AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1929, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODY? PICTURES.

ESTHER RALSTON IN “THE SPOT-LIGHT’’-TO-NIGHT. ■ The story of a girl who sacrifices her own personality and identity to gain tome, and then wishes desperately to be herself again. That is “The Spotflight, ” a Paramount picture starring Esther Ralston, which opens at the Princess - Theatre to-night. Hie action centres about the stage, witlrthe heroine struggling to gain renown,..behind footlights. How she finally does win greater success than she had ever di-enuied otf, and then longs to cast it all aside to obtain happiness, makes the story an exceptionally absorbing one. For the first time in her career, Esther Ralston plays a. dual part, or it might better lie termed a triple role. She is first seen as timid Lizzie Stokes, a New England girl , who is too sensitive to-give'Jier own natural'ability and potential good looks a chance. Then she blossoms forth ns Olga Rostova, the dawsling Russian' that Lizzie has been transformed into for stage : purposes. Finally she again becomes Lizzie, but a different Lizzie Stokes than slpt* rvas before having been Olgaßosof back-stage life are given in the picture as much of the action occurs in the star’s dressing room. Beautiful gowns add- their allure, and an able supporting cast, including Neil Hamilton ns the leading man, and Nicholas Soussanin as the theatrical producer, contribute to make Avhat the critics unite in praising as one of the best filmed in a long time. The usual supports will also be shown.