AMUSEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue XLIX, 4 January 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

PERMANENT PICTURES. There was another full house at the Empire Theatre last night, when the fine military picture, "Defenders--of the Empire," with a new programme, was screened. To-night there will be a complete change of Bill, presenting a special attraction in a 50COft. film, a picture dramatisation of the famous novel, "John Halifax, Gentleman." The story is one which is well suited for the screen and no doubt the picture will prove as attractive as the book lias been ever since its publication. The story is well known. John Halifax, a child waif, is found and given work, and the book tells the story of his life and that ict his -wife Ursula and his lifelong friend Phineas. Into this life comes sunshine and many shadows, making and teaching the child, and then the man. He rises to a position of trust and responsibility in which he never forgets -the lessons he has learned in the school of poverty. A wonderful example is the life of this good man, and the story is full cf human interest. Mot-ueka will be visited tomorrow. PEOPLE'S PICTURES. SCHOOL OF MUSI'S. "THE JUNGLE." Last night at the School of Music " Wildflower" again drew a packed honse for the final screening. To-night the star feature will be of an . entirely different nature, beinp- -more of;the dramatic .type. Upton Sinclair's powerful and daring story of the stock yards and ■beef packing industry, "Thei Jungle," heeds little introduction to the literature loving public or theatre goers of the •world. Probably the most widely read and discussed- writing- of modern days, and equally as successful as a stage production, "The Jungle," has been presented in either of the t-wo forms to many millions of people the world over. Mt Sinclair's book enjoys the unprecedented distinction of having ■ fbeen translated and printed in seventeen different languages and in each has had a record sale. More than ten millions of Teadersare accredited to it in the United ■States alone. Owincr to the decided opposition, of those interested in the business which is so vividly described in "The Jungle," considerable difficulties and obstacles were encountered before a correct atmosphere and detail of the stockyards and beef packing plant, could Ifce presented, but by the purchase df machinery, the leasing of the yards, etc., the producers have been exceptionally successful and a jjicture in wide departure is the "result. "The Jungle'' tells . a most T'emarkable and unusual #toryi profuse with dramatic possibilities of Hbe higher-value, and the appreciation of" such dramatic opportunities has led the .All Star Feature Corporation, the producers, -to secure an exceptionally strong cast of .prominent. Broadway players.™ OeorgeNash, former star of-"The Gamblers." "Officer 666," and ( more recently of the New York production o£ "Panthea." appears in the all powerful role-of Jurgis, a part which permits of ample opportunities for him to displav the dramatic ability for which he is famed. The supporting films are of a varied character, and comprise comedies*. . war topicals. and th<* latest Eclair Journal. The orchestral selections have 'been specially selected to accompany this programme, by Signor J. Vitetta. Richmond ■will be visited on Thursday, Wakefield on" Friday, when. ''The Jungle' _ programme will be screened in its ctntjrety.