AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1923, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

“UNDER TWO FLAGS.” TO-NIGHT. An army on tlio move could have caused little more stir along its line of inarch than the expedition!! which left Universal City for the Mojave desert to film outdoor scenes for “Under Two Flags,” the spectacular production of Ouida’s famous novel, which comes to the Princess Theatre tonight. Tho locale of “Under Two Flags,” is the deftert wastes of northern Africa, in the French province of Algeria. Much of the action takes place in the city of Algiers, which was partly duplicated at the big film city, lint there are also many important scenes in the desert regions beyond the outposts of this city. Tod Browning, the director, commanded tho expedition. He took with him several companies of French soldiers and a hand ,d mounted Arab tribesmen to engage in battle. A large amount of field equipment was assembled in addition to the supplies for a detachment ol cinematographers. A medical unit was necessary, lor a real battle was to be fought in which minor casualties were inevitable. There were camels and field kitchens and truck loads of ordnance. Tt would have taken little imagination to picture Browning as a French army officer dispatched to quell an uprising of rebellious tribesmen, lie was fully equipped to do it bail there been any rebellion in the section of Southern California to which he was going. Priscilla Bean, star ot “Under Two Flags,” has the colorful role of Cigarette, the Frcnch-Algcrian girl who was the idol of the French regiment in Algiers. It is a part that only a Priscilla Dean could play and she handles the characterisation with the same five ami passion that made “The Virgin of Stainboul” of two years ago an epic of the screen. Through several decades the position of “Under Two Flags” has grown firmer, until to-day it is considered one of the six greatest tragedies ever written. It has been read or seen on the stage by half the world. On Thursday another hig feature will be presented entitled “Saturday Night,” a special Paramount Production starring Beatrice Joy, Edith Roberts, Theodore Huberts, Conrad Nagel, Jack Mower, and Julia Faye.

The prices for these special pictures will be as usual.

R.S.A. MINSTRELS. As predicted, all roads led to the Princess Theatre last evening, and the R.S.A. Minstrels gavo the town a night oiit. Before 7 oclock a long queue had been formed, and when the doors were opened shortly after, there was a great rush for seats. Before eight o’clock the sale of tickets was stopped and many people were excluded, but all parts of the theatre .were crowded, and an overilow even found its way on to the wings of the stage. It was one of the largest gatherings ever seen within the building. The programme was in keeping with the attendanceextensive. It was after 11.30 o’clock before the orchestra played the National Anthem, but the audience did nut weary, and every moment seemed to be enjoyed. It was a most entertaining programme from every point of view—quantity and quality, combined with a degree of variety to satisfy all tastes. The promoters must be mure than pleased with the reception given.

Thu first part was the Minstrel entertainment which was bright and cheery, renddred within congenial .surroundings. The stage was arranged capitally, and 1 , tho circle 'large and certainly musical. Numerous songs verti given, and all the- chorus work was excellent—a feature indeed of this part. The quips and cranks of the six corner men were bright and now, and raised many a hearty laugh. Of very special aid was the orchestra. This was the most distinctive feature of a very enjoyable program me. Tho instrumental numbers were all enjoyed to the full, and the concerted music in the chorus singing was an especial delight. Tlio whole of the first part which ran without a break or a drag till 9.30. was to the credit of all concerned. Alter a brief interval a musical second half occupied the attention of tho audience, which grew more and more engrossed as surprise succeeded surprise with the many pleasing numbers. Again the orchestra was in the foreilront. A bevy 'of lady vocal lists, Misses Gillooly, Jones and Maloney, each had excellent receptions. Mr Menzics’ chalk talks riveted the attention of the audience, and pleased everyone. The character singing by Air Don Wallace, and also bis fine monologue, lifted the- entertainment to a very high plane. Mr George Wright’s comedy work was of outstanding merit. Tne pleasure afforded of Air J. Hatllaltd’s tenor sinigng was noted by the insistent recalls. Air T. Stopfortli was also a favourite, while Afaster Gibbons’ character dance was well executed. Two Diggers gave an amusing duet, ami the whole concluded with an original laroe, “Inn in a General Store.” written for the occasion by Air Geo. A\ right. Air AV right took the leading part and was well supported by AI ess is Bawdeu and Lynn, the latter in female attire. It was a clever, amusing presentation, and held the close attention of the audience. Before tho final number Air Evans, local President of the R.S.A., returned thanks for the. splendid patronage accorded, which he ventured to say was in keeping with the object in view (to help the building fund) and the merits of the entertainment itself. All who assisted to give pleasure were thanked, special mention being made of Air Badland who came specially from Greymouth. and Alossrs Aldridge and Joyce who were responsible for so much of the all-round success. A dance followed at the Solictors’ Hall, where the performers were entertained at supper and there was a large gathering of young people. The management desire to express regret that some ticket holders were not able to obtain admission last night. It is hoped to repeat the main features of the programme in about a fortnights’ time, when those with last night’s tickets will be admitted. The Minstrels are to meet at the Soldiers’ Hall at 7.30 on Friday night to decide with regard to future entertainments, invitations having been received foi outside visits.

R.S.A. WEEK. There will be a novelty form of entertainment at the Soldiers’ Hall this evening, when Air Bonetti’s jazz orchestra will supply a complete programme for a jazz evening. The programme will be confined entirely to this form of modern dancing, and special music, entirely new here, will be rendered. Admission for ladies and their dancing partners is 2s Od, and refreshments "ill be dispensed in the annexe, converted into n lounge, at a nominal cost. The fioor has recoiled special attention for this evening, so that with the best of music and a first-class fioor. votaries should revel in the popular pastime or jazzing. Doors open at 8 o’clock.-and dancing commences at 8.30 o’clock. To-morrow, Thursday, will bo a full

day at the Soldiers’ Hall. A Children’s party will take place from 4.30 to 7.30. At 8 o’clock there will bo the usual euchre tournament, and at 0.30 an assembly dance. These gatherings are sure to ho well patronised, tho object in view, to augment the R.S.A. building fund, being in .special favor.