ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 June 1924, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, HAWERA

FINAL SCREENING OF “ROSITA” TO-NIGHT. To retain the Mary Pickford poise and personality throughout the entirety^of ‘‘Rosita,” wherein she portrays' a highly emotional role of dramatic intensity, is one of the greatest accomplishments ever . demanded of any actress. This attainment is clearly shown in her latest production, which screens for the last time at the Opera House to-night. Miss Pickford’s remarkable sense of humour has enabled her to enact heart-rending scenes of emotionalism, then, to relieve the tension created, immediately present a humorous touch to bring forth a smile. In one scene between Rosita (Mary Pickford) and the King (Holbrook Blinn), Rosita\s voice is heard outside the door of the set. The door is opened. 1a- dashes a beautiful young woman, her eyes blazing, her form aquiver with emotion. She takes the jewels from her neck and throws -them on the floor before the king. Next moment she pleads with the king for the life of her lover. The scene is over. A hushed awe of suppressed emotion prevails. But Mary Pickford would not be Mary Pickford without humour, too. She steals hack into the set, and, child-like, nicks up the jewels she has so 'recklessly thrown bn the floor.. Just that human touch —'that bit of humour had everyone laughing—a laugh relieving the emotional strain. The entire story is unfolded in a straightforward manner and the fewness of the explanatory titles adds greatly to the entertainment. Seats may be reserved without extra charge at Mrs Cook’s, Everybody’s Sweet Store. ’Phone 639. GRAND THEATRE TO-NIGHT. “THE PURPLE HIGHWAY.” Madge Kennedy, who has the featured role in “The Purple Highway,” is a stage and screen star of wide reputation. Her popularity is unbounded. , For several years engaged in stock work in Cleveland, Ohio, and other cities, she played leading roles in “Twin Beds,” “Fair and Warmer,” “Little Miss Brown,” and other stage successes of note. “The Purple Highway” is a pieturisation of John Golden’s famous stage production of “Dear Me,” and it is believed will prove a revelation to picture lovers who have seen Miss Kennedy in stage and screen attractions as a comedienne. She is given an opportunity for emotional acting. At the same time, there are bright spots of humour of the sort that Miss Kennedy is known to interpret so well. The supporting programme is excellent and includes a Johnny Hines eomedv entitled “Toreliy Takes a Chance,” a Burton Holmes Travelogue, and the latest Paramount Gazette.

HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. If local theatre-goers enjoyed the programmes presented by the' famous English company on the occasion of its pievious visit to Hawera —and, judging by the reputation the company left behind, they did— there should be a still greater treat in store for them when the popular band of entertainers apa:}> the Opera. House to-morrow (ihursday), . For, in addition to their already brilliant programme, there is to be the. first appearance in Hawera ot Harry Avondale, the piano comedian, Labe Whvte, a brilliant soprano, and Ngaire Phipson, the talented youporsew Zealander of Wellington. The first two are artists of repute; the latter, it't! r-' 't,/ 1 acquisition to the H.B. Co. bids fair to attain the distinction already prophesied for her The whole programme promises to he unusually fine. Edward Elliott’s new number “I always have, a glass of milk before T go to bed.” is a winner, and as well he will unfold more doleful tales froin the story of his life. Ross and Roberts are down for further comicalities and there are to be comedy duos sketches dances and ensembles, whiie Messrs Kingsley and ffiiffey will unload a batch of new rags, etc. The boxplan is at Everybody’s Sweet Shop