The Bio-Tableau

Southland Times, Issue 19553, 6 May 1905, Page 2

The Bio-Tableau

The promise of Mr J. 0. Williamson to " place the world ” before the patrons of his biograph entertainment might have

sounded rather grandiose in the ears of many, accustomed as they are to hearing the seductive charms of many shows

aired by the plausible voice of the advance agent. But if ever an audience was satisfied that a promise natl been fully redeemed, it was that which attended the Zealandia Hall last evening. Figuratively the world was placed before them, and th'ey found much pleasure in beholding- it, per medium of biograph. The machine used is a powerful one, and the

pictures projected are probably largei

and clearer than any previously seen here. The range of subjects is exceptionally large, and out of every series the audience extracted niucli enjoyment.

The first to be thrown on the screen was a panoramic view of the Italian exhibition at Earl’s Court, London, and among the various scenes the water chute seemed to please most, An amusing side light on the life of the submuiged tenth was provided by a film depicting London hawkers at work, characteristic representations, aided by amusing effects, lieing- given of these ladles and gentlemen whose methods of gaining a living indicate the possession of strong imaginations and unlimited push. A series ol pictures of a pathetic and also amusing turn was given in the - tableau " Driven from Home,” a tale of parental despotism, which happily ends with the «longed one being received back by the repentant father. Two illusions were given, one of which, " The Double Bedded Room,” caused shrieks of ’nughter. A dash for liberty, describing the escape ol two convicts, was a good film, and the audience extracted plenty of excitement from the varying fortunes of the chase. The pictures of tire Russo-Jap war weio of course a great attraction. Those dealing witli the Russians were first shown, and one could not help but admire the fine stamp of mail who. is depicted as the Russian soldier. They are stalwart, smart and alert, and, as. the carnet a never lies, the pictures are a contradiction to many disparaging criticisms which have been directed against the Russian army. The finest pictures of the Russian series were those showing the splendid horsemanship of a squad of Cossacks, and mountain artillery getting through rough country. The pictures dealing witli the Japanese fide, though received with more applause, were hardly so interesting, but still they were excellent illustrations. The streets ol Tohio, the arrival and departure of the Jap. Tommy Atkins, and his prowess in battle were all laid before the spectators to appreciate. The Jap. seems to bo always at “ the double,” both in his own country and when charging the enemy. A religious procession, a thanksgiving for a victory, provided material for a fantastic film. After the war pictures came several of a general character, the principal being Acrasia’s Melbourne Cup (a picture of the race and a panoramic view of the crowd), and the scenes of the great fire in Toronto, reproducing the turnout of the brigades, the fires, the scene on the f Plowing day, and the demolition of dangerous buildings with dynamite. The performance concluded with a reproduction of the wonderful pantomime, “ Submarina,” in which the audience was transported to the stars, and . then thrown into the depths of the sea, to follow the nefarious schemes of the wicked old man of the deep. The pictures were marvellously good, and the series was greatly enjoyed. For to-night a change of programme is announced, and this afternoon" a matinee performance will be given.