ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1918, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ALICE JOYCE AT EVERYBODY'S. At the head of the now programme shown at Everybody's last night was "The Fettered Woman," an appealing , dramatic picture tfhat is based on "Amie'B Bridge," the well-known work of Robert W. Chambers. "The Fettered Woman" lias lbee n produced by Greater Vitagro.pl), and Miss Alice' Joyce is the star. It hs in reality the story of how a man battered down the doors of a dead past to clear the name of his sweetheart and to remove the one obstacle that barred t'ho way to their happinessAnne's Bridge is a one-time prosperous village, and its unused factories represent the former fortune of Allcnde . He and his daughter still live in the old estate, on which ho is trying to borrow money, as he lias only £6OO left in the 'bank and Ms daughter is in college. An unscrupulous real estate broker refuses the loan, but suggests that if he could have Angelina the loan might be forthcoming. . This real estate 'broker seeks to force his attentions on Angelina, but she loathes him. However, he induces i-her to go to New York on a pretence | that a syndicate is prepared to buy her acres. His plan is to get her to sign away all title and thus get her in his power. With another man and a woman posing as his wife they take Angelina to a cafe, where he attacks her in a private dining-room. The other man interferes and is shot. By perjured testimony they escape, and Angelina is gent to ft Samaritan home for three years. Returning to Anne's Bridge, she is shunned as a gaol bird by the older people and feared l>y the children, whom ?si? loves. She advertises for summer boarders, .but gets only one, a young New Yorker, attracted by the trout streams on the Allendo estate. He falls in love -■vith Angelina and asks her to marry l-.'ir.. but she refuses, although she loves him. on account of her prison record, which she -Keeps a secret. He learns that she has such a record, and, disbelieving the village gossips, r&*irns to New York, and learns the truth. Then he returns to Anne's Bridge, and finds he has removed tho only barrier to their happiness. Tho production is a masterly one and was greatly enjoyed by the large audience present. "The Fettered Woman" will be scrcend finally tonight. The usal change will be made to-morrow, commencing at fflie matinee.

THE EMPIRE. A SPLENDID PROGRAMME. There's many a pretty surprise, and many a scene of forceful intensity, in "The Voice of Conscience," the latest Metro picture to find room on the Empire screen. "The Voice of Conscience" was started out on its season of three nights and a matinee at this picture-house last night, and even so early in its run as it is beginning to be talked about. The favorite co-stara of the Metro Company, Francis X. Bushman and Miss Beverly Bayne, are the leading figures in the story, which is one that is interpreted by a first-class cast. Mr. Bushman has perhaps the more difficult task, for he has to assume the role of two entirely different men, James Housten and William Potter, while Miss Bayne is the heroine and th& lover of each. Her part is that of a spirited and lovely girl, who is wooea by Potter in his assumed role of Housten, and won by her under his own name. The plot winds through many interesting events, till Potter, who has been released from prison, is called upon to play the part of James Housten. The two men are very much alike, and Potter undertakes 'to comfort Houston's old mother in her dying hours, and also to act as protector to the other's younger sister, and to handle his complicated business affairs. This he does to the utter satisfaction of everybody concerned, and ho also manages to fall hopelessly in love with sweet Allanc Housten, but, pretending as he does that he is her brother, lie lias no option but to keep his pence. Then comes the news to him that the real James Houston is about to return, and Potter is in despair. But it s?»ms probable that Allane has already guessed his secret, and is attracted herself towards this straight fellow. So tho story must needs run out under the most favorable circumstances for the two sweethearts, though not before there has been a series of denouncements of considerable interest. Other films on the current programme embrace comedy and topical subjects; also the eleventh episode of "Peg o' the Ring," while the music is as good as ever. The entertainment is one that should not be missed. It will be repeated again to-night.