AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1917, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

POLLARD’S PICTURES.

To-night at the Princess Theatre Pollard’s will present a mammoth double display featuring Charley Chaplain in the latest Chaplain Mutual comedy, “The Pawnshop,” and Lilian Walker in the Vitagraph Blue Ribbon feature study of scandal, “Airs. Dane’s Danger.” In “The Pawnshop,” tiro Prime Minister of Mirth, Charley Chaplain, brings down his latest and best act. Charley as a loan shark makes Shylock and Portia look tenderfeet. Charley understands one per cent, one pound for one month for one pound, but he does business because he gives away a laugh with each transaction, and as “Uncle” at the sign of the “Three Balls,” his .work shows he is tlie greatest pawnbroker yet. -Heedless innocence has often led a young woman into dangerous situations and this is the theme the Vitagraph Company take for their great siudv of scandal in “Mrs. Dane’s Dan-

gi*rLilian Walker is perfectly suited as the young wife inclined to be frivolous, and who narrowly escapes the shipwreck of her \life at the hand of a persistent and reckless lover. Roger Lytton, an old member of the Vitagraph Company gives a clever impersonation of Simon Carey, the money-lender, who uses Rex Gordon, AH. Dane’s former lover, to further Ids schemes. The plot is easily follewd, without being unnecessary complications, and no undue straining of the probabilities. The bedroom scene is one of the most dramatic ever filmed and the entrance of the husband makes,a tense moment, until he/ excuses himself with the words: “Scandal. 1 believe in my heart would shake down the walls of high Heaven itself.”

PEERLESS PICTURES.

OPERA HOUSE

As a result of a novel competition con ducted in Groymoutli by tlie McLean Picture Proprietary, the name of the Company has ljeen changed to “Peerless” Suggestions were invited from patrons,for three weeks, the result being that over 3000 suggestions were received. After exhaustive consideration the management' adopted the title of “Peerless.” The change will effect Hokitika as far as Tuesday’s displays at the Opera House are concerned. Commencing to-morrow evening the “Peerless” will enter upon its era locally. The occasion will he marked by the screening of the magnificent Thos. H. liicp production “The Italians,” introducing the renowned playwright and actor, George Behan, in the npammoth six act Paramount production, “The Italian.” a fascinating and stirring picture from the vinevarLls of Italy to the streets and slums of New York. It depicts how true, love can sway the hearts; the excitement of adventure quickens the pulse,' and its appealing and emphatic pathos stirs the emotions. The brilliant finale shows that so small a thing as the restless movement of a child in the laud of dreams can change the course of a life and stay the hand of vengeance. AH'. Behan portrays the part of an Italian emigrant perfectly. He first became famous in America through “The Sign of the Rose,” a drama of his own composition, which fairly flew into fame with New York Theatre managers.

A first rate programme of 'novelties will he presented in support of the big feature, while the full orchestra will also be in attendance to add to the charm of the evening’s pleasure.

“WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN.”

Next Friday night at the Princess Theatre Mr. E. J. Carroll, by permission of tlie censor with one restriction—that no person between the ages of six and 18 years shall ho admitted, will lie present the sensational propagandist picture, “Where are my Children i . the daring and merit of which has taken the dominion by storm. 'I he New Zealand Times in criticising the film said : “AVhere are my Children?” grips, ft is a terrible indictment, poignant in parts, quietly, yet powerfully and effectively driven home. It is a great-..picture and one that should be seen by old and young, for its lesson is much needed in these days. The vile trade of the abortionist is not unknown in our midst, and it is time its evils were brought home to the community.” “Where are my Children” finished at Dunedin last night a truly phenomenal season. Reserved seats at Airs. Browne’s.