OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 994, 25 March 1909, Page 16

OPERA HOUSE.

WIDE WORLD PICTURES.

Despite the fact that, with the exception of an occasional week here and there, the Wide World Pictures have been running for many months now, there is no falling off in the audiences which assemble at the Opera House each evening—a sure* testimony of the popularity and excellence of the films presented every week. An attractive feature of this

week’s programme is the inclusion of a couple of vocal items sung by little Jessie Omond. This juvenile vocalist is heard in “ Daddy,” after which she renders “Laugh, and the World Laughs With You, ’ h> j r singing of the former being a particularly creditable effort. The pictures shown cannot be other than pronounced first-rate, and take in a wide variety of subjects The gem of the evening undoubted'}’ is the film entitled “ The . Royalisc’s Wife,” depicting a tale of love ind devotion during the progress of this bitter war between the Royalists and Roundheads in the olden days. “Biscuit Making” is the title of an intensely interesting picture, showing the manufacture of this favourite confection at Messrs. Peek and Frean’s large factory. The expeditious man ner in which the biscuits are turn*! out by the up-to-date machinery is fltreat to watch, while the decorate with icing sugar of the fancy bisc its is accomplished by hand in a er y smart fashion. Another highl- ‘fist ructive film is that of “ Tc j aeco Growing in Borneo,” illustratin' operations on a large plantation wh re the natives are engaged in the v» r k. A dramatic picture of a sensatiJfll character is that entitled “Riflepi“, the Nailed Hand,” giving a lifeiße portrayal of the thrilling adv J tures of American cowboy life. A aos t beautiful film is that depictingfl senes of magnificent scenes in tl north of Italy, the countryside seascape being decidedly picture^ 6 - ‘A Day at the London Zoo” is gucture showing the chief animals nd birds that are on view at this institution. “ The Odyss of a Soldier is the title of a phetic dramatic film, in which an ar< member is discharged, and on ret mn & to his country after a sojourn 1 another land, is subjected to the os } trying insults when going his unds as a beggar ’ Finally, he is drf n to theft, and enters a house for he P ur P° se of burg-

larising it one night, only to find that it is the residence of a once brother officer. The officer forgives his friend for his misdeeds, and all ends happily. “ Animal Shooting” constitutes a splendid cinematograph study, a large hippopotamus being shot during a hunting expedition down a river in canoes. “The Villagers’ Quarrel” is the title of a dramatic film, which is interspersed with a spice of humour that gives the audience much amusement. The humorous pictures are highly laughable specimens, “A Lover’s Stratagems,” “ Heating Powder” and “ Bob the Scullion” being productive of the greatest merriment. Mr. Fred. Stokes’ orchestra supplies a splendid selection of musical gems during the evening, which form a suitable accompaniment to the pictures.