AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS’ PICTURES

‘ SPANGLES ” TO-NIGHT,

One of the most human stories ever brought to tho screen. This is the v.ay you will probably feel about ‘Sparifles,'' the Universai'-Jewel wltic-h "'ill be shown to-night at the Princess Theatre. And one would certainly expect “humanness” in a story written by a woman who has lain for four years i’l a hospital bed, but has never lost her optimism or’ the “ common touch,” and has written two books during this period, one of which forms the basis of tho picture under discussion. O’Malley is seen in the role of a youth who, escaped from an escapade which places him under suspicion of a. crime, “ joins up” with tlie circus as a “roughneck” or labourer, and moots tho pretty star bareback rider, and pet of the show-1 folk, which sympathetic role is portrayed hv Miss Nixon. The love affair between tlie “razor-back”—another circus term for labourer—and the equestrienne gives opportunities for bring-

ing out many points of circus etiquette and caste, all of which have been fully utilized by Director Frank O’Connor. Tlie side-lights on circus life, as well as the scenes of the freaks at work and at play, which supply the indispensable “ comedy relief,” will please tho children particularly, and have not been allowed to interfere wdth the orderly and dramatic development of the story. Conflict is supplied by Hobart T 1 oxworth, ns the circus owner, who is also in love with tho girl “ Spangles,” and manages to place a. number of obstacles in O’Malley’s way. Gladys Brock well appears in the sympathetic role of tho lion-tamer, while a newcomer, Jay Emmett, gives a good portrayal of tho third of. “ Spangi’es ” suitors. Tlie supports to-night are a topical, comedy, and “ The Radio Detective” (serial). in