AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1925, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

McLEAN’S "PICTURES.

the wince of a king. —TO-NIGHT. Jack Dempsey, -heavyweight boxing champion of the world, says his fa von" rie mascot is Dinky Dean, who is .staring in “A Prince of a King,” the thrilling new photoplay, which will he presented this (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 Lorenju) that he might seize the throne for himself, has the little heir to the kingdom bought to him. He orders one of his followers to kill the child, but the man instead places the biiby 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 he is supposed to have the Evil Eye. Cecco’s skill brings in the pennies. They adopt the tiny throneless king, whom Andrea names Gigi and calls his son. Frbano who had been the Court Physician under King Lorenzo, was forced to flee when Boierlo came into power and he has since -pent his time alleviating the ills of die poor, lie sees Andrea abusing ' ligi and upbraids the giant for his •ruelty. Aml read replies that he is Merely teaching his son a wonderful lew trick, and drags the lad after him (i the inn. While the attention of the icrobats is otherwise engaged, Gigi J lips out of the door and runs into the " orest. He finally falls to the ground ,s -xhausted and is found by Urlmno’s 1 log. lirutus. who attracts the attention if his master. Frbano takes Gigi to iis hut and they spend many happy reeks together. Then one day Gigi lixcovers in the grass liis good luck harm, which had been lost in his light from the acrobats. He shows it o Frbano, "ho realises instantly that ligi is the little lost king. He leaves * he boy in the hut and hastens to the -

slave to notify Queen Claudia that

ier dearly loved son is alive. He is iverheard bv Roberto, wiio has him eized. Later Queen Claudia enters, ecs Gigi and the charm 'around his lock and takes him in her arms. Roicrto orders the soldiers to place Gigi n a dungeon, but Queen Claudia deimnds that in the name of the true jug King Giovanni—the traitor, loherto he imprisoned. Roberto is

hustled out and Gigi stands on the throne, lie glances at the acrobats, who had iorced their way into the hall and who had demanded that he he turned over to them. He asks il lie is really the king. When he receives an affirmative reply, a smile breaks over his face. "Then throw these acrobats yut I” 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 ‘ I he Light to Lie.”

MASTER PICTURES. OPERA HOUSE--TO-NIGHT. At Ihe Opera Hoii.se to-night, Master Pii lure.s will present dainty A iola Dana and an all star cast ill “Crinoline and Romance,” tin* latest Alette. I'roduclion, directed hv Harry DeanViola Dana lias appeared m manv comedies and each time to advantage. She is a .star with a personality and the pictures that she lias made are enhanced by her beauty and charm. Her talent lias won for her a big! place in tin* industry and picture patrons can lie assured of a pleasing entertainment when ever she is screened. In “Chiiioline and Romance” Aliss 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 ol the must, hilarious comedies seen tor some time anil you'll laugh Idl 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 nay ‘’Crinoline and Romance. According to advance reports, the latest .Metro vehicle for the winsome little star is filled with nerve and action. qualities which stress her abilities. And her abilities are many and vared 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 liicompaiable naturalness. This new play v

easily the best, .Miss Dana ha ever lute to exhibit her skill and versatility. Likewise she lias .surpassed herself in meeting its diversified situations. She lias full opportunity i r this rapidlynioving story to display that partieulai brand of comedy which is associated with this ellin comedienne par excellence. 'l’lie story and adaptation is by Bernard McConville the well-known film plav author. The supporting east includes' John Bowers. Claude Gilliugwater and Allan Forrest. The supports for to-night’s programme include a Paramount gazette showing Aev winning the Kentucky Derby, Burton Holmes “Souvenirs of Singapore . and a roaring Western comedy “Wild and Wicked”, with special music by Bonetti’s orchestra.

On Saturday night—“A Noise in Newlmrs" will be presented starring Eva Novak and Allan Forrest,