AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 15076, 7 January 1913, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

FULLERS’ PICTURES. A notable feature of the new series of first-class pictures at the Princess Theatre last night was the marked improvement in their screening. Not only were all the films clear and as regular in movement as a sober soldier, but the speed of their running, so to speak, was exceedingly well ganged. There was no grotesque rushing in circumstances where men walk leisurely. And a fire engine ran like, a fire engine, j and not as lightning. The operator deserves praise for the successful manner in which the pictures were shown. All the pictures were worth showing to advantage. •On the Bosphorus’ was a charming study with one defect, like a good cigar. It was not long enough. One had glimpses of life on and by tire Bosphorus, and a peep at the Sultan among his military men, all notable for height, save their ruler, who is a short man. It appears that the Turks, when not at war, spend much time on the Bosphorus under generous skies. Another sunny picture is ‘ Cocoa Plantation.’ The coloring is beautiful, the gay rags of the brown-skinned natives telling of penetrating sunshine in a land of brightness. The cocoa palm fruit is like a cucumber, and contains from 25 to 40 seeds, wrapped in a whitish, sticky stuff, which, in the sunlight, reminds one of unset pearls in cotton waste. The manner in which “coolies” wash the seed raises a laugh. As a stream of water flows upon the seeds in a tub by a roadside a black foot splashes into the mixture to help remove the sticky substance. Fortunately, the seeds, after that form of washing, are subjected to further cleansing processes ere they are crushed into cocoa. It is an instructive film. All the dramas arc interesting, and free from mawkishness. The best is ‘ The Great. Circus Catastrophe.’ It is rich in sensation, there being a financial crash, a tremendous fire, and a fatal accident. Other fine dramas are ‘ The Physician of Silver Gulch’ and ■ His Liu; ’ (the hero in both is a precious fool). The comeides are excellent. Much pleasure is given by the orchestra. The same programme will be given tonight. THE KING’S THEATRE. The continuous pictures at the King’s Theatre were supplemented in drawing power, and color and variety was added to the entertainment last night, by the introduction of Bletsoe’s Crimson 'Ramblers. The latter appeared in a programme entirely distinct from what they have been putting on during their season at His Alajesty’s. The most generally interesting of the new films' dealt with the whaling_ enterprise at Jervois Bav. The harpooning of two whales was distinctly seen, together with the subsequent process of being “towed” by the maddened whale, at the rate of six knots per hour. The caperings of the wounded animal have-had the camera deftly kept toward them. All the processes loiliwirg the capture ato also shown. The film is well worth going to see. ‘The New Ranch Foreman’ is a well-made drama, and ‘A Child of tho Purple Sage’ shows F. G. Anderson, of Broncho Billy fame, in the role of disappointed lover ar 1 later a manned cbm actor. This is a splendid film. There are several more judiciously selected, which, with the cheerful Ramblers, make a very acceptable programme. It will be repeated to-night. THE QUEEN'S THEATRE. Those who visited the Queen’s Theatre last evening and to-day. and viewed the tinted film ‘Picturesque Dunedin,’ were shown scenes of such beauty as probably they _ neve- before realised were to be found in their nun town. As the various well-known buildings, streets, and other sights of the town were unfolded the audience showed their oppreriatren by hearty applause. Tlie prigramme, including this excellent film, will be shown to-night and to-morrow. Those- who have not yet learnt to appreciate the beau tv of their town should visit the Queen’s Theatre.