ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 November 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. “LA BOHEME” NOW SHOWING. Sometimes a filmed version of a famous classic, is a failure; sometimes a revelation. The latter term is the only one that can adequately describe “La Boheme, ’ ’ Lilian Gish’s newest vehicle, which opened to a crowded house last evening. In this, as “Mimi,” the heroine of the Latin quarter, Miss Gish shows the world a new .-Lilian Gish. But this is not the revelation; that lies in the story itself. The world is fond of “La Boheme” as the story is told in the opera; of its tender love story and its plaintive charm; but the tremendous drama of it—the real drama, envisioned by the author of the famous old novel on which the opera was based, never shewed even in the significant Puccini music. “La Boheme” in its film version is a poignant drama of human souls; it is a story of love and jealousy, of faith and hope, of woe and despair, of humour and pathos. One i s carried away by the hitherto unsuspected immensity of the theme. But never for an instant does it lose that vital factor of a great film play—entertainment. It enthralls and .charms —but entertains always. Lillian Gish has given the world’man3 r notable roles, but as “Mimi” she caps the climax of her career. Probably no one else in the entire world fits the role as she does; she is a veritable reincarnation of the author’s brainchild. John Gilbert, as the romantic poet, Rodolphe, with his ardent love, Jiis fits of jealousy, despair and cestacy, has a role lie handles with a skill that is veritably genius. As a vivacious Musette, Renee Adoree is genuinely (French, charming and convincing, and Edward Everett Horton, as the humorous Colline, is a wonderful foil. The big production will be screened at the Opera House again tonight and finally to-morrow (Friday). The box plan is at Miss Blake’s. GRAND THEATRE. FINALLY TO-NIGHT. DOROTHY GISH IN “TIP-TOES.” Great play, three big stars, British, and a story that holds the interest from start to finish —that’s “TipToes.” Dortohy Gish’s latest picture, which opened at the Grand Theatre last evening. “Tip-Toes,” hailed by the critics everywhere as a worthy successor to Miss Gish’s “Nell Gwyn” and “London,” is the story of an American vaudeville dancer stranded with her two partners in England. How she finally solves the difficulty to the satisfaction of all concerned makes a storv thrilling as it is highly amusing. ’Will Rogers and Nelson Keys are featured. “Tip-Toes” was directed' by Herbert Wilcox from the Broadwav stage hit of the same name. There is an excellent supporting programme. and an orchestra is in attendance.