ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 10 May 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

A REMARKABLE PICTURE. SUCCESS OF “BEN HUE.” “Ben Hur” has been acclaimed an instant success in Hawera by crowded, houses during the past -three- days, ana justly so, for perhaps) never before has so impressive a picture been screened in the Opera House. From the outset one’s interest i© gripped and held throughout the several reels depicting Rome at the zenith of her power and the coming of Christ to rule by truth and love rather than by«the sword. The picture is remarkable in that incident follows on the heels of incident in such quick succession. One would not wish for a more thrilling contest than the amazing chariot race, in which the chariots are whirled round the arena at terrific speed. 'The duel between the haughty Roman, Mess-ala, and the gallant Ben Hur, ending in a victory for the latter after an awe-in-spiring contest, is a (succession of thrills. The -sea fight between the stately Roman vessels and the pirate ships is another never-to-be-forgotten episode which does not fail to bring home a full realisation of the significance of -being condemned to the galleys for life. Rows of toiling, emaciaxed slaves, heckled one to- the other, working feverishly at the oars>, goaded on by the inhuman drivers with their cruel whips, give a touch of emphatic _ realism. The picture has its brighter side, and particularly inspiring are the opening scenes, the Nativity, the Last Supper, and the Crucifixion. Ben Hur, as portrayed bv Ramon Novarro, is followed with keen interest by the audience, and be does complete justice to the wonderful part entrusted to him. The- prologue and the special score played by the augmented orchestra, accompanied by Mr Aekroyd’s fine singing of the “Star of Bethlehem,” provide a fitting introduction to a magnificent picture. To meet the wishes of the South Taranaki public, the “Ben Hur” season has been extended until to-morrow (Fxida.y).

GRAND THEATRE. TO-NIGHT-FINAL SCREENING “STARK LOVE” Paramount’-s new novelty drama, “Stark Love,” which opened at the Grand Theatre last ©waning, represents just as big a step from the beaten path as did many others. It is the story of a group of Americans who are still living the life they led away back in Queen Elizabeth’s day. And it ha,s thrill piled upon, thrill, no- scene- being more exciting than th© final sequence in which father and son fight for the same girl. Helen Mundiay, -a girl of tlie bills herself, in the role of Barbara Allen, gives a powerful performance as the elemental spirited woman of the wilderness, and Forre-st James plays the leading male role. There is an excellent programme in support. The programme will be finally (Screened this evening.