AMUSEMENTS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 2 November 1917, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

HAYWAED'S PICTUKES.

"Wine, Woman, and Song. Woman the cheapest of the three." is the motto for the peep into the New York under-world which shows "Skinny (powerfully delineated by Arthur Ashlev) enjoying the fruits of his blackmail in "The Bondage of Fear," the World Film drama to be finally shown to-night at the Empire Theatre. This night at the Empire Theatre. This play is remarkable for some new artistic studio work. It has a particularly strong plot, based on the infatuation of a rejected lover for the heroine. His headstrong conduct places her in a position of awful danger, which is hideously increased when he is shot down by an intruding burglar. The latter promptly seizes on the situation to turn it to profit, and settles down to blackmail the unfortunate young wife. Ethel Clayton, as the heroine, is magnificent. "Arthur Ashley as "Skinny," '•'the arch-villain, is most impressive, especially in the scene on the lonely mountain laKe when he buries in its still waters the body of his victim. Included in the programme are a very fine coloured scenic, ar fiy-to-date Topical Budget, etc. Patrons are asked to note that under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1917, the amusement-tax eoines into force to-day. PEOPLE'S PICTURES. William Russell, whose work in "The Craving" will be favourably remembered, is placed to particular advantage in "Mv Ficrhting (Jenf'p.man," the sixreel masterpiece to be finally screen at the Theatre Royal to-night. In the story William 'Russell plays the heroic l'ole of the son of a house divided against itself, and in which the boy follows the mother's teaching and belief. The story- as un- , folded shows in a most realistic and interesting manner the life as lived in the Southern States of America just I after the Civil War, and has more to do with the romantic side of that time than the military side. Except for a glimpse, the war is not dealt with at all, but rather the intimate relationship of two families, one Northern in syni- : pathv, as well as in victory, the other I Southern and bitter in defeat. To quote from the Moving Picture World. "My Fighting • Gentleman" is one of the* best releases for some time, and the director has shown great skill in producing one of the nicest, cleanest, most pleasing stories that the screen has produced." It is superbly produced, intensely dramatic, and has some beautiful photography, including some of the clevere-st night photography yet seen. The plot is unusual, artistic, dramatic to a degree, with a charming love interest." Other pi«jture.s are included in the programme.