AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16232, 30 March 1917, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

FULLERS" PICTURES.. How to accomodate the multitude was the conundrum which presented itself at the Theatre* Royal last night;, and it was found difficult of solution without a breach of the by-law against over-crowding. While i!b was being solved iDho big audience had time to note an' alteration to royal orchestra, and to express their pleasure at the return to it; of Mr. Wood, double bass. The overture, .."God of Thunder," :~s well as tho/later music met'with much acceptation. Following a capital gazdtte possessed of a strong war flavour, came the double attraction of the evening. , The , entrancing "Billie" Burke was seen in the sensational photo-play, "Lost in the Everedades" and she charmed v one and all. Chapter one of this romance was shown last night, which was written by Mr and Mrs Rupert Hughes, who hold a very high place as scenario writers. In last night's chanter "Billie". was seen in all the freshness and charm of youth, and in subsequent chapters her development to mature womanhood will he traced. The story has previousy beeri in print, and it will be sufficient now to say that its pictorial form is all that could, he wished. The-scenery is exquisite; the dressing is superb; 'the acting clever and impressive, and .the situations vmecfc the'popultfr taste in' every conceivable way. "Somewhere in France" was tho t'fble of the second big attraction, and the title" conveyed possibilities full of interest, but, the piece is even better than its name Would indicate. Louise Glaum is the .central figure in it, and in .an ingeniously original role she plays the reprehensible part of a Kaiser's spy in the German secret service. She is after French military secrets, and her vampire part was played to perfection.'Of course there are many others in the brilliant drama, and while nil are good. Howard Hickman, as the mysterious hero is splendid. THE LYCEUM. ' A high quality programme was presented at the Lyceum last night, when "The Stronger Love," in which Vivian Marfan is featured, was presented to an audience which lacked nothing iu appreciation. The picture has two outstanding characteristics (1) tho magnificent scenery which it incidentally revoals, and (2) the superb acting of the principals. The plot runs along conventional lines, but there is no chance of monotony, as the situations are far too startling and dramatic for that. Nell Seross, the "wild flower" of thunder mountain, proved all thalt the pdvance notices promised. Charming in appearance she is a winsome little figure in the piece; her acting is exceedingly clever and detractive, and though friere are scores o'f others who assist mthe unfolding of the plot, it n «1,-2 IS the c y"osure of all eyesFull of life and merriment the picture depicts in Verv realistic style the feud which exists between people on either side, of the mountain named, and wh<m the guns are at work there are lorx'" thrilling situations. A "laugh" film was screened m the two-reel comedy "Hk a / Jl ' USt ,'w In this » ' coterie of keystone artists get to work, and they easily sustain their reputation as mirth producers, .The topical budget proved a.first class number and among dther things showed mountain artillery witn mules employed to carry guns' a.cattle -gW ,„ Ireland with tbi Krr.s's exhibits, Tommy Atkins making pudding,, St. Andrew's day .at Eton Russians kissing' the holv iV™ ""; England's Prime Mi4t er *'

THE GRAND. "HELENS OF THE NORTH." rwi al & 0 audi , ellc <> witnessed at the Grand Cinema last evening the new programme headed ,'by a Fanmul Players production entitled "Helene of ™J« f ™ are - e* a note, worthy feature is the fine photography. J fl W f*s °f the plot is laid Fn North West Canada, and some of the scenes introduced are most beautiful. But first and foremost in the picture is the acting of Marguerite Clark who takes the leading role. This dainty little actress is acknowledged to be Mary Pickford's greatest English rival, and after seeing her performance last evening one can quite understand that she has rightly earned her reputation. Her acting in this production must come very close to, if not better than that of Mary Pickford at her ' best. She has a strong cast to support her. The story all through is very interesting, and picture-goers who wish to see a really good film should not miss the opportunity of witnessing "Helene of the North." Supporting the star picture was episode 14 of the "Mysteries of Myra." This serial is becoming intensely interesting now that the end is approaching, and episode 14 is one of the best which has yet been screened. Other items were the "Eclair Journal," and a funny comedy entitled "A Mixup in Art.". The Grand orchestra rendered very appropriate music for- the big The will be repeated this evening, commencing at 7.55.