AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

"THREE WEEKS" TO-N'IGHT AT THE EMPIRE.

No photo-play production has eausod such a sensation throughout the world as "Tliree Weeks." It has been censored and censured, and as a story of love

that scorned to count the cost we leave our patrons to judge if Elinor Glynne'i heroine was beyond the ordinary laws of morality, and therefore justified by extenuating: circumstances in her conduet or stands condemned before the world. For the benefit of those who bave not read the book we might say (to put it tersely) tihat "Three Weeks" tells a story of love that scorned to count the cost. It is a romance of passion and sacrifice wherein the heroin.' has been censured, and on the other hand had the sympathy of those who claim'extenuating circumstances justified tier conduct. Elinor Glynne claims that her lady is a deep study and was in a certain sense above the ordinary moral law v Picture lovers in seeing "Three Weeks'' will also have their fondness for melodrama- satisfied in the sensational duel scene and several otiher high tension climaxes. The film will only be shown to-night, another entirely new programme being due for to-morrow.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES AND ORCHESTRA.

Seldom has a stage success been so well adapted to motion pictures as in the case of Sir Charles L. Young's notable play, "Jim the Penman," by the Famous Players' Company, which is being screened for the last time to-night at the Theatre Royal. Rnrelv has such a realistic and interest-gripping story been told, and rarely indeed has «ny plav been so '.veil acted and produced. The play is splendidly mounted, the utmost cure having been given to every detail, and the interpretation by a most capable company, headed by the distinguslied American actor, Mr. John Mason, wilio gives a forceful yet natural impersonation of the leading character, is all that could be desired. The plot moves along logically and clearly, aud tells in a vivi'd intense* manner the temptation and fall and career of the notorious forger, "Jim the Penman,'.' and of his double life in business and society until the final dramatic climax. It is a play that grips from beginning to end. Supporting tflie star :>icture is a bright Sidney Drew comedy, 'Beautiful Thoughts," some magnificent views of Canterbury. England, and the ! atest "Patlie Gazette." The musical programme by the symphony orchestra is an entertainment in itself. To-mar-row night the official war films of "Britain 'Prepared" will be screened for tlhe first time.

"MOTHER GOOSE" PANTOMIME. j ■T. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present their 1916 annual pantomime, "Mother Ooose," at (he Theatre Royal on Tuesday next. The box plan will be opened at Collier's on Friday next. "Mother fioose'' will introduce'here several artists who will make first appearances. Tlie "principal l>oy," Miss Lilian Dc Vpnny is among these. It is affirmed hat she is easily the best amongst many hat have been hitherto seen in Ausralia. ■ Miss De Venny will appear as Colin" and her two principal songs are U\s a lons, long trail," and "My Little 'lream Girl," a catchy mnnber the chorus ■>f whii'li is helped out, l>v the blacking •nit of all lights ill tlve theatre and the ■widen appearance of "The Dream Girl,"

■ lin floats nut over the heads of the i'p joins in the refrain. An- »(!«» "" "il'ir item is ."Soldier Boy," a >■ 1 -"'n enhanced by a fine swinging There are doubtless many who ; ll ri'ini'mhor Miss Maud Fane as a ■lever comedienne. It is said that her olayinjr of "fill" (principal girl) leaves nothing to he desired, she hem? the qnintessenso of nerve and daintiness. Other songs of much snap and interest are "Balloons,"."Private Cassidy. V.C.," and a telephone song "Hello Adelaide." Mr. Arthur fttigant (Mother Goose) is said to be the best and most legitimate pantomime "Dame" for many years. Mr. Victor Kelly is also credited with being humorous to a degree. As "Priseilla" I the goose), Mr. Albert Felino is generilly voted superb, his impersonation being spoken of as a revelation of animal <utmg. Miss Maggie Dickinson has received great praise for the portrayal of "Grctchcn." As the "Fairy Queen" Miss Gladys Davies is acknowledged to be a tower of strength to the production, while Mr. Billy Le ]?run as "The Donkey" and afterwards "The Horse" is said to be ■in a class by himself. What is said to be a wonderful acrobatic act is given by Messrs. Ross and Falls, which terminates sensationally with the thrilling balancing of a pile of tables and chairs reaching almost to the flies.