MCLEAN’S PICTURES.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1918, Page 4

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 Pickford in “ The Poor Little Rich Girl ” The story shows Mary Pick lord as Gwendolyn, the little daughter of a wealthy father, who is neglected by 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 gave her no care at all, sa.ve to frighten her by vague and terrible threats, into submission. One escapade is an entertainment given in the dining-room, at which the pi umbei, the local newsboy, and the organ grinder are the chief performers. Rut her friends are ruthlessly torn away from the little girl. Gwendolyn’s eleventh biithday 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 lull swing, Gwendolyn is sent to bed, and the nurse, desiring to attend a vaudeville show with ihe 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 lean over her bedside. Through the long night they watch, and with the morning Gwendolyn regains consciousness. Her parents, realising their selfishness, decide to enter upon a new existence. In the comedy “As a Country Hero ” Fatty Arbuckle gives a stirring half-hour of comedy and frolic that will keep the audience in one roar of laughter, the fnn being fast and furious. A further chapter of the popular serial “ The Great Secret ” will also be screened, supported by the capital McLean orchestra.