AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14577, 16 July 1909, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS

WIDE-WOIILD PICTURES. A crowded circle and a full lioase in all other parts witnessed the ivoolcly chan"c of programme at the Princess Theatre last, evening, when tho management, presented one of the most entertaining and histori-> cally interesting series of cinematograph ■ films that lia.-i teen shown in tho city. Tins! '•fitav" series of pictures totals 2.173 ft in! length, and deals with the stirring period ! trom November, 1793, up to 1821. when Napoleon 1 was tt master spirit in the affairs ■ of Jiurope, ruling Franco with an all- ! powerful will and carrying war far and! near, until a combination of the alied! 1 owers brought about his defeat, down-; rail and punishment Austerlitz, the! Bridge Ot Arcoli, ltatisbon, Moscow,; \\ aterloo, and St. Helena, with the groat! Corsican as the central figure, pass in realistic review in tin's great- cinematograph reproduction of wars and conquests, reverses and sufferings. Napoleon is presented as portrayed by the eminent French actor, Charly—a striking figure, taller and heavier than the popular conception of tlio great. French Kmperor. hut furnished with ail the firmness of feature and will power of a fearless general and a leader of men. Pal lie Frer?;, the makers of the films, -havi. been at considerable pain:', ro reproduce aswiear as possible Iho seanoa of ihe episodes <lealt with, and I Ida' fact, combined with the movements of (he troop? on I lie march or in battle, gives iiio I whole representation that touch of realism which is essential to convoy a vivid eoncepI tion of stirring events in Ilia history of | nations. •'Hear-hiinling in Russia" is a | good series of films depicting winter scenery ami !ho excitement and risks attendant upon the hunting of black beam. ''Buddhist Manners and Customs" is a brief series dealing with image and animal worship in India, and serves to show tho high degree of intelligence to which elephants may bo trained. The " Inauguration of President Taft" is likewise a good series, depicting military and civic street and park processions and .national rejoicings. The burlesque and comedy element is well represented 'n " Fcolsheaxi, King of tho Kobbsrs," "The Wizard's Walking Oane," and "Oh! That Beard!" and "The Children of the Plains," "Little Jim, tho Collier's Child," "The Little Soldier," etc., complete a really lirst-class evening's entertainment. A matinee |ierformance, in addition to the usual evening onterlan'nment, will be given to-morrow, and this owning the new performance will again be presented. The-management'state that the Napoleon picture will positively be withdrawn on Tuesday evening, and cannot possibly be repeated here. The box plan is at the Dresden. THE SKATING RINK. "Here," exclaimed a victim as lie crashed upon the floor of the rink, " where are you going to?" "Ask the skates," was the desperately irresponsible reply of Ihe one who had causcd the catastrophe, as ho went his devastating way. This is a skating rink incident, and was used as a moral to adorn 'a tolo by Mr J. if Dona Id (ex-Mayor) in presenting prizes at this popular resort last .night. The prizes were in connection with the recent • carnival, and were won by the following: 13est fancy dress (lady), Miss Ncliie M'Laren; gentleman, Mr Charles Seurr. Most graceful skater (lady). Mies Ncliie M'Laren; gentleman, Mr H. Woodger; couple, Miss 0. Munro and Mr S. Cross. Most original character, Mr M'Dougall; most comical character. Mr W. Collision. Helle of the carnival, Miss Doris Munro. Drag' Knee, Misses S. Frew and K. Bligh; Tio Race, Miss K. Bligh; couples, Miss Munro and Mr Cross; Mile Handicap, Mr Cyril Solomon; Ladies' Couple Race. Misses Ada and Queenie Watson. Among the special attractions last night was a ladies' hoclicy match, Blue v. While, which caused much hilarity and excitement, ahd ended in a dr»w. This item was also referred to by Mr M'Donald, who. in tho coins; of his remarks, complimented the ladies on the exceedingly graceful manner in which thoy | occasionally subsided, and complimented the management npon tho excellent manner i in which Ihe rink in general and the carni-! val in particular had been conducted. The! Skating Uink, wliioh was crowded, will be I open to-day and this evening as usual.