THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

CHARLES CHAPLIN AT THE • ' EMPIRE. fi; Oiifftft Chaplin seems to hive found himself congenially located in his new Mutual surroundings.' His'.first production under this directorship, hearing the title of "The Fireman," marks a big advance in what is termed Chaplinitus and the Chaplin fans will find their long-time idol in his best foi;m. "Thb Fireman" was shown at the Empire for the first time last night to an overflowing audi' enee and the picture proved a veritable hurricane of laughter. Charlie is the driver of a fire engine. He is constantly in hot water with the captain folite failure to answer the alarms, a/id his unique methods of serving soup. Tlu captain's sweetheart visits him, in company with her father. While there, .father arranges that fire shall start in his liouxe, and the fire company is to neglect the alarm, thereby allowing him to cash on liis insurance. The company is called tb a real fire and while it | is there, father starts hi 3 own private blaiif ignorant of the fact that his dnirghter is up in her room. When he discovers her plight ho races after the fire department but nobody responds except Charlie, who rescues the girl by bravely scaling the facade of the house, and bringing her down on his shoulders. He is forgiven many past shortcomings, and he and daughter walk off arm in arm. As in most Chaplin, film? there is little in the story, but the antics of the fire-hero and his as«istfr;>t: are indeed too funny for description. Another big item of this programme is a four-reel drama, entitled "The White Hope," which has been culled from the well known book of the samo :;ar.:e by IV. H. Trouhridgc. When, a plot to straightforward, from so successful " novel, ij combined with skilful adaptation and able producing iriurapbftnt success is assured i: the players Mi good. In the "White Hope" they 'are more than ''good," i!i:-y are entirely convincing. To read-:- familiar with the ei* Hepworth actor,,, it is not necessary to discuss the work of Stewart Borne Violet Hopson, Lionel Howard and Chris-, sie White. One word more. The bcxing scenes have the unqualified approval of George Gunther (who himself takes the part of the black champion), and that of course means that there is real fighting properly handled. The latest topical and war films complete :. splendid programme which will be repeated agai.i to-night. InHiding patrons will do well to book the'.r .-.eats at Collier's. On Saturday afternoon at th«. matin-:*e the "Charlie Chaplin—Fireman" Din. will be included i:. the programme