AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1916, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. Crowds were again turned away from this popular picture house on Saturday when the usual change of pictures were presented. The star film is entitled "The Only Son," another of those poular masterplays by the Famous Playcrs-Lasky combination. "The Only Son" is an elaborate representation of Winchell Smith's well-known work, and a most interesting and powerful emotional story has been produced. Thomas Brainherd's children, Gertrude and Thomas, were born while their parents lived in a log cabin in (he mountains. Brairtherd becomes a financial power in New York. He is so absorbed in big business that he neglects his family. His wife becomes fascinated by an artist, who sees a chance of making money from the wife of a magnate, and Mrs. Brainherd visits the studio. Luckily for her, the husband of a former victim shoots the artist before he does more harm. Brainherd is informed of the affair, and is shown a letter written by his wife to the artist. He turns the woman > out of his house. The son, a worthless spendthrift, sides with his mother. The son then goes into partnership, with a young man who has invented a new device in railway maintenance. The partners become rich, and the son eventually restores confidence and love in his father's heart. The picture gives great opportunities for -scenes and incidents that make one of the most thrilling and delightful stories of the screen. Two beautiful scenic films were also introduced.' "Modern and Ancient Rome" contains many charming glimpses of one of the most interesting cities in the world The Forum and the Coliseum, mighty stone edifices, are typical of "Ancient Rome," while "Modern Rome" is represented by St. Peter's and the Vatican. "The Jungfrau Railway" gives interesting glimpses of the Apline scenes of Switzerland.

ANZAC DAY IN LONDON. To-night and to-morrow night the programme will be further augumentcd by the introduction of the film depicting "Anzac Day in London," which shows the procession of "Our Boys" to Westminster, also the decoration of the heroes of the historic landing by General Sir F. W. Birdwood (the soul of Anzac). HENRY AINLEY TN "JELFS" TONIGHT AT THEATRE ROYAL. When a handsome'actor can act breezy and dashing roles in a convincing way he has a happy career on stage or screen. The best writers will gladly compose or dramatise a stirring story for him, and the film producers will fit him to pay a income tax. In this happy position is Henry Ainley, who was given the gallant character in "Rupert of Hent7.au" and "Brother Officers," and is now featured in the London film "Jelfs," to be screened at the Theatre Royal tonight, aho to-morow and Wednesday, The story of "Jelfs" introduces a vigorous, adventurous young Canadian, to his amazement brought to London to he the head of a great banking firm because he is Hie last of the Jelfs, and "at the head of Jelfs has always been a Jelfs." Anybody can see what a fine dramatic story is. possible with the introduction of this straight forward honest type of inan from the Dominion into supercilious London society and the intrigues of cosmopolitan finance. Richard Jelfs goes boldly ahead in his new career with the free confidence that fascinated Londoners when they saw it in the Anzaes; but it may be guessed that he has a hard row to hoe. He has to defeat the treachery of his financial and social enemies, and overcome the fastidious dislike of Lady Fcnclla for his "crudeness." The bluA young banker proves that he has brains equal to his courage, and carries the bank successfully through times of crisis which pack the film with exciting incidents. Another feature of to-night's programme is the record film showing •'Anzac Day in London," the procession to Westminster, decoration of the heroes of the historic landing by General Sir F. W. Birdwood ("the soul of Anzac"). Supporting items include "A Safe Investment" (a Sydney Drew comedy), and the latest Gaumont Graphic. Patrons are reminded that the film of "Anzac Day in London" will be shown on Monday and Tuesday only.