AMUSEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 13239, 28 August 1917, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE BIRTH OF A NATION." The presentation on the picture screen of D. W. Griffith 1 * great production, '"The Birth of a Nation,'' showing as it does the reconstruction of the greatest of modern photo-plays, "Tbe Birth c-f a Nation." commenced a ;twonight (season at the Opera House last night to a packed house. The .stoi'y is divided into two phases. The first depicts the war itself, in which the fortunes of two families'—one of the South and the other of the- .North —are _ recounted. The terrors of war —particularly of civil war —are illustrated with An artistry and realism thoroughly typical of Griffith. Many of the spectacles, both panoramic and -in detail, are more than wonderful. Noteworthy among these are a representation of a Southern attack on the enemy's , trenches, which exhibits the most realistic hand-to-hand fighting yet seen on. the screen: and the spectacle of an army in •retreat, laying waste a whole country* ' side, together with a Hying and panicstricken populace, provide* a. jjsene that will not readily be forgotten. The second part of the story deals with the "reconstruction" period after the signing of peace. A mistaken, attitude towards the newly-freed negro slaves led to excesses and outrages on the part of the negro nid.itia, and this in turn promoted the formation by for their own protect : on, of such societies a» the "Klu-Klux Klan" and the "Knighty of the Camellia. ' It is mainly with tin- activities oi the "Klu-Khix Klan" that the latter part of the picture deals. The weirdly-cos-tumed "night-riders" and the assembling of the "klans" provide, soma picI turesque and moving episodes. One I scene that is particularly telling is a charge en masse by all the clansmen through a town held and defended by negroes. Neither labor nor expense was spared to achieve historical exactitude. Two well-told love romances run through the story, the principalis belonging to families of both North and South. "The Birth of a Nation'' will be screened finally at the Opera llouse to-night. "VERY GOOD EDDIE."

To-morrow night at the. Optra House Messrs J. and A. Tait's New Musical Comedy Company, will make its first appc,aranco in Oaniaru, and will present what is described as the smartest and brightest of all musical comedies, "Very Good Eddie," which, according to report., has been meeting with the. same '.success in New Zealand as it- did in Australia. It is claimed fc.r "Very ■Good Edd ; e" that it- departs from the ordinary in musical comedy' as it is not the usual conglomeration of song, dance, and' pretty girl, but has a. story and plot- both interesting and full of possible situations, which the authors, liave made the most of. The comedy, too, is free of suggestiveness, and the humor is of the good clean wholesome" kind which everybody can and. will enjoy. The Sydney Bulletin says: — '•'''Very Good EdcLie' is likely to liavo a good long camp at. the Palace Theatre. This bright- show has the interest- that new personalities and an unusual setting give, and chief comedian Barry Lupine's- quiet methods are unlike those of any practitioner now in town." For ten weeks "\.ei;y Good Eddie" camped at the. Palace, and the catchy song hits were the Sydney. Of the artists who will make- their first appearance here• to-morrow nightconsiderable interest is evinced m Miss Fayette Perry, Miss .Lilian Tucker, and Mr John Beck, all of whom come, from America with the highest of reputations, and judging by. the. r success in Australia. Oamaru .theatregoers will no doubt- put thtm in high favor. The east of "Very Good Eddie" is a lengthy one, and includes many old favorites, including Mr Andrew Higginson, Mr Frank Greene, Mr Fred. Monument, .Mr Alfred Bristowe, Mr Charles Pope, Miss Nan Taylor, and Mies- Emily Fituroy. Mr Barry Lupino, as "producer, has introduced many novelties, and a specially selected orchestra under tho direction of Air Robert- Keera will enhance the. musical attractiveness of tho production. The Oamaru season is limited to one night-. The demand for reserved seats has been exoeptipnally heavr, and intending patrons arc advissu: "to book at the Bristol without delay.