AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES. “THE AVHJTI2 DESERT”—TO-NIGHT Claire Windsor’s beauty is equalled only by her rare acting ability and in her latest starring vehicle for Met.roGoldwyn, “The White Desert,” she is •seen at her most brilliant best. As the heroine of Courtney Ryley Cooper’s story of a desperate attempt to drive a railway tunnel through the heart of the Rocky Mountains in the dead ol winter, Miss Windsor gives a vivid portrayal of it society gill face to face with grim and stark reality. Although si drama of tho snow country, “The White Desert” is minus dog teams, trappers, half-breeds and swarthy villains. Certainly it has a villain, played by Mathew lietz, and two stalwart heroes, played by Robert Frazer and Rat* O'Malley, bill villain and heroes alike are totally different to the “Hemen” usually found in dramas of the out-doors. Moments of magnificent and awe-inspiring drama come when a mighty avalanebe sweeps over jhe railroad camp, cutting olf all means of communication and destroying the cm ire food supply of the lit tle community. Terrific suspense is maintained whilst party after party of gal--I,''iiit moil sally forth into the howling blizward in an attempt lo bring succour to the most important members of the camp—a six months old baby and its mother. Brave men lay down their lives in their desperate battle against the elements until the baby's father and the canip superintendent fiddly tiglit through. Then the sonlsearing fight- is fought over again, tliis time with a steam plough as an ally, crushing a wa.v through for the supply trains. Tremendous in. its appeal to all uho appreciate thrids. romance and dramatic action. “The White Desert," a screen epic of hutiiiin devotion wi I he the star attraction to-night. A topienl. gazette and further chapters of the new serial and comedy will also ho shown to-night.

THE JAZRAMBA BAND. After a very husv week in. the Greyniouth district, the Jazramba Band returns here on Monday and plays that evening in the Soldiers’ flail for another merry dance. Mr Fred Smith and his clever musical associates will submit several new numbers in the dance programme on Monday, fresh music having been procured from Christchurch. Patrons are sure of a very bright and enjoyable time. A local committee is preparing the ball, and special attention will be devoted to the floor. Cool drinks, etc., will be on sale, and with everybody kept in a good humour by the sparkling music, there should be a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Tickets of admission are procurable at .Mclntosh’s sweets store.