HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1006, 17 June 1909, Page 17

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

WEST'S PICTURES. A packed house greeted the change of programme at West’s Pictures in His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday night, the chief attraction being the dramatic film illustrating Zola’s famous novel, “ L’Assommoir” (Drink.) This remarkable film was secured by Mr. West from Pathes Freres at a

very high figure, and eclipses anything yet shown in Auckland. The dramatised version of “ Drink” is depicted in a most realistic and complete form by the cinematograph, two acts and seven scenes being included in the performance. The characters in this great picture drama are portrayed by leading French actors and actresses, one and all of whom give a first-rate interpretation of their respective parts. From beginning to end the tragic drink story is reflected on to the screen with wonderful distinctness, it being an easy matter to follow the trend of events. A pretty laundress named Gervaise is extremely fond of Lantier, a lazy drunkard, who is fascinated by Virginie, a tall, handsome girl. Lantier writes a letter to Gervaise telling her that he has decided to give her up for Virginie, whereupon Gervaise gives Virginie a sound thrashing at the laundry where they are both employed. Lantier’s companion, Coupeau, then marries Gervaise, who makes him promise that he will not drink again. Their happiness is more than Lantier and Virginie can stand, and these two unite for a dreadful revenge. After an unsuccessful attempt made by Virginie to cause Coupeau’s death by cutting the cables of some scaffolding on which he is working, she decides with

her lover to bring about his ruin by tempting him with drink- Coupeau falls into his bad ways again, and, coming home one night from the pub-lic-house, he falls asleep with his head resting on the table. Lantier then makes his entrance, and. taking Gervaise in his arms, he speaks of ..ie old love. She turns to Coupeau for help, but the drunken fellow merely smiles and extends his hand to Lantier. Coupeau continues to drink himself into a state of insanity, and he is ultimately removed to the hospital. He is afterwards released from the hospital, but, contrary to the doctor’s orders, he yields to the tempta tion Of an absinthe bottle placed before him by Virginie in Gervaise’s absence. While the opportunity offers he makes the best of it, swallowing most of the contents of the bottle, which sends him into a fit of delirium tremens, bringing about his death. The last scene is a particularly thrilling one, Coupeau’s final struggle being a masterpiece of acting. Of the other dramatic pictures included in the programme, “ The Puritan Maid” is an

exceptionally fine film, depicting an incident in the war between the Royalists and Puritans. “ Rifle Bill’s Latest Adventure” evoked loud cheers from the youthful members of the audience, this cowboy hero being a general favourite. A very attractive scenic film is that showing the canals of Sweden, while “ Burmese at Worn and Play” is a picture of considerable interest. A novel film is that entitled “ Lessons in Electricity,” which earns loud applause. The humorous section includes some highly amusing pictures, of which “ The Monkey Man’’ and “ Little Teck, the Detective,” are worthy specimens. De Groen’s viceregal orchestra renders a delightful musical accompaniment to the pictures, making the entertainment doubly enjoyable. On Monday night next West’s will present their great military picture drama, entitled “ Raised from the Ranks,” while an entire change of programme is to be made.