ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 July 1924, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. ANNETTE KELLERMAN IN “VENUS OF THE SOUTH SEAS.” A large audience witnessed the initial screening of “Venus of the South Seas,” a Master Picture starring Annette Kellerman. This picture was produced in New Zealand, the most, of it having been photographed in and around Nelson. It is the first feature film produced in New Zealand, and has been very favourably commented on by the best American critics. The underwater scenes are judged to be the best ever seen on the screen, and Annette Kellerman is at her best in her acting generally, and under-water acrobatics and diving in particular. A delightful story is unfolded of a pearl fishing island in the South Seas. Maoris appear in several of the scenes, and make quite good screen actors, their diving and sAvinnning being another feature of this picture. “Exit Caesar,” a screamingly humorous Mermaid comedy, the sub-titles of which are exceptionally witty, and the latest Pathe Gazette make up a particularly fine entertainment, which nobody should miss.

OPERA HOUSE. TO-MORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING. “PADDY, THE NEXT BEST THING.” Tf the verdiet of the extremely critical British press is to be accepted as of real value, Mae. Marsh in “Paddy, the Next Best Thing,” has proven to be one of the happiest screen combinations in many years. Irish in aspect, from her nose to her toes, Mae Marsh makes an ideal “Paddy,” and G. A. Atkinson, of the London Express, dean of the English critics, wrote; “Never upon any screen has there been such a display of feminine airs and graces as Mae Marsh brings to the title role, of ‘Paddy.’ Her charm is simply irresistable. ” Paddy Adair, just the type of Irish girlhood, healthy, vigorous, pretty and pert, that boys want for playmates, youths for sweethearts, men for wives, fathers for daughters, and old men for grand-daughters. It is Mae Marsh’s greatest characterisation; her highest attainment of artistry. The first trouble in Paddy’s joyous life came through her own sister’s love affair. Paddy led by the ear the youth who loved Eileen and told him how to propose; but he was rejected because of Eileen’s feeling towards a youth Paddy thought a philanderer. And then troubles multiplied with startling rapidity; the course of true love ran exceedingly rough. Let Mae Marsh tell the rest; let this fascinating mischievous screen favourite show you in her portrayal of Paddy one of the jolliest and most charming characters that the screen lias ever reflected. The Hawera season opens tomorrow evening. The box plan is at Mrs Cook’s.

THE GRAND THEATRE. COMMENCING TO-MORROW NIGHT “MY AMERICAN WIFE.” One of the great photoplays of the season is said to he “My. American Wife.” Gloria Swanson is the star and Antonio heads the supporting cast. Tt will be seen at the Grand Theatre for a two-night season, commencing to-mor-row evening. The scones are laid in Buenos Ayres, Argentine, and are said to be quite dramatic. The story is a colourful anl unusual romance laid in the Argentine and presenting the love story of a handsome young aristocrat and politician, descendant of one of the old Spanish conquistadores, and a beautiful American girl from Kentucky, who owns the horse which out-races the valued track champion of the Latin nobleman. The supporting programme is excellent and includes a Johnny Hines comedy “Torehy’s Promotion,” a Burton Holmes Travelogue, and the latest Paramount Gazette.