THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 24 November 1910, Page 17

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S WIDE WORLD PICTUrfES. The present week brings Fuller’s Wide World Pictures to a conclusion at the Opera House, where extensive alterations and additions are to be made during the next few weeks, but the firm of Messrs. John Fuller and Sons are opening up their pictorial entertainment at the King’s Theatre, Karangahape-road, and this new building being within easy reach of the city and suburbs, patrons will still be able to witness the latest gems in the cinematograph art. The new theatre has been built on modern lines, and is specially suitable for displaying the films, with the result that every person in the auditorium obtains a full and uninterrupted view. The programme shown this week at the Opera House loses nothing in point of merit compared with its predecessors, which is saying a great deal. “The Vestal” is the title of a remarkably fine dramatic film, the splendour of the costumes and uniforms worn by the large number

of performers in this great drama, and the magnificence of the scenery, being equal to anything yet seen in this country. “A Salutary Lesson” is a splendid dramatic study, depicting how the parents’ lack of attention towards their child almost reached a fatal termination, the film conveying a powerful lesson with regard to the scant appreciation of God’s greatest gift to the home, namely, the child. A film which is of exceptional interest just at present is that showing the visit of King Manuel of Portugal to England, the young monarch upon whose doings the eyes of the whole world are now focussed, being clearly shown at various national gatherings. A stirring film entitled, “A Cowboy’s Stratagem,” deals with an exciting story of love and jealousy in the West. One of the most pathetic films ever reflected on to a screen is that entitled “By Faith of a Child.” In this film a soldier, while on sentry, has to choose between love and duty, and he decides in favour of the former. In order to be at the bedside of his dying wife he leaves his post, for which he is sentenced to death. His little child, however, pleads with the Grand Duke for his life, and finally succeeds in securing his pardon. She proceeds as swiftly as horse can carry her to the scene, where her father is to meet his doom, and arrives just in time to see him standing blindfolded' fading half-a-dozen; muskets raised to the shoulder. A halt is called in the proceedings while the commanding officer reads the des-

patch, whereupon the soldier is given big freedom. Two fine scenic films are shown in “Interlaken to Brienz” and “The Italian Switzerland,” while “The Pathe Gazette” depicts a number of events of world-wide importance. Of the amusing films shown, “An Advertisement Answered,” “A Thief Well Received,” and “The Burglar Expected,” are three excellent specimens, and are successful in keeping the audience in a prolonged state of merriment. Mr E. J. Burke’s orchestra supplies a delightful accompaniment of musical items.