AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 18 August 1913, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

<'BALAOQ." "Balaoo'' was the leading subject in the new programme presented by Messrs Thompson-Payne to a large audience on Saturday, evening. ' This. novel feature is tal-$n .flora a wellknown -hook by Gaston Leroux, who is described as the French Conan Doyle. -The story of the film is that M. Ooriolis, a scientist'of repute, re- : ceiyos aa a.gift from a friend-a-curi-ous creature,, h«tff monkey, which he names Balaoo. The scientist makes a study of his new acquisition, and under (his tuition Balaoo becomes a wonderfully" intelligent creature. Dressed like a man, Balaoo wanders through the fields and villages, and soon the countryside is ringing with the appearance and acts of the strange creature. He takes great | delight in perpetrating various discerting acts" on the so that eventually a'huge search, party sets out.to capture Balaoo and return him to the scientist. The subject is the most unique one yet produced on dramatic lines, and has created great interest wherever shown. Another very interesting drama ig the "Favourite for the Jamaica Cup." This item deals with the chances of a racehorse for a big race, the robbery of the horse, and his subsequent recovery. The picture is not without its sensational situations, for in one part a mian is seen - to fall from a high railway bridge into the river below. \ Other fine diattnatic features were "For the Common wealth" (an Edison prison story); • Mistaken Accusation" (an Es-sany feature), "Science" (a clever I.M.P. romance), and "Saved fronvthe Grip of Alcohol," a well-"* worked plot of a drunkard's reformation. "Over the Selkirk Mountains in Canada" was an interesting scenic, ( whilst a bunch of excellent comedies included "Bloomer's Braces," "Coquette Looks for Work," and "The Indestructible Mr Jenks." . This series will be repeated this evening. On page 1 of tin's issue the management draw the attention of patrons to the fact that, in the Independent Picture Theatres in Australasia, the prices of admission will from to-night onwards be adults 6d (sixpence), and children 3d (threepence), whilst they also make known the successful venture of getting more direct contact with actual film producers, thus ensuring a continued and lengthy run of the world's best productions in this line.

TOWN HALL PICTURES. There was a crowded attendance at the Mastorton TowirHall on Saturday afternoon and evening, when the chief attraction shown by the Masterton Picture Company was the unique A'itagraph drama "Cleopatra." This -magnificent film, projected in perfect fashion, portrays in vivid colours the story of this remarkable woman. The story lends itself readily to pictorial adaptation, .and in its noagnficent splendour ranks as the most remarkable production of the picture world. Miss Helen Gardner's genius and supreme ability is widely known for her brilliant study of "Vanity Fair,"' and in the principle role of "Cleopatra," this great actress excels herself. This splendid film, as the story becomes unfolded, grips and maintains the interest to the last moment. Anyone desirous 6f witnessing the finest production of the cinematograps world .should not miss this magnificent film. The star item is supported by a series of excellent films, including the GauTiont Graphic (topical), "His Wife Come Back" (comedy) "Our Bards at Home" (coloured educational), '"Training a Tight-wad" (comedy). This fine programme will be continued this evening, and must be seen to be realised.