ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 5 February 1927, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGHT

FINAL; SCREENING

‘THE THIRD ROUND

“T!li© Third Round,” one of the famous Bulldog Drummond stories by Sapper, was presented at the Opera Douse last evening to a highly-app re dative audience. The picture, one of the best that has, come from the English studios, was packed with thrills and romance and kept everyone in suspense while the mystery was being solved. Jack Buchanan, who played the role of Drummond, had something to contend with in the gang of crooks, under the leadership of his old enemy Peterson, played by Allan Jeayes and an unscrupulous syndicate are making everv effort, lawful and unlawful, to obtain the secret of the manufacture of synthetic diamonds from Professor Goodman. They are partly successful when Drummond! is won to champion the cause of the professor by the latter’s niece, Phyllis, played by Betty Faire. Through breathless stunts and hair-raising incidents Drummond at last •succeeds in outwitting the gang and! winning the girl. The action is swift, the characterisation, particularly those ,of the leading, players, Jack Buchanan, Juliette Compton and Betty Faire, excellent and the picture well mounted and produced. It will be finally screened to-night.

GRAND THEATRE, TO-NIGHT.

“RECOIL.” The latest Rex Beach picture “Recoil,” will be the attraction at the Grand Theatre to-night. It has been produced by J. Parker Read, jr., and directed, by T. Hayes Hunter from a continuity by Gerald CL Duffy. The picture was made in its entirety in Finance—in Paris, in Deauville and in the French Riviera. “Recoil” shows for the first, time in a screen photojlay scenes from Deauville, France’s mo,st famous watering place. The Monte Carlo sequence,s show the famous Casino in ,reality' land not from studio .sets. The cast is headed by Betty Blythe and Mahlon Hamilton, with, dive Brook, Fired Paul and Elm-es-t Hilliard, in other important roles. “Recoil” i® a highly dramatic story’ with strongly individualised characters, splendidly photographed.. It as from one of Rex Beach’s .short stories recently published in a big circulation magazine and it is full of the colour, contrast, and melodramatic action, which the motion picture public likes to see. The supporting programme will include Episode 3 of the new serial “The Winking Idol.” COMMENCING: MONDAY NEXT “THE MYSTERY CLUB.” Take a tip from us. Don’t miss “The Mystery dub,’.’ the, UniversalJewel which comes to the Opera House Monday evening for a two night season. It is crammed full with, action and replete with, thrills and humour and is a credit to tlhe masterly .supervision of Herbert Blache, who directed it. The picture tells of the events taking place in ancl about “The Mystery Club,” composed of millionaires, who are skeptical of the ability of the pdl-l ice in apprehending criminals. They prepare an agreement in which, each member is to commit a crime, the member responsible for its execution is to pay' a large sum, as ia penalty. Matt Moore is incomparable as the upstanding Dick Bernard.. He brings to his part a fineness of understanding that will prove to be one of the best performances of the year. Special mention is to be made of Edith Roberts and Mildred Harris for the two leading .feminine roles. There is little to choose between the consistently good performances of the rest of the cast, all proving ideal selections for their roles. Among those worthy of special attention are Charles Lane, Warner Oland, Henry Herbert, Charles Puffy, Alphonse Mar tell, Finch Smiles, Earl Metcalfe, Nat Carr, Jed Plrouty, Alfred Allen, Sidney Rracey and Monte Montague. Full supporting programme.

“IS ZAT SO'?

OPERA HOUSE. The American comedy “Is Zat So?” which will be presented at the Opera House on Friday, February 11, ha-s been brought to New Zealand following its outstanding .success in America and England. It is genuine comedy built round an amusing story, and there are plenty of opportunities for charoterisation. There is moreover, a complete _ absence of the treacly sentiment which so often intrudes in American productions, even when specifically built for laughs. The novelty of a real prize fight on the stage will greatly appeal to New Zealand. The boxing bout in “Is Zat So?’’ is excellently staged and pro- ' duced, and/ is in every way convincing. It is helped by the fact that one of the participants, Sammy Green, has been in the “ring.” This is the big scene in the comedy, and it lias the audience on its toes. “Is Zat So ?” was written by James Gleason and Richard Taber, 'Specially to suit the personalities of Taber and Hale Noreross, who share the two principal roles. They are comedy actors of genuine ability, and give perfect character studies. Mr Taber plays’ the role of “Chicle” Cowan, and Mr Norcross is “Han” Hurley, his trainer and manager. They work together throughout the'action of the play, and share most of the acting honours. The company comes partly from New York and oartly from London, and the entire New York mod action will be nresented in the Dominion. “Ig Zat So?” should nrove an hilarious addition to New Zealand entertainments. Tbe box plans open on Tuesday at Miss Blake’s confectionery .shop.