AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1926, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

GRAND DOUBLE-STAR DISPLAY —WEDNESDAY.

A specially good double star display will be presented at the Princess Theatre on Wednesday night. Buster Keaton in a six reel comedy “ The Navigator” and Buck Jones in a sixreel Western drama entitled “ Hearts and Spurs.” Buck Jones, William Fox cowboy star, who has thrilled thousands of picture fans by his deeds of daring, surpasses his previous efforts in

“Hearts and* Spurs,” based on “The Outlaw,” Jackson Gregory’s realistic story of the west, which is the feature attraction at the Princess Theatre on Wednesday evening. The story is replete with adventurous moments and tenific action. In transcribing the novel to the screen, the activity of the plot has been greatly enhanced. Buck is just the kind of man you would imagine the hero to be. He is rugged, lives and breathes the great outdoors, and conducts himself like a true Westerner. The big Fox star’s forte is performing hazardous deeds. Tile present story gives him ample opportunity to wade literally through perilous ventures. There are fights aplenty—hard, fast rides—more fights. Carol Lombard plays the leading role opposite Buck with good understanding and Freeman Wood, William Davidson, Joan La Mott, and Robert Littlefield all give sterling performances, W. S. Van Dyke directed the picture and John Stone prepared the scenario. The second big features shows underwater scenes in “ The Navigator.” Tf it were possible to pick out one episode of Blister Keaton’s new feature comedy, “ The Navigator,” a Metro-Gold-wyn production, and dub it the most humorous, that sequence would be the scene in which Buster dons a diving suit, sticks a revolver in his belt, packs a lunch box and, with a sheet full of gimlets and bradawls over bis shoulder, goes down to the sea floor to see why all the water is pouring into bis ship. We are able to follow him, as special apparatus for filming undqrsea pictures was included among the props shipped when Buster chartered a liner for the occasion. This apparatus; which consists of a steel chamber with a heavy glass plate window, was lowered over the side of the ship. Through a huge rubber pipe surrounded by steel sections, the cameramen descended into the steel chamber and photographed tlie divers and Buster Keaton at work.

THE OPTIMISTS. AN ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT The Optimists Entertainers appeared at. the Princess Theatre last evening and met with a flattering reception from a very appreciative audience. Headed by Sam Stern who is a host in himself and a star of undoubted merit, a very attractive programme was rendered. Well dressed and presented, the general ensemble was good. The Company opened with a bright chorus which was well given and then followed items in rapid succession by Miss Peggy Peat, Miss Pcra Gilbert, Miss Marie Francis, Messrs Francis Cornwall, Arthur Burns, and Stan. Hudson* Airtli. Full and varied, rapidly changing from quartette to solo, duet or chorus, the programme was full of life and music. Mr Sam Stern was a host in himself and at once won special favour. Ilis clever Italian and Yiddish impersonations were most amusing ami well done, while his patter was of a. very attractive nature. His every appearance was a welcome one and the reception given became more and more pronounced as the evening wore on, a good impression being made that fully bore out the reputation that came ahead of him. There were numerous clever sketches each of a clean and amusing nature, a couple of very pretty dances, while the soloists, though appearing to be suffering from, the effects of colds so prevalent, made very pleasing impressions. Hearty receptions were given to each performer, the programme being a very versatile one. The Entertainment concluded with a very fine medley chorus, of considerable length and great versatility, that caused much laughter and sent the audience home more than pleased at the very attractive presentation given.

RETURN VISIT SATURDAY NEXT. Before the conclusion of the programme Inst evening Ur Stern (malinger) appeared in front of the curtain, and after thanking the audience for the very generous reception given that evening to their efforts, which had been under somewhat difficult conditions owing to the heavy downpour, announced that the Company had decided to pay a return visit on Saturday night next (kindly arranged by permission of Mr A. Reban), when a complete change of programme \\ onld be given and he trusted the elements would be more favourable. He asked those present to recommend the entertainment to their friends, and lie hoped to see them all 'again on their return when the Company would do their utmost to again please patrons. In accordance with the above the Company announces a return visit on Saturday night next.