ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17304, 28 March 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

FULLERS’ PICTURES-. Despite the unfavourable weather, there was a large attendance at the Zealandia Hall last evening when a new programme was shown for the first time. The series is a capital one, the, subjects being finely chosen and nicely' varied .and from first to last there Is not a film of mediocre quality shown. ‘'Animals we all Know 1 ' is an informative and interesting animal study, and should provide a specially attractive matinee subject. “The Mountebank's Daughter" tells of a young minister who becomes enamoured of a mountebank’s daughter, and it furnishes an interesting dramatic subject which is capably dealt with and finely acted. "The Tell-Tale Umbrella” shows how a fickle husband may effectively quell a wife's just indignation, in the course, of which there are plenty of ridiculously funny incidents. “The Wreck of the Veronese.” a good deal of which was heard by cable, gives one a splendid idea of how the wreck occurred, and it also shows the passengers and crew while being removed per life line from ttie wrecked vessel to dry land. This picture is certainly a noteworthy one. "Love on Tough Luck Ranch” demonstrates the old saying that “Love laughs at locksmiths." and testifies to the fact that a parent who wishes a daughter to marry for mercenary motives may sometimes strike a very difficult proposition. Tn this instance such intention Is effectively frustrated. “Hawkeyo Showman" is a warning to tricksters that when gulling the public they should make certain of having reliable confederates to assist in their nefarious schemes. Hawkeye for inattention to this important detail in given a pretty rough time. "The .Schemers Outwitted" is a very powerful dramatic subject, and Incidentally it hits in it some thrilling episodes, including a runaway motor car which, with two ladles in it, dashes over a wharf. The work of a diver and the raising of tbs car are also faithfully produced, the photographic work showing the diver beneath the water being very fine. The plot is not a new one, but it is told in an original way. and one experiences a feeling of relief when the schemers arc foiled. "Uunnicus, Boalbuilder" is an absurdity, hut an entertaining absurdity, and consequently is excused and appreciated. "The Wonders of Harmonic Designing" is ;< novelty in science films, giving close views of the wonderful designs made by the* hamionograph, the machine by which scientists demonstrate certain laws cf harmony in the phenomena of sound. "•The Chaperon Gets a Ducking” an extremely amusing subject, happily concluding a fine programme, which will he shown again to-night. HAYWARD S PICTURES. The heavy rain which fell before the commencing hour of last evening's programme did not deter a large audience from putt'ng in an appearance at the Lyceum Hall to witness the secoad chaag* of programme this week. The series opened with a splendid list of topical events Included in the latest Australian Gazette series, and this was followed by an appealing little dramatic story entitled “The Little Girl Next Door." Two orphan girls, one of whom is Mind, become associated with a rich ividowet s daughter, who takes the blind girl fo’ a holiday. On their holiday trip tiio girls are upbraided one day by a gruff old gentleman, and the blind child subsequenWy becomes ill. Her eklei- sister on being sent for recognises the old man as her mother’s father, who had disowned his daughter on her marriage lo a poor inan. Ho has regretted his action ever since, and on the orphans' identity being known a happy reunion takes place, and their days of poverty are over. "The Valley of Versubie” was a subject introducing some pretty scenic effects, and “Captain Barnacle’s Legacy” brought sunshine in one direction, but left perhaps more rightful possessors of a fortune lamenting. Many of last night’s .audience were familiar with the tale unfolded in Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” and the film on last evening’s list treating of the great allegory was easily the best of the series. The spirit of religious piety fills the heart of Bunyan and he turns from his vocation as a tinsmith to follow the Gospel. As Invariably happened to the Christian of earlier times, so it occurred in Bunyan’s case, and the prison cell was apportioned hie lot. There as the author has de-

scribed In his book a great story of a Christian life was evolved in the form of a dream. The religious one lias the burden of sin heavily upon him, and the constant struggle that is his share to Keep the good and dispense with the evil, until he at last reaches his goal—the Cross —makes a fine cinematograph subject. When the Christian awoke from his dream and rang down the curtain, still In mere worldly surroundings, the audience showed their appreciation of a fine film by a loud outburst of applause. In addition to the special orchestral music for the film, “Lead Kindly Light” and “Watchman, what of the Night?" were specially contributed by gramaphone. The “Unveiling of Captain Cook's Memorial" recently at Home was a topical subject that proved particularly interesting to New Zealanders, while "The Handkerchief Problem” and “Mary’s Goat” were the mirth provokers of the programme. The half-guinea lucky seat competition was awarded to Miss E. McKenzie, Deschler’s Hotel. Tonight the programme will be repeated. MISS PROCTOR’S ASTRONOMICAL LECTURES. Invercargill will be privileged to-night to hear the only woman lecturer in the world on astronomy. Miss Proctor, whose home is in New Topic, is much in vogue in the States as a lecturer. She comes with one hundred beautiful slides to Illustrate her first lecture, "Other Worlds Than Ours.” These are all recent photographs. The. art of stellar photography has developed so much in recent years that all our photographs have been discarded and replaced by modern ones from the largest observatories. Such In itself is an attraction, and.we feel sure that everyone who attends will be amply rewarded. These lectures ought specially to interest the rising generation. Owing to the multitude of subjects in our schools, astronomy, 'so Interesting a revelation, finds no place. Here is a capital opportunity of making its acquanlance and learning something of the marvellous universe. The starry heavens we admire on clear nights are bropght within our reach by powerful telescopes. The more our knowledge, the greater our wonder. All interested in photography should see these beautiful slides, many of which are coloured. As Miss Proctor is doing her share towards the establishment of a fund for a solar observatory In New Zealand, the public ought to do its- share by filling the Victoria Hall to-night and to-morrow evening. The low price of one shilling to all parts and for all ages has been fixed. We hope the talented lady,will be rewarded by a full house.,