AMUSEMENTS

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12931, 30 October 1914, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

A SUPERLATIVELY FINE PICTURE AT HAYWARD'3. ' 1 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA." An epoch marking present ation go far as motion pictures in Palmers ton are concerned, was screened last wight at Hayward's in the mammoth and majestic pourtrayal "Antony and Cleopatra." It is veritably a classic Of classics, and places kinematography on the highest pinnacle it has fever attained. It is known as "tke play of a thousand actors," and one * can readily believe the statement , made that the sole English rights realised at auction in London £SSOO.

"We have previously hid 'Quo Vadis' as an example of what the Cines film can do in the magnificent staging of historical drama, and 'Antony and Cleopatra' represents even an advance upon the standard which * Quo Vadis' reached. Expensively staged in scenes of Italian and Egyptian luxury, and acted by the principals with thrilling intensity,, the film is of the deepest interest from a dramatic, spectacular, and historical point of view.

"The splendid tragedy-of Antony and Cleopatra has always made a universal dramatic appear and in its picture-form it is presented with the utmost vividness. This.yfilm, which has had huge successes in' Europe and Britain, ought to atraet all classes, for it is as educational as it is spectacular. Moreover, its dramatic value is high. Cleopatra is. played by. Signora Gonzales Terribili. Her dramatic genius is great, and all the scenes in which she figures are splendidly effective. Antony is a handsome and noble Roman. Judged by its historical realism, its picturesque staging, and its bold acting, the film must rank as one of the very finest yet produced in the world."

The Melbourne Age, in a highly eulogistic and lengthy notice, concluded samfe by saying:—"The Shakespearian version of Antony and Cleopatra is embellished with Casso's narrative of Hagar, Cleopatra's slave and rival for the Soman's heart.. Barely, 'if ever, within the walls of a theatre has a more picturesque sight been seen than the disembarking of the .Roman legions on the African coast to storm the palace of the Pharaohs. Striking and beautiful, too, are Cleopatra T a entry to the Roman encampment and the triumph of Octavius. All these pictures, bridging over two score of centuries, if legendary in some detail, are in the main history—the history of civilisation waiting for the dawn of the new era. Patrons of the theatre had evidently anticipated something out of the ordinary, -for when all the seats had been taken at the evenitg exhibition, the backwash of disappointed comers was remarkable." "Antony and Cleopatra": will be shown again to-night, at to-morrow % matinee and for the last time to-mor-row night. The prices are the same as usual.

"WHEN LIONS ESCAPE" AT

FULLER'S.

The big film at His -Majesty's Theatre last evening by the Gaumont Company was a great success. Some exciting scenes were filmed in this 2,500 feet drama and one of the most thrilling was of a man at the mercy of some ferocious lions. The situation becomes tnese in the extreme and the beholder's attention is riveted throughout. The story embraces the power of hypnotic suggestion, and of a villian who vainly attempts a cruel revenge.

The programme itself commenced with the latest edition of the evergreen "Australian Gazette," which, of course, was well received. This was followed by & great 1000 feet Edison comedy titled "Two Merchants.' 1 A great amount of amusement was caused by this picture and it Kept the large audience bubbling over with merriment throughout its screening. The popular A.K. Company contiibuted a very excellent scenic 1 ' Among the Gorges of Colorado," which showed some remarkable scenes of th|s mountain and. ravine region of America. This film received a great reception. The same Company alst presented a very fine drama, "Her Second Shot," and it proved to be one of the most powerful and appealing dramas they have yet produced. The Vitagraph Company can always be relied npon to release something good and their new "star" comedy "Any Port in a Storm," a story of mixed np matrimonial arrangements - fairly brought the house dow*. As a finale to an excellent programme the Kalem Company presented a great mirth-raiser in "Fleeing from the Fleas" which as its title suggests was exceedingly laughable, and is easily equal to a "Keystone'* as a convulsion-raiser. . j