AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1919, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

POLLARDS PICTURES.

On next Monday evening at the J Princess Theati’e Pollards present Rex Beach’s great work “ Laughing Bill Hyde,” screened under' the Goldwyn banner. In “ Laughing Bill Hyde,” Rex Beach’s latest'.and best film story from the book of the same name, the author follows his custom of selecting stars for their suitability rather than for their screen reputation. In this case he has chosen for the title role Will Rogers, principal comedian of the New York Follies. Rex 'Beach stated that Rogers was the living counterpart of Laughing Bill Hyde. Strange to say that story might have been" written for Will Rogers, his personality being practically identical with the fictionised hero. •“ Laughing Bilt Hyde ” sur- j passes and eclipses the three previous great productions, “ The Spoilers,” ‘‘The Barrier,” and the “Auction | Block,” arid is easily first of Rex Beach’s masterpieces. The story is one full of 'human interest aud deal's with an escaped convict whose rough exterior and unpolished manner' enclose a heart as big as a mountain. Love and kindness to his'fellow men are his creed ‘throughout and' he is one of those nonchalant gentlemen whose motto is “ Keep on Smilin.” , When his pal is weak, unable to walk, [ he carries him in his arms to the j doctor. 'He acts good Samaritan to ! an Indian girl robbed of her inheritance, robs the robbers and returns it to her. He champions the doctor’s j girl and saves her'from'"the unpleasant j attentions of I’ouglr characters. The genuineness of"his character shines through the veil of a murky past'and brings a message of pathos, humour and good cheer.