ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 31 August 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA- HORSE PICTURES: NOW SHOWING “SECOND TO JNOiSE.’i “Second to None,” tlie British, naval film now showing to crowded audiences at the Opera House, introduces us to every jjhsise of the sailor’s life. At first we see the young man joining up in the naval training school, taken at tlie establishment in Shotley. Then follows scenes in the barracks at Portsmouth, the dockyard, and finally scenes aboard some of the British cruisers and destroyers. One can hardly say, therefore, that the atmosphere of this thrilling, rousing tale of the men who go down to the sea in ships, is not authentic. There is an excellent supporting programme. The final screening will take place this evening. GRAND THEATRE—TO-NIGHT. “West point” and “the VANISHING RIDER. T Wiiliam Ma-ines is the screen’s sporting star par excellence. His splendid- physique, good looks, babyant personality, arid, above all, Ins talent for rorriantic comedy, make him an ideai player for this type of role. Haities’ latent picture, “West Point,” has been specially Written for him, arid will oominand great interest at the Grand Theatre to-night. A college romance, enacted with the famous West Pbint Academy as its actual background, it is the type of modern sporting romance that audiences revel in. The story throws into bold Telief the incorrigible optimisrii and desire tor life of the average youth who enters college. Thus. Haines as “Brice Wayne” makes, friends and enemies—friends who flatter him and, consequently, enemies he unconsciously adds to. He becomes 1 too “fresh.’ Even the: girl he meets resents his bravado, arid the course of their first Ipte ceases to run smoothly, and real arairia..entefs their lives,. .. . Excitement is promised .in “The Vanishing Rider,” starring William Desmond, which will be shown in support t-6 Point.” Tins will be a treat of treats for fans who love takes of adventure arid spin-thrillirig mystery laid in the great open spaces. This programme •‘will ,be repeated again to-morrow (Saturday) evening. OPERA HOUSE. MATINEE TO-MORROW (SATURDAY). ROM MIX AND WILLIAM DESMOND. The programme to be screened at the matinee to-morrow (Saturday) will be “The Daredevils’ Reward,” starring Tom Mix and chapter one of the 1 Universal chapter play “The Vanishing Rider,” iri: which William Desiriond is -starred. This is an excellent programme for the children, and. they are advised to. come, early and avoid 1 the crush. The matinee will commerioe. sharp at 2 p.m. ! GRAND OPERA SEASON. at The oPEiiA house next TUESDAY.

The reasons for the phenomenal success which has attended; the Australian and New Zealand seasons ot the Fuller-jGfonsaiez Grand Opera Company at© riot far to 1 seek, says prefes reports. Iri the first place, the company is" one of outstanding excellence. The principals have all been selected from the leading opera houses in Italy, and chorus and orchestra have been chosen with the same meticulous care by Signor Ernesto Gonsalez, the eminent Italian maestro, who is the ■ musical director of the company. Everywhere the various operas which have been presented have aroused an enthusiasm. which lias seldom, if ever, been equalled. Hundreds have had to be turned away nightly from each performance, and a tumultuous reception was accorded the artists by those who had beeir Wise enough to book their seats Well beforehand. Apart from the excellence of the company, another reason for its great success is that popular orices are charged for admission. Sir Benjamin Fuller, who is responsible for the present tour, has long been of the opinion that the public, will respond, generously to really first-class productions, provided the charges for, admission are kept down to a reasonable level. It was a big financial rislt to offer a'» comprehensive season of grand opera, by world-famed artists at popular- dr ices. but the success which, has attended the tour provides* ..beyond doubt that th©- public appreciates grand opera and will support it m nothing else, At . Hawera Opera. Douse cffi Tuesday “Rigoletto.” one of the World’s most popular opera's, will be staged.