AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EVRRYBDDYS PICTURES. TO-NIGHT AND THURSDAY. WILLIAM POWELL IN “FOR THE DEFENSE.” William Powell, screendom’s cosmopolite, whoso powerful po'tiavals of worldly men hav r e gained him a fan mail greater than any other dem.ivillain’s of |the film world, will be seen and heard in another highly dramatic production, when Paramount’s “For the Defense” comes to the theatre .to-night and Thursday. “For the Defense” is a story ol a brilliant and crafty attorney whose sensational work in the courts of the big city attracts world-wide attention. He is so successful in defending his clients, many of them criminals with vicious past records, that lie incurs the enmity of the police. Tt is this animosity which plays a part in bringing Powell himself before the bar of justice as a prisoner. Through a series of thrilling dramatic twists the story shows Powell faced with a jail threat from which he cannot escape without incriminating, the woman he loves. The finale packs a terrific dramatic wallop. Kay Francis, who was Powell’s neglected wife in “Street of Chance”, is' not nearly so neglected in the role of his sweetheart in “For the Defense”. Many movie critics have picked Miss Francis as the ideal team-mate for Powell. In “For the Defense”, she certainly fulfils the choice. Her work i 9 better here than ever in her long series of supporting roles in the talkies.

“For the Defense’ was written by Oliver H. P. Garrett, author of “Street of Chance,” and is based on a story by Charles Furthmann, former criminal defense lawyer who left a brilliant record in Chicago to enter the field of motion picture writing.

John] Cromwell directed “For the Defense”. He made “The Mighty” and “The Texan.” Also a Paramount Sound News. Prices 2/10, 1/6, children 6d. downstairs.

HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. RETURN VISIT. . An. item of -especial interest to local theatregoers is the news that this talented Company are to play a return and farewell visit to Hokitika on Wednesday next, when an entirely new programme, will be given, not one item which was given on the occasion at their first visit will be repeated. It is quite an easy matter for the company to' change their programme as during their Adelaide season of 18 weeks in the Summer of 1929-30 the programme and frocks, were religiously changed every week. ' The coming production will include a glorious operatic excerpt, by Thelma Trott, Walter Kingsley soprano and baritone respectively, assisted by the full Company chorus. Maurice Barling “The Machine Gun of Mirth” and Artie Helmsley each have a further batch of: hew comicalities.

Box plan now open where 4/- plus tax seats hiay be reserved without extra bhargei It may be as well to remember that the visit is for one night only.'