ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 November 1924, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGHT

“WHEN A MAN’S A MAN.” “When a Man’s a Man” was well received-last night at the Opera House,. This is the first of nine Harold Bell Wright novels which Principal Pictures Corporation will film, and the producers appear to have caught and imprisoned on celluloid that elusive something which makes Harold Bell Wright America’s most popular author. John Bowers’ performance in the role of “Honorable Patches” is delightful in all its phases of the character. The episodes in which he tries to adapt his citv-bred manners to the western ranch are rich with humour and, at times, pathos. He relinquishes the girl of" his heart in the end of the story with fine feeling, and conveys forcefully to the audience the message that the author embodied in this characterisation. The supporting programme is excellent, and includes a rattling comedy, a genuine novelty in the way of scenics, the latest Topical Budget, and the twelfth episode of Hurricane Hutch. GRAND THEATRE, TO-NIGHT. “FLOODGATES.”

“Floodgates,” which is from an original story by L. Case Russell, is a tensely interesting and logical picture tale of the lumber country and the fight for their lands which are threatened by a power company’s greed for water-power. As the rugged lumberman, inherently honest and looked upon as a leader in the community, John Lowell gives a thoroughly convincing' performance. His supporting cast, which includes Jane Thomas, Evangeline Russell and Ivy Ward, give excellent portrayals of the parts in which they are cast. The direction, which is bv George Irving, is exceedingly well handled, the interest is speedily and skilfully developed, am' the thrilling sequences follow ea-li other smoothly and logically. Tin photography is of an unusually high order an(s the settings are worthy of comment. The supporting programme includes Slim Sommerville in “The Rivals,” the 12th episode of “Hurricane Hutch,” and the latest “International News.”

OPERA HOUSE, MONDAY AND

TUESDAY

“BEAU BRUMMEL.”

John Barrymore, America’s most distinguished actor, plays the title role in “Beau .Brummel,” the Master Picture version of the famous Clyde Fitch play. An unusual supporting cast consists of Mary Astor, Willard Louis, Irene Rich, Alec B. Francis, C-armel Myers, and others equally well known. The Beau is one of the most picturesque, vivid figures of English history. Ho\y lie won the friendship of the Prince of Wales, thus becoming the arbiter of fashion, and how women flocked to him, literally throwing themselves at his feet, and the way the Beau fell from the heights of popularity to disgrace are episodes in this superb classic of the screen. The Calais of 1800, and the London court life of that periodi lives in the picture. “Beau Brummel” is unique. It has an elusive quality of being “different” that so many directors strive for and so few attain. It is not due so much to directorial achievement as to the inherent nature of the theme, the character, and the superb portrayal Barrvmore 'creates. The Hawera season will he for two nights, commencing on Monday next