ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 17 June 1927, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE —-TO-NIGHT. ‘ SYNCOPATING- SUE. ’ ’ Corimie, Griffith, who became to iso many millions of movie-goers the champion of the working girl’s romance in uer screen triumph, “Classified,” was again selected to star in this new tale of Broadway, “Syncopating Sue,” which opens to-night at the Grand Theatare. As a. wistful, dreaming piano player in Tin Pan Alley, Corinne has made of “Syncopating Sue,” a film frolic that meets every requirement of good) drama, with its tender pathos, its touching romance, its screamingly funny comedy relief. The supporting programme is excellent, and includes episoide two of the serial “The Fighting Ranger.” The Lyric Orchestra will be in attendance this evening. OPERA HOUSE. TO-MOR ROwIsATURDAY) . “FORLORN RIVER” AND “THE DESERT FLOWER.” An excellent double star bill will be the attraction at the Opera House tomorrow evening (Saturday). The story by Zane Grey, the production by Paramount, and a brilliant oast headed by Jack Holt and Arlette Marchal, “Forlorn Flower” will be the premier attraction, and promises to be an inordinately attractive offering. Despite its western and essentially virile source, fbr Zane Grey never writes a drawing-room story—the picture is not all pitched battles, crumbling ranches, and a series of irreclaimable villains. Sheriffs, of course, figure prominently in the action, but they are very human sheriffs, and, taking the picture in its entirety, it is a fur remove from the invariable hectic and hackneyed outburst so comprehensively labelled “a Western!” Melodrama, with the seasoning of good comedy, should best •sum up the artistic nature of “Forlorn River,” and it is, naturally, immensely thrilling. The second feature will he First National’s super-production “The Desert Flower,” with Colleen Moore playing the leading role. This is a picture that bubbles with the spirit of youth. There is not one dull moment, and the big climax provides a wonderful thrill. Box plan at the Opera House Confectionery.

“PADDY, THE NEXT BEST THING” NELLIE BRAMLEY COMPANY. A CLEVER. PRODUCTION. Recollections of the charm and attractiveness of “Peg o’ My Heart” are recalled by the production of “Paddy the Next Best Thing,” a clever and amusing play in four acts, at the Opera House last night by the Nellie Bramley Company Miss Bramley, as Paddy, ds the life and soul of the whole work, and her smart repartee, quaint sayings, and overflowing spirits radiate through the whole action of the play; but a touch of genius is imparted by her sudden and unexpected realisation of pathos and sorrow in the midst of 'the gaietv that is the prevailing note of the play. She is a wonderful combination of contrasts and contrariness, and the goodness of heart and deep sympathy with those in trouble, wliich Miss Bramley imparts so markedly into the characterisation, won the hearts of all. Hers is indeed a remarkable gift in portrayal of character and seizing on the points that make for success in a play, and was a performance that stands out as one of the best seen in Hawera for a long time.' . She was well supported by Miss Carlton as her sister Eileen, and Miss Gower as Gwen Carew. The work of Miss Dalton as the elderly v Miss O’Hara was altogether charming, and won much commendation. Mr. Purdie as the General was natural, breezy; and clever in a part that demanded much good acting \ while Lawrence Blake, in the hands of Mr. Hewlett, was a distinct success. All the other characters were well and capably taken and helped in the success achieved. TO-NIGHT. “A LITTLE BIT OF FLUFF.” A most attractive farce is to be staged to-niglit, in which Miss Bramley appears as Pamela, and Mr. Hewlett as John Ayers. The play is full of interest and amusement, and is certain to be just as popular as “Paddy.”