AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1925, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

NORMA TALMADGE TO-NIGHT

Norma Talmadge, one of tho most popular of .screen stars will be the special attraction at the Princess Theatre to-night in a First National entitled “The Song of Hove,’’ a drama of burning love amid the white hot sands ot the Sahara. Norma Talmadge outsheiks the sheik as an impassioned .Mohammedan dancing girl. Director Franklin gave meticulous care to the grouping effects of his production, particularly the interiors. 'this picture, because of its bizarre oriental settings, afforded an unusual opportunity for artistic achievement. The interior of tho gambling house, where Norma Talmadge as a native dancing girl is the chief attraction, is a notable example of photography and group composition. Because of the thoroughness in which this sequence was taken no more than two scenes were shot some days. The expense of this, with so high-salaried a cast as Miss Talmadge, her leading man Joseph Schililkraut, Arthur Edmund Careive. Hector Sarno, .Maude Wayne, .Mario Cnrillo, Theodore I.oreh, l.aureuce Wheat, James Cooley, and others, added greatly to the production cost. But the extra expense was sanctioned by producer Joseph Sclicnek, in view of the aim towards which it was directed. This is a drama of the Algerian Sahara, released by First National. A two-reel Comedy and Topical will also he shown.

On Wednesday evening “Rosita” featuring the world’s sweetheart, Mary Bickford, will he screened.

BIC AD NKG HO VOCALISTS FROM AMERICA.

Direct from America, a choir of negrf> singers, .'the Dyxiei ” Jubilees, who have just completed a successful tour of the States, will open in Hokiitika on Thursday for one night only. Probably no race in the world since the days of Ham has been blessed with a more emotional temperament than lias the negro, and he is a past master of characteristically “eerie music.” No other race can introduce the same weird harmonics ns these darkey singers; no one outside the charmed “circle of colour” can catch and chain this elusive mastery of social song. Twentyfive years ago this was forcibly demonstrated in New Zealand when a strong negro choir toured tho country with pronounced success, and after this long spell of years this entertainment-lov-ing portion of the community is to have a visit from an even hotter and stronger musical organisation, doing now work on old lines. The “Dixie ’ Jubilees, admittedly the most popular coloured combination America has produced. cover every phase ot darkey singing in their comprehensive pro-

gramme. The season at Hokitika will be for one night only on Thursday next, and the box plan, at popular prices is open at .Miss Mclntosh. No expense has been spared in preparation for this-attractive entertainment which is under the management of that experienced theatrical doyen. Air Thomas Foster.