ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 19 April 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

“THE WHITE SISTER.”

What is claimed to he one of the most powerful novels ever filmed is F. Marion Crawford’s “The White Sister,” a film version of which opens at the Opera House to-night and will also he shown nightly at 8 o’clock with a special matinee on Tuesday at 2 o’clock. A love tale more tragic has probably never been penned,. the story of Angela and her soldier lover, separated by an impassable barrier, taking its place with the great romances poets have sung in verse. This novel has been given a setting worthy of its place in literature. Henry King was chosen to direct it. He was given a big cast of players headed by Lilian Gish, and including Ronald Colman. Gail Kane, J. Barney Sherry, and Charles Lane, sent to Italy so that the actual settings of the novel would add greater realism to the film translation. A notable instance of the latter is seen in the\ majestic scenes filmed in , natural cblours of Vesuvius in eruption. When “The White Sister” opens tonight, Lilian Gish—the little star played in such big productions as “The Birth of a Nation,” Orphans of the Storm,” and “Way Down East” — should have a role that tests her full powers. John Barrymore has acclaimed Miss Gish as the one actress who carries the supreme tradition of Bernhardt and Duse to the screen. And in “The White Sister” she has a great opportunity. Little exceeds the beauty, pathos, suspense, and spectacular magnificence of P. Marion Crawford’s story of love and sacrifice. A special musical score has been arranged, and in addition a beautiful prologue will be staged. The box plans are now open at Mrs. Cook’s. The Hawera season extends over four nights. GRAND THEATRE, HAWERA. “THE CLEAN HEART.” Otis Harlan, well known as a screen comedian and -a favourite with film fans, was selected for the role of Puddlebox in the picture version of A. S. M. Hutchinson’s famous novel, “The Chan Heart,” or “The Cruelties of Life.” which will he screened at the Grand Theatre to-night. After reading the novel. J. Steuart Blackton, who directed the picture, decided that Harlan was th e only plaver who could do the role of the obilosophieal tramp ihstice. He seemed to fit with kid glove exactness both as regards physique and nersonatity. Although the ro’e is light comedy it has several serious moments, ond finally leads up to tragedy, giving Harlan opportunity to present ai new chase of histrionic ability. There: is a full; supporting programme.