AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1925, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

McLEAN’B PICTURES. ‘RUPERT OF HENTZAU.” -TO-NIGHT— The spectacular visualisation of Sir Anthony Hope’s most famous romance “ llupert of Ilentzau ” will be screened by Art-Lean’s Pictures to-night evening. Rudoplh Elphberg, drunken and worthless heir to the throne of Ruritania, was kidnapped on the eve of his coronation by bis half-brother, Black Michael. The plot to rob the rigidful heir of his crown, however, was frustrated by a young Englishman, Rudolph Rassendyl, who owing to his amazing resemblance to the profligate king was persuaded to impersonate him at the coronation ceremonies. The beautiful Princess Flavin, betrothed to the king, gave her heart to the young Englishman, who returned her love:

but this was an impossible dream, and after the real king was rescued and set on his throne, Rassendyl returned to England with his heartache and his memories. Among the conspirators against the king was young Count Rupert of Ilentzau, the must unscrupulous villain in all Europe. Although banished from the kingdom, lie remained a constant menace continually spying on the Princess, whose secret'love

he well knew. Three months after Rassendyl’s return to England the Princess Flavin stood before the altar with the debauched king, and became his wife. Then the king, who boro no love for In’s beautiful bride, returned to his drinking and hunting, leaving Flavin, a woman, desperate in her loneliness and humiliation; until at last her yearning for the man she loved would no longer he denied, and she made the fatal mistake of writing him a letter recalling their love and pleading for a hist meeting. But that letter never reached its destination, for one of Rupert’s spies waylaid the bearer, and carried it to his master, who at once sought an interview with the king in order to place the damning evidence of his queen’s infidelity before him. Afeanwhilc Rassendyl had been wired to meet the hearer of the letter, and finding him in all injured condition hastened to the castle of Zeltda, where he was told of the letter and how Rupert of Ilentzau had stolen it. Ihijert, hearing that the Englishman was at Zenda, delayed his audience with the king, until he reached his hunting lodge. But the king, who had been drinking heavily, and hearing no love for his rascally cousin, picked up a rifle and commenced firing, while his boarliound sprang at the intruder. Rupert, thereupon gave the dog its quietus, and shot the king dead, and made good his escape. Realising that there was no middle course if the queen’s honour was to he saved, Rassendyl made a surprise visit to Rupert’s lodgings and demanded the letter at the point of his sword. A ter-

rific duel ensued in which the unscrupulous Rupert met his match, receiving Riissciul.vl’s sword through his heart. The letter was discovered on his person and burnt. Rassndyl, thereupon, secretly let Ruritania for England, where he was followed later by Flavin, who abdicated in favor el a Republic. Special Music will be played for this magnificent production by McLeans Supreme Orchestra. A strong supporting programme will also be shown. The prices for Tuesday: Dress Circle 2s, Stalls Is Gd. Children under V2 sixpence. Reserves at Miss Mclntosh.

MASTER PICTURES. \ UNIVERSAL JEWEL. TO-NIGHT ! This evening at the Opera House, Afaster Pictures present delightful Priscilla Dean and an exceptional supporting cast, including Afatt. .Moore, Ray Griffith anil Wallace Beery in file Universal .jewel speeial attraction entitled “White Tiger.” This pulsating drama was produced by Toil Browning, whose former successes such as “Outside the l.a\v” will ever he remembered. Critics have long said Hull the screen has the greatest power of any art to impress on people a new fact. Consequently, there is importance attached to “White Tiger’ by police authorities, who sav that in ridiculing the popuii.' conception of “romance” in crime, it dues an incalculable good. See ti is thrilling drama and you will see how a woman can be more dangerous than man in the field of criminal activity, as the head of a hand of international (•looks, and how love can do more in reclaiming such a woman from the forces that despoil society, than the law. The undisputed leader of a band of international crooks, operating in high society, she places tlio wealthy under the lash of terror by means of her strange and startling criminal manoeuvres until she comes face to face with a man who knows no fear atul awakens her to the fact- that she is a woman. That she i.s not immune to love. AA r as it true after all that -she was not like other women? Could she prove to him that with all the devotion and intensity of her more respectable sisters who did not lurk with knife

and gun under the shadow of the law to despoil society. Wallace Beery will be remembered in ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” “The Last of the Mohicans. “Romany Rve” and “Robin Hood.’’ Raymond Griffith, who with Miss Dean and Berry completes the crook trio of this picture is considered by Universal executives as the “find” of the day. He has long been noted as one of the really excellent comedy artists of the screen and in this picture his. long experience stands him in excellent stead as the part requires an actor able to snarl and smile with equal ease. Matt Moore, will be recalled for bis magnificent work in “The Storm,” tiro Universal-Jewel production in which lie played the part of the villain. The supports to this thrilling drama of mystery, love and the lawless wil include an interesting International News, roaring Century Coineuv and Orchestral Selections. Prices will remain as usual, although it is a high priced production.