ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 March 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MADAME fcj-ANS GENE. “Madame Sans dene/’ Gloria Swanson’s latest Paramount production, and the one and only motion picture to play on Broadway at five dollars .a seat, arrived in Hawera yesterday at tlie Opera House. The picture, filmed in Prance, unfolds, against a background of the Paris of -Napoleon’s day, the tale of a young French laundress, who, by her wits and beauty, rises spectacularly to -become a power behind the throne. The play is a classic of the stage, having been acted by the foremost feminine stare here and abroad. Gloria, as -Catherine Hulbselier, nicknamed Madame Sans Gene (Madame Devil-may-care) because of her free and easy way -with her customers, runs a laundry in one of the back streets of .Paris. One of her customers lis Napoleon, when that individual is considered a mere nobody by his associates. Sans Gene meets and falls in love with one Sergeant Lefe-bvre, played by Charles de Roche. With the French Revolution comes many changes. The establishment of the first Empire puts Napoleon on the throne of France, and finds Sans Gene, the one-time laundress, a Duchess. Her- high and haughty position, however, fails to change Sans Gene, and she goes about mimicking the icy court mannerism of the lords and ladies. Slie is called to account for her unbecoming conduct by the Emperor, hut when Sans Gene recalls the old days to Mm and reminds him of her many kindnesses to "i-m, he quickly forgives her. The arrival of Count de Ne.ipperg on a mission from the Austrian Emperor, serves to complicate matters not a little. Empress Marie Louise, wife of Napoleon, is at once attracted to the handsome Neipperg, and Na-p-oleon is insanely jealous, suspecting the worst. He orders Neipperg to l>e thrown out of the castle, but Sans Gene -saves him just- in time from committing such -a -grave diplomatic error, shows him that his suspicions haven’t -a leg to stand on, and so establish more firmly than ever in hi-s favour. Even for Gloria Swanson, whose every picture is the-last word in gorgeous gowns and luxurious settings, “Madame Sans Gene” is a truly de luxe- production. \ GRAND THEATRE, HAWERA. “WELCOME STRANGER,” The screen version of the sensational Broadway success by Aaron Hoffman is to be shown at the Grand to-night. It is the greatest screen comedy-drama of a decade, with Florence "Vidor, Dore Davidson and a wonderful cast. The play that made Broadway roar for two years. It is the most welcome bit of entertainment of the season. A delightful melange of laughs, romance, and thrills. Are you blue? Here’s the season’s best gloom chaser. It will make you roar, and leave a grin that won’t come off. There is also a splendid supporting programme.