ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE EMPIRE. A BRILLIANT DOUBLE PROGRAMME. '•PEG 0' THE RING." One of the earliest recollections of every man or woman wlio -vas a normal child is that of ''when the circus came to town." It holds pride of place in fancy's storehor.se of memories. It was only to. he expected that "sawdust and spangles" would soon be transferred to the insatiable picture screen, and it has now arrived in 'Teg 0' the Ring," a story devoted entirely to circus life, which was shown for the first time at the Empire last night. Peg is a charming young woman, about whose person revolves the fortunes of the entire circus; Big Bill Harnen, the manager; Flip, her guardian, who allows her to suppose that he is her father; Pierre Durant, a young acrobat, *-ho has fallen in love with her: and all the other performers in the circus, who know no more than she that she is heiress to a vast inheritance. Big Bill Barnen is suspicious that some secret attaches to Peg, and threatens to dismiss Flip on the spot unless he reveals it. This Flip refuses to do, and the manager plans his destruction by arranging for an accident in the ring, which duly eventuates. On bis death-bod Flip starts to relate the secret of Peg's identity to Pierre, but dies before he can finish it. Big Bill Harnen overhears the partial confession, but has got no nearer the truth lie is seeking, and the episode closes with the pertinent enquiry: "Who is Peg?" With Lucille Lo've playing Peg the story is endowed with extra attractiveness. On the same programme there is a fine Metro wonderplay, '-The Girl Without a Soul" in which winsome little Viola Dana takes the leading part. COMING TO THE EMPIRE. A NOTED FILM MASTERPIECE. "SWEETHEART OF THE DOOMED" A strange and wonderfully strong story is told, by the great Triangle play "The Sweetheart of the Doomed" tvliich commences a three night season at the Empire on Monday. Louise Glaum with a powerful supporting cast of the best Triangle players, is the star, and in this role, she has opportunities of fine acting in a complete change of character. Betrayed when a mere girl, she lives her life for one motive only, revenge upon mankind, and her beauty and charm enable her to wreak terrible harm whenever a man falls into her power. Then comes into her life, a young clean living soldier who, i n the words of the drama "recreates her," and her whole view of life suffers a 'startling change. vShe breaks off the intrigue which she is carrying on with n French General, and risks her life in the trenches for a glimpse of her lover. She is arrested and brought before a military leader who has been one of her victims. Begging for leave "to remain, she is given a strange command. The charms with which she had ruined so many men, are to be used for the comforting of the dying soldiers of France. It amounts 'to a sacrifice of pride and all that women hold dear, but the one time notorious siren goes' through with her task, and at the fast, purified by suffering she gets a great reward. The play is a supreme masterpiece, and all the resources of the Triangle artistry have been levied upon to provide settings. EVERYBODY'S. FINAL SCREENING OF "SUNLIGHT'S LAST RAID." Cyrus Townsend Brady, who wrote "The Island of Regeneration" and other famous novels, i s the author of "Sunlight's Last Raid," the tine Vitagraph ■feature screened at Everybody's" last night, It is of Western "type" but is crowded with new ideas. The mountain scenes are staggering in their realism, and it is a problem to know where such a collection of reckless and skilful horsemen were gathered. Mary Andersen is the star and she gives ail almost miraculous exhibition of horsemanship, at the sime time contriving to look amazingly pretty. The whole drama is a fine piece of artistry and a credit to the Vitagraph producers. The supporting films include the "Gnumont Graphic," "American Beer" (educational) and a humorous comedy '.Terry's Bi" Doings." To-night will be the final, screening.