ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144358, 24 March 1914, Page 3

ENTERTA I NM E NTS.

EMPIRE PICTURES. “SCROOGE.” It is no wonder that such a crowd of pleasure-seekers and picture-lovers attended the Empire Theatre last night when ’'Scrooge,” a Christmas carol adapted from Charles Dickens’ wellknown work (featuring Sej’mour Hicks), was screened. Dickens immortalised Ebeuozor Scrooge in his wonderful story, “A Christmas Carol,” and Seymour Hicks, the eminent English actor, has set the whole of London talking by his marvellous characterisation of Scrooge. The story is so well known that a rough outline will suffice to awaken the memory. It is Christmas Eve, a good old-fashioned. Christmas’ Evo in England, with the frost in the air and the snow lying thick on the ground. Scrooge, the miser, who has buried any kindly feeling lie ever possessed, instead of cherishing the peace and goodwill to all, goes about causing as many heartaches as his flinty nature gives occasion. Midnight has come, and Scrooge tallies his bank-book and falls asleep. Presently the ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s former partner, wakens the raiser and portrays the inhuman life that Scrooge is living. He leads him through his past life till Schoogo appeals, in . terror-stricken tones, to be given one more chance to atone. The Spirit of God enters the heart of the miserable miser, and the story concludes with Ebenczer Scrooge finding joy in doing kindly actions. _ A ically good educational and interesting film is that entitled “The Construction of a Locomotive.” There on the screen is seen every part of this huge construction being turned out of the workshops, from the boiler clown to the very wheels. “A Window' in Washington Park” is a very fine drama by the Vitagraph Company. “Sauce for the Goose” is- a real side-splitter, and the Empire rocked with the frequent outbursts from the audience. The supporting items nro also good. This programme will he shown for absolutely the last time to-night, and at the usual prices. 1 GRAND SKATING CARNIVAL. Bankers will rejoice to learn that on Thursday week next. 1 here will be a grand skating carnival in tho Coronation Hall. Full programmes will be issued in a day or two but- meanwhile intending participants can get busy in the preparation of poster and fancy costumes, for which liberal prizes will be given. The East End committee’s troupe, which scored so heavily in its minstrel work on Saturday night, will bo on the warpath again to-night. Members of the troupe will meet at the Bed House Hotel corner. A social will be held in tho East End pavilion on Thursday night. (