AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

“SERVICE SOI! I.AMBS" —TO-NIONT,

Snow scenes, which for sheer beaut;, have rarely, if ever, been equalled on the screen, are said to he a doniinan feature of Adolphe Alenjou’s latesi Paramount comedy-drama, “Service for Ladies,” which will be shown at the •Princess Theatre to-night. Winter sports in the Swiss Alps afford the background for an intensely human story of the romance of a head waiter and his love for an American heiress. Of course, the fact that he is a head waiter, even though such a position carries much more dignity in Europe than it does over here, complicates the love affair, and therein lies the story. Those who have seen “ Service for Ladies ” in its previews, label it the best thing Aleujou has done in h" career. They say that there is a genuineness, a. sympathy, and a natural ness to his enactment as the head waiter that grips one from the very start, ft is real. It is true. A particularly well-balanced cast, headed bv Kathryn Carver, Lawrence Grant, and Charles Lane, support the star. Harry D’Abbadie D’Arrast handled the megaphone. All in all, “Service for Ladies” would seem to lie the sort of picture one shouldn’t miss.

The usual good supports will also be shown, including a topical and comedy.

PRINCESS TH EAT RE. Displaying wonderful versatility and playing with rare abandon, Fred Mayfield’s Cowboy Rand, which made its first appearance in Christchurch recently, was greeted with warm oapplause by crowded houses at both the afternoon and evening sessions. From' the rise of the curtain to the last encore they hold the audience by the sparkle of their performance in •' series of varied selections ranging from dance items to more classical numbers. Grouped picturesquely before a background representing a typical Western scene of rolling gras* country beyond the rails of a corral, they were clad in the broad sheepskin trousers of the traditional cowboy, with wide-brimmed hats and flamin" neckerchiefs. At the owning of tlmir net they started in a novel manner, their instruments accurately rep-'"-seating the sounds associated with the moving of a train from a platform. Swing’ng quickly into jazz number* their playing increased in life an' 1 they proceeded from selection to selection with a growing enthusiasm which was reciprocated by their headers. The players seemed at borne in pieces of any type, using instrument ranging from trombone s to violins with equal facility. In addition ttheir music they sang at interval* through small megaphone, giving a more personal to’*ch to the entertainment. The chmf honours in an on joy a hie combination must go to Fro' 1 Mayfield himself, to whose capable leadership much of the s-ecess is undoubtedly due. His cheery, smilin'personality instantly won the apnrova 1 of .the audience, while it seemed to inspire his performers to a higher level of perfection.

An excellent picture nmgramme w” also he presented. Prices for the special attraction are ?s 3d and 2s. The management of the Cowboy Jazz Band have made arrangements with the Defence Department for the use of the Drill Shed for a big Cowbov Ball, which will take place followin'the performance at the Princes* Theatre from 10.30 p.m. to 2 n.m.