ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9052, 24 July 1917, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HAYWARD'S PICTURES.

Veiled, mysterious, 'romantic, fascinating, tho history of the ancient Aztec Empire over .which Montezuma held sway, has baffled the scientist and tho historian. A wonderful civilisation is hinted at in the rpins of their cities and the traces of their arte. With.this ancient setting, truo to historic detail, the . Triangle Kay-' | Bee Company has filmed ' a striking J spectacular romance entitled "The Captive God," to be presented,at His Majesty's: Theatre to-night'!'.' The story, vividly human, and compelling, is j based upon the old Aztec custom which decrees that every year tho handsomest man of the nation, is offered up as a sacrifice to tho gods. During that year, the victim is decked with honours, surfeited with pleasure, and his jevery whinv gratified. The hero of the story in this instance is a white youth, who, captured by the Tehuans, the Aztecs mast powerful rivals, is made their god, and, in the course of time, becomes their ruler. The Tehuans are defeated in battle by the legions. of Montezuma, the Aztec Emperor, and their captive god is to be offered up as the sacrifice of the year. The love of the Princess Lolomi for the captive god introduces the human interest of the play, and on the eve of the sacrifice she opens the way for the Tehuans to recover their chief in a victorious battle. A feature of the g reduction is the work of William S. [art and Enid Markey/ in the principal roles. A romantic finale supplies the liappy ending. The supporting items include the Gaumont Graphic, "Some Garden Pests" (Pathe Coloured film), and a.n amusing comedy by tho Vitagraph Company.