TALKING PICTURES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1930, Page 4

TALKING PICTURES

NEW MACHINE INSTALLED. The local theatre-goers are indebted to the enterprise of Everybody’s Pictures for installing the Western Electric sound film plant now functioning at Princess Theatre. The plant has just been assembled and was used for the first time last night. The mechanics were very busy over tli© past 48 hours. The whole of the previous plant used up to -Saturday night had to be removed and the • new plant assembled. It was a race against lime. About 7 o’clock last evening the first try-out was possible and gave evidence immediately of success. . But many adjustments of the complicated machines had still to be made,, and over the last hour before the entertainment began, the mechanics and operators had a busy time indeed with the final preparations, but the task' was accomplished, and -a very entertaining programme was reproduced. There was a good attendance to enjoy the evening’s features. It was a delight for the audience, to enjoy a Gazette, or rather the Fox, Movietone Newp. This reproduced passing events of interest with the necessary sound effects. An outstanding item was the appearance of the architect son of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Air Ramsay MacDonald, and the clear address the young man delivered. As an example of the work of t"he Western Electric machine it gave the greatest assurance of the entertainment to be enjoyed front the latest improved sound films, . There were two star in support both excellently reproduced, “Men are Like That,” was an anms. ing picture of domestic affairs,...with some splendid characterisations. The scenes and speeches brought many a hearty laugh. Tn the second picture-, “Honey,” there was also plenty to enjoy, and laughter long and ■i-doud marred at timer, much of the subsequent dialogue, the audience being so carried away. The photography, in! this picture was an outstanding feature. The negro plantation r-cime introduced, and the great choral singing, was an unusual scene splendidly portrayed. All the principals were excellent, and a precocious-'; juvenile caused many a laugh. The plot was good, and the comedy clean, and the whole production a delight. The audience had a pleasant and enjoyable evenincr. and with the same standard maintained, the talkies are sure, to come into their own locally. _