AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1924, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

“LIGHTS OF NEW YORK.” Til FILS DAY'. A noted east, licit tied by .Marc AfacDcnnott, is seen in this latest big Fox special -‘Lights nf New York”, the latest Lillian; Fox special photodrama, "Lich "ill he shown at the Princess theatre on I hnrsday, is a graphic study of conditions in the great city that are daily enacted among its millions of men and women. The author has not put in a special plea for any individual class of persons, but he has opened several pages of Metropolitan life and permitted his audience to see things as they really aie, The author turns the searchlight of his keen understanding of human nature upon both sides of life, a.s it is lived in New York City. One of the unique episodes of the story deals with the average .Metropolitan family life, the temptations and evil jnlluenees which the youth of New York must meet and overcome. Clarence Nordstrom, a juvenile -of exceptional ability, portraythe rule of the young chap whose reek loss dash down the wrong path leads him into difficulties which the average American youth, away from the hi. city, seldom encounters. Another episode of the storv opens at a bachelor dinner held oil the eve of the wedding f a youthful scion of one of New York’s wealthiest families. The failure of one of the invited guests to attend

i dinner left only thirteen at the table, and inasmuch ns the host was inclined to fear the result of the unlucky number, it was decided tliaL the entire group of guests should .go to the demand invite the first person who passes to take the place of the missing guest The first one to pass was an old man and he was prevailed upon to lill the empty chair. I'ndor the influence of the blight lights and friendly spirit of the rest of ilie company, tho newlyfound gue>t was induced to tell a story. What lie tells, which is the true story of his life, provides a drama of unique interest. It is a story of strange adventure. of good luck and bad. of flic high lights and shadows of “Lights of N'ew York.” 'This character is played by one. of the foremost dramatic actors in America to-day, Marc .MacUermott. and he has never done anything "ith greater artistic linish in his long histrionic career.

“Lights of N'ew York” was directed by Charles J. Biabin. who. it will lie remembered, staged the other William Fox visualisation of life in the Metropolis,- “While New York Sleeps.”

McLEAN’S P!CTUnS3.

TO-NIGHT. “Tllli PASSIONATE FRIENDS.” This (Tuesday) evening at 8 o’clock McLean’s Pictures "ill present a powerful Stull production entitled “The l’nssicmite Friends". It is a vivid epochmaking master-creation. A sex- piny that is unsullied from the novel of one of the world’s most daring outspoken authorities on this vital subject. It is a positive triumph for the screen and (.lie lines! .Stoll production ever screened in New Zealand. A delicate subject. gorgeously produced, perfectly, and cxqiisitely photographed. To readers of good fiction, it is perhaps unnecessary to state that the story has won. world wide approval, and the theme is very different from the usual heroine and hero type, who live happily ever after. The principal charncteis of the story aie Lady Alary Christian, who belongs to the feudal world of social distinction and Stephen Stratton and .Justin Harrison who lielong to tiic new woi Id oi (onimercial power and arc rivals for the hand of Lady Alary who although she loves Stephen passionately ninnies Justin and endeavours to cany on a platonic I rieudslii] with Sle; lien with tragi'- results. The scenery and settings arc truly splendid and the photography j.-erlcct. the novel has already brought its author, H. G. Wells great lame, and where the picture has been se;coned the names of the principal artists in the wonderful cast. Aldlle. Valia, -Milton I’csmer. Madge Stuart and Frederick !‘uy ih in will he long remembered in connection with this line production. A )i- lure tin t dvmvmtirites the danger of platonic friendship, and depicts the struggle- of a man ami a woman against their predominant passions. without offending the most ia»tid ions. “The Passionate Friends” is not a sermon but an enthralling revelation of a woman’s terrible mistake, her attempted atonement and a man s uncoil! reliable mission l 1 r one and low 1 of another, showing that pretty nearly all ilu.> big things women do are for men who don’t unde; stand. “ i lie j.ussi-m----ale Friends”, Hie lief re b iiliiul. Passion may usefully he dcs: . i cd vs a fierce, lincoutTollable desire lor a man or woman by one if the orresile sex, and who both are married, and tee man loves his wife, but endeavours to foster a i lntunie f icmlsain with the other woman. The nriccs for this t-xlr'-special presentation are- Dress Circle 2s; Stalls Is (id-. Children fid. Reserves at Alins Ah-rntosh’s, special music by .McLean’s Orchestra.

Parents arc notified this i i< turo is i.ot a picture ior children. linss and Kumarn- \\ oc! nival ay and Thursday.