ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 February 1925, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

GR A XL) THEATR E—T( )-N 1 GH'J’. ALL BLACKS v. WALES. A oast of favourites will support Jack Hoxie in his latest Universal picture, •‘Lighting Eury.” Over half the picture presents scenes of night, adding an uncommon spell to the interest of the. story. East, rough rides over the plains and through mountain canyons have their part in the story, the movements of the horsemen making a. thrilling sight. This is in many respects the best picture in Hoxie’s career, and one which, because of its difference from other'Hoxie features, will inteiest liis fans more than any of its predecessors. In order to allow the crowds to witness the All Blacks v. \\ ales, it will be shown at the Grand, in addition to the. Opera. House.

OPERA HOUSE—MONDAY NEXT. “THE THIEF OF BAGDAD.” This in brief is the story of “The riiief of Bagdad,”' the Douglas Fairbanks production commencing at the Dpera. House on Monday next: In Baglad dwells Ahmed the Thief. He is an rudacious rascal, .living by his wits. In stealing a, magic rope and escaping with it, he finds himself in a temple. Here the holy man is expounding the theory that “happiness must be earned.” The thief flouts this philosophy, hut carries away an impression that is vaguely disturbing. With the magic rope he gains entrance to the Palace of the Caliph. While looting a chest of jewels, he is intrigued by the sound of sweet music. He follows it to the bedchamber of the Princess, who lies sleeping, but she awakens and he escapes. Several suitors- seek the Princess’s hand in marriage. There comes a strange “Prince Ahmed” —the thief in disguise. The Princess remembers the prediction of a soothsaying slave that “Whosoi first toucheth the rose tree in the courtyard, him shall you wed.” She sees- “Prince Ahmed” touch the rose tree. After the ring of choice is placed on Ahmed’s finger, his duplicity is discovered, but love has chastened him and: he refuses to flee. Bv the Caliph’s order he is brutally flogged and thrown out. His only consolation is the Princess’s avowal of love and the ring- which she bade him keep. The Caliph now demands that his daughter choose from among _ the three remaining princes. To gain time, the Princess declares that she‘will wed the one who at the end! of the seventh moon shall return with the greatest treasure. In great humility of spirit the Thief seeks out the Holy Man, who convinces him that on the bedrock of his new-born intentions he can build honour and worthiness. The thief sets out on his journey and comes through victorious, bringing with him the magicchest of Nazir. This chest contains his birthright—true manhood and power over men. The ending finds the thief and the princess hearted for the land of love. Box plans now open at Mrs. Cook’s. Patrons are advised to hook their seats to avoid disappointment. No booking fee is charged. K A PONG A~PICTUR ES. “A MILLION TO BURN.” “A. Million to Burn,” showing tonight with Herbert Rawlinson as the star, is the story of an amateur philanthropist whose dizzy schemes for making; all men- happy and good end with his having nothing left but a. hostof enemies and a bad headache —a situation used for an excellent comedy drama. The supporting programme includes Buddy Messinger in a comedy, “The Buckin’ Line.”

ETHEL OSBORN FAREW ELL TOUR

The. forthcoming leturn visit of Miss Etliel Osborn, the Australian star soprano, is arousing great interest in musical circles, owing to her sudden rise to. fame in her own country, and more especially to Dame Nellie Melba’s enthusiastic praise of the young singer and her prediction of a world career. Talented Australian artists will support the young prima donna., who will be heard in many new numbers as'well as old favourites.. The concert in Hawera will be given at the Opera House on Wednesday, March 18.