ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3817, 1 May 1913, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PATHE PICTURES

One of the chief merits of the Pat-lie Picture management is the frequency with which they supply changes of programme to- their patrons. No matter how good a programme may he, after it has run its allotted span, it- is switched off to make room for a fresh budget of films, which are regularly pouring in by each mail. A crowded house assembled at His Majesty’s Theatre last night to greet the mid-week change, which was of a most attractive character. The big Hubnsch special, “A Girl Without a Country,” came as a surprise packet to the "large audience. This is a powerful military drama-, which is of topical interest by reason of the fact that the scenes are laid on the Balkan frontier, the seat of the present war. The principal character is Zidra, an ignorant, warm-hearted, impulsive Gipsy girl, who is prepared to go through fire and water for those she loves, but who has little regard for the conventionalities oil life or the niceties of honor. Miss Asta Neilsen, one of the queens of the silent stage, fairly revels in this part, and her splendid portrayal last night caused applause to break out again and again as the stirring plot was unfolded. Charles Dickens wrote, “There is nothing oil earth half so holy as the innocent love of a child,” and the Edison Company emphasise this in a splendid drama, bearing the somewhat unconvincing title of “Annie Crawls Upstairs.” Annie is the three-year-old daughter of a janitor, and the little mite is sadly neglected. Left to herself she crawls upstairs, and pokes her little innocent Sac© into almost every room in the shady tenement. It is'touching to see the way in which fierce passions, crime, and viciousness hide their diminished heads at the approach of spotless innocence. The story speaks a message more powerful than a hundred sermons. For those who love a visit to the land of “Make-Believe” and fancy, the beautiful fairy story, “Knight of the Snows,” came as a source of pure delight. The legendary story ivas full of bright action and rapid changes, while the setting was beautiful in the extreme. Two films that were much admired were the “Australian Gazette” and “Saragossa,” a fine scenic subject. “A Double Event” was a capital laughter raiser, in which that inimitable comedian, Max Linder, supplies plenty of fun. The remaining films were all followed with interest, and the programme was voted one of the most entertaining which has been seen for some time. This series avill be shown again to-night.

OPERA HOUSE PICTURES.

That “Cinderella” is a good picture was evinced by the fact that a good many patronised the Opera House last evening, although it had already run its season. The management hope to find trace of the lost programme, which, from advices, left Wellington last Monday, and until it arrives the “Cinderella” programme will he screened. Patrons will be advised by the hoardings and late advertisements as to the change of programme.

SOCIAL AT TE H AFAR A

A welcome social is to be tendered to Missioner L. Minifie in the Te Hapara Methodist Church Flail at 7.40 to-night. A bright programme will he presented, and refreshments will be served.