OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 29 October 1912, Page 8

OPERA HOUSE.

PERCIVAL'S PICTURES

People began to assemble in front of tho Opera House at 7 o'clock last evening, and at a, quarter to 8 the building was filled, numbers having to be turned away. The great attraction in the programme presented by Mr. Percival was an extraordinary film illustrative of Dante' immortal work, "The Inferno." To the vast majority of people, the divine comedy is nothing but a. name. Tho moving picture, in pursuit of its beneficent mission, has now interpreted in unmistakeable language Dante's great work, and the large audience which witnessed the pictorial representation last eevning went away with a knowledge of tho "Inferno" that they would not have derived from long and intent reading. It is impossible in tho space at our disposal, to more than touch the fringe of the great allegorical story. The picture, which is a masterpiece of moving photography, pourtrays with marvellous fidelity every phase of Dante's journey through Hell. Stago by stage are shown the states of the wicked, the fearful and loathsome punishments meted out to offenders in this life being pourtrayad with startling reality. The film occupied over an hour in running through the machine, and one had only to see the numbers of actors iand actresses; tho elaborateness of the effects : and the general magnificence of the settings, to realise the immense sum the production must have cost. The public is indebted to Mr. Percival for his enterprise in securing this great picture, and os it can only be shown again to-night thero is sure to be another large audience. Tho picture is one that should bo seen by .all—but especially those who wish to become acquainted with- the world' 5) literary masterpieces. Apart altogether from Dante's "Inferno,""the programme is worth going a long way to spp. " Scenics" are a strong feature. " Scenes in Brittany" were decidedly picturesque, while a. trin from Faimmith to Tintajrel wa=» charming. Many of the M>ots immortnlis?d in the "Idylls of the King" figure in this series. Dramas are also a. fine lot, the famous A.B. Company being seen to advantage in "Heaven Avenger," and the Hepwix Company in "Love Wins After All." Comedies are also splendid, and altogether the programme is of great merit. DANTE'S «rVTFF.T?\ Tn"—LAST TIME TO-NIGHT. The programme will be shown for the last time this evening, and should not bo missed. Danto's "Inferno" cannot b:> seen again after this evening. Seats should be reserved at once at O'Hara's ir.nsie warehouse.