ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 26 February 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“A MAN OF IRON.” In keeping with its usual policy of providing the finest photoplay entertainment available for its patrons, the Opera House management announces that Lionel Barrymore in “A Man of Iron” will be its feature attraction for a. two-night season, beginning to-night. “A Man of Iron,” which was written especially for Mr. Barrymore by Lawrence Marston, is said to be one of the finest 'photoplays in which this distinguished star has appeared. The story, which is a tense story of domestic strife, is laid in the stem background of a great steel mill, which has-been developed to its tremendous proportions by Philip Durban (Lionel Barrymore), "whose stern ruggedness has won him the title “A Man of Iron.” In the fast moving drama there is a shifting of scenes as rapid as the story itself. From the blazing forge of the steel mills to the ballroom of the beautiful Bowdoin home is but a short transition in the life of Durban. And, later, he, travels across the sea to Italv to save his cold, unloved wife from the disgrace and degradation that besets her.

OPERA HOUSE—MONDAY

“PETER; PAN.”

When Sir .Tames M. Barrie decided to have his famous play “Peter Pan” made into a picture, he insisted that he have a very large say in its production. To this end the Paramount director Herbert BTenon visited Barrie at his' home in London to confer on the plot. Barrie himself also chose Betty Bronson, the eighteen year old girl." from amongst the hundreds of celebrities who were anxious to get the part as the screen Peter Pan. That his choice was excellent has been acclaimed by thousands who have been privileged to see the picture. Patrons of the Opera House will rejoice at the news that the management has secured this wonderful picture to be presented on Monday next, for a three-night season, with* a special matinee for children at 3.1 d on Tuesday afternoon. “LITTLE 80-PEEP” PANTOMIME. “Billy” Hughes, the Prime Minister of Australia during the critical period of the big war, who is still looked on by many in Australia as the greatest statesman in the Commonwealth, is a personal friend of Miss Ruth Bucknall, the Faiiy Queen in “80-Peep” Pantomime, to be produced at the Opera House on Thursday, . March 4. Mr. Hughes is very hard of hearing, and invariably uses an ear trumpet, but when he listens to Miss Bucknall’s voice he discards his instrument. He assured Miss Bucknall that her enunci. ation was so perfect that in spite of his deafness he . could hear every word she sang without artificial aid. This accomplished young lady was a pupil of Marchisi (Paris), and has sung successfully in every theatre of importance in the Old Country. Her voice is a beautiful lyric, with a range of three octaves. Mr. A. E. Y. Benham, Melba’s protege, is also a member of the “80-Peep” Pantomime Company, and is to be- heard in some of the numbers he sang at the Albert Hall, London. No violinist should fail to hear Miss Rene Rich, the Australian wonder girl. Her playing, according to Sydney critics, who should know, is a revelation. The principals of the company have been specially selected, and the specialties include the. Wonder Rascals, remarkable whirlwind acrobats. “The Forty Thieves” is to be staged at the matinee on Friday at 3.30, also at 8. Seats may be reserved at Mrs. Cook’s.