AMUSEMENTS

Evening Star, Issue 15477, 27 April 1914, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

PLAZA PICTURES. There is no time like the present. This is recognised in the world of cinematography, and is particularly exemplified in * the nature of the entirely new and up-to-date selection of animated pictures screened to-day for the first time at the Georgestreet picture palace. There is nothing too modern or too extensive for cinema producers, and this cei:*e of enterprise—perhaps not lacking in the competitive phase —is denoted forcibly by the successful attempt made by the Lubkt film manufacturers in the production of sp wonderful and enthralling spectacular picture detailing the terrible earthquake catastrophe at Sail Francisco. The lira is essentially intricate, and it is strikingly impressive, tlie element of imagination being only required to advance some idea of the magnitude of the appalling disaster, whereby thousands of pAople and buildings were swept into oblivion—demolished iii a few minutes. Interwoven with views of destruction in and about the city is an exquisite drama, which enhances ihe outstanding excellence of a picture 3,oooffc iu length. The Selig Com pan v furnish a fire drama entitled 'The Probationer,' in which an orphan is vindicated for alleged misconduct, and the Biograph Company appear to advantage in the comedy 'An Affair of An. Egg.' The industrial film on the kelp industry is also educational, while the topical snapshots disclosed by the 'Transatlantic Times' and other supporting films are conducive to a good entertainment.

QUEEN'S THEATER The splendid programme which opened for the week at this picture house tc-day {jossessfis many appealing features. The powerful Tannhauser drama, *A Woman Pays,' in which the gifted actress Miss Maud Feaky assumes the leading role, can be truly termed the gem-of the consistently high-class dramatical productions of an appreciated and talented company. Tire theme on which the story is based expresses also a moral, which can only make for happiness in domestic life. Absorbed in business, a lawyer fails to realise that he is drifting from attentions to his beautiful young wife, who is discovered in compromising circumstances with a worthless, but rich, admirer. Thus the bitterness of thwarted love spells unhappiness which extends over many years. The ruined woman is eventually reconciled to her husband by her son, who, as an attorney, was collecting evidence against her profligate associate, who was, with, her, conducting a "ambling saloon in New York. By accident the gambler shoots himself, and when the woman is charged with murder her soar obtains a promise from his father that he will defend. The latter recognises in the police wll his own wife—whose identity is concealed—and naturally enough, a sensational court case clears up all differences. 'Pat's Revenge' is undoubtedly an Irish comedy, for it demonstrates how Mary M'Goriigal consents to marry a man to get him. The quality of the ring purchased aurests the matrimonial course somewhat, but that is only temporary. The balance of the budget is strong, including views of French New Guinea, dog traction in the Belgian Army, and enticing topical subjects.

FULLERS' PICTURES. A programme of varied interest has been prepared for presentation at the Kinc'e Theatre to-night. Heading the list is th« A.K. Company's special star drama entitled ' Brothers at War,' a story of love and war, spoken of as a vigorous and wellproduced screen play. The setting is said to be perfect in detail, the snow scenes b?injr remarkably realistic. A delightful child study entitled 'His Majesty the Baby' wilf be screened for the first timein Duuedin, and it is claimed that this is one of the finest child studies ever shown. The arrival of the South African deportee? in London, two fashionable weddings, and many other items of topical interest ara features of the ' Gaumont Graphic' 'The Half-breed's Crime,' an American Indian drama, shows some splendid riding, and causes intense excitement. A novel and well-acted drama is 'The Manicure Girl.' Two fine comedies —'He Would A-hunting Go' (Keystone) and ' A Corner in Popularity' (Lubin) —will be screened, both, of which, have caused great amusement where shown in the North. Altogether this weeks programme is full of variety and interest, and should satisfy the most exacting audience. Box plan is at the Dresden. PRINCESS THEATRE. Vaudeville has certainly caught on afc the Princess Theatre, and large audiencei are the rule. A change of programme is announced for this evening. Among the attractions are Mantell's Marionettes, who are. considered a marvel of audacious mechanical ingenuity. Brent Haves comes tvith a big Continental and English reputation as a banjoist. The Lee Chandler girls (or, as they are professionally known, "tin American ginger girls") are dancers with an up-to-date style. The Three Luxors (from Paris) are responsible for a charming and refined musical act, which includes handbell ringing, xylophone playing of a high order, interesting novelties. Carlton and Sutton give an Australian patter act, and Mr Tom Leonard is one of the most successful comedians of the present day. Miss Millie Doris has been retained for this week's bill, and the Strattons and Weston and Hill are also on the bill. Tha box plan may be seen daily at the Dresden. A special marionette matinee for the little folks is being prepared for next Saturday afternoon.

HAYWARDS' PICTURES. ' Naooleon" is t-o be .screened tonight at The Octagon. Not only is this film of absorbing interest, but it is said to be one of the most wonderful masterpieces of cinematography that has ever been produced. In it is depicted the whole of the Little Corporal's career, from the coronation to the last days at St. Helena. Included in the film are graphic sketches of most of the history-ma king episodes with which the whole world is familiar. Amongst the battles depicted is that of Austcrlitz, in which Napoleon captured 192 Austrian standards. 400 gun*, and 20,000 prisoners. Then there is the Russian campaign and that terrible retreat from Moscow, which was the beginning of his downfall. In one of the scenes the Mamalukes figure very prominently, and most beautiful of all is the coronation scene, in which it will be remembered Napoleon snatched the crown from the hands of the Papal legate and placed it himself upon his head. The Cadoudal episode is graphically depicted, as is also the abdication at Font:.inebleau. Most touching of all is the scene in which the Old Guard at Fontaincbieau salute their heroic chief. The picture shows the deportation to and ends with the death of Napoleon at St Helena, where he breathed his last surrounded by these of the faithful followers who had accompanied him into exile. Other films will be screened, and Haywards' Orchestra have a fine selection of musk.

THE '.ALADDIN' PANTOMIME. The gaietv ;md spectacular gorgeousness of the "Willoufihby 'Company's pnntomime ' Aladdin ' commanded the i+.eere enthusiasm of a big hou&e on Saturday night. Those would be hard to please who could not find enjoyment in the feast o£ good things provided in 'Aladdin' —the singing, the humor, the acrobats, the brightness of the chorus, and the dancing. Misa Carrie Moore and Miss Grace Palotta succeeded in pleasing the audience with their songs, and the dainty dancing of the other members of the company was much appreciated. The wrestling ponies and th«ir large negro accomplice kept the audience in a mirthful mood for eome time, and the turn of the tiny contortionist was loudly applauded. The company will appear again to-night. THE TANGO TEAS. The second of the tango tea* will be given at His Majesty's Theatre to-morrow afternoon by the 'Aladdin' Company. As presented by the pantomime folk, the tango tea is an altogether improved, exhibition on that originally shown hero some four week* ago. Mr Fred Oswald and Misa Margaret Maurice, tie tango experts from America, will be seen in some new steps, and tihe principals in the pantomime -will assist in a musical melange. Afternoon tea viH be supplied by Miss Murray,