AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1923, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

"KISMET” TO-NIGHT. The long heralded production ‘'Kismet’' with Otis Skinner, lias at last reached this city anil is tailed its the special aUraetinii ai the Princess Theatre to-night. The picture has

I icon well named the ‘‘Thousand and Second Arabian Night.” Gorgeous in setting with its magnificent Eastern Palaces, its seductive harem dances, the beauty of ancient llagdad at the bathing pools*—it is a never-to-be-for-gotten picture. The story tells of Hajj, the beggar who sat on a stonethe heritage of bis forefathers—and dreamt his dreams of a hoped for glory. Then came the day when all bis hopes and desires were to be fillfilied. He was appointed high in ihe ofliee of the Caliph, bis daughter was to marry a Great One of the land—then with the setting of the sun bis magnificence and glory was shattered like the Apple of the Desert, which though beautiful in appearance crumbles to dust at toueli. The cost of making ibis production must have boon tremendous. The scenes of the old Turkish city of

llagdad are perfectly presented and carry an atmosphere that transports the audience from the theatre to the Orient. The desert scenes with the picl uresr|iie Arabs and their fleet steeds, are superb. All of the interior settings are true in every detail and include the magnificent tapestries and hangings which go witli Oriental splendour. Otis Skinner is at bis best; the most minute detail is registered. if Mr Skinner makes one useless gesture or facial contortion throughout his performance it is not noticeable. So clever is his work that the individual feels refreshed mentally and physically tor having seen it. In the easl of "Kismet” is Hamilton Pevelle. lie plays the Mansur. His performance is excellent. Of the women members of the east, Elinor Pair and Rosemary Thebe as Marsimd and Kut-ul-Kulub, are well cast, and give delightful performances.

CHAUTAUQUA. Of the four days’ sessions, commencing on Wednesday of Clmutamiua, the third day will hold a special place because of the appearance of tile brilliant lecturer. Dr Frank Holm. Dr Holm was originally a teacher of history with special reference to economic history. Me received tile degree oi Doctor of Philosophy from the University of .Michigan in 1001. Unlike most mi mhers of his profession lie lias pur-

irvil a mo t varied and active <';>reor. Following Iwo year l ' of work as Follow and Assistant in the University of .Michigan, he became an active participant in building up labour movement in tic more undeveloped parts of the American West. He was the fhst labour union organiser in the lumber ramps of tile Pacific Northwest and among the miners of the Mexican Harder. The conditions of his task in those primitive sections at that time stnorl out ill striking contrast to the T'uiversitv environment from which lie eame and to which lie returned. A few vears later found him teaching economic history in Columbia I niversitv in New York City. Tn Wlo he was sent by the New York Evening Post to studv the situation in Germany and Austria. l'|ion the occasion of America’s entry into the war lie undertook the study of French propaganda service in Switzerland. During this period hi- many contributions were featured in the New York Times. \\ itli the advent of Peace he served at Paris during the Pence Conference and toured nil parts of tile pnited States and Panada, speaking in advocacy of the Leejr,ie of Nations. Tn answer to the invitation extended to him to lecture in New Zealand and ..listrnlia. T»r Bohn replied that in consenting to undertake the tour ho would go more to learn than to teach. Tt is his purpose to prepare a lecture on .Australasia explaining the methods and results of their reforms to the American people. Another special feature on the third da.v will lie the Colonial Concert Coy.. The Company consists of three talented young New Zealanders, Miss Elsie Kell of 'Wellington, soprano. Mr Edward Engel of Auckland, cellist, and Miss Miriam AVoolf. solo pianist and accompanist. Miss Elsie Kell is already well known as one of New Zealand’s lending sopranos, having toured the Dominion with the Italian tenor Notariello. under tlie management of J. anrl N. Tnit. The Tininru Post- describes her as “An Artist in the best, sense of the term. She has n clear soprano voice, sings her songs with grace and her enunciation is perfect.” Tin* KyMolton rime- “ Miss Elsie Kell scored a distinct success in the brilliant "Waltz Song from Tom .Tones.” Dunedin “Star”—Miss Elsie Kell challenged the critics by tackling that wonderful old test song “T T no Voce Poeo Ea”. and in it she much pleased her audience, who were astonished at her amazingly good enunciation and rpiite satisfied as to her knowledge and her voice. The ascending passages oi the song were l.iultlesslv smooth and even. She has abundant power right through the range and sings with meaning.” Mr Edward Engel has already made a name for himself as Auckland’s leading ’cellist. He comes of a brilliantly musical family and was a member of their company touring under the style of “Cremona Family”. Mr Engel plays with remarkable expression and power and has already developed brilliant technique. Miss Miriam Woolfe is already well known in Southland as a promising young pianist and accompanist. Her playing is characterised by taste and feeling, and is a delight to her audience.