AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1926, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

SCARLK.T HONEYMOON’ ’ TO-NIGHT.

There is a joyous charm about Shirlev Mason, the little Fox star who plays tile leading' role in “The Scarlet Honeymoon.” running; to-night at tho Princess Theatre. One. feels it the moment she enters a room. Perhaps it lies in her twinkling grey eyes, perfectly curved lips and winsome smile, hut the ehan'os are that it goes deeper. and finds its source in a nature made sweet by a strange mingling of tragedy and happiness, failure and success. .Miss Mason began her .stagecareer at the age of three. She was carried before the footlights by that delightful comedian Peter K. Daly. Even on the occasion of that first appearance, she had a speaking part, for it was necessary for her to call Mr Daly “Daddy” just once. It is said that never once, during a long engagement, did she forget her line. She did it so well that she was immediately cast for lathy roles in three succeeding engagements, at a doubled salary. That was the beginning, and •Shirley has been before the public ever since. Although site is only '22, site, can already claim long experience both on the stage and screen. About a year ago came Ihe big tragedy of her life, which took her away from work for six months, and sent her back with a tench of wistful sadness to tone her natural jnyoti.sness. Bernard Darning. Shirley’s husband and director. was directing a special Fox feature at their Now York studios wln-n lie became ill of typhoid fever and died. His death, coming at tho height of his directorial career, ended a married lit.- which has been perfect enough to relate all the arguments advanced against Hollywood marriages. There "ere never two people more liappv and devoted to each other than the Darnings. During till the months before Shirley returned to the camera, she was beset with urgent inquiries from a host of followers right throughout the world. A good sunporting -programme will also be show n to-night, including a Topical and a Comedy. Dn Thursday tin- long exported picture of “Charley’s Aunt” will he shown for one night only.