COOPER'S IMPERIAL BIOGRAPH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 166, 15 July 1902, Page 2

COOPER'S IMPERIAL BIOGRAPH.

To assist the scheme for establishing s Veterans' Home, Cooper's Imperial Biograph gave the proceeds of last night's performance at the Opera House to that laudable object. ■ The "'hoary pows" of j several well-known veterans were noticeable amongst the occupants of the orchestral stalls. The entertainment wiis a most enjoyable one, the views being , all new and really good. Prominence was given to views of the British Navy, past and present. Historic pictures illustrative of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, by the seadogs of Queen Elizabeth's time, the defeat of the Dutch fleet by Lord Howe, and the defeat of the French at Trafalgar by Lord Nelson, were a fitting introduction to "The British Navy of to-day." Nelson's old ship. The Victory, was shown firing a salute, followed by manning the yards* Very effective was an animated series showing the launch of a modern war vessel, then followed races "between torpedo destroyers and a series of amusing scenes of Jack at play, culminating in a fine series of pictures entitled, "The Ladder of Life," in which a party of seamen land and rescue a beauty in , distress, in the shape of a young lady who apparently had been captured by Boxers, Next followed scenes illustrative of ttxp glorious past of the British Army, show"* ing deeds that won the gTeat Empire of which New Zealand forms a part. Splendid military scenic effects were displayed Jto the great enjoyment of all present. In lighter vein were .pictures of Indian jugglers, wizaTds, transformation scenes, and marvellous illusions. Musical items were given effectively by the theatrophone, including "Death of Nelson," "Killarney." "Let Me Like a Soldier Fall," and comic contributions. The "Oharge of the Light Brigade" was also recited. The entertainment closed with dramatic tableaux from "Quo Vadis," with gladiatorial combats, also ballet dances, and Rome in flames. The same interesting series of views will be shown again this evening.