AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

CHARLES CHAPLIN AT THE "EMPIRE" TO-DAY,

Miss Margarita Fischer, who is noted for her beauty, will be the star actress in the Mutual Film Company's pathetic, gripping, four-act masterplay "The Lonesome Heart," which heads the new programme to-day at the Empire Picture Palace. Margarita Fischer is an actress who achieved immense popularity by Season of her magnetic personality anil beautiful nature, and hcv appearance with the "movies" was an instantaneous success. In this big dramatic production, which is reminiscent of "Rags," Margarita Fischer has a part which displays that histrionic talent with which her successful career has been associated. The heroine of the drama never knew what home was. Placed in an orphan asylum the big world appealed to her, and she wandered forth seeking and finding adventure until love, the gentle healer, laid its balm upon her, and with the love of a good man she reached that peace of soul which is the Mecca of all persons. "The Lonesome Heart" is full of heart-stirring incidents; the appealing scenes carry one away out into the wilderness of emotion. Another feature of the new programme is a Charles Chaplin .'omedy. In this picture Charlie is as quaint and eccentric as ever, and he is given ample opportunity to display his talents in the infectious farce which bus been created. Mable Normand is in the' party which makes all the fun, and so also is Roseoe Arbuckle. Other films are '•Pathe War Gazette," "When Appearances Deceive" (Kalem drama) "The Troops at Salonika," and "The Serpent's Tooth" (Vita, comedy).

LAST DAY OF HELEN'S BABIES AT THE ROYAL. "Helen's Babies" continues to attract the populace to the Theatre Royal and cause hilarious laughter by reason of the delightful comedy which it contains. It is claimed that the play is the funniest and most wholesome production for prown-ups and children that has ever been screened. The heart interest iB contained in the pretty love story that "Helen's Babies" unfolds, the sentiment is tender and sweet, while the comedy is rollicking and witty. A big contrast to the merriment of the star feature is provided in the dramatic story "The Third Commandment," one of Kalem's best dramas. Another strong dramatic offering is "Steel Ribbons," which is the tenth instalment of "The Trey o' Hearts" serial story. Scenic and topical films are also ; ncluded This splendid series will b« shown at the matinee to-day and finally presented to-night. For Monday's change the management announce another Famous Players' masterplaj entitled ."Jim, the Penman," with a noted dramatic actor, Mr. John Mason, in the leading role. Mr. Mason has achieved an enviable -success on the stage, being recognised as the finest dramatic actor in America to-day. As James Ralston (Jim, the Penman) he invests tins character of the notorious tortrrr- VrSb gins for love's sake and afterwards is forced by his crime to follow out a double life, till deep remorse and retribution come), with a vigor and reality that grip the audience. The play, which was written by Sir Charles L. Young, was unjouotedly one of the foremost dramatic successes, and in film form is one of the most notable achievements of the camera. A fine supporting programme has been selected.