AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

CHARLES CHAPLIN AND MADRICE OOSTELLO AT '"EMPIRE" TO-NIGHT. Maurice Costello, one-of . tlie pioneers in cinema acting, heads the title role of the three-reel Vitagraph' Broadway feature, ' "The Criminal,"' which' stars in the new programme at the Empire Picture Palace to-night." "The ' Criminal'' portrays a fascinating story of the idle rich, society criminals, and underworld vipers. It points a big moral in no uncertain manner, striking straight from the shoulder, so to speak. ''The Criminal" is stated to be more than a drama, more than a photo-plav; something that holds and rocks the onlooker with its immense power and strength. Lovers of comedy-burlesque will'find "The Property Man" to tlieii; liking. This is a two-reel "Keystone" with the full' strength of the biggest mirth-making organisation in the Universe and the one and only Charles Chaplin in the name part, 'it is claimed for this remarkable comedy that it eclipses anything of the sort ever attempted, both in cleverness and novelty of its humor. Supporting these two big features are several other interesting items. "Topical War Budget" and "The Allies in the East" depict war scenes of some moment. The Edison players enact a sweet drama of old Erin entitled "A Sprig of Shamrock" and diverting comedy will bo found in "A Pair of Birds" and "A Country Girl." The orchestral music will, as usual, ue a feature of the ente'.'taimnent. THEATRE ROYAL. Commencing to-morrow night at the Theatre? Royal an new programme of photoplays will be presented. I.lie main feature is a Vitagraph Broadway star in three reels entitled "The Easterbrook Case," in which Roger Lytton and Julia Swavne Gordon appear in leading roles. Here is the story in brief:—Grace van Austin is engaged to Paul Sturgess, but at an evening party- she pays attention to a man named Howard Easterbrook. Paul quarrels with Howard, but they are separated. That night a servant sees !Paul making for Howard's room with a revolver; but Paul gets away, and >vhcn the servant goes into the room to warn Howard, a hand appear and stabs Howard. Paul is accused of the crime and sentenced to deat.i. and just as he is put in the electric chair, a woman rushes up and declares slie killed Howard Easterbrook. Why did she do this! The woman was not Paul's sweetheart. See the film and discover the reason. It is a .heart-throbing photoplay, a verit- , able whirlwind of emotionalism. Supporting films- will include "The Conn-, terfeit Rose," winch is the eighth instalment of the popular "Trey 0' Hearts" serial drama; "War Gazettes" and a trio of excellent comedies. THE ROYAL* STROLLERS. At the Theatre Royal this evening the Royal Strollers wili make their first appearance, and, as they come with the highest reputation, patrons are expecting an entertainment quite out of the ordinary, and if report be true they will not be disappointed with Mr. Sydney ■Tames and his hand of merry-makers. The drummer introduces some quaint effects in "the manipulation of his instrument. The Royal Strollers are unorthodox in their style, and from the rising of the curtain on their woodland setting everything tlie.v do is original, quaint and refined. After an instrumental selection under the direction of Mr. Arthur Frost, the Strollers introduce themselves, and from then on dull care -is banished, and everything is bright ahd sparkling. First comes an opening chorus, then a medley, followed by duet, song and dance, by Miss Madeline Rossitcr and Mr. Desmond. Then comes Chief Stroller James with his criticisms on "Songs and Singers." The basso, Mr. George Graystone, will contribute an item, and a new arrangement of "Th ree Blind Mice" by Misses Rossiter, Milne, Lewis, and Messrs Desmond, Graystone and James will be followed by a series of songs at the piano by Miss Gwen Lewis. The first part of the programme will be concluded with Mr. Sydney James in his ventriloquial scena in which he will introduce "Billy," the incomparable jester. The second part commences with an instrumental selection, followed by a vocal solo by Miss Connie Milne, then Miss Rossiter will present one of her dance specialities. and Mr. 'Desmond will contribute ragtime numbers and a wonderful eccentric dance. An original burlesque entitled "Our Picture Palace" will conclude the entertainment, and in this' clever sketch all the members of the company will appear as favorite picture players; this item is described as being screamingly funny and a clever satire on the "movie" rage. The box plan is now on view at Collier's. To-morrow night the Strollars appear in Eltliam.