AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

“OFF THE HIGHWAY”—TO-NIGHT

Scrimps the most difficult work which any screen actor can he asked to do, .is to assume a dual role. The difficulty Jies not so lililch in being and acting like the counterpart of himself, but in giving the interpictation of the other jiaile just that shade of (inference which two separate personalities would be certain to have iio matter how keenly they were matched. In “ Off the Highway” the feature picture at the Princess Theatre to-night, William V. Along is called upon to play the parts ■of a miserly old bachelor and his own servant who looks and acts like the master, but is not so cruel and hitter. The difference in the characters of those two men make it necessary for Along to make the juimerous fine shadings which distinguish the servant from the master, and ho acquits himself with honours. Even within the role of tiio master he is forced to trace numerous changes in character. Beginning as a stern, irascible old man, he changes gradually and by almost imperceptible degrees into a. humble, meok old soul, living only for those lie lias learned to love, and hating money and all its attendant evils. To reflect these changes in the convincing and finished manner which Along achieves -is evidence of the man’s genius, and entities iiiiii to the designation ns an artist of rare accomplishment. To witness a spiritual nun physical metamorphosis such ns Along depicts miist bo not only impressive hut almost inspirational; it is stimulating not alone to the imagination but to the soul as well. In the first part of the picture Atr Along is the rich and / self-satisfied Caleb Fry. Gradually a complete regeneration is achieved, and Calbo died a loved and loving old man, who lias brought ease and comfort to the romance of his artist nephew and his young wife. It is a story crowded with, possibilities, and eacli of these ' lias been more than adequately developed. A topical, scenic and comedy will iilsd bo shown to-night.

1 “ BEAU GESTE.”

MONDAY AND TUESDAY

Tho long-looked-for big special “Beau Gcste,” starring Ronald Column, will ’ be shown at the Princess Theatre for two nights, Alonday and 1 uosdny next. ’, Tho ambition of every motion picture director’s life, the easting of a motion picture in exactly the way he wishes, with the entire field of players from which to select, was realised by Herbert Brenon in filming the many roles of his newest production. The picture .is the screen version of “ Beau Geste,” P. C. AVroll’s thrilling mystery novel of tho French Foreign Legion with the most important of its locale laid in the African Desert. Brenon was given a ' free hand -in casting this Paramount film. Ronald Column, who became famous with Ins first picture the "White Sister,” and who lias been atld--1 ing to that famo ever since, was placed an tho title role of Michael, or “Beau. Alfjo Joyce was tho director’s. choice "‘"i for one of the two feminine leads, and * Mary Brian, whose first screen nppemwas made in Brenoii’s “ Peter his other. Noali Berry wits given the greatest role of his career, that of Sergeant Xiejnune, “ the cruellest beast and bravest soldier” in the French Legion. Neil Hamilton, whom D. AV. Griffith brought to fame, and Ralph Forbes, a young Briton, who played leading roles in “Havoc” and “ Greater Than Love ” 011 Broadway, were chosen by Brenon us Column s younger brothers. William Powell, ‘‘the handsomest villain,” and Norman Trevor, New York stage favourite, also were given featured parts. John Russell and Herbert Brenon collaborated iir'" adapting “ Beau Geste” to the screen. Paul Schofield wrote the seen-

nrio. Three of the six months devoted to making the picture were spent on the Great American Desert in Arizona, 30 miles from eivilsation. Patrons are advised to book early for this big attraction which will be shown on Alonday and Tuesday next. Prices: Circle 2s; stalls Is Gd; children under 12 years, Gd. _____