THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13786, 11 September 1915, Page 5

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

.. A picture feature of.' more than passing 1 interest is now being screened at the World's Pictures. Thjs' subject is a military one and deals with Avar condi-. tTo'iis ;is tjiey were during 'the 'Napoleonic' era.- The play is cleverly constructed; and the detail of costuming and mount.--, ing are rejhai&ably. correct, according to t<h a (period, and sdvferal of the scenes dis-" played are faithful replicas of celebrated' paintings'., in ...which. Napoleon figures} the momentary pause being sufficient to convey this fact, -and then the photo* play progresses. The plot is one of exceptional brilliance, -and shows m -vividlight the wonderful power Naipoleori heldj ;and the manner m which he communicated his spirit to the troops — from field marshal. to privatfi. As Napoleon Signor Mdzzotini gives a remark* ably faithful . portrayal, the various, moods and mahner of "The Little Corporal" being displayed. in a most .cork vincing manner. The " supporting' characters of Juliette (Signorina. Hesperia) •and -.Sergeant. Guizpt and Lieut. -.Viclery< afterwards field marshals, are all cleverly done, and throughout the many thrilling scenes, either m the lower life, the palace, or battle, field, a consistency of quality m acting is mainained. As a historical subject thic picture is of great value, and although several scenes of strife, love and intrigye are .intrp-, duced the figure of Napoleon is always' to the front, and his powerful organisation quickly straightens matters out." Although- portrayed by Italian actors, the atmosphere is absolutely French, and shows that our Allies are" sis'' clever on the stage as behind the guns. ,On Monday next "The Master Key" will be continued, the -seventh ■'instalment being; already to hand. :"

"Thou Shalt Not Kill," a world's masterpiece of 6000 feet, and featuring the popular actress Blanche. Sweet, will be screened at the Opera House, this . evening.. This, picture was first presented m New York/ where, it broke all records*.' In .England, where- it, is now being shown, it has achieved, a sensational 1 , success. Its triumphant tour of Australia continues froni State to State. | 'Than Shalt not Kill," or "The Avenging Conscience" is a- drama of the mind, completely visualised throughout and with a thoroughly connected story. Though it deals with . the penance inflicted, upon '' a .murderer of his own conscience, this penance is so personified that the result is a very 'graphic narra*. tive. This is. brought abput by the, use,; of some extraordinary photographic effects, which show the dead man returning to haunt the living murderer, who imagines, among other things, that he can hear the heart -of the dead man still beating., "Thou Shalt Not Kill" was suggested by Edgar Allen Poe's famous Story, "The . Telltale Heatt" which, contains the. Idea i .of the murderer listening to the heart -beats of the man he killed) and by Poe's famous poem of "Annabel v Lee." This magnificent production is supported by the following interesting subjects : "On the Borders of a Lake" (a resplendent color stu^y), "The World Power" (a Humorous and brilliant series of aminated cartoons), and the latest. Gazette from the war zone. Intending patrons, can book their seats early at Ferguson's.

-. Exceptional interest was taken m the screening of "Our .Troops m. Egypt," a Splendid film showing -tne New Zealanders and Australians' fitting themselves for their d<sßeent on to the which Pathe' Pictures submitted to a crowded house at His Majesty's Theatre last night. This splendid presentment of the New Zealand Main Expeditionary Force and. their Australian brothers m arms makes^as fine a military subject as has yet Been taught by the moving camera. Eyery phasa of camp life- is shown, including light horse charges across the desert, infantry rushes; arid bridge building. The march past of troops, just prior to their starting for the Dardanelles, \ra6 an inspiring sight of the fighting strength of Greater Britain, and aroused enthusiasm. The young 'New Zealanders, ,who left these shores light-hearted . striplings, were hardly recognisable ih the hardened soldiers whom*, months of strenuous training had developed to a wonderful degree of efficiency.- The view given of the New Zealanders and Australians, m the 'light of subsequent heroic achievements at the Dardanelles, is of absorbing interest. "Our Troops m Egypt," which *is supported by a very fino programme of films, will -make «its final appearance ■to-night. „'-■ ,"