AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES. '• LOVERS? TO-NIGHT. It is a fai' cry from such plays as Hon liar” and “ Searamouehe ” to Kainon Novarro’s latest characterisation. One is the type of mighty drama m which pylisical action rules—the other no less mighty—hut is based on mental rather than physical forces. This picture is “ Lovers?,” Metro-Gold-wyn-.Mayer’s {'ripping new story of modern Spain, a vivid drama in which the villain is an army—an army of whispering tongues of scandal. Ramon Novarro plays the part of a young playwright, innocently involved through gossip that he is unable to trace or combat, in a scandal with the wife of his best Iriend. It is a dramatic .situation. as powerful as though it required armies to portray, and is one of the most thrilling pictures seen on the screen. Novarro's characterisation is remarkable, As the voting artist coping against the enormous odds of the inscen enemy, he rises to the heights of dramatic expression. The duel scene, which is the only physical clash in this remarkable story is superbly done.

Novarro is a magnificent swordsman, as is John Milian, and the scene will long rank as among the greatest duels of the screen. Alice Terry is seen in the leading feminine role. Her beauty is secondary only to a wonderful gift of acting, and the difficult part of tlic slandered wife is a new Uimnpli for the heroine of “.Mare Nostrum” and “The Magician.” John .M. Stahl directed the new production, which lias been staged on an elaborate’ scale at the Metro-Goldwyn-.Maver studios, and is a screen adaptation of ‘‘The World and 11 is Wife.” file famous stage play hv t buries F. Nirdlinger. An elaborate reproduction of a Spanish railway station, several miles of modern Spanish streets and a public square in Madrid are among the lavish details included in “ Lovers? ” The cast is specially well chosen, Kdward Martindel playing the role oi I lie middle-aged husband. Kdward Connelly the envious brother who spreads the seeds of slander. and George K. Arthur, Lillian Leighton, Otto Ifolfmaii and other notable players are seen in important roles. A good topical and comedy will also lie shown. tin Wednesday next Norma Talmadge in the greatest of all her pictures “ Camille.”

NOBODY’S WIDOW.” LONDON .MCSK'AL RO.MANCK. Described as a sparkling musical romance. “ Nobodys Widow.” will ho presented at the Drincess Theatre on Thursday next, by W. J. ('. Harr’s new Fuglish Comedy Company. The piny reaches Hokitika with the remarkable distinction of having run for 3(>5 consecutive nights at the Lyric Theatre, Loudon. The author lias built his story around the original idea of an estranged married couple meeting at a house party at Halm Reach after what

was expected to lie a permanent separation. This domestic tragedy leads to all kinds of intricate complications, till’ "widow” refusing to acknowledge the claims of the husband before the guests of the party. The comedy is full of humorous situations, and the fun is exciting from the rise to the It'll of the curtain. The members ol the company are extremely versatile, and introduce some bright musical gems and dancing specialities. Miss Sybil Atliolwood is the possessor ol a rich soprano voice, which she uses to considerable advantage in popular songs. Miss \ erna Haiti, the popular Australian dancer, introduces some very graceful dances. Mr Dan Hood is a |lost ill himself at the piano in musical monologues. Mr Erie Harrison, the distinguished English actor, has a convincing part as the Duke, and his manly acting lias gained lor him high honours in stagecralt. “ Nobody s Widow” is a bright and clever comedy, and provides a most onoyabte evening’s entertainment. The company is coming direct from -I. C. "Williamson's His .Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, where the press acclaimed the performance as one of the brightest and cleverest seen in that city fob many years. The whole production will he presented on the same extensive scale that has characterised it throughout the Dominion tour. The box plan is now open at Mclntosh's. I Vices ss, Is. 2s plus tax.