AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1920, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

POLLARD’S PICTURES. Monday. A Head film study, “Sahara” and a truly great six-reel picture will be screened by Pollards in the Princess Theatre on Monday next “Sahara” is a story that tells of fascinating Paris, enchanting Cairo, a woman whoso loveliness dimmed even the glory of the stars. A wife who built a temple. Jt was the temple of herself, but solitude broke the heart of the Parisian actress, canity beckoned and she followed until the great awakening cqme. Fascinating Paris with its gaiety and appeal, enchanting Cairo with its mystery and its luxury, and El Shabar, a sun blistered, palm, clustered oasis in the sandstung Desert of Sahara what a contrast ill settings is provided in the masterpiece of production, “Sahara,” in which Louise Glaum plays the part of her career, and displays an assortment of magnificent gowns to whet'the dreams of any woman. Settings that for luxury beggar description, all the fascinating of the mysterious East, its sweet dream-laden odours, and a story that its emotional and colourful ,to a degree, all go towards making a production that must rank among the screen’s best achievements in the last two years. A beautiful scenic, “Winter Sports in Quebec” and the latest T.opical will also life shown. Coming;on Thursday next, Jack Pickford in “Bill Apperson’s Boy.’l

“SMART SET” AUSTRALIAN DIGGERS. Of the famous “Smart Set” Aussie Diggers to be seen here on Tuesday next under the J. and N. Tait management, the N.Z. Times writes as follows :

“The show in general is a quaint blending of vaudeville revue, melodrama and grand opera. Burlesque is prominent, with here and there more serious touches as a respite to the. aches of laughter, The “ladies” of the troupe are a bewitching four. More than one member of the weaker sex in the audience gasped a delighted “Oil!” at the display of gowns, not only in respect of fashion, but also in regard to the wearing of the apparel. In Charles Holt the company has a fascinating leading He frivolled hi' way through various scenes lightheartedly and with a feminine grace, his dancing and vocal numbers being of a very high order. His most successful piece of mumming was in conjunction with Fred Whitlow in “The Burglar” sketch and the “Camille” burlesque—items both of original conception. No more delightful piece of comedy work has been seen than that presented by Ernest Crosby in the military episode, “My Word.” In the character of a blustering Major, he had the house rocking with laughter, llis “What was the Tale the Colonel told the Adjutant?” was another fine bit of comedy work. Fred Whitlow is a man of parts. He displayed considerable dramatic talent in the dream scene from “The Silent King,” and gave a good impersonation of a Coster lady in a later sketch. Jock Thompson and Richard Butler are the vocal stars, and their solo numbers were very well rendered. Alberto Tondllo contributed a harp solo, a plaintive little thing which met with instant approval. The “Diggers” shine in concerted work, and quaint interludes which are refreshingly original in presentation. In these items the team work of the show “gj r l s ”_Messrs Bobbie Roberts, Tiki Carpenter, and Ralph Sawyer—is a big factor. Graceful in all their movements, charmingly frocked, and dainty in their dancing, they are a revelation jv. female impersonation. A freedom from an overdose of khaki and military allusions is a good point in the combination, and one does not need to have seen service in order to appreciate the jokes. An efficient orchestra under Mr Ivor Weir, was responsible for some first class music.” tf?vrot# r • j ■