AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10132, 5 December 1910, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

THOMPSON-PAYNE PICTURES. A FAMOUS BOAT RALE. For their patrons at the Foresters' Hall this evening, Messr3 Thompson and Payne have provided a great attraction in a picture of the famous race for the championship of the world between Dick Arnst. of New Zealand, and Ernest Barry, of England. Wherever this film has been shown in New Zealand and Australia it has nightly drawn crowded houses, the victory of the Maoriiauder invariably bringing forth rounds of cheers from the audiences. The firm showed considerable enterprise in securing this magnificent film in order to place it before their. Masterton patrons. It is a most interesting picture, as, apart from the struggle for the championship, the River Zambesi, upon which the race was rowed, is rich in surroundings, that make a charming series of scenes. The picture shows the scullers prac-' tising on the river, the preparations for the race, and the final struggle to the winning post. Sculling races are 30 seldom filmed nowadays that this should prove a welcome relief in a programme, and the enterprise of Messrs Thompson and Payne deserve to meet with every success. This film will also be shown on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. In addition to this notable production a splendid range of dramatic comic, scenic and industrial subjects will be screened. Of the. former, "The Fire Chief's Daughter" is a powerful sensational study, introducing a magnificent realistic fire scene. In "A Wireless Romance" one sees how villainy was defeated through the agency of wireleas talegraphy. An Itala film en-, titled "The Secret of Glacier" is' atove the average drama of its class, and careful thought has been given to details. Of the comics, "Auntie at the Boat Race" and "An Amateur Grocer's Assistant" should become firm favourites. Both the afternoon and evening entertainments on Saturday were well patronised, the programme being highly appreciated by those present.

HAMILTON-I'LIMMER-DENNIS-TON COMPANY.

The Hamilton-P'immer-Uenniston Company gave' their final performance in the Masterton Town Hall on Saturday evening, when there wag another very appreciative audience. "Th 3 Passing of the Third Floor back" is a highly sentimental drama. It does not possess the variety of incident which characterises the "Lover's Lane,' albeit there is a charm about i; which is peculiarly its own. The great feature of the performance is the remarkable influence exercised by Mr Harry PHmmer in his capacity as a traveller, over the inmates of*a city lodging-hiuse. These aie transformed from a selfish, proud, avaricious, scandalmongering company to high-minded, generous, and helpful members of society, There is a striking element of human nature passing through the whole piece, and the climax is reached when everybody resolves to lead a better life. "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" is a drama which is calculated to exercise a powerful moral influence over those who witness it, and for this reason it must command the respect of all sections of the community. The acting of Air Harry Plimmer deserves special mention; as does also that of Mrs Brough, who made an ideal landlady,'and of Mies Lizette Parkes, ivho gi>ve a charming impersonation of the domestic "slavey." The whole of the minor parts: Were admirably abstained,, and the 'piece rati like clockwork thioughout, The Humil-ton-PHmmer-Penniston Company can vely upon an enthusiastic reception I should it p«iy & return visit to MastertQß.