AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS' PICTURES “ THE OLD SOAK” TO-NIGHT. ( Prohibitionists and wets alike will enjoy the mellow humour of ‘‘The Old Soak,” which is at the Princess Theatre to-night, with Jean Hersholt in the starring role. In this screen version of Don .Marquis’ famous play which ran two years in New York no dogmatic position on the liquor problem is taken by the director. Not once were we conscious of any attempt to point out glaring evils of drinking. And, on the other hand, we did not scent any propaganda of either a wet or a dry nature. Jean Hersholt, in his first starring role, gives an excellent interpretation of an old man who has been addicted to liquor all his life. Trouble occurs in the family and the old man proves his integrity of character by shouldering the blame to save iiis son. The picture is admirably directed by Edward Slomnn, the man who made that screen masterpiece, " I fis People.” Here, however, in “The Old Soak,” we have a picture of infinitely more appeal. This picture is made for everybody and is an especially timely feature, touching on the prohibition question as it does. Too much praise cannot be given the juvenile leads of the picture, Oeorgo Lewis and June .Marlowe. For youngsters they give delineations that would do credit to old troupers. As the mother. Juicy Hcaumnot adds an ineffable touch of sweetness, while Louise Fa./ouda is as rolliekinglv funny as she is expected to be. As a whole the picture is a top-notcher and deserves the attendance of every one in lloki-

American films have taken us backstage in many theatres, but it remained for “ Variety,” which arrives at the Princess Theatre on Monday next, to show us wlmt life looks like behind the scenes in a Kuropean theatres The action of ” \ ariety takes place for the most part in and around the IJerlin Winter Harden. Emil Jennings and Lya do Putti, the two featured players, and Warwick Ward, are seen as three acrobats. Instead of having the trapeze on the stage, the flying rings and other paraphernalia are suspended about a hundred feet above the heads ol the audience. Therefore, rather than look toward the stage, all eyes are turned to the building’s dome. And incidentally it is in these sequences that Director E. A. Dupont, has obtained some ol the most remarkable camera “ shots over seen.