ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 April 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE GRAND TO-NIGHT. “ON THIN ICE ” “On Thin Ice,” the new attraction at the Grand Theatre last evening, is a fast-moving, thrilling expose of San Francisco’s underworld, and offers clean diversion for moviegoers who appreciate a well-told mystery story with a kick for the finish. Here’s a mystery story with, a new angle; a picture of San Francisco’s underworld with a novel twist that makes it highly entertaining and thoi’oughly enjoyable. To-night concludes this season with a new programme for to-morrow evening, 1 OPERA HOUSE, SPEAKING PICTURES. “The Movies” have been with us for 25 years. And now —the Plionofilm, which was shown, seen and heard before a packed house last evening. True-speaking films at last., Films on which sounds are photographed as well as movements; the sounds of actors’ and singers’ voices, of musicians’ instruments, of dancing, twinkling feet I These are captured by a marvellous photographic process and are simultaneously transmitted from the same film, at the same time as their accompanying movements! Phonofilms represent the first successful effecting in the history of scientific research, of perfect synchronisation. The speaking film is a real miracle that is now astounding England 'and America. Phonofilms were presented at the Opera House last night and the reproduction of music and speech could be heard quite distinctly in all parts of the theatre. The invention of a genius who ranks with Edison and Marconi, Phonofilms are not less remarkable than the invention of wireless and of the long-distance telephone. In addition to the speaking pictures, Silynich’s master piece “Daughters of To-day,” a startling story of life as lived by the modem flapper—in whose hand the cigarette has taken the place of the knitting needle —and whose lemonade is supplanted by cocktails! The Hawera season concludes tomorrow evening.

THURSDAY. LEE TOHUNG FOO COMPANY. A contemporary in a critique of the Lee Tchung Foo Co., now touring in the Dominion says: The magician and his clever troupe give a high-class entertainment for over 2 hours. Every act is unique and presented in an at, tractive manner, combining humour and cleverness pleasing to the keen appreciation of the audience. The scenic effects are gorgeous, whilst charming costuming greatly enhanced the performance. As ,an illustionist, conjuror and entertainer, Lee Tchung Foo is on the top rung, his many versatile acts drawing forth continual applause. Particularly good is the breaking of a stout stick suspended by paper bands from the edges of razor blades without severing the bands. Eating needles and threading them in his mouth and behind his back are other items also worthy .of mention. Too numerous to particularise each, and every turn is top notch, whilst his jumping feats, in which he struck matches with his feet when held as high as Bft were little short of marvellous. Jumping rows of chairs in succession, balancing with eggs, bottles, plates etc. —nothing came amiss and was dealt with in a masterly manner. Lue Che Quong, a Chinese athlete, gave spectacular exhibitions of boxing and fencing as practised in China, and was ably supported by Jing Quong, an adept at telling people’s ages from' cards of numbers. Mdlle. Regnier added charm in chic songs and saxophone selections, her Parisienne accent taking well with a delighted audience. Exceptionally clever were the children Lillian and Renee in dancing and tumbling acts. The plate spinning of the former coupled with wonderful balancing, , was out on its own. In short a combination of entertainers, whose performance bears the. hall mark of merit throughout. The Lee Tchung Foo Company appear at the Opera House on Thursday next and the box plans may be seen at the Opera House confectionery.