ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 22 September 1925, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGHT. “THE STRANGERS’ BANQUET. Marshal] Neilan has again proved himself a master craftsman in his motion picture version of Donn Byrne’s novel concerning an, American shipyard, “The Stranger’s Banquet.” It was seen for the first time in Hawera at the Opera House last night. In point of magnitude is-is certainly Mr Neilan’s greatest production, and it ranks among the country’s finest photoplays. In dramatic intensity, in the thrill of action, the appeal of young ,ove' and the spirit of reality it has seldom been equalled. It is not merely a screen entertainment, but is a great drama, magnificently depicted. The Hawera season closes to-night. THE GRAND, TO-NIGHT.

“A FRONT-PAGE STORY.” This picture does- what many other photoplays have tried to do and failed. It presents a newspaper story that is true to life, it takes the spectator behind the scenes and shows the real workings of a newspaper and the feuds that result over politics and editorials. There are many complications, humorous situations and. exciting incidents which make this one of the best photodramas of the year. The love, interest is introduced with a new angle. The picture will be repeated this evening. • “CHARLEY’S AUNT.” “Charley’s Aunt” will be presented at the Opera House next Friday night. Mr Warren Ward, who appears in the title role, will be supported by a company of artists, each of whomit is said, was chosen as being particularly suitable for the various characters whom they are called) upon to represent. The comedy itself is very well known as perhaps the most successful ever written for the stage. The story is built on the expected arrival of the aunt of one of three voung men who open the play. A telegram is received stating that the lady had been delayed. As the young nephew has made arrangements for a reception to be held and it is impossible to cancel _the arrangements in time, it is decided that one of the trio shall for the occasion become a female impersonator and thus represent the real aunt. This course leads to many very diverting scenes and situations, which are not made any easier when the real lady appears. Matters, of course, come out right in the end. There is much natural humour in “Charley’s Aunt,” and Mr Warren is -said to be one of the best exponents of the part yet seen. The plan for reserved seats is at Mrs Cook’s.

THE TOREADOR. Considerable interest is being taken in the Hawera Operatic Society’s production next week. A party of 30 are coming from Wanganui. From New Plymouth and surrounding districts inquiiies have been received, so that it will he 'wise to book -a seat when the plans open on Thursday. The performance will be well up to, if mot better, than) the previous production. The show is full of comedy, and the music is well above the average of musical comedy. Mr Theo. Tresize is putting a real professional touch on the show, giving plenty of movement in the chorus, and taking off all the stiffness. The dressing and scenery leave nothing to be desired. Tw