TOWN HALL PICTURES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXV, Issue 11788, 26 September 1913, Page 7

TOWN HALL PICTURES.

OLIVER TWIST,

The "Oliver Twist" programme at tho Town Hall last evening drew a crowded house. The adaptation of the famous novel of Charles Dickens aroused the audience to a pitch of great enthusiasm, and they warmly applauded each scene. It is a very fine picture, and rich in detail. Patrons are advised not to miss it.. Supporting the "star" picture is v first-class programme, which will be shown for the last time to-night.- The usual children's matinee will take place to-morrow afternoon, at which the splendid picture "Great Possessions" will be screened.

At very great expense the management have secured the famous drama "Quo Vadis," which will be shown here for a short season commencing October 9th. Some hundreds of thousands of people have seen this great- picture throughout New Zealand, the season, in the tug centres running into three and four weeks. It was only after considerable trouble that Mr Kemball, managing director, was able to secure the film for Masterton, as there is a great demand for it again in the big centres, it is a very expensive production the hiring costing companies £100 per week. Consequently the Masterton Town Hall Company find it necessary to increase the prices during the "Quo Vadis" season to 2s and Is. The residents of Masterton will appreciate the efforts of the company in securing this great picture for them. An outstanding feature of " Quo-Vadis ;; is said to be the regard shown for detail. The slenderest incidents in Sienkiewich 's Roman story which could be considered of value and assistance to a proper development of the plot have, the management states, all received due attention and skilled treatment. The dressing is said to be on a scale of magnificence and absolutely correct to the period of the play. The scenery is described as being rare in the extreme, and a notable feature of the film is that most of the scenes, notably the Catacombs, the Coliseum, the Amphitheatre, where is shown the martyrdom of.Christians, the Appian way, and many other sections, were all photographed by permission of the Italian Government on the spots so famous in history On this completeness is based . the managerial clainrthat "Quo Vadis" as well as being the most popular play entertainment is indeed a great, though silent, teacher and educator, and much of the Roman history may be learned from its unfolding in the short space of two and a half hours. King George V. and the Queen have honoured the picture with their presence, and vice-regality throughout Australia have approved it, while clergymen of many denominations have commended it. The Rev. F. C. Spurr, of Melbourne, the Rev. P. J. Stephens, of Sydney, and Rabbi Cohen, of Melbourne, have preached to large congregations extolling the great lesson taught by "Quo Vadis. ,,

The management announce that they have decided to open the box plan for the matinee each Saturday. To-morrow evening a first-class orchestra will be installed at the Town Hall, and will play a select programme of music each evening.