AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1918, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

POLLARD’S PICTURES. “A GIRL’S FOLLY-” A STORY OF THE STAGE, THURSDAY.

To-morrow (Thursday) evening motion picture studio life forms the theme for the World Film’s strong 5-act story “ A Girl’s Folly.” Robert Warwick, June Elvidge and Doris Kenyon are seen in the leading roles. Robert Warwick has an ideal role as a movie star, the idol of countless girls. He encounters a little heroine (Doris Kenyon) when he is acting in a drama which requires a county setting. He takes a fancy to her and induces her t, visit the city where the big studios are situated There, through his influence, she is given a part and enters into the reckless gaiety of the life. Soon she learns the bitter price she is expected to pay by unscrupulous artists and her escape is one among the few. June Elvidge is the lady love of the star actor who knows her world well at its value. The play is a good one as a drama, but it is distinguished from from other plays by its genuine peeps at every-day doings in the picture studios and the daily lives of picture actors and actresses. “ Tne Gold Rush,” the .Oth chapter of “ A Lass of the Lumherlands.” supports the star picture.

McLEAN’S PICTURES.

DOUBLE STAR—FRIDAY. On Friday night at the Opera House Mr McLean will present a double star programme—Fatty Arbuckle in the star comedy “As a Country Hero ” and Mary Pirkford in “The Poor Little Rich Girl" The story shows Mary Pick ford as i Gwendolyn, the little daughter of a wealthy father, who is neglected by 7 her parents in their selfish pursuit of the almighty' dollar, and social laurels. The little girl is left to the care of servants, and they 7 gave her no care at all, save to frighten her by vague and terrible threats, into submission. One escapade is an entertainment given in the dining-room, at. which the plumbei, the local newsboy, and the organ grinder are the chief performers. But her friends are ruthlessly torn away from the little girl. Gwendolyn's eleventh hiithflay arrives, and with it a load of presents. The only one which Gwen likes is a canary in a gilded cage, for which she feels an involuntary kinship. That night, the birthday party in full swing, Gwendolyn! is sent to bed, and the nurse, desiring to attend a vaudeville show with the butler, gives her an overdose ot a sleeping potion. The child is taken dangerously ill and in her delirium she sees her parents, the servants and her few friends as they really are, and unconsciously communicates her revelations to her parents as they 7 lean over her bedside. ThrQugli the long night they watch, and wjth the morning' Gwendolyn . regains consciousness. Her parents, realising their selfishness, decide to enter upon a new 7 existence. In the comedy 7 “As a Country Hero ” Fatty 7 Arbuckle gives a si-rring half-hour of comedy and frolic that will keep the audience in m e roar of laughter, the fun being fast and furious. A further chapter of the popular serial “ The Great Secret ” will also be screened, supported by the capital McLean orchestra.

AMATEUR OPERA

iOn Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of October, the Hokitika Amateur Opera Company of 100 performers will present Planquette’s celebrated comic opera in 3 acts “ Paul Jones.” No expense is being spared in the mounting and dressing of the opera, which we are promised will be on a lavish scale. “Paul Jones” is a comic opera that has stood the test against later productions. It lives while most of later productions have fallen into obscurity. “Paul Jones” possesses every requisite for success. The music is of a high standard, whilst still retaining all the magnetic power of melody. The comedy is of the roaring farce comedy order, that unlike most operas gets more magnetic as the opera goes on, until in the 3rd art' laughter reigns supreme. Chorus business and groupings lend themselves to beautiful dressing and splendid movement, and under a producer of Mr Pollard’s experience patrons may rely on seeing the opera at its ' best.

Mrs W. Staveley as “ Paul Jones” leads a strong cast of specially selected amateurs that include Mrs I. Wilson, Miss A. Wells, Miss E. Perry, Miss E. Hatch, Mr H. M. Coulson, Mr Ivon Wilson, Mr W. Staveley and two Greymouth amateurs, Mr Een McGlashan and Master Reggie Nash. Mr Fred Resteaux will wield the conductor’s baton and a complete operatic orchestra will be led by Mr R. Cullen, with Mrs Houston as accompanist. “ Paul Jones ” was one of Mr Pollard’s big successes against all comers. The opera is produced by arrangement with J. C. Williamson Etd. Prices of admission are on the popular scale of 3s, 2s, and is plus war tax. The box plan will open on Friday at Mrs Browne’s where seats may be reserved.