AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES. “ METFiOPOLIS.” AMOII VIN GET OMNIA I PRINCESS THEATRE, TO-NIGHT

'l'lio management of tlio Princess Theatre lias much pleasure in announcing tlio screening to-night of “Metropolis,” that U.P.A. production that has set the workl of letters and art and the theatre by the oars; has confused the exploring mind of Mr FT. G. Wells, and has given modern socialists “ furiously to think.” “ Metropolis ” is unique among pictures; dealing with a theme never before hazarded, rarely mentioned outside the realm of scientists’ dreams and inventors’ laboratories; a theme that deals in largo things in a large way, that has no patience with the petty things of life, and rides roughshod over tlio prejudices of the present-day capital and labour! And in tlio midst of its conjectures and mighty schemes, in the midst of all its immensity of “ sets,”and its strange, intriguing story, if has time to spend an idyllic momenl on a man and a maid, and to prove that even among so much materialism and sordid grasp of power and wealth —love still conquers all things. “Metropolis” has a romantic story to tell. Not romantic in the way of foolish loves and tea parties and ballroom intrigues, hut romantic in the same way that the invention of poison

gas was romantic, the' invention o huge guns and littlo submarine! —all great and ugly and terrifyinj things are romantic—and "Metropolis’ is a vision of future power and liillimit ed welath. It is the story of a city that lives by machinery, is controlloc by immense engines in the bowels o: the earth, owned by one mastermind worked hy mechanism, a mechanical technical, soulless city, whose people are materialistic, selfish, . beautiful opulent; the other half, the lfiboui half, known by numbers, living in a subterranean city, existing in a sweated, slavish existence—this is the counterpart of a “ Metropolis,” a daughter of whom dares to fall in love with the son of their owner. Everything about this city is either unbelievably lovely, or incredibly revolting. It is not so futuristic as to be merely uninteresting and just spectacular—the most artistic can ho thrilled hy the sight ol its perfect life, its easy, simple, wholly mechanical movements —and the brilliant thought behind it all that can visualise at this date what will probably ho a few generations hence. The acting is at all times of a high standaid. Neither the picture nor the players move with Teutonic stolidness, and the atmosphere of fantasy and imagination is preserved to the end. Brigitte Helm, a young actress ol nineteen, plays the part of Mary, with grace and simplicity. The management of the Princess Theatre draw patrons’ attention to the fact that it will ho advisable to book seats for “Metropolis,” tlio box plans for which arc now filling rapidly at Miss Mclntosh’s. Special prices will he charged to-night for this big attraction, viz., Circle 2s; stalls Is 6d; children under 12, Gd.

1928 REVEILLE. ' OPENS TO-MORROW NIGHT. Judging by the booking there should be a record season for the spectacular extravaganza which opens to-morrow night for a season of three nights and a matinee. Although the production is under the auspices of the Plunket Society the mnngenient are egotistical enough to believe patrons will got more "than twice their money’s worth. One hundred and thirty performers have been rehearsing daily under the personal supervision of Mr W. Lints, who, vide press reports, has worked wonders with amateur talent in New Zealand during the past 14 years. .More than £l,lOO worth of scenery, wardrobe and effects will be Used. In short the Reveille will easily eclipse anything of its kind ever attempted in the district. Twenty-live separate and distinct attractions, specialties, and feature numbers will be presented on tbe opening performance with numbers to please all tastes. The filial scene nloue was reported by a leading paper , as being worth the price ol admission. The Reveille is a brilliant stage spectacle with no weary waits, dazzling electrical marches, fascinating ballets, 19 song successes, clever comedy numbers, scenes of brilliance and animated joyfulness prevails throughout the whole performance. The box plan is now open at Miss Mclntosh’s; no extra charge for booking; -Is 5d with amusement tax. Six years ago the Reveille was packed in Greymouth for nine nights.