THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1022, 7 October 1909, Page 16

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S WIDE-WORLD PICTURES.

The cinematograph pictures shown at the Opera House under the Fullerian management are being kept iip to their high standard of merit, and this week’s programme meets with the general appreciation of . patrons. The film of the Henley Regatta shows this world-famed aquatic carnival in full swing, the exciting boat races, together with the thousands of holidaymakers who line the banks, are seen in air manner of craft, forming a most picturesque sight. “ Their Majesties the King and Queen at Knowsley,” is the title of a splendid film depicting the review of 16,000 West Lancashire Territorial troops, the march past of the different columns presenting a! fine military spectacle. One of. the most beautiful pictures seen in Auckland is.- that entitled “ Yachting off Cowes,” in which the race for theKing’s Cup is illustrated in a magnificent; fashion. The twelve competing vessels are seen with all sails set cutting through the water, passing and repassing one another in a thrilling manner, the sea and cloud effect affording an artistic background. 1 “Cowboy Exploits” is an exceptionally fine .film, giving an excellent idea of the pluck and daring nature of the American cowboy. First of all a cowboy is shown handling the lasso, the ease with which he lassoes a man galloping past on his horse, binding his hands and arms, and then secur-

ing him bodily to the horse, being clear proof of his remarkable skill. Next a wild horse is brought out, but all efforts to put the saddle on the vicious animal are in vain. Finally, however, the cowboys lassoo the horse’s feet, and by this method are able to saddle him ud. One of the cowboys then mounts the horse and he is immediately released from his tied-up position. The wild animal rears and bucks and does all he can with a view of unseating his rider, but the cowboy gamely sticks on, and after a most exciting display of horsemanship, slips out of the saddle none the worse for his adventure- “ The Trappers” is the title of a sensational dramatic film, a fierce fight between two parties of hunters being witnessed, a youth being the central figure in the tragic happenings. A most interesting film is that of “ Cigarettemaking,” showing the different stages the tobacco passes through from the time it leaves the plantation till the cigarettes are packed in boxes ready for the consumer. Two excellent dramatic films are shown in “The Faithless Lover” and “ Life for Life,” both being attended with thrilling situations. “Across the Bosphorus” is a scenic picture of considerable merit, showing some delightful views, witnessed during a cruise up this famous strait. Another picture of exceeding beauty is that entitled “In Pontine Marches,” depicting native life, customs and street scenes tn Italy. A novel sight in this film is that of the herds of buffaloes being driven through a canals —a curious but effective method of clearing away weeds, etc. “ Captured by Boy Scouts” is a picture of much interest in view of the wide attention which the movement organised by Lieuten-ant-General Baden-Powell is at present. receiving, a branch having lately been formed in Auckland. “ How the Kids Got Even,” “He Could not Dance, but He Learned,” and “Turning Over a New Leaf,” are three sidesplitting films, the last-named depicting an erring husband who on the last day of the Old, Year at the request of his wife signs a document to. the effect that he will never again be badtempered, smoke, drink, and will give up several other of his little faults. On taking his dinner on New Year’s Day the toughness of the meat gets him in a fit of rage with the servant, while after his meal the temptations of a box .of choice cigars are more than he can conquer, and he indulges in a quiet smoke. The scene at the the club is a highly amusing one. A party of dry-throated men sit round a table, while the waiter in vain offers them a trayful of drinks. Leaving the club they all go a ride on a waterwaggon, and at every hotel one of the party slips off the vehicle and runs at break-neck speed for the bar. Finally they all break their vow, and the party that goes home on the water waggon is a merry one indeed. Mr. Fred. Stokes’ orchestra plays a most enjoyable musical accompaniment to the pictures.