AMUSEMENTS. McLEAN’S PICTURES.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1925, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

McLEAN’S PICTURES.

THE I’RINCE 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 he presented oil Friday evening. The story tells how as King Lorenzo breathes for the last time, his wife, Queen Claudia, gives birth to a son. 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 Lorcngo that he might seize the throne for himself, has the little heir to the kingdom bought to him. He orders one of Ids followers to kill the child, but the man instead places the baby in a basket which belongs to a trio of rascally acrobats of which Andrea, the giant, i.s the leader. Tonio, the hunchback, is much feared by the peasants because he is supposed to have the Evil Eye. C’coco's skill brings in the pennies. They adopt the tiny throneless king, whom Andrea names Gigi and calls his soil. Urhaiio who had been the Court Physician under King Lorenzo, was forced to ilec when Roberto cntne into power and he has since spent his time alleviating the ills of the poor. He sees Andrea abusing Gigi and upbraids the giant ior his cruelty. Androad replies that he is merely teaching his son a wonderlul new trick, and drags the lad after him to the inn. 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 i.s found by Urbano’s dog, Brutus, who attracts the attention of bis master. I'rbano takes Gigi to bis but 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. He shows it to I'rbano. 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 Ids neck and takes him in her arms. Roberto orders the soldiers to place Gigi in a dungeon, but 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 Ltirone. He glances at the acrobats, who hail forced their way into the ball and who had demanded that he- lie 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 v „t,!” says King Giovanni. A sidesplitting comedy entitled Hie 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. iif ERA HOUSE- FRIDAY. At the Opera House on Friday. MasU't- Piclmes win present dainty Viola Dana and an all star cast in “Crinoline and Romance,” the latest Metro Production, directed by Harry Beaumont. Viola Dana has appeared m munv comedies and each time to advanta'V. She i.s a star with a personality and the pictures that- she has made ;irc enhanced by her beauty and charm. Her talent has won for her a lug! place in the industry and picture patrons can he assured of a pleasing entertainment- when ever she i.s screened fn “Chiniilinc and Romance” Miss Dana is afforded every opportunity ior 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 Viola Dana’s has been captured anew for the screen in her latest .starring pay “Crinoline and Romance. According to advance reports, i hifi, test -Metro vehicle for the winsome little star i.s filled with nerve and action. qualities which stress her nbili ties. And her abilities are many and van'll as this picture will show. Sb i.s sad. she is frolicsome; she is depressed and lighthearted, hut chiefly film is light-hearted and all of these emotions she interprets with an incomparable naturalness. This new play i easily the best Miss Dana ha ever ha to exhibit her skill and versatility. Likewise she has surpassed herself in meeting its diversified situations. She has full opportunity in this rapidlymoving story to display that particular brand of comedy which is associated With this elfin comedienne par excelleutc The story and adaptation D by Bernard MrConvillo the well-known him plav author. The supporting cast includes' John Bowers. Claude Gilimgii a ter and Allan Forrest. The. supports for tTiis faseinatiing drama will include interesting gazette, laughable comedy and Bm.elti’s Orchestra will plav latest music. Usual prices.