AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS’ PICTURES “DANCE MADNESS” TO-NJGIJT. This year has seen more dramatic actors turn to comedy than any other, and in “ Dance Madness,” which will he shown to-night at the Princess Theatre, Claire Windsor and Conrad Nagel are seen in romantic comedy roles. And they both make the grade with ease. While Nagel lias had a little experience in “ Excuse Me,” Miss Windsor here makes her first appearance in a comedy. However, this is a comedy year, and everybody seems to he doing it. .Miss Windsor brings a refreshingly sincere note to her performance and her knowledge of pantomime serves her to advantage in a number of scenes. She has adopted a new stye ot hairdrt ss, which adds immeasurably to her beauty as well as changes her personality. Nagel [days the part of* Roger Malladay with much more vigor than is usual. It is a part far different from any this actor has played in a long time, and this may account for the enthusiasm with which he invests it. “ Dance Madness ” treat- a dramatic plot in a I'arcial manner. The story is the one of the 7mshanil who becomes satiated with his wife’s attentions, and goes elsewhere for his love-making. It is done in an entirely refreshing manner, however, and proves that the treatment of the story is the only thing that counts. Robert Z. Leonard, wlio has directed such optical holidays as Fascination,” “ Peacock Alley,” •• ISright Lights.” and dozens of others, directed “ Dance Madness.” In the estimation of this writer, it is the best tiling he has ever done. The story was written by Si. .L Kaufman, and adapted to the screen bv Alice D. G. Miller and Federica Sager. Douglas Gilmore, liedda Hopper and Mario ( arillo play supporting roles in this picture, which was produced and released by MotroGoldwy n-Maycr. A New Zealand scenic, stage snapshots and a good comedy complete the display to-night.

On Tuesday next the Kentucky Fontwill appear in conjunction ®with the pictures.

“ MAF4IETTE.” For those who enjoy a good laugh, '■ Marietta,” the new musical comedy to he produced at. the Princess Theatre on Wednesday next. June Bth, is heartily recommended, for the story embodies all typos of humourists, from the man who regards “ a horaugc ” as the legitimate fruits of victory to tile man who insists that it “ really isn’t done, you know.” Moving rapidly, unfolding three parallel lore stories, re-creating the spirit which animated the British forces on the battlefield, flashing from comedy to tragedy, from tragedy to comedy, “ Mariette ” is a. story which must please every class of playgoer. Produced by Llolder-Conway Productions with the object of raising a fund to provide a new ambulance for the Grey Hospital, no pains have been spared to make the performance a success. Given a congenial story, the players have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the work, white the ballet, under the guidance of Mrs F. .!. Kiely, have developed almost clockwork precision. With solo dancing by little Ella Robertson, with songs and choruses, the story swings along to the final curtain, which comes down on a scene of wondrous beauty—a bn I masque at a French nobleman’s residence. At os, 8s and - - (plus taxi “ Mariette ” is the most reasonably priced “ qunlity ” production seen in Hokitika for a long time.