AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

ALLEN DOONE COMPANY. Our theatrical public will bo interested end glad to hear that the cultured and plover Irish comedian, Mr. Allen Doone, will shortly make his re-appearance in this town. The run ot success he made will be remembered by many, who admired til., style of play be produced, and his countrymen have every justification '; making him a popular idol, for he is fnging the Irish character in its true •inner, elevated, generous and clean.

.r. Doone comes to us with a new p'ay and several new songs, and the mounting will as before be of an elaborate and luxurious character. He will ippear on Tuesday, July 3. The play, "Molly Dawn," is described as a gem of Irish life and literature. Its progress through America was a triumph ana judging by the Australian record its success, it should prove a magnet here. Mr. Doore has the same clever and popular company and he is still supported by the charming and captivating- actress, Misa I'.dna Keeley, We extend Mr. Doone and his company a hearty welcome. The plan and day sales are at tl e Collier Piano Company. THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. ■ "JIM THE PENMAN."

Decidedly one of the very best examples of modern pioi,' ever seen locally, the !'':.>. his Players Company's "feature" /,„. ' 'im the Penman" was screened -.it the new programme at the Thofllu ' ryl lust evening. The original :■ ' ■■• duct ion of Sir Charles L. Youi."'s, :.:iu-,ited work was a remarkable success when it was brought out about thirty years ago. It is g»ldom that the film companies manage to attain such a realistic interpretation as in the. case of '-Jim the Penman." The story readily adapts itself to cinema portrayal, and therefore eom\ plete coherency is maintained without a plethora of sub-titles. The play is superbly mounted, and there is a general regard for nicety in detail which makes for conviction in every scene. Tln> interpretation leaves nothing- to be desir<d. Mr. John Mason, the distinguished American actor, is responsible for a forceful, yet natural impersonation of "Jim th« Penman." Those who appreciate pood acting will immediately renlise that in this department the subject is magnificently treated by a talented cast. The introductory scenes show Jamea Ralston. : :'ner of a New York bank, in love wit] '»autiful Nina L'Estrange, who, howt lor. rejects his offer of marriage and accepts Louis Pereival, Rnlston's young associate clerk. Here commences the double life of Ralston, and Imp events and incidents which earn for him the title of "Jim the Peman." It is a true feature production and worth going a long way to see. The first part of the programme, which is distinctly meritorious, includes "The Royal City of Canterbury" (Gaumont scenic), "Pathe Gazette," and "Beautiful Thoughts" (Sydney Drew comedy). The orchestra, under direction of Mrs. George, contributed enjoyably. The same entertainment will be recreated to-night and io-morrow night.

EMPIRE HCTURE PALACE. Margarita Fischer is acting in "The Lonesome Heart" at the Empire Picture Palace for the last time to-night. 'The Lonesome Heart" is one of the most beautiful films screened here for some time The story reminds one of "Rags," Mary Pickford's big success, inasmuch a°. in each case an unsophieatetl child of nature if the heroine. Samanthy is an orphan. Her romantic nature finds little comfort in the orphanage. She escapes. The girl takes all her worldly goods in a handkerchip and all '■ t friends in a jam-tin, the only friend ■'. -\»g a frog, for which she has developed a liking. That is the ground-work, and upon this a oharming story is built. Supporting items innludo; "The Serpent's Tooth," a very amusing Vita, comedy; the "Gaumont Graphic" (war scenes included); "When Appearances Deceive," a forceful Kalem drama, and a screaming Charles Chaplin comedy. For to-morrow night the management announce the revival (for one night only), of the regally artistic film adaptation of Elinor Glyn's (at one time prohibited book) "Three Weeks." This production lias been passed by the censor as free from offence.

" "BRITAIN' PREPARED." SOME REMARKABLE FILMS. "Britain Prepared" is. the title given to a remarkable series of pictures which will be se-eened at the Theatre Royal, Vow Plymouth, commencing next Thursday. The films were taken with the approval of the Admiralty, War Office, and the Minister of Munitions, and they are said to give a wonderful insight into the extraordinarily complete measures adopted liy Great Britain to build up an army with a plentiful supply of munitions and everything else necessary to smash the long-prepared power of a nation desiring world dominion. There is a lesson in every foot of the series, and every foot should net as a recruiting agent, speaking with the voice of thunder of the work that has to be done and the duty of everyone to do his share. The pictures deal not only with the Army and the Navy, but they take the audience through munition plants, show tliem motor cycle corps at work, aviation work, raw re.-ruits to the finished article, and a visit to the Grand Fleet illustrated in a way which no words could describe. The second part of the programme is devoted to the Navy, and the pictures present battleships, mine-sweepers, destroyers submarines, and battleships under construction and being launched. Several views show the ships in rough weather, and the effect is described as grand. One of the most Instructive parts relates to the submarines, for the audience get a close view of them, and see this submarine submerge, also the,view the commanding officer obtains through the.neriseope is shown. A close inspection of the Queen Elizabeth is made, and particularly striking is the firing of her loin. guns. Many more scenes showing dozens of great grey shapes ,at anchor and under weigh only confirm the confidence felt by every Britisher in the might of our Navy. The box plan for the New Plymouth season is now open at Coliiei's.