ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 15 October 1927, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGIIT. JOHNNY HINES IN “ALE ABOARD.” Johnny Hines in ids latest lor First National “All Aboard, will be finally screened at Die Opera House to-nigfix, fias scored, again rn this real riot 01 humour widen ns guaranteed to tickle tlie risible faculties. As the clerk who poses as the desert sheik, add is forced to marry a doubtful beauty of the harem, the inimitable Johnny is involved in all kinds of hilarious, and amusing situations. The plot calls for plenty of action, and goes with a swing iroiu beginning to end. Some of the settings are ready fine, notably tfie Eastern scenes, jolinny is very ably supported, and the whole production is hound to be popular with picturegoers. The. supporting programme includes topical news reel and oomeuy. the box plan is on view at the Opera House confectionery. GRAND THEATRE, TO-N I GJ IT “NEW YORK.'’ A woman is iounci murdered in his apartment. He is accused and jailed. Circumstantial evidence darkens the path to freedom. The city turns against him. Only one woman sticks —.and she, daughter of a millionaire, renounces, liier claim to a lor,tune, llhen comes a surprise climax. Don’t miss Paramount’s production “New. York/ which Jbe shown at the Grand Theatre to-night. Ricardo Cortez, Eois Wilson, Estelle Taylor, William Powell and Norman Trevor are featured. The supporting programme includes Die popular serial 1 “The Silent I Iyer.’' Gazette and comedy, OPERA HOUSE. COALMEN CING MONDAY NEXT. “HARDELYS THE MAGNIFICENT 'That John Gilbert is the most astonishingly' versatile actor on Die screen to-day is amply borne out by his portrayal in “Bardelys the Magnificent,” a Rafael Sabatini romance, that will commence a three night season at the Opera House on .Monday next. “The Rig Parade”, revealed Gilbert as the foremost dramaDc star in motion pictures, and won him a reputation that demanded pictures of Die highest quality in order that this imputation might be sustained. In answer to this demand “Bardelys the Magnificent” was made. Gilbert’s artistic portrayal of the title role is a tribute to the quality of his genius and versaDlity. He is called upon to give on amazingly varied performance. These dramatic scenes bear out his claim to the screen’s most vivid and magnetic personality ; exciting duels in which his flashing blade leaps like a dart- of light, bear witness to his ability as a swordsman; dangerous climbs up precipitous walls to casDe turrets, wild horseback rides down the lanes and across the meadows of France, daring leaps from great heights, and incredible feats of muscular strength and ability, all add to the general impressiveness of 'his performance. The story of “Bardelys the Magnificent’’ is as unique and colourful as its action. A gay Frenchman wagers his entire fortune and worldly possessions that he will melt the heart of Lady Roxalanne the most beautiful and coldest lady in France. The carrying out of his determination is depicted in a fascinating manner. Supporting players in “Bardelys the Magnificent,” which was produced by King Victor for Aletro-Goldwyn-Alayer, include Eleanor Boardman as Lady Roxalanne, Rov D’Arcy, George K. Arthur, Lionel Belmore and Arthur Lnbin. The box plan for the season is now open at the Opera House confectionery.

EMPRESS PICTURES, MAN AT A. Only a genius could have written such a tale as “Twinkletocs, ” that prose poem of Thomas Burke’s that helped make Limehouse famous the world around, which is .screening at Manaia to-night. Only a star of the most brilliant calibre could have made the piqu.nt, saucy, and sweet little heroine of the tale live as Dvidly as Colleen Moore presents “Twink.” Only a company like First National, with directors like Charles Brabin and producers like John McCormick, with their artistic insight and deep knowdedge of showmanship, could have made a picture as forceful, as fanciful, and as tender as this banner group bonanza which New York is now acclaiming as one of the finest pictures of the year.

ALEXANDER WATSON. Air. Alexander Watson, the popular entertainer who is giving one recital in the Opera House on Thursday next, is again weaving his spell over the New Zealand audiences. Referring to his opening recital in Melbourne recently the “Argus” says: “As the last items on his opening programme at the Playhouse on Saturday night, Mr. Alexander Watson, who is on his fifth and final tour of Australia, gave two pieces from Air. A. A. Aiilne’s “When we were very young.” Air. Aiilne’s happy title for Iris book might have well served to describe the delightful entertainment which Air. Watson provided. All the world loves a story, and to many people there are no pleasanter memories than those of the days when, as youngsters, they curled themselves up in front of the fire and listened in rapt attention to an account of the adventures which befell some hero or heroine who had been created for their special benefit. His ability to tell a story is one of the qualities by which Air. Watson has won the wide popularity which lie enjoys. The manner in which—seemingly unconsciously —he invites the confidence of his audiences proves him a master of the art. One imagines him, for instance, not as telling his audience that he will relate Air. Alasefield’s “Bill’s Ghost,” but rather as saying “I will fell you now about “Bill’s Ghost.” Almost immediately he has his hearers hanging on every word, and responding readily to every inflexlion of voice, facial expression, gesture and accent. It was because of his delightful naturalness and restraint, and of the many other qualities which he possesses, that he was able; to play upon the feelings of his audience, and to keep it amused for an hour while lie told the storv of “The Little Alinis:er.”