ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1925, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGHT. “A BILL OF DIVORCEMENT.” The American National Board of Review of Motion Pictures has given the British feature “A Bill of Divorcement,” the highest possible rating by - placing it in its select • list of “exceptional photoplays.” In the National Board’s publication is a critical review of “A Bill of - Divorcement,”, from which the following is an excerpt “Here is a motion picture, made from the play of the same name, which last year met with great success here,, both at the hands of the critics and the public, which lives up to the purpose of the dramatist as to the integrity of the theme which it Handles. The picture is chiefly, outstanding because' it is honest in its wares and, being sueb, bears so little resemblance to. the great run of pictures where the show window has come to be expensively, decorated in order to show off some French jewellery ploit.. ,The picture.-“A . Bill of Divorcement,” the play which brought fame to its Clemerice Daiie, had a remarkable run in London and New York. In London it had the > reputation of the one play that beat the theatre slump. Its clear appeal was its mental and emotional strength, which, provided excellent entertainment. The screen version has kept all the tremendous' success of the play which is due in a great part to the performers Who interpret the impressive, emotional conflicts. Fay Compton, Constance Binney, Malcolm Keen and Henry Victor head the cast. The supporting programme includes a Mermaid comedy, a Hodge Podge Magazine, and a Path© Gazette.

THE NEW FOLLIES. ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT. OKAIAWA, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14. MANAIA, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28. Speaking on Lee Smith’s New Follies, who are to visit Okaiawa and Manaia, one of the leading New Zealansd newspapers says:—“Lee Smith’s New Follies provided a very enjoyable entertainment at the Grand Theatre last evening, and drew tremendous applause from the audience as > Jolly John Larkins gave his humorous turns. John is a clever entertainer and bubbles over with mirth with which he succeeds in infecting the .audience. As a means of dispelling the “blues” Larkins is better than a patent medicine. “Frank Meade excelled in various well-chosen songs and in the Eastern scene “Arabia” sang well. Doreen Lee Smith possesses a fine soprano voice, which was heard in a variety of songs, including the popular “By the Waters of Minnetonka,” which has captivated music lovers. The saxaphone, an instrument seldom heard in this town, was played with great ability by Earle Walker, and lie had to respond to requests for more. The Indian Ensemble was well staged, and Jolly John acted the part of an Indian chief to perfection. But the star item was a comedy,

“Mrs Gallagher,” in which Jolly John Larkins took the part of. Mrs Gallagher, a cute old dame, and the house simply rocked with laughter. One feature which deserves special mention is the excellent costuming. This is very picturesque, original and striking, and would hardly be excelled by much larger companies. Some pretty dances were given by Doreen Adela.”