THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1917, Page 2

THE EMPIRE.

"ARSENE LUPIN." AT THE MATINEE TO-DAY. The flaring exploits of an ingenious refugee from'justice provide a fascinating theme for the London Film Company's lengthy feature drama "Arsene Lupin," which was screened for the first time at the Empire last night. The action is full of surprises, and interest is not permitted to flag for a moment. Briefly told, the story relates mainly to a noted and elusive swell criminal, Arsene Lupin, who closely resembles the Duke Charmerace, a young French nobleman. The latter is the last of his race, and to restore his fortune he becomes engaged to the daughter of a wealthy cocoa magnate. His doctor assures the doctor that owing to heart affection he has only a year to live. The duke finds himself face to face with Lupin when the latter is carrying out one of his daK ing escapades. The criminal persuades the duke to set out for the centre of Africa, to rescue M. Andre, a great scientist, who has become lost in the Wilds. Seeing that his days are already numbered, the duke embarks on a hazardous undertaking. The scientist is found in a dying condition, and the duke succumbs to heart failure. Lupin, who has accompanied the duke, returns to civilisation in the assumed character of the dead nobleman. Then the wily criminal baffles and deceives not only the cocoa magnate and his daughter, but also the Famous chief of police Guerchard. The excitement runs high until the law is eventually vindicated. Mr. Gerald Ames plays two parts with his customary ability. A Vita comedy "Love and Trout" and the "Gaumont Graphic" also appear. The same programme will be screened at the matinee to-day and finally tonight.