AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 27 November 1913, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THOMPION-PAYNE PIBTUREI. TWO BIG SPECIALS. An excellent change of programme was screened to an appreciative audience at tho Thompson-Payne Pictures where the main feature was a 3500 ft production by the Vitascope Company entitled "Tho Black Snake." The story is brilliant and, infusing from start to. finish and is acted in an adept manner. The story shows the illainy of a lady member of a Nihilist league and her apprehension by a clever secret police detective. The story introduces several novel scenes and contains quite a number of sensational situations. Other dramas shown were "In the Days of Napoleon" (Aquila), "Bob's Baby" (Rex), and "Witchcraft" (Selig). A number of other interesting features were included among them being '.'The Haunted Grotto" (tjick), "His Chum, the' Baron" (comedy), "Eclair Journal" (topical) and "Picturesque Bergan" (scenic). - In addition to the programme the management state that the picture of Sir Walter Scott's famous novel, "Ivanhoe," will be screened, tq-nignt and to-morrow night. Numerous patrons were unable to witness this big feature when shown last Saturday night, and the management have shown enternrise in having a return visit. "Ivanhoe" is 4000 feet in length, and features Mr King Basgot as "ivanhoe," and Miss Leah Baird as "Rebecca." Altogether 500 actors take part and the picture is an undoubted triumph in every way. To-night's show will bo in the nature of a special performance to the Masterton Amateur Athletic Club, and well wishers of that popular body should roll up in great numbers to witness the above splendid programme. "SKIPPER" FRANCIS. AT THE TOWN HALL. There was an unusually large audience at the Masterton Town Hall last evening, when "Skipper" Francis, the Newport cripple athlete,, made his first appearance under the management of the Masterton Picture and Entertainment Company. _ "Skipper" Francis, is renowned in many parts of the world on account of his wonderful athletic prowess, being an expert in swimming, football, running, cycling, wrestling, and practically every known branch of spdrt. Last evening this remarkable personality gave details of his famous swim from Penarth a distance of 15 miles, which he covered in 4hr» 32miri. This great feat is portrayed in a remarkably realistic film, and is explained at various stages by the "Skipper," making a most interesting feature. The film is remarkable in many respects, and shows great advancement made in the moving picture world. /'Skipper" Francis is verstaile to a degree, and added to his other qualities, he is gifted with a fine baritone voice, is l an entertaining speaker, and altogether an excellent showman. From this it will be readily understood, that a man of so many parts will be welcomed in a cduntry where sport is a predominant factor. Last evening the audience gave the "Skipper" a very hearty reception, and as he shows in Masterton to-night and to-morrow for the last time, it is safe to predict that largo attendances' will be present in the Town Hall on these occasions. Tho remainder of the programme touched a high point of excellence, "The Bead Secret" again' drawing unstinted praise, while the supporting films went to make tip a most enjoyable and instructive evening's entertainment.