A TALKIE TRIUMPH

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1931, Page 4

A TALKIE TRIUMPH

THE CANARY MURDER CASE

The large audience at the Princess Theatre last night enjoyed a talkie triumph in the excellent* reproduction of a remarkable modern drama, “The Canary Murder Case.” The whole east was excellent, and the speech clear and distinct throughout. Air Win. Powell, the Weisn actor, had what proved to be a. very congenial part—a detective of the Sherlock Homes type. The characters were mainiy masculine of typical types ol men about town, and all were splendidly portrayed. ’1 here were only two female characters, the siren, “Canary,” being an arch, villianess. The play is intensely dramatic with a well developed plot. What is obscure in the look of sheeting home the murder of the “Canary” is made plain by the phototype of Sherlock Holmes, and very ingenius indeed is the inside story of the capital offence. There-is of course a sensational climax, but before that is reached there is much to engross the attention with not a little humor. The whole play is something of a masterpiece, and the reproduction by the Western Electric machine just installed, leaves very little indeed to be desired. Tlie central feature of the programme is well supported by a Paramount Gazette full of interesting incidents depicted in the clearest photography and embellished with appropriate sound features— entertaining at every stage. There is ulso further enter-! tninment provided in the play 1 Woman to Woman.” in which the popular Betty Compson leads. The whole programme, which will bo repeated this evening, is pleasing, and gives evidence of the completeness of the new plant, which m going to be a source of Measure to local patrons of the talkies. The management advise that several special programmes are under selection for the Hokitika, theatre, and a choice will he made this month of several .feature films which! have the highest reputation in picturedpni. It* is now possible to show all the outstanding sound films at the, local theatre, and arrangements to that end are now in hand.