AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1916, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

NEW FILMS AND ORCHESTRAL MUSIC AT THE .ROYAL.

Coniemneing to-night at 8 o'clock, a new programme that promises to be of more than ordinary interest will be screened at the Theatre Royal. The principal atraction is a five-reel Famous Players adaptation of Sir Charles L. Young's sterling drama, "Jim the Penman," with the eminent dramatic aclor, John Mason, in the title role. The drama lias been one of the foremost dramatic successes of the stage. The unqualified triumph which it scored throughout the world was a tribute to its dramatic power and thrilling realism. Its portrayal on the screen has echoed with even louder voice that success. The story is evolved from the actual life and career of the notorious forger who lived a double life. To his friends and in business and society he was James Ralston, to his confederates and to the police he was "Jim the Penman,'' whose nefarious proceedings were alarming the business world of two continents, for his forgeries were wonderfully successful and almost undetectable. There came a time when Ralston wished to withdraw from his old life of crime and begin anew, but the net was closing around him. How he evaded his would-be captors and his final struggle with his partner in crime, leading up to the powerful climax, make one of the most intense stories yet shown on the screen. As "Jim the Penman," Mr. John Mason, the eminent American actor, is said to give a remarkably vigorous and artistic characterisation, and is ably supported by a mo3t capable company. As well as the feature film there will be a clever comedy. "Beautiful Thoughts," in which Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew are seen to great advantage. The "Pathe Gazette" and an English scenic complete the programme, The orchestra will provide.new and appropriate musical selections. Seats may be reserved at Collier's.

TWO FEATURE FILMS AT THE EMPIRE.

I Miss Margarita Fischer is one of the most popular picture actresses in Amei rioa to-day. and her fame has spread abroad like that of Miss Mary Pickford. i This is one of the reasons why the first screening of "The Lonesome Heart" at the Empire Picture Palace on Saturday was witnessed by crowded houses. The 1 film has been accurately described as a play which mingles smiles with tears, ■ and Miss Fischer's creation of Samanthy 1 sparkles v'th humor and glows with pathos—a 'jeautiful piece of acting by a beautiful actress. The American Film. Company has produced the drama with due attention to detail, and the scenery is charming in parts. In every sense of the word the film is a feature number, and must prove a big attraction, Another distinctive feature of this programme is the Charles Chaplin comedy, in which the inimitable Charles, assisted by Mabel Normand, provide a regular hurricane of mirth. Charlie gets drunk, or rather acts it, and as the inebriated masher he is funnier than ever. This week's Gaumont Graphic contains an interesting budget of topical news. An irresistible Vitagmph comedy is also on the bill. It is entitled "The Serpent's Tooth," the leading fun-makers being Wally Van and Miss Edwina Robert's. "With the French at Salonika" and "When appearances deceive" (Kalem drmaa) complete the splendid entertainment, which will be repeated to-night.