THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1917, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

TO-DAY ONLY. ALICE DELYSIA IN '■SHE." A star programme lias been secured for the matinee and to-night only at the Empire, where the dramatisation of Sir Rider Haggard's most celebrated novel, "She" is to bo screened. Sir liider Haggard has earned an international reputation in more than one way. He has earned great distinction as a writer on practical farm politics, and as an organiser and Imperial Commissioner, This is in sharp contrast to his earlier fame as a producer of weird and wonderful romances. "She" is one of the most widely known, and its picturisation represents a feat in the motion -picture world. The photography is superb, and full justice is done in the fullest sense to the gorgeous and impressive scenes in the extraordinary kingdom conjured up in the author's vivid-imagination. Madame Alice Delysia is stately and beautiful, and acts impressively, and the supporting caste is powerful. Much of the camera work has'been done in Africa, particularly the wild scenes in the African swamp country. Readers of the entrancing novel are reminded that the screening of the picture will be limited to two screenings, this afternoon at the matinee and for the last time to-night. EASTER MONDAY NIGHT, BILLIE BURKE IN "PEGGY." Billie Burke as the joyous and irrepressible "Peggy," will make her debut to local picture goers at the Empire on Monday night, where her wondrous ability to change her mood from grave to gay, from lively to severe, is sure to capture the heart of sentimental picture lovers. "Peggy" is a wonderful production, and gives Billie Burke Immense opportunities, including a real tear scene, in which there is no mistake about Billie being able to me.lt at the correct moment. This accounts for Peggy's wonderful success in winning her. way .to the hearts, of all—including dour Presbyterians of the rigidly religious class, amongst whom her lot is cast. She is like a gleam of sunshine on a gloomy day, and helps to make life more human and easy for the many crushed beneath the yoke of a east-iron Calvinism. The moral in "Peggy" is that mankind should "gently scan their brother man, still gently sister wonian" and not get up to be judges of human conduct which may depart from conventional standards. "Peggy" is sure, of a good run, and is supported by films which maintain the high standard of this favorite theatre.