AMUSEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, 16 May 1917, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

J PERMANENT PICTURES. e I The all-star programme tb be screenr ed at the Entire Theatre this evening 1 comprises but two items. One of these \ is "The .BaMe of Hearts." a romantic 1 drama of "the sea, starring William ; Farnum in one of his most successful ' roles. 'ln the other Frank Keenan, the : popular Kay-Bee actor, appears in the role of a- powerful Wall Street broker iD "Tli© 'Stepping Stone."' The i-lory of "The Battle of Hearts" re\ l.es round Martin Cane, owner of a fis.iiny : fleet. He is known as a man of run determination, and' is in love with Maida Rhodes, who, however. loves Joe Sprague, a worthless son of a lighthouse keeper. (Jane, driven to desperation. goes to sea in the teeth of a gale. His vessel is wrecked, ai>:l he alone survives. The hurried wedding arrangements of ■Sprague and Maida are friistmted ■>;•' Cane's reappearance. Terrified. Spragae clears, and eventually joins a gan-g of smugglers. 'Cane, a ruined man. secures a berth with Captain R'hodes, only to learn later that the vessel which he joins belongs 'to Maida. who o'v the first trip takes oenimand. Cane refuses to t bey an order given by the girl, and takes away 'her revolver, with which she is endeavouring to enforce her commands. Meamw'hile Joe robs his father, throwing, suspicion on Cane. Maida finally drives her vessel on the rocks, bin is saved from drowning by 'Cane. _ The iinal scene shows <a terrific hand-tu-hanri figlit- between Cane and Sprague. Cane proves'the victor, and is promptly chosen by -Maida. IMotueka will be visited tonight, and 'Richmond to-morrow night. when excellent programmes will be submitted. THEATRE ROYAL. j PEOPLE'S PICTURES. "THE WHEEL OF THE LAW." A very large audience was present at the Theatre Royal last night when "The Witching Hour" was finally presented, and "The Wheel of the Law" received its tirst screening. To-night "The Wheel of the Law" will be finally screened with a splendid list of supporting items. In "The Wheel of the Law" a Metro 5000 ft. drama a great opportunity is given Miss Stevens for the deep emotional work as well as for the many lighter, brighter touches that make for contrast. The climax finds her attaining her greatest art, and although the audience know that, as the wife, she is but acting a part, they are held in suspense as to the outcome of her great adventure. A picture with a mighty appeal to men as well as women, it strikes a ■sincere note, such as is all too rarely struck by the modern play. An intensely dramatic story, good all through, but with some really big moments, affording Miss Steven splendid opportunities for her rare skill and artistry The play is almost entirely set within doors, and particular care has been expended to obtain the correct atmosphere. The big stage and theatre scenes are without a flaw. The big fashionable audience is the real thing, and not made up of "supers." and tire great finale to "La losca," with Miss Emily Stevens as the star performer, is wonderfully well done. The interior setting of the magnificent church is without question the best yet seen, and the courthouse scene is perfectly portrayed. Glimpses of life behind the scenes: fashionable restaurants, witb some of the highest paid specialty dancers in New York : inside the prison walls of the grim "Sing Sing" ; a chemist's laboratory, and the luxurious homes of New York's society, all have riieir place in this remarkable film. IXRIVBR'S SPIRITUALISTIC EXPOSURES. There is every indication that tJie School of Music will he crowded to the doprs again, when Mr Driver makes his reappearance in Nelson this evening. Believers in Spiritualism, non-believers, and those" who stand or. the border line, will then have an opportunity of witnessing "phenomena" through the medium of a clever conjurer, who will produce by natural means all the marvellous manifestations claimed by- spiritualists to be accomplished only by the spirits of the dead, 'including the great Katie King''Mystery, in which spirits are walk out on the stage. shake hands with the committee, and then dsmaterialise before the eyes of th e audience. Mr Driver will also introduce a number of new illusions in legerdemain as well as " giving several illustrations of table lifting and table turning, and; ."matter through matter," and in connection with this latter will challenge a 'local, spiritualist to make good his claim as published in a recent spiritualistic paper. Mr (Driver returns to Nelson specially to have the test take place, and is prepared to wager £IOO on the result. Mr Driver, also promises a bonmot in the shape of a "revelation".' < <->■•:■ nected with Spiritualism in New Zealand. Those intending to be present would do well by being early, as there is sure to be a large audience.