AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1916, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

"OUR BRITISH NAVY." A remarkable picture, disclosing in .every detail the operations of the units comprising the British Navy, was screened at the Theatre Royal last night before a large audience. The film opens with a description of a three years' course of training through which a naval recruit passes. In this way a connected and fascinating story is unfolded. The boy is taught to climb the rigging, to swim, and to swing his hammock. He is initiated into the work of hoisting the Boats and furling the sails, and is put through a course of naval drill. He leaves the trainingship for a while, and is taught gunnery practice. Views of the brighter side of the cadet's life are introduced, showing him taking part in aquatic sports and boxing. He returns to the train-ing-ship, and is made a sub-instTuetor, and puts raw recruits through their paces. The ship puts to sea, and views of the ports at which she calls are screened. The scene changes, and across the screen tne magnificent ship Australia appears. Then follows the Sydney and New Zealand. The scenes depicting the Navy in times of peace give place to views showing it preparing for war. A flotilla of torpedoers steams at top speed on scouting duty, and is followed by the majestic Dreadnoughts. The decks are cleared for action, lights are extinguished, and the gun-layers get to work. The firing of broadsides of fiin and 12in guns form an impressive sight. Submarines are introduced, and these are shown sub> merged with only the periscope in view. Then follows the bombardment of the targets by big guns and torpedoes. An exciting sham fight between companies of the Royal 'Marines is portrayed. Every feature of a real engagement is shown, including machine-gun firing and ambulance work. The film was taken by Mr. Alfred West, F.R.G.S., the Admiralty photographer, and is certainly the finest series yet produced of this iiscinating subject. The film is a very lengthy one, and seen in its entirety ought to be a vigorous stimulant to recruiting. "Our Navy," together with the other fine films which comprise the programme, will be shown again tonight for the last time, commencing' at a quarter to eight.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE.

To-night's now programme at the Empire Picture Palace is headed by the London Film Co.'s gorgeous and spectacular production of Anthony Hope's stirring novel. "Rupert of Hentzau." Among the numerous recent releases by this company the present film easily takes first place. The conciseness of its treatment is a particular merit, for discursiveness is not unknown in "features.'' But it can reasonably be said of this film that its 0000 ft might have been considerably expanded without giving cause for complaint. "Rupert of Hentzau,'' although a sequel picture to itliat fine film of "The Prisoner of Zenda," show here last week, can be. seen and thoroughly enjoyed not only by those who witnessed last week's screening, but by those to whom the characters are new. It is a complete story in itself, and a truly magnificent production withal. Other pictures to be shown include a. clever and hilarious comedy, entitled "The Story of a Olove," well acted by Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Drew, two Vitagraph Stars. The latest "Pathe War Gazette" and a beautiful scenic study of a quaint old Dutch town. The music by the Empire Symphony Orchestra is no little factor in the 'success of the entertainment.