The Biograph.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6816, 5 October 1900, Page 2

The Biograph.

The first entertainment given in Palmei'ston North by the British Biograph Company took place at the Theatre Royal last- night, in the presence of a more than usually large audience ; the excellence of this new method of showing animated pictures having evidently proceded it. In some respects the Biograph is similar to, and in others it differs materially from the "ordinary Kineinatograph, the chief of these differences being that it has superseded the old limelight with the electric light, which is furnished by a dynamo driven by a portable engine outside the Hall. The result of this is that a much stronger illumination is obtained, and consequently the pictures can be shown on a larger scale than we have hitherto seen them,, the figures being quite life size, and every detail of their features and dress being brought on with remarkable clearness. This was especially so in the picture of the pre sentation of a basket of flowers to Her Majesty at the Children's Eeview during che Queen's recent visit to Ireland, in which a splendid view could be obtained of Her Majesty's face, in face so realistic was it that auyone who saw the picture could fairly say they had " seen the Queen." All the pictures in which her Majesty appeared were, of course, received with rapturous applause, as were also those illustrating scenes in tho Boer war. These views are represented as having been taken directly on the field of battie, and they certainly bear the impress of greater genuineness than many of the palpable " fakes" which have been passed off on the British public of late, as scenes of jwar in South Africa. Amongst the best of these were the "Lydditeguns inaction," " Rifle Hill signal outpost," " Spion Kop," and a very popular adjunct to tho war was the embarkation of Lord Kobsrts, and the review of the Gordon Highlanders and Scots Greys by Lord Wolsely. These last were exceedingly inspiriting pictures, and were greeted with round after round of applause. Another popular picture was tho vecep:ion of Bugler Dunn by his comrades, the little fellow being carried shoulder high and set down, as it were, in front of the audience, and then blowing a call on the silver buglo presented to him by the Queen, the nail being excellently imitated upon the cornet by Mr O. Pickering. It would be impossible to mention here all the many good pictures illustrating English scenery and historic events, but we must refer, however, briefly to the humorous series, tho best of which were those showing an old Irishwoman at her spinning wheel, " The Pelicans at the Zoo," " Tho Amorous Guardsman," and "Is Marriage a Failure." All these were exceptionally funny, and richly enjoyed by the audience. During the evening a strong orchestra played appropriate music, which gave additional attraction to the entertainment. A new series of pictures will be shown this evening.