AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1923, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

it. tV. GILIEI-•ITU'S M ASTER P IPX T •oxi'; exciting xiGtiT.”

From tlk* beginning of pictures. tlie black-face comedian has been struggling lor ;t place itt the films, Failure ims followed failure except in minor parts, until the coming of Ronton Washington in “One Exciting Night." which opens at the I’rincess Theatre to-night. The greatest efl'orL to bring out a black-face comedian for the films was made with the late Bert Williams. A fortune was spent in making one picture after another, but never once did that famous actor ever stive the true breath of comedy to his shadow characters. The failure of Bert Williams, whose pantomime on the stage was so famous, started the legend that it was impossible to popularise a black-face comedian. I). \V. Griffith has •made his reputation by making legends rather than observing them. When he selected the story of ■•One Exciting Night." Mr Griffith had I‘ortcr Strong in mind for the central comedy character. As Romeo, Porter Strong- reaches heights of comedy, with the appeal of a into human being, lie awakens pathos as well as laughter, and the audience laughs with hint throughout. This sympathy is the small margin by which Strong has triumphed in his efforts to make a blue-k-t nee comedian a success on the stage. Strong was previously known m. the best "coon should" and won (ir.-.t prize at a great public shouting i oiliest in Madison Square Garden. New York. These eleven reels of comedy will lie shown at the Princess Theatre tobiight and the prices are: ( irclo 2s 2d. stalls Is 6d. children Is Id.