AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

FINAL SCREENING TO-NIGIIT.

The Princess Theatre was packed last - night to see the lirst presentation of “ Hen Hur,” in Hokitika. To-night is the final screening of the great attraction. The story, of course, offers exceptional opportunities for gorgeous settings on a lavish scale, and the Metro-Gold wyn-Mnyer studios, who 1 were responsible for the production, obviously laid themselves out to surpass any and all of the big spectacular productions of the past. To realise just how far they have succeeded it is necessary to see “Ben Hur ’ —a mere written or verbal description is quite inadequate to do full justice to the subject. It is possible, however, to give some idea of a few of the big feature scenes. There is, for instance, a thrilling fight between a fleet oP Roman triremes and an equally largo fleet of pirates. Such a sea fight lias never before been screened—it is stupendous. Then there is the great chariot race between Ben Hur and Messala, the brutal Homan legionary. This is a marvellous piece of work, and holds the audience enthralled for quite a lengthy period. The vast arena, peopled with thousands of spectators, recreates a scene from the period when Rome was at the zenith of her power, and it would seem that a small fortune must have been expended to effect such a truly stupendous setting of a Roman festival. The above are probably the two biggest spectacular settings in the drama, but there are many others equally as thrilling, and all produced with the same lavishness. Of special interest are the Biblical scenes, such ns the Nativity, the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the trial of Jesus by Pontius Pilate, and the Crucifixion. So reverently have these scenes been handled that no one could take the slightest exception to them ; indeed, for the most part they are tableaux' of some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces—the paintings of famous Italian, French, British and Flemish masters. But not all the greatness of “Ben Hur” lies in its spectacles. The most human story in history runs through it—the story of , the Man of Sorrows. With an art almost inspired the story of the life of Christ is unfolded, culminating with collapse of the Roman power on the

first Good Friday. As regards the fast. Ramon Novarro as Ben Hur has the best role of bis career. Francis X. Bushman, as Messala, is a Roman; be simply lives, in arrogant, haughty majiner, the lording spirit of that hateful man ; Simonides is perfectly played by Nigel de Brutior. Esther wistfully given by May McAvov, Joseph the Carpenter is portrayed with gravity and dignity by Mr Winter Hall, the brilliant actor from Christchurch, while the Mary of Betty Bronson is a cameo of quiet effaeement and youthful dignity. The orchestra under Mr Fred. Restieuux, will again delight with their rendering of the incidental musical score, and Mr Tom Clarke again will sing during the prologue. Prices to-night are : Circle "s 3d ; stalls 2s; children Is.