AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

£VKRYBODYB PICTURES. “PARDON US.” To confirm with the script of the first full-length picture of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’ “Pardon .Us,” a complete prison /was built at the studios. , Director James Parrott secured the services of his fellow director George Hill, who made the famous M-G-M prison drama, “The Big House,” for technical details; and aJso police authorities gave their assistance. Laurel and Hardy decide to make big money by starting an illicit still but sell the first bottle of their mixture to a policeman. They are given a few years to change their minds about liquor by the police magistrate, who packs them off to prison. Here with the aid of Laurel’s loose tooth, -which buzzes when he talks, but sounds like a “raspberry,” they fall foul of the chief warder, the governor, and g bullying gangster, “Tiger.” However, they unwittingly help Tiger to escape from gaol, and he gratefully takes Laurel and Hardy along with him. How they are recaptured, and start and stop another riot, will live in your memory for years to come. Also News, Comedy and Revue. Prices 2/6, 1/6, children 6d downstairs. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. “ESCAPE.” n One of the outstanding Screen treats of the season is scheduled for local movie goers when “Escape,” talking picture version of John Galsworthy’s notable drama, opens its engagement at the Princess Theatre, on Friday and Saturday.

The play, produced with outstanding success in London and New York, was lauded as one of the most brilliant contributions the stage had received in years. Presenting a theme of wide appeal, carrying a story that moves along at a rapid rate and reaches a powerful dramatic climax, ‘“Escape” is!/Unusually well adapted for screen treatment. Basil Dean,' noted stage and screen director, produced and directed the picture.-. He assembled a superb cast of competent players, many of whom have been seen in previous Galsworthy plays. Gerald du Maurier, in the leading role as Matt Denant, played the part in the original London stage version. He is recognised as the most popular and capable actor on the English stage to-day. Other featured roles are played by a number of widely known stage and screen. stars, including Mabel Poulton, Edna Best, lan Hunter, Austin Trevor and Madeleine Carrol. The attraction will be shown for two days at the local theatre. The Serial will be screened on Friday evening. " ' ‘ ' ' -