AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1916, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The new programme to be sliown today at the Empire Picture Palace at both afternoon and evening performances is limited to to-day's screenings only. Patrons who are following the serial drama, "The Million Dollar Mystery," have only this opportunity of witnessing the eleventh episode, which is entitled "In the Path of the Fast Express." This instalment- depicts the adventures which befell Florence and Jim Norton after their escape from the clutches of the conspirators. Tliey catch an express, which is wrecked. In the confusion incidental to the disaster. Johnston, a conspirator, captures Florence and bears her away to a den of "toughs." Jim Norton follows, and is also captured, being placed on the rails in the way of a fast express. From this position Florence rescues him. The police arrive just in time to catch the whole gang with the exception of Johnston, who escapes. A fine Keystone farce-comedy, entitled "The Battle of Ambrose and Walrus," shows the amorous adventures of two worthy military men in as many reels. The fun here is depicted by Chester Conklin and Mack Swain who make things move swiftly even to the extent of blowing up a mountain by accident. A mreet child drama is presented next. It is called "Not Wanted," and describes a child's, earnest attempts to please his foster The latest news of world-wide .interest is well depicted in another issue of the Pathe Gazette, which is a war number, whilst "Still they Go" is a local film depicting the departure of "Our Boys" from Wellington. "That Guy Upstairs" completes a splendid programme. | THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. The chief attraction ef the new p/o----jramine screened at the Theatre Royal last night is the Kalem "feature" drama 'The First Commandment." The principal is a wealthy stockbroker, whose sole object in life appears to be th'e accumulation of money. He desires that his son shall not wed the woman he loves, so that the son's future may be more in keeping with the father's'ambitions. The son, however, weds the woman he has chosen. i£hen a business rival seeks to bring about the marriage of his son with the broker's pretty daughter*, who is deeply in love with a much worthier suitor." The broker is confronted with either financial collapse or the sacrifice of his only daughter to ,a man she dislikes. After vainly endeavouring to persuade his daughter to accept the rival's son, the broker sees ruination staring him in the face. His daughter elopes with the man she loves, and a financial panic at Wall street completes the broker's bankruptcy. When about to take hi B life the broker recoivcs a telephone call from his son, who invites his father to come and share his home. hreker accepts the invitation, and finds true happiness in the company and >eomfort of his son and daughter, who with their marriage partners seek to bring new joys and pleasures into his life, ' The story is artistically expressed, and the subject, is stylishly mounted. Shown in conjunction with the "star" film is the tenth episode of the serial drama, "The Master Key," which is a very thrilling number: also "Pathe Gazette," "A Study of Frogs,'' "A Good Business Deal'' (drama) and "Boobley's Baby." a comedy featuring Mr. and Mrs. .Sydney Drew. This programme" will ho shown again at the matinee this afternoon and repeated for the last time to-night. MARGUERITE CLARK IX WILDFLOWER. Miss Marguerite Clark, who will appear at the Theatre Royal on Monday night next, in the Famous Players woodland romance, ''Wildflower," is considered by a large body of America's picture lovers to have so improved in her latest productions that she now bears comparison with the world-famed Mary Pickford. There is now said to be much difference of opinion as to which is really the greater artist of the two. Miss Clark is twenty-eight years of age, and has had a lengthy experience on stage and screen. Some of her greatest successes or. the legitimate stage were in "Peter Pan," "Lights o' London," "Merely Mary Ann," and "Prunella." which last was said to be one of the most beautiful little plays ever produced in Ne>v York. This production firmly establishes her reputation as an artist, and that of its producer, Winthrop Ames, as a master of beautiful stagecraft. After this Miss Clark was engaged in such productions as "The Seven Sitcrs," "The Goose Girl," "The Crucible," and "Wildflower," all of which are coming to New Plymouth shortly. In "Wildflower," Miss Clark has a part that allows the fullest scope for her wonderful charm, fascination, and cleverness. "Wildflower" will be shown for three nights.