ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9509, 9 May 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA iIOTJSE PICTURES.

Tho programme shown at tho Opera. House last night was one of the veiy best screened since tho inception of:the. Municipal Pictures," most of the film subjects ■ being of an unusually: interesting character. The "Glimpses land,"' from Pathes, are cutting? from Mr Barrett's scries of Dominion viewi.; Thoy are all artistically tinted, and for the most part excellent photography..''J he more notable of /the set are those of coaching in the Buller Gorge, New Zealand river scenery, Rotorua Hot Spri:i,js, and lastly his Majesty's "Pelorus Jack." This remarkable cinematogram should at onco disprove to the outside world that Pelorus Jack is only: a "fish story," as he is plainly seen swimming beside the boat, and at times jumping right out of the water. Another very fine scenic film was that entitled "Riches of Old Sicily," depicting the ruins of tho ancient temples and theatres of tho opulent ago of Italy. "River Panorama of Egypt" gives glimpses of the agricultural industries on tho banks of the Nile. Ore; of the remarkable nature Gcienco Patho studies is "Tho Scorpion." 'The habits of the reptile are all clearly shown in tho film, with the effects of its poisonous and deadly x sting on various animals. A good Australian Patho Gazette has somo very interesting harem skirt episodes, besides various topical events. The dramatic portion of the programmo was also very 6fcrong, an enthralling A.B. drama, "The Banker's Daughter," and an Imperial picture play, "His Last Chance," being splendid types of the ingenious plots which aro concocted for modern picture patrons. Tho last-named lilm is said to be founded on fact, and, 1 esides the interest of the. plot, shows the famous American game of base.ball being, played. Other fine Vitagraph and Edison productions were screened, which, with the usual number of comedy subjects, make up the bill. This fine programmo will only be screened till Wednesday night, when it gives way to Williamson's, Ltd.

FULLERS' PICTURES. The new programme, screened for the first time at His Majesty's last evening, attracted a good audience.. The pictures, which traversed a great variety of subjects, were very well received, in places drawing forth loud applause and causing a good deal of merriment. The entertainment opened with a fine scenic production entitled "Town of Trent." This film was very interesting since it showed numerous historical places 6uch as the castle in which wa6 held the famous Trent Council. The fine statue of immortal "Dante" was also conspicuous in tho film., "The Island of St. Kilda," that outlapdigh spot farthest west of the Hebrides group,' pff the north-west of Scotland, was J n a]l its rugged *SM& '"Taranto,"' ''Picturesque Cainbodia,'' and "Glimpses of China" complete tiiis section of the programme. In all they form a quintette of films, which would be hard to equal. The, drarimtifl pictures were wanting neither in Quality nor in quantity, "The Black-Bordered Letter," a detective -Story of the highest merit, attracted much -attention, and,, indeed, may be classed as the star film of the evening. Tho circumstances surround-' ing tho plot of the story are sensational; and the acting of the characters is well in accordance with these circumstances. "A Tale of the Sea," another fine story, displayed beautiful scenery of a storm-lash-ed coast, as well as the dramatic adventures of- the . characters therein. "A Brother's "The Redeemed Criminal" complete the set of dramatic subjects. Both of the last two wero also intensely interesting. Rollicking comics topped off an exceptianal programme. "Adventures of Bill, tho Plumber," "The Widow's Choice," both diverting films of a superior class, created much amusement throughout.

MR J. C. WILLIAMSON'S BIG DRURY LANE DRAMAS. THE WHIP AND VIA WIRELESS. 'Mr J. C. Williamson's venture into the domain of sensational drama ha 6 been attended with the most satisfactory results. "The Whip" has proved a most astonishing success. Tho piece has gained a great hold upon Now _ Zealand, theatre-goers, In a recent English paper I read that it is not often that a placard announcing the last nights of an attraction and then obliged to tako them down again almost immediately fifi-ei'.' this was the fortunate experience of Mr Arthur Collins, general manager of Drury Lane. As soon as the laet" nights of "The Whip" were announced on the hoardings round London, so great became the rush to see the piece l that it was decided to continue the run indefinitely. The kennels at Ancaster, the Royal Horse Show at Olympia, the Chamner of Horrors at Madame Tussaurd's, and the race for the classic 2200 guineas, together with a wonderful railway fMisation, aro promised as a few of tho attractions of "The Whip." VIA WIRELESS.

On Friday, May 12th, Mr J. C. Williamson will present "Via Wireless," There are four big scenes in "Via Wireless." The foundry scene, in n'hich takes place the casting of a 9-inch naval gun, the exciting scene at tho hotel. "Bella Vista," in' Madoira, the weird and fascinating "wireless" episode, and the thrilling wreck and dramatic rescue by the ocean liner in mid-ocean. The play, which i 6 by Paul Armstrong and Winchell Smith, two famous American authors, is at present a pronounced success in America, and recently creatod something like a furoro in Sydney when interpreted by this company. Wo understand that the play will be prosonted here in precisely the 6amo complete manner that has obtained in tho Australian centres. Tho box plans are now 7 on view at Cole's Piano Depot.