AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES. “ CHEATING CHEATERS ” —TO-NIGHT. There is nothing more entertaining than a well-performed, mystifying, farce-comedy,' and there is no better example of this rare dish than “ Cheating Cheaters,” the latest UniversalJewel production, which will he shown at the Princess Theatre to-night. Like all good pictures of this typo the star must become involved in some embarrassing or difficult situation and by the aid offi assistants becomes more deeply involved in the affair. Well, that’s just wlmt' happens to Betty Compson, the, bewitching little blonde, who gets herself into a pock of trouble and oiu again in “ Cheating Cheaters.” The whole production is lavishly filled with unusual and embarrassing situations, and the superb “gags” are feather; in the directorial cap of Edward Laemmle, who gets credit for the picture. There are no big mob scenes, great lapses of time, or spectacular settings for comedy. Instead, there are nine supposedly super-intelligent New York crooks who become immersed in a social quagmire leading up U. a laugh-provoking jewel robbery. Betty Compson plays the stellar role of hoi colourtul career in this screaming crook production opposite Kenneth Harlan, and the pair is surrounded by capable supporting players. Eddie Gribbon, who is well known for his comedyburglar roles, contributes many humorous interludes. “Cheating Cheaters” is a screen version of the famous stage play by the same liame, 'from the pen of Max Marcin. The first chapters of the new serial “The Return of the Riddle Rider,” starring William Desmond, will also be shown. The latest in topicals and a good comedy will complete the programme.

Coming Monday: Lon Chaney in “ ...oekery.”

1328 REVEILLE. The 1923 Reveille at the Princess Theatre was brought to a closo last evening amid a scene of considerable enthusiasm, the large audience cheating and applauding heartily. In the afternoon at the matinee, the young folk enjoyed the performance greatly, and the applause was frequent and free. The night programme was received. equally well, and the whole entertainment went with a fine swing. Over 30 items were presented constituting the cream of the programme, and every number excellently done was received with pronounced marks of approval. The whole evening’s entertainment was of outstanding merit, culminating in the final spectacle, which created a great scene of enthusiasm among both audience and players. With the whole band of performers grouped artistically on the stage, tho revolving lights and the colour scheme showing up so well, there was a spectacle never to be forgotten. The np. placuse was rapturous . Before the final item, Mr AA. Lints, the producer, addressed the audience, expressing the pleasure derived in arranging tho entertainment. He had plenty of talent to work on, and the discipline it was so easy to maintain, was a credit to tho town. Mr Lints thanked several individual helpers, including Mrs Butler (President), Mrs Perry (Secretary of the Plunkct Society), Mrs Wright, Mrs Mclntosh, Mr Lynn and all the workers behind the scenes, who assited with the stage presentation. Everything had been done in such a good spirit that it was a pleasure and a delight to be associated with the- Reveille. Mr D. J. Evans, in the absence ol the Mayor, was called on by the Blanket .Society to return thanks on their behalf. Ho did so, thanking Mr Lints and complimenting him on tho success achieved. Thanks were accorded also to the orchestra, to those who had assisted at the front of the house and behind the stage, and to all who had helped so cheerfully from performers downwards in recording so fine a success. ilr Evans said lie had been asked to mention that -Mrs Butler, President of the Plunkct Society, an organisation which was doing such good work, lmd in mind also the provision of a Rest Room in town for the convenience of women and children. Such a convenience would he appreciated by country people -and the many excursionists which were being attracted to Hokitika, and when the project was launched Mr Evans commended it- to the citizens of the town as something necessary and worthy of all public support, Mr Evans, in concluding, said bo felt lie bad not thanked All - Lints at all adequately for bis splendid work, but asked tho audience to endorse and supplement what bo bad said by a hearty vote of acclamation, and there was a demonstrative response, 'Air Lints bowing bis acknowledgements.