AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1917, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

PEERLESS PICTURES. 1 TO-NIGHT! "THE CRAVING.’’ The big attraction at- the Opera House, to-night (Tuesday) by the Peerless Pictures will lie uie sensational Mutual Masterpiece do Vuxo "The Craving” in five acts which features those world renowned stars William Russell, Dainty Charlotte Burton and Helen Rossoih .while- the acting of Robert Miller as Crookv the cripple i R wonderful. “The Craving” is a strange and powerful story of a man’s great battle against* a-n evil inheritance. Cursed by -an inherited taint he becomes one of life’s derelicts, joining his fate to that of a brazen dance hall wench while his redemption is the work of one who loves him. The hero is a young athlete who is trapped by a scheming rival into giving way to his inherited craving for alcohol. Tie sinks lower and lower until lie becomes Jted to a brazen dance-hall wench who is attracted by his sheer brute strength. Finding her false after a, .great tight with her lover, he flies to tin* .mountains. There jhe tights the great tight and eventually comes back to Life and Love with his enemy beaten In the web of the story is woven the theme of ,a great friendship Crooky, the cripple being the real helper and supporter of the hero through the valley of despair. It is a- powerful play perfectly pictureisod and the subject- is something new to the screen and with such an eminent cast- may he relied on to be one of the greatest screen sermons yet produced . The supporting programme is of the usual high standard while . the .music will he in the capable hands of Mr. C. Gibbons.

POLLARD’S PICTURES. ■pollard’s next two star programme will ho screened at the Princess Theatre on Thursday evening when “The Enemy” a, gigniitie Blue Ribbon Vitagrapli piny dealing with a grave social menace and the latest Mutual Chaplin comedy “The Vagabond” .featuring Charlie Chaplin as a villainous leader of a Gipsy Band are to he presented. “The Enemy,” a masterpiece of the Vitagraph Coy features Peggy Hyland and Charles Kent in a story that is bravely told of an outcast- who fought heroically against an evil habit that iin less it- is restrained leads to a life of misery and utter ruin. “The Vagabond,” is written around the kidnapping of a- beautiful young girl bv a hand of Gipsies, Charlie Chaplain finding that making a noise on a violin for a. living in a City, that is well supplied with German Bands and Hurdy Gurdys is not what it might, decides to try his luck in country districts and becomes a wandering musician—and laughter reigns supreme. A strong supporting east headed by Edna Purvanee will support the. hero of “The Vagabond.”’