ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1918, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY'S. I TO-DAY AND TO-NIGHT. "RASPUTEN, ( THE BLACK MONK." I The trend of public interest nowadays turns to anything spectacular, and this growing desire is wonderfully catered foxby the fine World production "Rasputin." a seven-act historical drama which is the centrepiece of Everybody's entertainment, to-day and to-night. The plot is a weira taTe of modem Russia, and tears away the veil of secrecy which has surrounded the Court of the Czar for so many decades. Many a tale has been told of political power wielded by a wtaman, but it remains for the World people in "Rasputin the Black Monk" to dramatise the doings of a skilful and unscrupulous man, who used the Heart of a woman to rise to a place wheir he virtually commanded "The Czar of all the Russians." The film makes a wonderfully interesting spectacle, bringing , out with exact detail the history of tlio Russian Court to the time of the revolution. The last scenes in the reign of i the monkish iraposter make a capital climax to the play, and they show the revolution in full swing. Rasputin is a man of ambition, who has a strange power over women. He makes them the pawns in his great game, and, taking for lus purposes the cowl of a monk, he established a new and evil cult which nnds evil in the restraint of passion. His way leads past the Czarina and her son. so he works upon a mother's heart through the boy. By the skilful use of drugs he keeps his health ever varying and so gains influence over the Czarina and a real power in the Russian Court The story leads through eye-opening scenes of power, and pomp to the business of the reaction, where an oppressed people rise and pass on to the denizens of a corrupt Government the might of their anger. The films which surround "Rasputin" give needful variftty to the programme and include a further episode of the thrilling railroad serial, "The girl and the Game."

THE EMPIRE. '-AST SCREENINGS OF "THE ADOPTED SON", STARRING FRANCIS X BUSHMAN AND BEVERLY BAYNB Francis X. Irishman. and Beverly Biiyiic will appear at, the matinee ttfis afternoon and again for the last occasion 10-night at the Empire in the big Metro Hi'per-featnre, "The Adopted Son> This is one of the most vigorous and interesting pictures in which these favorite stars have appeared and it is proving a popular attraction. The seventh episode of "Peno' the Ring" is also a strong draw on this programme.

COMING MONDAY. ; "THE HISTORY OF THE WAR." Commencing on the new programme Monday will be the first number of th® great Pathe War series, "History of the War. J These pictures have been released in interesting lengths of one reel each week, and deal with the war, right from the starting incidents up to the present moment. The films are of rv_ warkable educational value and a lasting historical record. There is little doubt, that every section of the community will be deeply interested in following each weekly number of the "History of the War," which films are exclusive to the Empire programme.

MISS ADA REEVE. The celebrated London comedienne, Miss Ada Reeve, and her company of vaudeville stars will appear for one night at the Hawera Opera House nesjt Tuesday evening. Miss 'Reeve's versatility is said to be wonderful. Whether her numbers are sad or glad, sentimental or

dramatic, suggesting resoluteness or tenderness, she makes each stand out. From the storehouse of her inexhaustible repertoire she takes songs of every variety, and it is claimed that she draws laughter or tears at will. The supporting artists comprise a galaxy of talent, each being distinctive. In'the foremost rank is the celebrated operatie tenor Talleur Andrews; Nikola, who reates lively interest with his silhouette portraits of men of the moment, while his tricks and illusions are of the latest.. Rogero is really marvellous will his mimicry of musical instruments; Harry Jacobs uses his voice with pleasing effect; Kennedy Allen is a comedian who is really funny. Little Lucia Linda, t~o, dancer, and tho English, Comedy Com-

pany, including Misses Peggy Peate Georgia de La.nt, and Messrs John Grant and Jarry complete the company. Tlia •uox 1 lan is at Donnelly's.