AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1929, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES. CHARLIE CHAPLIN IN “ THE fc CIRCUS TO-NIGHT. After two years, Charlie Chaplin, idol of masses and classes in every clime, has given his public a smashing comedy in this new United Artists Picture of his, “The Circus.” It’s the greatest entertainment picture ,the greatest comedian in the world has ever made. —and that is strong language. Charlie Chaplin never disappoints. He is the ■fne known quantity, the, unfailing clown, the constant Northern star off films. In this story of circus life, of •which Cliarlie accidentally becomes a pirt, his genius for fun-making is again clothed in the trick derby, overroomy shoes, Ifunny little moustache and flexible cane. And audiences, who have come to love this screen Charlie, roared douder than ever at the antics of their idol. Exclamations of glee from the kids each time Charlie did his stuff, whether on a tight-rope, filching hot dogs from a stand, or making faces at the baby, boomed from the first rows to the ceiling.. Fearful “ oohs ” and “ ahs ” wore crooned lest Cliarlie be caught by the strong ami of the law or fall off a slack-wire. But Charlie came out on top in every situation but one, —for he doesn’t get the girl in “ The Circus.” Tnevgirl, who wears a fluffy skirt and rides a great white steed, is Mernn Kennedy, eighteen years old, and blessed, wtili red hair and blue-green eyes. This is Merna’s first picture role, for she went from the musical comedy stage direct to the part of Charlie Chaplin’s leading lady. Miss Kennedy, it is pleasant to report, is more than pretty. She gives an intelligent, restrained performance, and her characterization is always believable. “ The Circus ” was written, directed and produced by Charlie Chaplin, ns have been his earlier films. But “ The Circus ”is different. To be sure, Charlie is as wistful as ever, but in "The Circus” he seems to be the old Chaplin, the Chaplin of “The Kid,” “ c 'ho"' Anns,” and “ The Floorw. !I :c’\” TT -'re there is the old spontarev's ’' ’arity, timing and laughgetting. Indoml. lhe comedian himself cfoplnved when “ The Circus ” was be--1 ing mnle that it would be “ a low-brow comely for high-brows.” Special prices to-night, viz., Circle 2s Stalls Is 6d; Children under 12 as usual. On Tuesday, Pola Negri in “ The Woman on Trial.” On Wednesday: “The Phantom Flyer.” On Friday: “ Ajfins the Lone Wolf.” i PAUL PEDRINI.

BIC GAME HUNTER. Paul Pedrini, the well-known big game hunter is hack again in his home land,^ New Zealand, to appear with his wonderful Royal Zambesi Baboons. Since leaving the Dominion, Pedrini has, without going to Europe, visited twenty-nine different countries. Asia and Africa, with their scope for adventure, proved the main fields of exploration for Pedrini. In Japan he experienced the terrible Yokohama earthquake. In Africa ho sough for, and 'found, plenty of big game Hei also collected orchids, and captured birds of paradise and other tilings of interest to science. His successes are recorded in the wonderful, and in many cases, unique photograpns in his possession. Paul Pedrini and his wonderful Royal Zambesi Baboons will appear at Princess Threat re next Wednesday. Pedrini captured these baboons in the Belgian Congo, and taught them their tricks in the shadow of the jungle, and to-day it is claimed by critics, who have seen them, to be the most astounding group of baboon actors that have ever appeared in vaudeville. This wonderful attraction will he supported by a special programme of selected pictures. Prices. Circle 3s 3d; Stalls, 2s; children half price.