THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1917, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

A BRILLIANT PROGRAMME AT MATINEE AND NIGHT. One of the strongest picture prd.grammes yet introduced to local patrons was screened at the Empire last evening and will be. repeated at the matinee and night sessions to-day. Heading the programme is a Mary Pickford feature entitled "Esmeralda." 'J he story's mo- | live is based upon the separation of the simple little Esmeralda and her sweetheart by the unexpected finding of a fortune iu ore on the farm, and the suddenly developed ambitions of her mother who becomes uncontrollably societystricken when she learns of her wealth. How Esmeralda is made to believe that lier lover is dead so that she will consent to marry a designing marquis and how the sudden arrival of her sweetheart interrupts the gorgeous wedding, forms the /climax of a story, forceful witii the power of realism, but at all times quiet and simple in its construction as are tlie lives of the people it depicts themselves. Supporting the star is a splendid Gaumont Graphic full of interesting happenings in the various theatres of war and showing many captureu relics from the Huns. Another pictui".' of equal merit to the star feature is tlie film "Wounded Heroes of the Somme," showing the transport and treatment of wounded soldiers at one of the largest hospitals in England. A clear idea of the up-to-date methods is conveyed by the. picture and it is a subject that has caused quito a lot of interest amongst the medical profession and the public generally. This excellent selection will be screened for the last occasion this afternoon and to-night. •