ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 July 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NI^HT.

“THE PATENT LEATHER EID”

Owing to an error in despatch the First National feature “The Patent Leather Kid” could not be screened last night, but it will provide the principal attraction on to-night’s programme. ... It. has talien Richard Barthelmess manv seasons to get a good break on the ’ screen. Not since “Tol’able David” has he had anything to measure up to his histrionic stature. But with the appearance of “The Patent Leather Kid,” which opens -at the Opera House to-nigh't, the star is back in the select circle. It is a stirring story. 'The Rupert Hughes story of an East-Side prize fighter with a patent leather complex —and whose idea of patriotism is to wave a towel instead of fJ , flag —furnishes Barthelmess with a rich character sketch. I-le’s a demon in tho ring, but his conceit proves his undoing eventually. An Irish girl, ashamed >of his lack of real fighting courage, goads him into becoming reckless. The story is long and is packed with humour, action and thrills. The fight sequences are rich in atmosphere and colour —and none of the players step out. of character. The war scenes merelv serve as a background for the central figure. They reveal picturesque shots ' (especially the advance of the tanks), but the real punch of the picture is contained in tho making over of 'the hero. The love interest kindles humour and pathos. Altogether, it is an excellent film —one which tells its story with a spray of human episodes. Included in the cast are Richard .Barthelmess, Molly O’Day, Lawford Davidson, Mathew Betz, Arthur Stone, Raymond Turner, Walter James and Lucien Prival. An added attraction on the same programme will be chapter 4 of “The Collegians,” “The Fighting Finish.” The box plan for the season is rapidly filling at Miss Blake’s sweet shop. i

GRAND THEATRE

FINAL SCREENING TO-NIGHT

“JESSE JAMES.”

The true story of Jesse James, history’s most colourful yet misunderstood character; produced as < a thrilling drama by Paramount Pictures, opened at the Opera House last evening. Fred Thomson, the famous Western star, has the title role in “Jesse James,” and is supported by his famous white steed, Silver King, in many thrilling feats. “Jesse James” is not the usual type of Western picture. It is more an outdoor drama with an historical background than an out-and-out Western. Thomson land his director are said to have endeavoured to show Jesse Jnines, not as a bandit, hut as a modern Robin Hood. Jesse James, jnnr., acted as technical adviser while the production was in progress. Montagu Love, Nora Latie and Mary Carr head Mr. Thomson's supporting cast. An additional attraction is “Mad Scrambles,” comedy, inkwell imps, an educational and topical news reels*. This fine programme- will he finally screened this evening at the Grand Theatre.