ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 1 August 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA BOUSE.

SORB-ELL AND SON,

The initial screening of the picture “Sorrell and Son ’ ’ was shown at the Opera House last evening to a large audience. The story opens With Captain Stephen Sorrell being decorated with the -Military Gross for conspicuous bravery. The setting swiftly changes from war to peacelul .London with soldiers returning to their respective homes. Sorrell decides to spring a surprise upon his wife and ib’oy, [but instead of receiving a greeting one would naturally expect, he sees his wife preparing to leave the home forever. This action fondly brings father and son fondly together and they decide .on “no secrets. ’’ Sorrell tells “Kit,” his son, of the poor financial position he is in and. that work must be found at all costs. The post war unemployment problem forces him to accept a position as porter, which work js willingly done tor his boy's sake. Kit is sent to Oxford to a young gentlemen’s school, but the principal when hearing of his father’s occupation dismissed him from the school. Sorrell has his son home with him and Kit forms a childish devotion for the proprietor’s daughter and it was while playing together the girl sustained an injury which necessitated the advice of a clever surgeon. Kit becomes a surgeon and is summoned to perform a delicate piece of brain surgery. The operation was successful ana the young surgeon was acclaimed as one of the great doctors of the day. Sorrell at this stage becomes very ill, this being the outcome of a war damaged boay and extra hard work. For a time, however, he seemed to rally and he was able*to see his son happily married. [Later, however, it befel the son- to end his father ’s suffering and this was done by injecting an overdose of morphia. Before parsing into the long sleep Sorrell said liis work was done and he was rather proud of it too. The picture which faithfully depicts the intense love between father and son, win be shown again this evening.

GRAND* THEATRE:, TO-NIGHT

“TWO' FSLAtMING YOUTHS.”

W. CL’ Fields and Chester Conklin, two born comedians, are delightfully amusing from start to finish in their latest Paramount picture ‘‘Two Flaming Youths, ’’ which commences a two-night season at the Grand Theatre .to-night. Fields, who seems to fit in with the circus appurtenances as to. the manner born, is seen as the nonchalant proprietor of a hard-up travelling circus, complete with its retinue of human “freaks.” Its misfortunes at the hands of an inconsiderate public and the absurd optimism of its top-hatted, frockcoated owner, suggest hundreds of variations for comedy, while Fields himself, always genial, always complacent, finds several opportunities to display his skill at juggling, a profession he abandoned to begin his Career on the cinema screen. Chester Conklin, moustached and 1 ibespeictacled, cuts a heartily ridiculous figure as the sheriff on the track of a notorious circus swindler. There is a special supporting programme which includes a Topical News Reel, Christie Comedy, Bray Cartoon and Scenic. The prices will remain as usual.

“LEAGUE OF NOTIONS.” FULLERS’ MODERN REVUE COMPANY. On Tuesday next, at the Opera House, John Fuller and Sons, Ltd., will present Mike, Connor’s and Queenie Paul’s “League of Nations” Company in modern revue. This new organisation to New Zealand, during its brilliant run .of 10 weeks at His Majesty’s Theatre, Wellington, has been declared “the ultimate in revue production.” Prior to opening at Fuller’s magnificent new St. James’ Theatre in Auckland, a short tour was arranged for the provincial towns, as the firm ur6 very desirous that all should see what is - said to be the finest revue company ever brought to the Dominion. According to ; Wellington Press reports, the - ‘ ‘League of Notions” is not only the finest but biggest and best equipped; organisation on the Fuller circuit, each presentation being most lavishly staged. One of the quickest rise® to popular favour has been scored by this company _in Australia and Wellington, and it is safe to say that wherever the company appears suouess will follow. “The League of Notions” has one of the greatest laughter-provokers in Syd Beck, whose success in Wellington was phenomenal; but in addition has a, cast of performers who individually are star artists. Another 1 great attraction, which universally appeals, is the Jazz Band headed by Smith, which is now recoemised as one of the finest jazz combinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Considerable interest attaches to the comedian of the company, for apart from the Wellington season it will be his first introduction to New Zealand audiences. Exceptional dancer® are also included in the “League of Notionis” Compay—both specialty dancers and baljet.