AMUSEMENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 February 1917, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

Although the' big picture entitled "The Rouary," which forms' .the star attraction in Pollard's Picture display at'-the Opera House to-night extends over seven reels, of film, and occupies practically the entire programme, it does not allow the'-, interest to flag during the screening. The subject is developed in an intensely dramatic and dignified fashion, that should fit, the film to be added.to the long list of suocc'ssfurpicturosrwhich have been shown at this theatre. The film is constructed from the play by Edward Rose, and is of an essentially human and emotional type, that sihould appeal strongly to most people. The period of the story extends over, several generations, but' the most dramatic part occurs when the hero believes his wife to be unfaithful, when, as a matter, of fact, she is endeavoring to shield her erring sister. The bad man of the story forces the sister to eavesdrop and steal-an important 'commercial secret from the hero, but the wife is blamed, and when ruin and disaster comes, it is she who has to bear the brunt of the' trouble. The end of the story, however, is gatiafaof tory, and ultimate happiness is attained for the deserving parties without undue stretching of the dramatic • possibilities. The film comes from the studios of the Selig producers, who are responsible for "The Spoilers" and other highly successful pictures. This big display will be enhanced by the vocal and instrumental musical accompaniments incidental to the picture. Special mention must be made of the singing of "The Rosary" by Miss Alberta Teasdale and "Mother Maohree" by Mr. F. Smith (tenor).

TOWN HALL In the picture world time has worked many changes;; at one time the pride of'place was shared equally amongst all the producing linns. Movies have boon brought to such a stage of evolution that to-day many ■ tirmg' productions, which were acceptable in the days of yore, are given but abort 'shrift in present times. The rivalry for honors is very keen now between William Fox photoplays and the Metro Corporation wohderplays. All other makes are but of secondary consideration. Opinion differs in GrcymoiUh as to whether Fox or Metro are the best of present day productions. With characteristic enterprise, MoLoan's give the public an unprecedented opportunity of deciding the matter in their display tonight, when they will screen the best pictures presented by these leading finns. William -Fox has as his representative a formidable champion in an adaptation of no less a work than the grand opera, "Carmen," the leading role of which ia played by the beautiful and emotional- actress Theda Bare, of the Theatre Antoine, Paris. "Carmen" is a marvellous work, and a significant fact of its worth ia its inclusion in the ■ repertoire of, the world-famed GonsalelCompany, which has juiit completed a triumphant tour of New Zealand. The opera loses none of its sensation a"d interest; the bull light in Madrid's arena, Don Jose's duel, the daring and intrepid leap on horseback over thejfftff, are all portrayed with a faithfulness which does credit to Fox. What happened t,p the rider of the horse, who was engaged solely for the descent, ia happily not depicted. Fortunately, he still lives, but will not hazard the effort again. The public will do well to remember that "Carmen" will be screened tonight only. The Metro Corporation will take the soreen first, appearing punctually at eight o'clock, when Valli Vaili. the great international star, will be presented in a five-act Metro star, "Her Debt of Honor." The purport of the production will sot many thinking. A more impressive drama will be hard to imagine. That the sins of the fathers are: generally, visited upon the children is generally accepted as a truism. Valli Valli will be seen in her greatest effort to-nigh?, and the contentious question as to which is the best brand of film screen. ed locally will be settled once for. all. For the "screening of "Carmen," the orchestra will render the. delightful opera's selections, and'' Miss Chunn will sing the.solos..

MINERS'HALL, RUNANGA. , To-morrow night the extraordinary attraction' will be the William Fox tjuprcme photoplay version of the world-famous grand opera, "Carmen.'* Thcda Bara, of the Theatre Antoine, Paris, takes the leading part, and is credited with being the greatest vampire woman the world has seen. "The Adventures of Terence O'Rourke" will be amongst the supporting items.