STAGE AND SCREEN

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 7 January 1928, Page 16

STAGE AND SCREEN

Theatre-lovers will be pleased to hear that there is every likelihood of ‘‘Rose Marie” being presented in Hawera. Two dates, have been provisionally “ pencil lod” for the engagement of the Opera House for .the presentation of this famous- musical comedy, January 18 and January 20, but no definite decision can be arrived at. by the J. 0. Williamson firm until the duration of the Auckland season has -been fixed. If the season is extended in the- north there will have to be. a rearrangement of the local dates.

“Out All Night,” Reginald Denny’s latest farce comedy, has been booked as the feature attraction by the Opera House for a three-night season, commencing Wednesday next. Denny poitrays the role of a wealthy young man, who meets, woos and marries the girl of his heart all in one evening, or rather one night. .The innumerable comedy situations that are caused when an attempt is made to keep the marriage a secret during an ocean voyage should provide one of the mos't hilarious houis of entertainment imaginable. Denny’s own inimitable sense of comedy value is predominant throughout, and the climax is thrilling and unusual. The leading feminine role is played, by Marian Nixon, popular and talented young actress, who is once more appearing with Denny, her last having been in “Rolling Home.” Wheeler Oakmnn, one of serccnland’s first leading men, returns to .t-lve screen as the villain of the picture, while other players are Dorothy Earle, Ben Hendricks, jun., Dan Mason and Lionel Braliam.

“Hit the Dec.,” a new American musical comedy which is now playing at the Hippodrome, London, is to be secured for Australian and New Zealand bv J. C. Williamson Ltd.

Tern pier Powell, who hails from Christchurch, and is now one of Loiidon ’» leading theatrical managers, with his wife, Ida Molesworth. has just produced “The Big Drum” in London. Mr Powell made a .fortune with the London seasons of “White Cargo.”

Edgar Wallace, whose thriller plays have won him fame and fortune, has written a musical comedy, “The Yellow Mask.” It is also a thriller.

Paramount is releasing 297 motion pictures during the next year. This is the largest production schedule in the history of the company, and the greatest ever attempted by any film company since the industry began.

Rouncocl that Miss Gladys Monerieff had been engaged for the title-role in the Fullers’ production of the new musical play “Rio Rita,” and will return to Australia to appear in this piece at the conclusion of the Gonsalez grand opera season.

Sir Benjamin Fuller recently an

Madge Bellamy, who achieved fame in the flapper roles of “Sandy” and “Summer Bachelors,” is said to have added new laurels to her histronic crown with her characterisation of a demure Irish lass in her latest stellar vehicle in “Colleen.” This Fox Films feature is to have an early showing in Haw era.

All the romance of the real West is promised in- “The Return of the Riddle Rider,” the Adventure chapter play which opens shortly at the Grand Theatre. William Desmond, the star of the ten episode drama, returns in this production, to the character he made famous in his biggest success, “The Riddle Rider. ’ ’

Malays, half-castes, mulattoes and Orientals mingled in one of the strangest assemblages gathered at even a screen studio, for the filming of “The Road to Mandalay,” Lon Chaney’s new Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr feature. It is a vivid drama of Singapore and Mandalay, with Chaney in the role of “Singapore Joe,” weird and sinister ruler of the underworld. Probably every race on earth was represented in the crowd scenes, in the big production. Tod Browning, who produced “The Unholy Three” an t “ The Blackbird, ” both starring t,h..nov, .'ii.s directed ‘The Read \o Man :1 1'.ivv ’

The Elinor Glyn touch which changed Lew Cody from a villain into a romantic loading man and established John Gilbert as the great lover of tin l screen, has now Anglicised Antonio Moreno. In “Love’s Blindness,’ the Met ro-Goldwyn-.Maver production of Elinor Glvn’s novel, Moreno is a thorough Englishman, even down : ) his name, which becomes Hubert Jui'-ev-dale. Pauline Starke has the 'ea bug female role. “Love’s Blindness” is !-y far the most stirring i f all Elinor Glyn productions, having an absorbing i lot, which has been unfolded skilfully and dramatically by Director John Francis Dillon under the author’s personal supervision.

The fame of AI Wilson, who is rated as the greatest stunt aviator in motion pictures to-day, will have an opportunity to thrill again when they see this popular star at the Opera House when .t opens with “Three Miles Up” on Monday next. Wilson has been called the “human fly,” the “bird man,” the “sky pilot” and various other name.s indicative of his marvellous skill ns an aviator, stunt man and aerial acrobat. None of them are adequate, as ..will be seen by these watching the screening of “Three Miles Up.” fyt.v'