AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODY®’ PICTURES

MIS SECR ETAR Y”--TO-XIGII I

The combination of Hobart Henley s director and Xorina Shearer as

star, with hew Cody in the leading tnttlc role, is proving irresistible. This trio fronted the delightful Aletr.i-(oildwyn-Afiiyer picture “'A Slave of fashion,’' and lias now contributed another decided hit in "llis Secretary.'’ which will he screened at the Princess Theatre to-night. Henley has directed with finesse ami surely of touch, and has made one of the year's most engaging light comedies from an entertaining story. There is a charming air of sophistical ion throughout and this gives an atmosphere and zest that add much In the general excellence of the production. The story is a modernised version of the Ugly Duckling theme, with tweiityierh century variations. It is spiced with the merriest wit and comedy, and will provide an hour of splendid enjoyment for any audience. Briefly, it centres around the romance of a typislo who was in love with her employer and how her transformation from an unattractive girl into one of dazzling beauty, through the aid of clothes and modern licmity secrets, brought him to her feet. Xorina .Shearer has never done bolter work. Jn the earlier scenes she buries her natural charm, hut when she emerges from her chrysalis, that former homeliness only emphasise slier great beauty. Her role in this picture is a brilliant revolution of her power- aa coiii.edioiinc. Lew C'ody well su-‘ tains llis newly acquired reputation as the screen's foremost light comedian, anti his characterisation of the young business man whose sense of humour kept him single, until one girl made him realise the shortcoming of bachelor life, is a performance of distinct merit. Willard I onis. Ivarl Dane, Mahcl Van Biiren. Estelle ( lark, (iwen Loo and Ernest Milieu are in the supporting cast. A good supporting series will also 'lie presented to-night including screen snapshots, scenic and comedy.

On Monthly next Douglas Mac].can will appear in a hig comedy drama “That's MV Uuhv.”

ROYAL NAVY PICTURE AND LECTURE.

On Tuesday next “(sth instant a programme will he given at the Princess Theatre. Hokitika, under t lie auspices of the Navy League hy arrangement with the management. Lieut. Coinmanlier A. I!. Iloyle. J!.X. (Retired), who commanded the after-turret [I.M.S. New /calami at the Hattie of Jutland, .'list .May, 1!)1(5, will give some reminiscences of the Battle and the situation generally in Hie North Sen during the war. Commander Boyle recently lectured in the Town Hall, Wellington, before a large aimience which was very much impressed with what was spoken of as an intensely interesting address. In addition to Commander Boyle’s talk which will he illustrated by lantern slides made from actual photographs taken during the battle, there will lie i| moving picture programme ol stun.' interesting naval films. The main object of the' Navy League throughout the Empire is to impress upon people of ah' elesses the danger of our first line ol defence, i.e.. th(> Royal Navy, with its component purls of surface ships and air and under-water craft being whittled down to a skeleton force. Xo other nation In the world to-day has to depend on its sea communications as does the British Empire ; moreover, any portion of the British Empire can easily he approached on every side over flic countless paths of the sen. The Empire. therefore, requires a strong Navy at all times to safeguard its water boundaries and police the seas. It is stated that at any given moment, there are a thousand British merchant ship- scattered over 80,000 miles of trade routes. The entertainment referred to is one of the League’s methods of keeping the Royal Navy in ihe eyes of the public. Usual prices will he charged and patrons arc advised to bunk early at Mclntosh's.