencement of the war, but the genuineness of these has often been doubtful. Of the pictures to be shown at the Theatre Royal next Monday, there is no question as to the genuineness of the subjects. "Friend and Foe on the High Seas,'* shows not only the various units of the British fleet sweeping the seas and guarding the North Sea. but also a unique series of views of the German fleet in Kiel harbour, and of their submarines at work. These views were taken quite recently, and readied England through a neutral country, of course unknown to Germany. The picture is about 2000 ft long, and is most interesting and impressive. On the same programme is a 4500 ft comedydrama, "A Bachelor's Romance," produced by the Famous Players Co., whose films bear the hall mark of success. Mr. .John Emerson, the eminent character actor, is said to have a delightful part that suits his methods wonderfully. The "Pathe Gaaette" and "Colonel Heezallier," a new brand of cartoon comedies are included.