AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1923, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

BASIL KING’S GREAT DRAMA. To-tiat tho Princess Theatre, Basil King’s great story in which tim supernatural crosses the border of the natural, and is a powerful illumination of life and destiny here, and in the hereafter, entitled “ Eurthbound,” will be screened for one. night only. George l.oane 'Pucker’s statement: " There is a message in “ Earthbound “ that the wide world is greatly and deeply interested in. I sincerely hope that everyone who liked my production of “ The Miracle Man” will go to -ee ‘'Earthbound.” On Thursday, the long expected picture “ The Sheik ” will be presented for two performances only: on Thursday afternoon at 2.30, and again in the evening at 8. The general public have heard so much ahnut this wonder picture that we think it unnecessary to write further about it, only to state that it has created quite a sensation in every town in New Zealand, where it has been shown. The prices arc : circle :b, 3d. stalls 2s 2d. and children Is. Rations are advised to hook early.

THE R.S.A. AIINSTRELS

ANOTHER BUMPER HOUSE

The old saying that nothing succeeds like success was exemplified last evening tit the request reappearance of the R.S.A. Minstrels. Another bumper house greeted the Company, and the performance went as merrily as before. Although the programme had been curtailed. encores drew the entertainment out, and it was after 11 o’clock before the large, audience dispersed.

The merry and bright first part went with a good swing. The orchestra and the chorus were again the outstanding features. The staging was effective, and the plantation scene was such as to retain the close attention of the audience throughout. There were a number of new jokes, and the jocularity of the end men caused many u laugh. Several of the soloists found favour with the audience and a number of insistent encores had to ho responded to. There was a new finale which made a happy conclusion to the first half.

In the second half, the feature items were all well received. Mr Don Wallace in his vagabond numbers was excellent, and his monologue was also well received. Mr Jock Crawford in character sketches was inimitable. AD Jack- Alenzies in a chalk talk, with orchestral accompaniment, entertained the audience, very pleasantly. Air A. Reynolds in a Maori impersonation looked the part of a warrior of the preEuropean days, and pleased all with the native melody he rendered. Air Tom Stop forth was in good voice for lux solo, and was recalled. Messrs Wallace ami Aldridge rendered a humorous duct with topical references. The comic sketch in which Messrs Wright, Bawdeu and Bain took part was mirth provoking. The "lady” of the piece was specially bewitching. The orchestra under the direction of Air Joyce, rendered special assistance in this half also, and rounded oil the whole entertainment with a distinctive finish.

The President of the R.S.A. branch returned thanks for the liberal patronage extended and congratulated the Company on its excellent performance, the merits of which justified the large attendance. A special reierence of thanks was made to the kindness ol .McLean's Pictures in giving up the Theatre for the two evenings of the entertainment. It was stated the R.S.A. hoys would show their appreciation of Air McLean’s generous action in the matter of rolling up in force' for next Tuesday night’s picture display. II is likely a dance will he arranged for at the Soldiers’ Hall following the picture show. The performers were entertained last night at the Soldiers' Hall, by the ladies’ committee, and it was arranged the full strength of the Company meet at Clements garage at -I o’clock tomofrow afternoon, to leave tor Greymouth, where an entertainment will Ingiven at the Opera House. A good house in the northern town is assured, as it is reported already there is substantial booking in the reserved seats.