ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3396, 11 December 1911, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

RATHE PICTURES

There was the usual crowded audience at His .Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening when the management of the Rathe Pictures introduced a change of piogramme, including several films of more than ordinary merit. Tic inexhaustible array of incidents which lent such romance to the American Civil War furnished the subject of the chief 1 drama, which was soreened under the title of "The Special Messenger.-” After setting out the usual preliminaries the film shows a young Confederate officer, superbly mounted and carrying despatches to another officer, whose j position makes it necessary for anyone | approaching him to pass through terri- ; tory occupied bv the enemy. A party of the latter became apprised of his movements and set out in pursuit. After eluding his followers by jumping his horse from a high bridge into a river, the young Confederate outwits them by swinging up into a tree, while his horse continues to gallop madly on. When night descends the despatch bearer crawls to his home, not far distant, and entrusts his despatch to his wife, who delivers it safely after a series of trying adventures. "The Quarrel on the Cliff” and "Only a Sister” are also noteworthy among the dramas, while "Nan’s Diplomacy” is a film expressing much that is true and humorous, ana its ending is convincing. There can, however, be little doubt .that far more favor was bestowed on "The Smile of a Child” than on any other number. Tho remarkable precocity of the child who is the chief actor, combined with the novelty of the costuming, place the depiction on a high plane both as a dramatic and comedy subject. "Eggs and Babies,” which is in similar vein is a dainty, expressive, and charming picture, and) was very heartily applauded on Saturday evening. Another really fine subject was that descriptive of "Modern Berlin”, and many excellent views of notable localities in and about I the German capital are herein shown, j Tie programme will be screened for the last time tills evening. i