ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1919, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE EMPIRE. "THE BETTER 'OLE." "The Better 'Ole," or the "Romance of Old Bill," is the stellar attraction again to-night at., the Empire. Adapted from the drama by Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather, it is a comedy of the trenches that has made thousands laugh. In it one sees all the beauty, the tenderness, the rare and radiant humor, the grim purpose, the loße of fellow-kind, and, above all, the odd and indescribable sense of fun that would stop to crack a joke at the portals of the beyond. The .three soldiers who make most of the story are compared to the Three Musketeers, but Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, in all the brave swagger of velvet, feathers, curls, and swords, were never human heroes as Old Bill, Alf, and Bert. "The Better 'Ole" continues its successful season to-night, and also shows at a special matinee tomorrow at 3.15, and for the last time to-morrow night. Intending patrons should reserve their seats, as there is a big run on the box plan for eaoh evening.

EVERYBODY'S. "LAUGHING BILL HYDE." In "Laughing Bill Hyde," Sex Beach's latest and best film story from the book of the same name, the author follows his custom of selecting stars for their suitability rather than their screen reputation. In this case he has chosen for the title role Will Rogers, principal comedian of the New York Follies. Rex Beach stated that Rogers was the living counterpart of Laughing Bill Hyde. Strange to say, that story might have been written for Will Rogers, his personality being practically identical with the fletionised hero. Laughing Bill Hyde surpasses and eclipses the three previous great productions, "The Spoilers," "The Barrier," and "The Auction Block," and is easily first of Rex Beach's masterpieces. The story is one full of human interest and deals with an escaped convict, whose rough exterior and unpoiisdied manner enclose a heart as big as a mountain. Love and kindness to his fellowmen are his creed throughout, and he is one of those nonchalant gentlemen whose motto is "Keep on Smilin'". When his pal is weak, unable to walk, he carries him in hia arms to ( the doctor. He acts good samaritan to an Indian girl robbed of her inheritance, robs the robbers, and returns it to her. He champions the doctor's girl, and saves her from the unpleasant, attentions of rough characters. The genuineness of his character shines throneh the veil of a murkv past and brings a message of pathos, humor and good cheer. The screening nights' are to-night and to-morrow at Everybody's, '