ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waipa Post, Volume XII, Issue 587, 24 October 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

A packed house at the Empire Theatre last night, on the occasion of the Municipal Band’s benefit, testified to the great reputation which the American comedian Charlie Chaplin has attained. There was a revel of laughter when lie appeared in “ The Shopwalker.” Particular interest was centred in the marvellous film, “ The Golden Beetle,” which was all and more than the preceding notices claimed. There is another opportunity to-night of again seeing Charlie Chaplin in “ The Shopwalker,” and with all new supporting items the programme should warrant another full house. The fifth episode of “ Stingaree,” entitled “ The Bushranger at Bay,’ will be shown, and is a most exciting instalment. “ Unseen Vengeance ” entitles a drama that stands on a high plane of worthiness. The scenic section is admirably represented by “Bagnaia” (Italy), and nothing more humorous could be conceived than the plot in “ Queen for an Hour.” A notable programme will be shown at the Empire Theatre on Thursday evening next. The star picture of the evening, “ The Coward,” a Kay Bee, produced by Ince, is a remarkably fine piece of work. The production is magnificent, the acting is excellent, and the projection up to the standard of anything seen here. The story is straight-running, clear, and unbroken in continuity. Dealing, as it does, with the days when America was not too proud to fight, it tells of a young man, son of an old Southern family, who, after shocking exhibitions of cowardice, finds himself in the position of being able to do his side great service at imminent risk. He lises to the occasion, and atones for past sins by a glorious feat of arms. The part of the youth is magnificently cast. The genius of Ince is shown by his choice of an actor whose facial make-up is perfectly suited to the character, and the cleverness of the actor is proved by the way in which he gains his effects without exaggeration and without strain. The success of the film depends almost solely upon his expression, and at no time does he fail. The man who acts the stern father rises at times to heights of greatness. Proud and arrogant, almost a very Prussian in his devotion to military ideals, his son’s failure breaks him utterly. Perhaps the best bit of work of all is that in which the lad, carrying valuable information to the Confederate lines, dashes past the outposts and has his horse shot under him as lie is crossing a bridge. The fall of horse and rider into tiie water reaches the top notch of picture production. There will be a suitable list of all-new films in support. On Saturday afternoon next the management lias decided to give a special matinee so that the children will not be disappointed. A special programme has been arranged, and will be headed by a great star Vitagraph drama, “ The Mills of the Gods,” which is the pictorifil version of Geo. P. Dillenbank’s popular novel of the same name. The principal characters are interpreted by those favourite artists, Rosemary Thcby, as Julia, and Leo Delaney, as Miguel. The supporting subjects will include topical, educational, and comedy, the whole making an afternoon’s enjoyable entertainment. THE BIRTH OF A NATION On Saturday next at the Empire Theatre the screening of “ The Birth of a Nation,” which is claimed to he the greatest of all picture productions, will take place. “ The Birth of a Nation,” unlike anordinary star picture, runs the whole evening, the film being over 12,000 feet in length. If will be presented like a regular theatrical attraction, with special machinery; the services ol two first-class operators and electricians, together with a musical director and speciallycomposed incidentals, are required lor the screening of the picture. The residents of Te Awamutu are specially

fortunate in having an opportunity of viewing this masterpiece, and it is only on account of the enterprise of , the Empire management that they are able to do so,as much larger towns —- Hamilton, for instance —have not been able to secure it owing to the enormous expense. The firm of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., has left no stone unturned to make the presentation a memorable one. The picture is described as being at once educative and historic. The opening scenes will show the growth of the American nation from the petty and parochial jealousies engendered by sovereign States into the saner national spirit which was fanned into flame by Daniel Webster’s immortal words: “Liberty and union, one and inseparable, now and for ever.” The beautiful homesteads of the Southern planters will be depicted, and the unique revels of the apparently happy negroes will give rise to much laughter, the darker side, with its Simon Legree in the foreground, not being presented. The divided interests give rise to bitter jealousies, and ultimately the war clouds burst, and families in which had before dwelt peace and sweet accord were rudely rent asunder and horrible war spread death and desolation all around. The scenes of night fighting are said to provide a glorious and awesome spectacle, the death-dealing desolation being luridly illumined by destructive fires and the flash of artillery doing its deadly work. One of the most sensational incidents will be that showing a raid on a Southern town, and the swift retribution meted out to the raiders by the Ku Klux Klan, a force organised by the whites for the protection of their women folk. The shooting of President Lincoln in a box at Ford’s Theatre on the night of 15th April, 1865, is also a wonderfully realistic representation of the tragic event that shocked the world. Notwithsaiuling the prices charged elsewhere, the management lias decided to charge popular prices here. The box plan is now open at the manager’s office, Empire Theatre, where seats may be reserved. No charge is being made for booking, and intending patrons will do well to secure seats immediately as a record attendance is expected. The prices are 2s and Is.