AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

STANLEY MCKAY’S PANTOMIME. RETURN VISIT TO-NIGHT. At the Princess Theatre to-night the Stanley McKay Pantomime Company who created such a favorable impression last week, pay a return visit of one night only when the Company will present the, gorgeously staged review “Laughing Time of J 927.” Hie company is one of the most talented musical combinations that have visited the town and the return will ho hailed with pleasure. The musical act of “Tho Four Little Kellys” will doubtless make a great appeal to the children at the matinee. The plan is at Mclntosh’s. As the season is limited to tho one night, with matinee taking place this afternoon, it will bo tire last opportunity of greeting this talented combination there should ho a large audience to-night. EVERYBODYS PICTURES. ■ ‘ THE UNGUARDED HOUR ” TUESDAY. Whnt would happen if a flippant thrill seeking young American girl should set her cap for a conservative, woman hating young foreign nobleman. This situation forms the unique theme of “The Unguarded Hour.” a First National picture, which opens on Tuesday at the Princess Theatre, and scores a big hit with the audience, Milton Sills is starred as the nobleman, and Doris Kenyon has the featured i-ole of the young American girl. Wo will not spoil an excellent picture by tolling you the story, but wo will say that Miss Kenyon answers the. question most satisfactorily. She rames Sills who has the 7-ole of an Italian duke who had been most indifferent to feminine charms. Rut ii 7 the end he succumbs, and tho manner ii 7 which the character is played by Miss Kenyon brings about all this, furnishes enough thrills, laughs and heart interest to satisfy any motion picture fan. Sills, as ever, is excellent in his characteristation of the Italian duke. We like tho acting of Sills, for lie acts with S7ieh sincerity. Miss I\e77yon is ’admirably cast n77d carries you away with her comedy work, as well as her sce7ies of a highly dramatic type. She proves herself an extremely versatile young woman. An oxcello77t supporting cast has been chosen for tliis picture. Jed Prouty, Claude King, Dolni-es OassincTfi, Cornelius Keefe, Lorna Duveon, Vivian Ogden and Charles Royer all deserve more than passing praise for their work. Lambert Hillycr directed “The Unguarded 1T0777-” 7777d0r the supervision of Earl Hudson. Both deserve praise for their production. A Topical arid Comedy completes the display.

Oil Friday next tho last chapter of “Samson of the Circus” will ho shown and all school children competing for the hoy’s or girl’s bicycle must post their solutions to the Manager, Everybody’s Pictures, Hokitika before Friday. Jan. 7th. Mr H. M. Coulson will judge the competition.

BUCKETT TROUPE. The Soldiers’ Hall 'was a popular rendezvous on New Year’s Eve, folk gathering from near and far for the ball, at which the orchestra with the Buckett Troupe supplied the music. Upwards of 400 people- were present, but as the annexe was available for dancing also, the crush was never too serious. Tho hall was excellently ventilated, and with the aid of on electric fan the atmosphere was not unduly oppressive. Dancing commenced at 9 o’clock and the floor was soon well occupied. Mr Fred Smith and his band supplied the music which drew the young foil?, and the bright and sparkling airs induced a festive spirit in keeping with the occasion. The dance went on merrily till about 2 a.m. At midnight the old year was favewelled, and the new year welcomed in formal style. As the hour struck, darkness momentarily marked the passing of the year, and the hand struck up Auld Lang Syne. Miss Grace McCaw in Highland costume appeared on the stage and led the company in. singing the old time melody. Cheers followed and coloured streamers flew through the room ,and with hearty handshaking and expressions of good wishes 1927 had arrived. During the evening little Gladys Rose and Eunice Penhalhtrinek sang some quaint duets, adding to the pleasures of the evening. The band maintained its high standard all through the evening and dancing never flagged. When it came time for the National Anthem, at the call of Mr Coulson, Deputy Mayor, ringing cheers were given for the Band, which lias established itself hero to a very high degree. FAREWELL PERFORMANCE. On New Year’s Day, a matinee, was given in the afternoon for tho children. and tl/o, farewell appearance was made at night. Unfortunately heavy rain affected the attendance, and the audience was not as large as was anticipated. Excellent performances were given, that at. night extending over

three hours, and being a most enjoyable presentation. All tlie performers and also tlie Band liad excellent receptions. Before the final item. Rcvd. J. Perkins, vioar of All Saints’ Parish, expressed grateful thanks to Mr 0. Buckett and his troupe and Mr F. Smith and liis hand for their generous help in coming so far and doing so much. He presented both Mr Buckett, and Mr Smith with a gold lend pencil. as a souvenir of the visit. Mr Perkins thanked the public for their patronage, the friends who had shown hospitality to the visitors, and to the many ladies and gentlemen who liad worked so hard to ensure the visit running so smoothily. It was a memorable result, and the help given on all sides was appreciated by himself and the Vestry of the Church. Mr Buckett spoke in acknowledgement of the kindness received. The Company departed north to-day. but the Band is to return next Monday. and will play a programme of music for a Ball at the Soldiers’ Hall on Monday night next, particulars for which will appear to-morrow.