AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1916, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE CHRISTIAN" A masterful adaptation of Hall Caine's | famous story "Tlip Christian," by the London Film Company, constituted the entire programme at the Theatre Royal last evening. The subject, which was produced under the personal supervision of the author himself, occupies eight reels of lilm. The London Film Company have exhibited much enterprise in securing some completely characteristic scenes in London, and a glimpse of the great race for the Derby in accordance with the episodes of the story. Derwent Hall Caine, son of the author, who has played the role of John Storm many limes on the legitimate stage, figures in that part in the film version. Miss ' Elizabeth Risden gives a commendable characterisation as Glory Quayle, and of the other parts that of Francis "Drake is a brilliant achievement by Gerald Ames. The excellence of the work is abundantly manifest. The plot of "The liristian" has become familiar to the public, not only through the extensive sale of the book, but also by the stage dramatisation. The principals are .iohn Storm, a young London clergyman, and Dorothy Quayle, the granddaughter of a clergyman, whom he. falls in love with. Dorothy is attracted by John, and frequently meets him when she takes up work as a nurse in a London hospital. Dorothy has an ambition to go on the stage, and is encouraged and assisted by ° a wealthy acquaintance, Francis Drake. In the glamor of her new surroundings she is drawn away from John Storm, whose good work among the poor of London has made him famous. How Glory and John are brought together again is portrayed under tensely drama tie circumstances. Making one of the most enjoyable picture entertainments possible. The orchestral music throughout was excellent and most appropriate. "The Christian" will be repeated again to-night and to-morrow night. LAST NIGHT OF VIOLA DANA AT THE EMPIRE. "Gladiola," the F.dison four-reel nusterplay, will be shown at the Empire Picture Palace tonight for the last time. Miss Viola Dana, who played the principal parts in the Edison dramatic successes, "The Stoning," and "Children of Eve," is seen to great advantage in "Gladiola." The story is placed in beautiful scenery where the wonderful gladioli flowers are grown, and different scenes traverse acres upon acres of the lovely flower. Miss Viola Dana rises to heghts of dramatic art in the various pretty scenes of the glorious play which concerns the life of "Gladiola," a country maiden who forsakes the love of a country lad for the glitter and glamor of a smooth-tongued adventurer. Too late she finds out that her impetuous marriage was invalid, and that the city man's wife is living. Broken in health and spirit, "Gladiofa" wanders back to the country, where, safe in the love of a good man, she secures that pence of mind and happiness which should be the birth-right of every woman. Supporting pictures include a very funny Pathe color comedy, •Wiffles in' War fine," "Pathe War Gazette," "Making Big Shells," a war topical and "The Beachcombers," a stirring drama. Commencing to-morrow (Wednesday) a new programme will feature an unusual dramatic subject \y the Lubin plavers entitled "A Man of God," in which Ormi Tawley, Earl Metcalf and Kempton Green play the leads.