ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 28 August 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE, TO-NIGHT.

* ‘ CHIP OF FLYING U.”

Hoot Gibson, as the intrepid "westerner, takes hi® place "with any of the screen’s most popular fan-makers in “Chip of the Flying" U,” the latest Universal production, which commenced .at the Grand Theatre last evening. In a picture tilled with humorous situations and amusing scenes, Gibson is a winning personality in every foot ot the film. His* characterisation is that of a shy, blundering eowpuncher, on a cattle ranch, who amuses, first by his effort to win the. affection of one in particular who has ensnared him. Gibson and: his gang of eowpunchers, principally Mark Hamilton, Harry Todd, and Gilbert “Pee Wee” Holmes, provide laughs from start to finish. In addition to its countless funny situations, “ Chip of the Flying* II,” possesses some real action, .and thrills and suspense that heighten the humorous scenes. Gibson, capable actor and comedian that he is. can still match Ins prowess in the saddle, against any ot the screen’s western stars, and, he does some remarkable riding in the pictuie. Two joyful, comedies complete a. lug programme.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGHT

KINGDOMS WHILE YOU WAIT

When that famous co-starring pair, Alice. Terry and Lewis* Stone, Avcre cast for the leading roles* in the brilliant screen spectacle “Confessions of a Queen ’ ’ they ivere just two liai d AA’orking screen folk, although famous and talented aboA r e the ordinary. Then by the magic powers* of the studios they Averc clothed in a manner befit ting royalty, given fine sounding titles, equipped wit-li courtiers, bodyguaids, and servants and: a palace of overwhelming mngnificance Avas built around, them.. Then, just as quickly, all this Avas swept away, and: they became ordinary people, living a, life of plebeian routine. No, they didn’t lose their jobs as* quickly as that ; they AA r ere just keeping up AA r ith modern history, and had been deprived-of their throne by a reA r olution. Victor *S*eastrom, famous SAA'edish director, made this modern drama of royal loa t cs and hates Avhieh is due at the Opera House to-night. Miss Terry and LeAvis Stone repeat the* triumphs they Avon in “The Prisoner of Zenda” and “Searamouclie. ” «

•WILLIAMSON’S GILBERT AND SULLIVAN COMPANY.

“THE GONDOLIERS.”

Probably the most popular theatrical announcement that the J. C : . \\/illianison, Ltd., management lias made for some considerable, time is that Avhieh states that the newly and specially organised Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company, of over 80 artists, is to appear in “The Gondoliers’’ at the Opera House, Hawera, on Wednesday, September 15. To the older generation of playgoers the reAUA'al of this most delightful of all the Gilbert and Sullivan AA'orks will come in the light of a great treat, while to those who haA’e never yet enjoyed one of the operas of the famous collaborators “The Gondoliers’’ will prove a revelation, as for clever and witty dialogue, beautiful melodies, exquisite musical numbers, picturesque settings, and genuinely humorous comedy this opera has never been surpassed. Those Avlfb Avill make their' first appearance here in “The Gondoliers’’ are Miss Winifred Williamson, Avho comes with a big London reputation, won principally by her .splendid interpretation of the part of the Duchess of Plaza-Toro in the Venetian opera; Mr. Sydney Granville, a brilliant English baritone; and Air. Leo Darnton, whose portrayal of Luiz was one of the outstanding features of the recent Melbourne production of “The Gondoliers.” Playgoers will be glad to AA'elcome the reappearance here of that sterling comedian Air. Charles A. AValenn, and they will remember Air. James Hay chiefly for Lis splendid singing of “Take,, a Pair of Sparkling Eyes.” Miss Strella Russell, Avho Avill appear as Casi’lda, is said to be the best comic opera soprano the Australian stage has CA'er produced Aliss Patti Russell, Miss Mabel Gibson, and Air. Lance Fairfax have already _ delighted local theatregoers in a. series of brilliant characterisations. A full operatic orchestra chorus will he under the baton of GustaA’O Sllapoffski. “The Gondoliers” will be here Avith ail the upav scenery and magnificent dresses AA’liich were created for the recent Alelbonrne rcviA’al of “The Gondoliers.” The box plans Avil-1 he opened at the Opera. ;House confectionery shop on Alonda.y, September 13.