ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143769, 18 April 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ROYAL PICTURES. Last ifTght the Theatre Royal was well patronised, and the bright programme easily repaid the many patrons. In the “politician’s Dream,” with John Bunny as Simon Stubbs, Stubbs dreams that he is elected iVlayor of Now York; wakes up, and finds he isn’t, and doesn't want to be. This funny Buunygrajih interprets it very vividly. “His .Mother's Scc#et” has a strong cast. They say a woman can’t keep a secret. Tho woman in this picture does, and keeps her husband guessing. AVhon she reveals it, ho feels foolish. She laughs, ho laughs, and wo all laugh. Maurice Costello, everyone’s favourite, is seen in this pjeturo at his best. The Italian Art Coy. is represented by William Tell, a powerful drama. This splendid programme will be repeated to-night and to-mor-row. On Saturday, at the sweets matinee, the Norilsk masterpiece, “Gipsy Blood,” will be presented for tho first time. Tho Auckland Star says this is the most thrilling picture ever presented by West’s proprietary, and should not be missed. .Mothers, your child will probably bo tho fortunate one to receive tho lucky sweets bag containing the five shillings. EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The Empire was tho centre of interest in New Plymouth last evening, the attraction being tho powerful dramatic masterpiece, “The Bolls.” This stupendous production has aroused great interest amongst the lovers of drama, as was evidenced by the attendance last evening, that it will continue to draw during its short season here is certain from the breathless interest with which every phase of tho story so vividly enacted and depicted was followed last night. The picture, is not a story without words, for Australia’s master elocutionist, Mr. Alfred Boothman was specially engaged to deliver the necessary descriptive lecture, and right well he did it, added a double interest to an already interesting subject. Tho realism of the picture was still further enhanced by tho. manipulation of tho mechanical effects, the souud of the bells and the storm effects being introduced at tho correct psychological moments. The story is well known, and needs no recapitulation. “The Bells” will again bo shown to-night and for the last occasion on Friday night. Next Wednesday the Empire management introduce a star subject “The Adventures of Ulysses,” from the period of “The Fall of Troy,” and a production that eclipses even that famous picture. “EVERYWOMAN.” To-morrow morning at Collier’s the plans will be opened at 8 a.m. for the first and only production in New Plymouth of the gorgeously mounted and sumptuously dressed modern morality play “ Everywoman,” which created such a sensation in Australia. Estimating that there will be a large demand for seats, the management will have a staff of ushers in attendance from an early hour to form a queue, which will ensure that the earliest arrivals shall have first choice of scats. The success achieved by "Everywoman” is due a great deal to the appeal tha story makes to human nature. It is said that "Everywoman” unfolds an enchanting story, and contains magnificent music, spariding dialogue, impressive acting, and magnificent stage settings. Judging by reports from America and Australia, Miss Hilda Spong, who takes the title role, has developed her early talents. The role of Everywoman gives Miss Spong every opportunity to display her varied histrionic abilities. Mr. William Desmond, tin notable American actor, will take th. important part of Nobod}’, which, it r further stated, gives him further op portuuitios to exhibit his talents. Tincompany comprises 60 members, all of whom were selected for their various parts. A groat feature of the production is the music composed by George AVhitefield Chadwick, and performed by a full grand opera orchestra.