ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 3 May 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. “MOISTS.” A GREAT BRITISH PRODUCTION. The above picture now showing at the Opera House brings back memories of that distant day in August, 1914, when to keep faith with herself and her allies, Britain sent her then small army, later to become famous as “The Contemptibles,” across to France and Belgium to help stem the flood of the German invasion. One of, if not the greatest, war pictures ever screened, it o-ives a realistic and vivid idea, of the’horrors of war as well as showing the wonderful spirit thlat existed amongst the troops of all ranks. At times during the great retreat isolated sections would fail to receive the order to retire, and surrounded on all sides bv hordes' of grey-clad soldiers of the enemy, “The Contemptibles” would fight fo the' bitter end, well knowing what that end would be, rather thau surrender. The heroism of the men too, when the occasion arose, in caring Cor wounded comrades, well knowing that by doing so it greatly hampered their own chanceg of safety was graphieallv illustrated. But the British soldier'did not think of himself, when he might be the means of saving the life ■of a brother in distress. The French peasant women, girls and the old men were there to do their bit towards helping the often weary kakhr men on their wav. After fighting against great odds for days at a time, without rest of any kind, having to fall back, .beaten for the time, but not disgraced or discouraged, footsore and wearv and craving for fresh drinking water, the help given by those humble and grateful peasants to those of th i friendly British was one of the most beautiful features of the retreat. The picture features no outstanding hero or heroine, but simply and graphically illustrates how determination and courage of the few can impede the progress of such overwhelming forces as was tire German army in the early davs of the war. “Mom” will be screened again tonight and to-morrow night.

GRAND THEATRE TO-NIGHT. “WE’RE ALL GAMBLERS.” FINAL SCREENING. James Craze is credited with the direction of Thomas Weigh.an s nisw Paramount production “We’re All Gamblers ’ which opened at the Grand Iheatre last evening. All Craze’s unique talents for drama, action and comedy which, were .so well displayed in ‘Blue Covered Wagon ” “The Beggar on Horseback,” “Welcome Home, ’ Old Ironsides,” “The Pony Express, anci any number of other pictures are said to be revealed in this story of a prize fighter who fights his way up from the dxeo-'<> of an Sid© "bo bn© positioif of night dub operator. Marietta Mi-llner is featured ae Tom’s tea-ding woman. Cullen Landis and Philo McCullough head the _ supporting cast. There is a strong bill in support, including a Christie comedy, “Doctor Quack, IrQtwell Imps cartoon, New-s and Gazette. , „ „ The programme will be finally screened this evening. OPERA-HOUSE.

COMMENCING MONDAY NEXT. PRAISE FOR “BEN HUB.’’ “Ben Hur” is the greatest of all pictures, past, present and future. It is so big that no one will ever attempt to outdo it. The most ambitious will say : “There's ‘Ben Hur.’ What’s the usef ’ It will go down in history as the great climax in magnificence of production. That is the praise of a famous man who has ■ seen, and marvelled at, “Ben Hur,” the motion picture that will be shown for the people of Hawera at the Opera House, commencing on Monday next. Ihe speaker was Marshall Neilan, well known as one of the greatest of all screen directors, and praise from him is indeed to be valued when it is in regard to another motion picture. “It’s backgrounds are stupendous, overwhelming, be continues. ‘ ‘The geratest efforts are as nothing beside this. I have sat in the projection.room hour after hour, and scarcely realised I was breathing. The colour scenes are beautiful beyond description. ‘Such a picture as this could well open in a cathedral. Its appeal is universal. It ought to be shown m every cliuprch, every hall, every theatre in the world.” The box plans will open at Mies Blake’s to-morrow morning, and early application for reserves is strongly , advised.