AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1925, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

McLEAM’S PICTURES.

THE PRINCE OF A KING —FRIDAY.

Jack Dempsey, heavyweight boxing champion of the World, says his favourie mascot is Dinky Dean, who is staring in “A Prince of a King,” the thrilling new photoplay, which will be presented on Friday evening. The story tells how as King Lorenzo breathes for the last time, his wife, Queen Claudia, gives birth to a sou. Before giving the baby to the nurse, the Queen fastens around his neck a chain, from which‘is suspended a golden charm. Duke Roberto, who had poisoned King Lorciiiio that he might seize the tlirolle for himself, has the little heir to the kingdom bought to him. He orders one of his followers to kill the child, hut the nian instead places the baby in a basket which belongs to a trio of rascally acrobats of which Andrea, the giant, is the leader. Tonio, the hunchback, is much feared by the peasants because 1m is supposed to have the Evil Eye. C'eceo’s skill brings in the pennies. They adopt the tiny throneless king, whom Andrea names Gigi and calls his son. Urbane who had been the Court Physician under King Lorenzo, was forced to flee when Roberto came into power and lie has since spent his time alleviating the ills of the poor, lie sees Andrea abusing Gigi and upbraids the giant for his cruelty. Andread replies that ho is merely teaching his son a wonderful new trick, and drags the lad after him to the inli. While the attention of the acrobats is otherwise engaged, Gigi slips out of the door and runs into the forest. He finally falls to the ground exhausted and is found by Urbauo’s dog, Brutus, who attracts the attention of his master. Urlmno takes Gigi to his hut and they spend many happy weeks together. Then one day Gigi discovers in the grass his good luck charm, which had been lost in his (light from the acrobats. Ho shows it Lo Urhano, who realises instantly that Gigi is the little lost king. He leaves the hoy in the hut and hastens to the palace to notify Queen Claudia that her dearly loved son is alive. He is overheard by Roberto, who has him seized. Later Queen Claudia enters, sees Gigi and the charm around his neck and takes him in her arms. Roberto orders the soldiers to place Gigi in a dungeon, hut Queen Claudia demands that in the name of the true king—King Giovanni—the traitor, Roberto he imprisoned. Roberto is hustled out and Gigi stands on the throne. He glances at the acrobats, who had forced their way into the hall and who had demanded that he he turned over to them. He asks il he is really the king. When he receives an affirmative reply, a smile breaks over his face. “Then throw these acrobats yat!” says King Giovanni. A sidesplitting comedy entitled The Sheik of Hollywood and Serial will support this great star. McLean’s Orchestra will render new selections.

Saturday a great special "The Right to Lie.”

MASTER PICTURES.

OI'KILV lIOI'SE - FRIDAY. At the Opera House on Friday, Master I’icluros will present dainty Viola Dana and an all star east in ‘‘Crinoline and I’limaui-c," the latest -Metro Production, directed by Marry Beau muni. Viola Dana lias appeared in many comedies and each time to advantage. She i.s a star with a personality and the pictures that she has made are enhanced hv her beauty and cliaim. Her talent lias won for her a high place in the industry and picture patruns can he assured of a pleasing entertainment- when ever she i.s screened. In "Chinoline and Romance” Miss Dana is afforded every opportunity for her talent and personality, and is surrounded by a group of talented artists who add to the merit of the picture. It is said to he one of the most hilarious comedies seen for some time and you’ll laugh till your sides ache. All the beauty, youth and freshness that’is Yiola Dana’s lias been captured anew for the screen in her latest starring nay "Crinoline and Romance. According to advance reports, the latest Metro vehicle for the winsome little star is filled with nerve and aetion. qualities which stress her abilities. And her abilities are many and vnred as this picture will show. Sh is sad. she is frolicsome: she is depressed and lighthearted, hut chiefly she is light-hearted and all of these emotions she interprets with an ineompainbie naturalness. This new play b easily the best Aliss Dana ha ever hud to exhibit her skill and versatility. Likewise she has surpassed herscll m meeting its diversified situations. She tins lull opportunity in this rapidlymoving story to display that paiticulai brand of comedy which is associated with this chili comedienne par excellence. The story and adaptation is by Bernard MeConville the well-known I'd in play author. The supporting programme for this fascinating drama "ill include interesting gazette, laughable comedy and Ttonetti's Orehestia will play latest music. T'sunl prices.