ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 August 1924, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-MGHT. • ’THUNDER G ATE. ’ ’ Owen Aloore, one oi' the screeni’s foremost and dramatic players, enacts the principal role in “Thuudergate,” a tensely dramatic picturisatiou of Sidney iierschel Small's novel. “The Lord t.f fnundergate," which opened at the •Opera House hist evening. Lew actors in pictures to-day have had such a wide exuerience before the camera as Moore, and it was bee-apse of his extensive verastile career that he was chosen for the difficult leading role in “Thuudergate.” In the First National picture Moore portrays a young American engineer, whose resemblance to a Chinese lord precipitates him in a series of adventurous, lexeitfing and; romantic situations, and finally wins him a white wife, who was forced on him when, through circumstances, he was compelled to take the place of the real lord. Other well known film celebrities who have parts in this absorbing picture are Sylvia Breamer, Virginia Brow Faire, Robert Alc-Kim, Tully Marshall. Richard Cummings and Ynez Seabury. The supporting programme includes the seventh episode of the popular serial “The Phantom Fortune,” two excellent one-reel comedies and the latest Internationa News. GRAND THEATRE, TO-NIGHT. “JACK OF CLUBS.” The warm Irish heart, combined with the love of a good rousing fight is ever near the surface in Herbert R awl inson’s screen interpretation of a New York Policeman. “Jack o’ Clubs,” which opens at the Grand Theatre tonight. There is plenty of fighting in “Jack o’ Clubs” by reason of the hero’s strong arm tactics among the doubtful characters. Fights of all sorts, from the catch-as-eateli-can alley variety right on up to a real sixteen-round prize ' battle. The supporting programme includes the seventh episode of the popular serial, “The Phantom Fortune,” an excellent Century comedy, entitled “You’re Next,” featuring Harry Murdoch and the latest Topical Budget.

OPERA HOUSE. “IF WINTER COMES.” COMMENCING MONDAY NEXT. When it was decided to present a screen version of A. S. M. Hutchinson's “If Winter Comes,” which will open at the Opera House next Monday for a three night season, William Fox first carefully discussed the proposed scenes with the author and with his help spent the better part of a year in England faithfully staging those scenes. It may also be said that the fictional characters stepped from be-' tween the covers of the book on to the moving picture screen. Hutchison himself has said that the selection of this Accomplished English aetqr wajs nui, inspiration. Harry Alillarde, the director. told Mr. Hutchison that never before had he seen the cast of a picture so thoroughly absorb the spirit of play. Most of the scenes seemed naturally to work out their own finish, so perfectly did the actors understand the characters in the book. “High” and “Low” Jinks, the two maids of Mark Sabre, merely kept their eyes on Percy Alarmont, adoring his every word and act, and went through their scenes smooth- 1 ly. They were not actresses, but typical English servants who thoroughly understood and appreciated Marmont as the ideal English master. And so it was with the English countryfolk. Everybody entered into the spirit of the story. The scenes in the picture are not “stage sets” but were filmed on English locations chosen by Mr. Hutchinson. One of the places is the famous Chilham Castle, with its tower said to have been built by Caesar in 36 8.-C. So keen was the interest throughout England in the filming of the picture that the War Department permitted the entire Royal West Kent Regiment, with its officers, to participate. The regiment, famous in English history, is known as “The Buffs.” Eight different English towns were photographed in the taking of “If Winter Comes.” The Box plan is at Mrs. Cook’s A Matinee will be given Tuesday at 2 o’clock. FAREWELL ORGAN RECITAL. Mr Leslie H. Goddard, L.A.8., will give his farewell organ recital on Tuesday evening. The programme includes two Bach items (the D Minor Toccata and St. Anne Fugue), the Halleluiah Chorus, and works by Guilmont. EMPRESS PICTURES, MAXATA. TO-NIGHT. DEMPSEY~*v. FIRPO. At the Empress Pictures, Manaia, to-night picture patrons will have the opportunity of seeing the fight for the world’s championship, Dempsey v. Firpo. “Hate,” Alice Lake’s latest starring picture for Metro, which will also be screened, provides this youthful star with one of the most dramatic roles of her screen career. If is a photodrama (lacked full of action and suspense and gives ample opportunity for Miss Lake’s abilities as an emotional actress. “The Eagle’s Talons” and a splendid comedy will also be shown tonight. Prices as usual. OPERA HOUSE. THURSDAY NEXT. MU SO ROVE’S CELEBRITY YAUDEVIIYLE. This company. direct from the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, opens at the Opera House lor a one night season on Thursday next. The company is one of the strongest that., lias toured New Zealand. Joe Brennan, a comedian who specialises in “dame” characterisations, is a New Zealander by birth. He left his homo town, Dunedin, to try his

luck on the stage, • a.uu has succcedou magmneeiitly. jua Newtown, a, dashing soubrette. has a decided penchant- for light comedy and brisk sketches, usually with Joe Brennan; in fact, they are immensely popular as a duo. Signor Bruno Sarti, Fate principal tenor ct the Sistiue Chapel Choir, has charmed audiences in every city in New Zealand. and his return to Italy will leave a big blank in musical circles in Australia and New Zealand. Clare Solly, a contralto with a rich round voice, admirably produced, is a vivid, arresting personality, and promises to go far in her musical career. Don Stuart, a comedy juggler, described as “one long yell,” is exceptionally tall, but it is one of iiis strong points, for it assists him in the comedy aspec-t of his puzzling turn. He is one of the quickest workers in legerdemain. Danny D’Alma is a trainee of a troupe of dogs almost as intelligent as human beings. In his act with the canines, . Danny is a wholesome clown. Soli, who comes direct from the leading London theatres, is an instrumentalist who plays a variety of modern wind and other instruments. He is a. specialist with the tubeiphone, concertina and marimba. The “Alton Sisters” performance on the silver wire is a most daring wire walking act. Their cleverness and grace are amazing. The box plan opens on Monday morning at Mrs Cook’s Everybody’s Sweet Store. Popular prices are being charged. KAPONGA QUEEN CARNIVAL. CITY CANDIDATE. A grand ball in support of the city candidate in the Kaponga. queen carnival is announced for Monday, August 18, at Riverlea. The committee are making every endeavour to ensure that the function will maintain the reputation gained by previous successful gatherings during the carnival, and patrons may anticipate spending an enjoyable evening. The programme will be a comprehensive one. embracing the latest and most popular dances, while entertainment in card games and competitions is to be provided for nondancers. The committee also announces that a house party will Ire tendered by Airs Barleyman at her residence (Kaponga) on Wednesday next, and on Friday a. street stall in the township will provide the city candidate’s supporters with a further opportunity of assisting her Candida ture.