AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBGDYS’ PICTURES RICHARD BARTHELMESS -TO-NIGHT. Just Suppose,” the new Richard Barthelniess production, which comes to the Princess Theatre to-night, is said to be the most brilliant and colorful picture in which that popular star has yet appeared. Many of the roles enacted by Uarlhelrness in his previous pictures show him in rags ol mean attire. In “ Tol’able David ” and. “ lhc Bondboy ” he was a ragged country youth; in ‘•Fury.” a Umchouse sailor lad ; in “ Sonny ” he played the part of a doughboy, though he puts on some pretty good clothes when he returns from the war ; in “The Enchanted Cottage ” and “ New Toys ” he is a youth in everyday clothes; in “Shore heave,” the enlisted Jackie in Uncle Sam’s Navy; and in “Soul Fire,” while he starts out as a wealthy young artist, he soon becomes dilapidated and winds up in the South Sea Isles, where clothes are of secondary consideration. Only in “ The Bright Shawl,” “ The Fighting Blade ” and “ Classmates” is there anything approaching a fine, romantic costume for him. Ho looked very grand as the West Point C'adet in “ Classmates,” as the grandee in

“The Bright Shawl,” and as the Dutch soldier of fortune in “ The Fighting Blade.” But as Prince Rupert, of Koroma in “ Just Suppose ” he is tne very acme of magnificence. The most exclusive Fifth Avenue tailors and bootmakers, not to mention costumiers, extended themselves to their utmost in building civilian outfits and uniforms for his wear in this picture. The latest in Topicals and a good tworeel comedy will also he included in tonight's fine programme. Thursday:—Dorothy Devore in n “Broadway Butterfly.”

“ MARIETTE,” TO-MORR O’W F. VEX TN G. Those who have not hooked seats lor the performance of “ Mariettc ” at the Princess Theatre to-morrow (Wednesday) should at once do so ns this is going to be. the brightest and ■ best show in Hokitika for many years. On its initial production in February last at New Plymouth, press and public alike were uanimous in delating it the most wonderful amateur effort staged there, and even went so far as to compare “ Mariet.te ” more than favourably with some of the bigger professional shows. The action is so quick, switching from comedy to pathos in a twinkling, and then hack again to comedy that there is not a dull moment in the whole production. Many delightful musical numbers are interpolated and dainty ballets give to the production “ a finish.” The performers have been carefully coached m their respective parts and at the moment the show must rate ns A.l. The scenery used in the production is nothing short of gorgeous, and is the work of the author, Mr W. Grneme-Holder, an English author performer-producer of note. He will he included in the caste in his original part of the Hon. Richard Frazer. Expensive and beautiful wardrobe is used in each act and for the second act special war equipment has been kindly loaned by the local Defence Department, and Headquarters Southern Command. Electrical effects are in the experienced hands of Mr Arthur Blockage, and an efficient stage staff is controlled by Mr Neil Ames. The whole production is under the personal direction ol Holdcr-Con-wav Productions, and there is an exceptionally strong orchestra under the baton of Mr A. A. Rouse, the Grey Hospital Board secretary. A hamper house should reward the artistes and producers for the pains taken. The prices are reasonable at ss. As and 2s (plus tax).