AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

MARY PICKFORD IN "RAGS." A BEAUTIFUL PHOTOPLAY. The most popular picture-player in the world, Mary Pickford, appearing in the title role of "Rags," a tensely human photo-play by the Famous Players' Company, drew such crowds to the Empire Picture Palace at both performances on Saturday, that numbers were turned away. There is something almost amounting to an enchantment about Mary Pickford that has won hor the title of "the world's sweetheart." Perennially fresh, youthful, and piquant, this dainty little player with her winsome smile and innate ability to live the part she is entrusted with is assured of success in whatever type of play she takes part. But Mary Pickford is undeniably most at home as the- rugged uncouth character such as that of the heroine in "Rags." The story commences with the wooing of Alice McCloud by a hank manager and by his cashier, Ferguson. The choice falls on the cashier, and the manager accepts the verdict without demur. He discovers later that Ferguson has robbed him, and he gives the defaulter six hours to quit the town. The cashier marries Alice and they go West. Ferguson takes to drink, and his wife dies, leaving him a tiny infant davghter. Sixteen years elapse, and the former infant, now known as "Rags," is a unkempt girl who dominates the uimp at Blind Man's Gulch. Even her drrnk-sodden father obeys her to some extent, and "Rags" defends her parent like a man when occasion demands. Keith Duncan, a young mining engineer, nephew of the bank manager who \v\oed Alice McCloud.in vain, comes West and lecomes a champion of "Rags." The girl is attracted by the handsome young Easterner, and when his life is threatened by her father and his gang of wouldbe thieves "Rags" brings the sheriff. The father receives a fatal wound, but in his last moments he pencils a message to the bank manager consigning "Rags" to his care. Keith is" also severely wounded and poor "Ragg" reluctantly leaves him to go Fast to her new guardian. The old-time suitor of her mother takes "Rags" into liis homo, but her eccentricities, most laughable as ihey are, at first perturb the old man and his household. In the end the banker thaws and sends "Rags" to a boarding school, where she receives the necessary "finish" and then returns to him. The banker is now dying, and Keith,- who has been unable to find 'Rags'" whereabouts, is astonished to discover her installed in his uncle's house. The banker makes his will in favor of the young couple providing that they marry, and the concluding scene gives promises of a joyous new future for "Rags" and Keith. The film which is GOOOft in length, occupies the entire second part of the programme. The introductory pictures are "The Pathe Gazette," and "The Cub and the Daisy Chain" (Mr. and Mrs. Drew in a Vita! comedy). The orchestra, under direction of Mrs. .T. .1. George contributed most enjoyable selections. "Rags" will be shown again to-night and tomorrow night. 'FRIEND AND FOE" TO-NIGHT AT THEATRE ROYAL.

The pictures of the Navy holding Germany down in the North Sea which will bo shown for the first time to-night at the Theatre Royal, are the most "actual" naval pictures ever taken anywhere. Such, at any rate, is the verdict of the London press generally. Mr. Balfour, First Lord of the Admiralty, said in his speech at the Empire Theatre (where the films were first unrolled) that lie had "done his individual best" to send the photographers where they could get the most real records of the Navy on duty in the North Sea. Practically the only restriction placed on the naval films was that they must not betray the whereabouts of the squadrons and flotillas. Otherwise the Navy, which so triumphantly rides the seas, can be seen on the screen as vividly as it was by. the few pressmen who were allowed to visit the Grand Fleet. The growing belief that the German fleet may risk a fight with Britain makes the war films specially interesting at the present time, and even exciting. They will be intertsting to a degree, and especially if there be any truth in the report that the German navv is about to sally from its place of shelter at Kiel. The navy films will display exactly in what formidable guise the Britisli Fleet aAvaits its enemy. Another feature of the programme will he the "Famous Players" screen adaptation of the successful comedy-drama, "The Bachelor's Romance," with the noted character-actor, John Emerson, as the woman-hating bachelor, who, while dodging all other women, falls to the charms of his young ward.' The picture is a most delightful one, and although laughter is prevalent throughout, delicate' pathos plays, a not less important part. The acting and production are excellent. Other films include the Pathe War Gazette and a comedy cartoon, "Colonel Hiozaliar—War Dog."