ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144051, 22 March 1913, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES,

The Vitagraph Company has released many magnificent dramatic film subjects, hyit nothing so fine as their latest threerrcel picture “The Mills or the Gods.” ' This great dramatic masterpiece was shown for the first time on Thursday to a full house at the Theatre Royal, and so profound was the impression created that many patrons in attendance on that occasion hare signified their intention of again being present this evening, when the picture will be shown for the last time. It would seem that the highest pinnacle of silent dramatic art has hen reached in this extraordinary production. The acting, the mountings, the dressing and characterisations are all so careful and consistent that if ever a picture qualified for the title of masterpiece it is this Vitagraph portrayal. The Mills of God grind slowly, truly. How slow they seem to grind in this_ instance, where Lorenzo, the fiend incarnate, pursues his merciless course of persecution —“but they grind exceedingly small,” and finally Lorenzo is caught between the awful rollers and surfers a Eortion of the extreme agony to which e has heartlessly subjected others, it is impossible to do justice to so great a subject in the available space, as a detailed report would extend into columns, but we can safely recommend this film to our readers as the finest dramatic effort ever screened in this town. To-night is the last opportunity that is offered of viewing this proframme. On Monday night, there will e a complete change, when the leading item will be a "Maurice Costello” feature entitled "Adventures of an Italian Model.” EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The chief item on to-night’s change of programme is a thrilling and fearless production by the well-known Selig Company, dealing with the methods of the Mormon church in the Western States of America. "The Danites,” or “The Destroying Angels” depicts the persecution of a Mormon, family in America. Formerly when a family incurred the displeasure of the elders, as' by disobedience, it would be condemned to total extermination by the Destroying Angels, a number of men whose duty it was to carry out the cruel commands of the leaders of the church. This story deals with an unhappy family who have been condemned by the elders. .While on the prairie they arc attacked, and only the mother survives. Dressed as a. man, she tries to avenge her relations, but in the end falls a victim to the cruel ruffiians. The supporting items are a special holiday selection of Fuller’s feature films. EAST END PICNIC. The great event for both old and young will ha the East End picnic on Monday. On no previous occasion has there been provided such a programme as will take place on Monday. All the arrangements are well forward; all the committees, including that of the ladies have been working for weeks, so that full enjoyment for all will be the order of the day. The excitement in connection with the tug-of-war is growing daily. Numerous entries have been received from all parts of the district, and many and novel have been the methods adopted in training. One Maori team have been pulling against a team of horses, and tho report is that the horses came off second best; the Fire Brigade and Boon Bros, have been pulling in the dark nightly in Gill Street, and are very fit’; others are up at sunrise, and some good sport will be provided in this event. Nominations for all tho swimming events have been large, and for those who guess the name of the pretty doll, and the weight of the duck and sheep will bo handsomely rewarded. Donkey races ami numerous other events will be held during tho day. Tho Waitara Brass Bandwill provide tho music both day and night, and the public will have an opportunity of healing first-class music. Afternoon tea (provided by the ladies) will bo procurable at the small charge of 6d during the day and night. Pictures by the Royal Picture Company will bo shown at 8 o’clock in the evening for an extra charge of 6d for all parts of the grounds.