AMUSEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, 17 May 1917, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

PERMANENT PICTURES. A comfortably filled house at the tin•pire Theatre list evening witnessed the first screening of an unusually attractive all-star programme, "The Stepping Stone" and'"'Battle of Hearts." For excellence in acting, photography, and general interest one would 1 go far to find better. "The names of iFrank Keenan and William Farnuni have become hall marks of perfection in every particular of the moving picture drama. The s'.'-iy of "The Battle of Hearts-" rev. i.e.; round Martin Cane, owner of a fishing fleet. He is known as a man of iron determination, and is in love with Maida Uhodeis, who, however. loves Joe is-prague, a worthless son of a lighthouse keeper. Cane, driven to desperation, goes to sea in the teeth of a gale. His vessel is wrecked, at*i he alone survives. The hurried wedding arrangements of vSprague and Maida are frustrated by ! *Cane'.s reappearance. Terrified. Sprague clears, and eventually joins a gang o: smugglers. Cane, a ruined man. secures a berth -with Captain Rhodes, only to learn later that the vessel which lit joins "belongs 'to Maida. who on the first I trip takes command. Cane refuses tc obey au order given by the girl, and takes away 'her revolver, with which she v endeavouring to enforce her com i:ands. Meanwhile Joe robs his father. tJtowinig suspicion on Cane. Maicfc finally drives her vessel on the rocks, bu is saved from -drowning by Cane. The ■final scene shows a terrific hand-to-hai;r. fight between 'Cane and Sprague. Cam proves the viotor, and is promptly clioser hy Maida. Richmond will be visited to night. -THEATRE ROYAL. PEOPLE'S PICTURES. "THE QUESTION." The wonderful SCCO feet feature to bt presented at the Theatre Royal to-nigh laws squarely and bravely a great sociaevii. This fine picture, though dealin with the great menace of modern society, does so in such an- artistic an masterly manner that it, is said cannot offend the most retiuedsense. Written by Roy MeCardell, who has won three of the big scenario competitions in America, aud produced, on an expensive scale, thi story carries with it a remarkable ton viction, hammering home its lesson on '<■■ weird and dramatic fashion rarely seen. The case interpreting this social and domestic problem is particularly good, eaci <-\haractei-^being perfectly portrayed, especially fine being the work of -Miss Mai guerite -Leslie,, the beautiful Ejiglis! actress. As the society butterfly whi preferred' the care of pet dogs to tlu cares of motherhood, she is excellent and later, as the soul-stricken woman who has lost the love of husband, am who is ready to adopt almost any coursr to -wiit it back, Miss Leslie rises t; heights of emotional power seldom reach ed in the transformation from the socia' •butterfly, vain, weak, and apparently heartless, to the warm-hearted, normal and loving Wi.e, reveals a. wonderfti' strength of character which has 'beer hidden under the superficialities ami trivialities of modern society life, is f remarkable revelation of dramatic ability The pet dog craze is not yet over, anc some wonderful specimens of canine aristocracy, are introduced into "The Question"—poodles, Pekinese, Pomeranians, and every kind of lap dog that a society woman pets when she has failed in hei jjreal purpose in life-—that of being a mother of iionny children. DRIVER THE MAGICIAN. There was a- large attendance at the School of Music -last evening, when Driver the magician gave a farewell entertainment. The first part comprised legerdemain executed with all his old and a performance of the cabinet trick. Finally- Driver referred tohisJDICO challenge, which had not been taken up, and said it would remain open for another week. As an earnest of good "faith Driver produced the money. Regarding a statement that had been made doubting his claim that he J.iad exposed the medium Bailey. Driver stated that the exposure took place at the Opera House, Wellington, on September 22nd. 1909. He admitted that it was true he withdrew his challenge, as the late Mr McLean wished to depart from the original conditions and impose new ones, of which he did not approve. He had been willing to comply with the original conditions on which the £IOO was put up, for which sum he held the receipt. Driver was frequently- applauded, and evidently had the sympathies of those present. ======