ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1916, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE EMPIRE—TO-NIGHT, "THE BIRTH OF A NATION." This evening at the Empire Theatre ■'• C. Williamson, Ltd., will present for the first time here D. W. Griffith's masterpiece of film art, "The Birth of a Nation." The greatest thrill' in the stupendous dramatic spectacle is provided hy the men of the Klu Klux Klan, when the white-clad horsemen are seen racing madly through the town in their work of vengeance. Thousands of men form the procession and ride with the precision of cavalry. These quaintly garbed and impressive mystery men of the night inspire one with a thrill that is not lessened at the thought that they brought peace and justice out of the turbulent times, as recorded in American history in the days of the war hetweenthe north and south. "The Birth of a Nation" lays claim to being the true record, historically speaking, m' the event which led to America's great civil war In a word it is a remarkably high-class nation crammed with tableau? in which thousands of people figure in the most thrilling and most exciting way. Some of the scenes graphically illustrate various notable incidents that st.md out in the national history of America. D VV Griffith took for his foundation the work of Thomas Dixon's story known as "The Clansman." Those who have read the hook will know that after the American civil war which made the ncsro slave? fret, a reign of terror set in "when the blacks were as good as the whites, prac tically ruled the south. : So tragic became this phase of the aftermatirof the civil war that the whites brought intu existence the dreaded secret society known as the "Klu Klijx Klan." "The Birth of a Nation" introduces many exploits of the latter. Throughout' the entire production runs a fascinating love story that provides the silver lining te-c-cry cloud. The photography is said it, he of an exceptionally high-class nature, and lovers of cinematographic art may confidently expect something beyond tft'ordinary. The season in New Plymouth will be for two nights, and on "Friday" afternoon the only matinee of the season will be given, when children will he admitted at half-price. To avoid the crush at the doors and to ensure good seats the management advises intending patrons to secure their seats in advanc" at Collier's, where the plans are now on view.