AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1922, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

POLLARD’S PICTURES.

CHARLES RAY TO-NIGHT.

To-night Charles Ray will be seen in his first picture for Tlhe First National Coy. entitled “Peaceful Valley” a sixreel production and supporting this big feature is a (Snookv) comedy entitled “A Trayful of Trouble” two reels the latest Pathe Gazette and an Educational Weekly. Once more Charles Ray has demonstrated in the delineation of so-called “rube” chnioctet's ho is by far the peer of oil motion picture stars. This time he proves Ins superior talent in a delightful celluloid version of Smith Russel’s great stage hit “Peaceful Valley” the attraction at the Princess Theatre. Ray takes the part of Hosiah Howe, a hard-work-ing farmer lad. of happy disposition, with a widowed mother and little sistei to provide for. Tt is no exaggeration to say that in this role he has contribute to the screen a character that ranks as one of the' most .noteworthy achievements of the silent drama. The one o the most noteworthy achievements of the silent drama. The photoplay « filled with humor and pathos, with a spirit of optimism predominating. It is one of those clean-cut, wholesome c.nemn productions that never fail to leave nn audience thoroughly refieshed. As a vehicle for Charles Ray it, is declared to he especially suitable, and in it the young star is said to hav’ dene some of the greatest work of Ins screen career. Ann May, the charming little motion picturo actress, who has been Charles Raw's leading woman in many other pictures, has the chief feminine role in “Poaioful Valley.” The orchestra will supply a new programme of selected items.

| OPERATIC SEASON. -A COUNTRY GIRL.” MV Tom Pollard will present the Grevmouth Amateur Opera Company 'in Monckton’s famous musical play on j to-morrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday 1 evenings in the Princess ■ Theatre It 1 is unneessary here to' detail the story |of “A. Country Girl.” It is a. Trohcj some comedy set to hauutingly pretty ! music the familiar airs belonging to i which' are fresh and delightful, even ! after a. lapse of years, and they thor- ! oughly charmed everyone at Greymouth iThe beautiful costumes worn are not I the least attractive feature of the P™i duction, and the leading feminine parts ! provided plenty of opportunity for At ' wearing of entrancing dresses. ' Criticising the production in (mouth a contemporary says as fo-llows-.—The unabated success of the lo- ! cal amateurs, under the management of ! Tom Pollard continues, and augurs well i for a record of which any amateur i combination might be justly pi out. ! Monday night’s house was a record and last iiigbt again tbe “Country Girl ■ was played to a fulUhouse. That those ' present enjoyed tbe w’hole performance j was sufficiently evidenced by tbe quick i perspicuity of. the audeinee at all the local references and humorous sallies ot the various performers, and their spontaneous hearty applause bestowed on ' the singers. The whole play went with ' n fine swing, the chorus was specially interest was never affcrwed to law. Perhaps one of the prettiest scenes’ in the whole play was the opening of the second act, in\ which the gavotte was danced by a’full stage. The blending of the costumes, the graceful movement of the dancers, and the lighting efFects all went to create a kaliediscopic effect of rare beauty Ot the principals, of course Miss M llson (Christchurch) as Nan, was an outstanding feature ,and was convincing in all she did, while her vocal numbers were sung with the vivacity required. In all her comedy work Miss Wilson has never missed a point. Tn hei seiious interludes she has been just as successful. and has been responsible for several well conceived climaxes. Seats for dress circle, and orchestral stalls can be reserved at Mclntosh’s.