ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1917, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "THE WHIP" OPENS TO-NIGHT. "The Whip!" What pleasant memories does the name conjure up among theatrical goers in this part of the world, as well as in most other countries. "The .Whip" proved Drury Lane's (London) most sensational success in melodrama, while the stage version was presented in the- larger centres of New Zealand also some few years ago. But with the development of cinematography the residents in our provincial towns are now enabled to see this wonderful success in a manner that would baffle the greatest stage producer, for in the film version of "The "Whip" nature and actual scenes have been commandeered for its presentation, with the result that the stage version pales into insignificance as compared with the opportunities grasped for the screen showing of 'iThe Whip." Residents of New Plymouth and district will no doubt welcome the opportunity of seeine this wonderful success, for the management of Everybody's have arranged for a three-nights season here of this great melodrama, commencing in Everybody's Theatre this (Monday) evening, there being a special matinee on Wednesday for the convenience of mothers and children. Reports from the centres show that "The Whip" is a truly great production, for apart from the great star cast (there were six of the world's greatest acting stars engaged for the production), there are shown in bewildering succession real hunting scenes, one of Britain's finest packs having been secured fop the chase of the real fox (also shown), the Olympia Horse Show ■'is depicted in all its realism, lavish fashions and glory; the thrilling race where The Whip emerges triumphant, in spite of intrigue and treachery, are all shown as if you were an actual participant. But the greatest sensation is provided with the stupendous train wreck, and the sensational motor smaßh. For the production of these scenes in "The Whip" the producers bought real eneines, carriages and trucks, and The Whip is seen actually rescued from the truck as the ensine and train dash full speed into it, toppling over the bank, and providing a scene of tragic splendor that bewilders one. The artistes took wonderful chances in this rerrfarkable sensation, but it is carried out with a realism that is indescribable. The motor smash is also another real incident. It is in these great respects •that this film version of "The Whip" is 590 compelling in its admiration from the public point of view, hence its wonderful success. "The Whip" will only be shown here for three nights, with a special matinee on the Wednesday. Seats can be booked at Collier's for 2s, while the prices at the door are: Dress circle, Is fid. and stalls Is. The matinee prices will be: Stalls 6d, and dress circle Is.

VIOLA DANA AT THE EMPIRE ■' TO-OTGHT. "THBEADS OF FATE." Viola Dana, as Dorothea, "the gift of God" in "Threads of Fate" the latest Metro wondcrplay, which commences a two night season at the Empire tonight, has a role that gives her a chance to shpw all the wonderful talent that has established her as one of the greatest of America's screen and stage stars. Miss Dana is one of the most prominent of the galaxv of Metro stars that have set such high standards in motion picture acting, and whose following is numbered by millions. She has been before the public nearly all her life, having made her stage debut as a child dancer in a charitable affair in New York City. As she is the youngest legitimate star in the silent drfcma, her debut was made only a few years ago. The production makes a strong appeal to the best and deepest emotions. Miss Dana takes the part of a girl whom Fate has separated from her parents. The threads of fate enmesh her in love, intrigue, and riches. The programme also include a splendid Blue-bird eonrtdydrama, "Susan's Gentleman" in which the popular little artist, Violet Mersereau takes the leading role.