AMUSEMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1922, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

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KATHERINE McDONALI) MONDAY.

On Monday next Pollards are screening a. big First •National Feature starring Kathleen McDonald entitled “The Thunderbolt.” Supporting this big' fea- • tore is a Patlie Gazette, a Pa the Rc : 1 view and a Pathe Comedy two-reels, “Capt Kidd’s Kids” starring Harold Lloyd. Katherine McDonald, the First ■ National star is featured in “The Tlnind'erbolt” an original creation by ’J. Grubb Alexander. Her repressive ‘attitudes are .wonderfully appropriate 'for tlie role she is called upon to interpret, since it is her duty to maintain a family pride. And how better can that virtud bo emphasised than through the employment of an admirable reserve? !The idea is founded' upon a fend, but since the contending parties have outgrown the use of firearms, the conflict, takes oh ah originality which is as dramatic at is it daring in conceptions. The husband and' the wife are the last of | their race, arid it is his object to avenge his father’s death 'Ey compelling her rinme to die with her. And so the conflict takes form. She is equally determined' to conquer. "Here is where tlie j ! unusual development enters. The husband has been marked at birth ,bv lightning, so that whenever a thunderstorm occurs lie is temporarily insarie and lias no knowledge of what lie is doing. A masterful figure when in Ins ! right mind, lie becomes pitifully weak ‘'during a storm. The mother instinct will not lie denied', and a child comes to bring lief the first happiness she has ever known, and with the boy comes a regeneration' of the father. Foul* years of studied’ indifference pass by before be admits defeat. The scenes are" rich iri suspensive values. The picture reaches its strongest 1 moments during the storms. You catch the struggling of the man’s soul, as it attempts to find' expression, arid there is humanity beneath his brutal mask. Thomas Meighan makes his figure ring absolutely true. He plays with remarkable depth and sincerity.

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“THE UNKNOWN WIFE” TO-NIGHT. Mr McLean presents another capita] programme at the Princess Theatre tonight. The special star feature is a five-reel Universal, “The Unknown Wife,” starring Edith Roberts. It is a fast-moving melo-drama of thrills and heart throbs. Its tenseness is relieved by a vein of wholesome humour productive of much laughter. Metropolitan society, small town existence, the haunts of the underworld, the working of the legal machine and several othep sides of modern life are pictured in this •story with faithful realism. The ripping snarl of an automatic p'fstol was her wedding chime, flight from the police was her honeymoon trip. A picture full of surprises. The supports include International News, a twopart Century comedy “On With the Show” and further chapters of the attractive serial “The Diamond Queen.”

THE FAMOUS DIGGERS. When things were looking gloomy ior the allied armies during tlie Great War, the Famous Diggers were busy keeping up tlie spirits of the soldiers by means of bright entertainment. Strangely enough, in those times of peace when financial despondency is in the air, these same Diggers are fulfilling a similar service for the civilian populace. That they do it in splendid fashion is evidenced by the huge response from tlie general public in itlier parts of New Zealand.

As one of our contemporaries remarks: “From the beginning to the end of the programme, the Diggers have their audiences in paroxyisms of laughter. Hard time's are forgotten, nothing is remembered save the delicious enjoyment of the moment.” There is, however, just that blend 1 of serious items which prevents the programme from being too sugary. Fred Webber, a very clever singer, who is an expert dancer, contributes largely to the success of the show. Joe Valli, the Scottish comedian, who has been specially imported from London, does a lion’s share in the laughter making. Ivan Marshall, an operatic tenor, is an ex-member of the J. C. W. firm. He comes with a fine reputation. owilyili Davies who is known as “The hid 11 with the golden voice,” has had the honour of singing before the King. . Frank Moran, nearly seven feet of elongated laughter, lives up to bis reputation as a fun purveyor. Tano Faina, the captain of comedy, Stan Lawson, the misleading lady, and other favourites are still members of this troupe. The show has now been reorganised and a new wardrobe purchased in London at a cost of several hundred pounds. .Moreover, the scenery embraces two exquisite sots, “Carnival Time” and “The Arabian Oasis,” both of which are a feast of colour. Thoy were painted by that very fine artist, Will Beck. The shimmering sequined and jewelled dresses worn by Stan Lawson, intermingle with the gorgeous satin costumes of the men, the whole scene making a beautiful spectacle of dazzling colour. The revue is entitled “Box o’ Tricks,” and contains some of the best sketches from the London Hippodrome revue of that name