ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17656, 14 February 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. For the change of programme to be made at the Popular Picture Palace today, the maanger, Mr Credgington, has secured something which will enable the observer to formulate some idea of the military resources of our Russian Ally. With public attention everywhere focussed on the exploits of the Czar’s wonderful soldiers, this film possesses extraordinary topical interest. The picture opens with i views showing the parade and inspection of troops about to leave for the front. We see the vast hordes of soldiers assembled in the public

square whilst their colours arc blessed by the regimental chaplain. After these ceremonies we are shown the grand march past of the assembled troops prior to their departure for the front, latter, we sec the soldiers actually on their way to the front in a long march across country. Interesting views are given of Held kitchens on the move and of the serving out of supplies to the men and their officers. We also sec them pitching tents and preparing camps, and the breaking un of their camp on the following day. Later scenes show Russian sharpshooters entrenched by the roadside, artillery in action, Russians mo\ing into action through a wood, and other unique and interesting views. Of special interest are the pictures taken in East Prussia, where the Czar's 'splendid soldiers have done such excellent work. We are shown scenes in the desolate towns around which the fiercest fighting has raged, amongst these being views of Domnin, Friedland, Allonburg, Darkehmen, Kydtkuhren and Wirballen, The picture is a very lengthy one and will prove of unbounded interest. The principal dramatic film will he "Heart of Snow," an excellent example of the best in Italian photography. The scenery in the film is superb, the lofty snow-cov-ered mountains of northern Italy forming the setting of a line story, which is of an interesting character and with a tragic climax. Leda is a pretty Italian girl, who, though wooed by many, rejects all proposals until she meets an Austrian landscape painter, and siie elopes with him. Soon after, the war breaks out, and Leda’s love of her native country is aroused. She takes the risk of finding out what she can that would he of service to her compatriots, and, after an exciting career of espionage she is shot. The picture is exciting right through and, at times, even thrilling. the snow fighting being particularly good. "Young .Mick" at the Picnic," “Picturesque Japan," and some topical films complete what promises to be an exceptionally line scries." GRAND THEATRE. A WORLD'S FILM SUCCESS. "My Old Dutch,” accredited as the most popular drama ever shown in New Zealand begins this afternoon at the popular Grand ’theatre. The season is sure to he a huge success for tile press of the dominion is united in smging the great picture's praises, while the houses attracted ha\e been enormous. The Otago Daily Times eulogises the film as follows : The Octagon Theatre was ■■: c wiled last night to witness the Coster drama, "My Oil Dutch." New pictures are frequently welcomed as exceptionally line prod actions, but to say anything less of ".My Old Dutch” would be doing it a decided injustice. The great strength of the picture lies in (he marvellously expressi\ e and consistmitlv artistic acting of Albert Chevalier ami Florence Turner, in the leading parts of "Joe Spuds' and his wife "Sal." 1 'he\alier. as is 1 known, has made a life study of London cosier life, and in Miss Tinner lie is supported by an equally \ Ivid :-n<l m-hipathelic interpi cter ui tiio passions and emotions of tnose st ranee and fa winating people. The story is a simple f >ne, and therein lien ihe secret of its powerful charm, ft is just the ancient pert etna', story of u man and woman loving unreservedly and

facing life bravely and unselfishly together. In the first part there is shown the wooing and the wedding in true coster style. A picture of Joe and Sal watching a play from the gallery and telling t]ie whole story of what is going on on the stage by their movements and expression, is a really marvellous piece of acting. The .ioy of a baby comes to the bright little home, and in sharp contrast to those scenes follow the scones when death comes and they are left alone with each other. But another child is born to thorn, and with the aid of a legacy that comes to Sal, they plan to educate the boy and “make him a gentleman.” Instead he becomes a waster, and almost breaks his parents’ hearts. Ho is not beyond reclamation, however, and goes to seek an honest fortune in another land. Meanwhile misfortune dogs the old couple, and at last they arc faced with the grim tragedy of the workhouse. But their hoy has made his fortune, returns, traces them out, and provides for their declining years luxuriously. The story itself is good, but It is the manner of telling of it that entitles the picture to rank as a masterpiece. Mr Charles Pearce will sing Chevalier’s world-famed song, "My Old Dutch.’’ Seats may be reserved at the theatre.