ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 December 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

FINALLY TO-NIGHT.

“BEAU SABREUR.”

That the passage of oyer a year has not dimmed the public memory of “Beau Ge-ste” was shown by the size of the audience at the Opera House again, last evening, when its companion picture, “Beau Sabreur,” was shown for the second time. “Beau Geste” was something in the nature of an inspired film, a play wonderfully acted and a story wonderfully told. In “Beau Sabreur” as a book, Major P. C. Wren did not reach the heights he attained in “Beau Geste,” but “Beau Sabreur” as a film succeeds in spite of the fame won by its distinguished forerunner. The story is strong and there is a wealth of action. Once again the locale is the Sahara, with its rebellious natives and an even greater peril in scheming Europeans. There a young French officer is given a hazardous task in order that he might regain his honour. The work of Gary Cooper, in the leading role, shows him as one of the most promising young actors on the screen to-day. Opposite him is Miss Evelyn Brent, who doe® most creditable work in a role that is anything but easy. Two actors from the cast of “Beau Geste,” who appear in the companion picture, are Noah Beery and William Powell. “Beau Sabreur”' will be finally screened this evening.

GRAND' THEATRE—TO-NIGHT.

SIR; HARRY LAUDER. IN ‘ ‘HUNTINGTOWER, ”

On the .stag© Sir Harry Lauder lias been seen by many. His voice has been heard by many mores on the gramophone. But it is certain that few have seen him on the screen, and the opportunity will be welcomed not only by those of Scottish ancestry, but also by all those to whom his extraordinary persona lity has at any time .mad© an appeal. “Huntingtower,” the first picture of note that Harry Lauder has made, will be finally shown at the Grand Theatre this evening. It is a. story of adventure in Scotland, written by John Buchan, selected for Sir Harry and a brilliant cast assembled under the. direction of George Pearson. It- is said Sir Harry will soon be as great before the camera as he was on the stage in song. Dickson McGunn, a Glasgow grocer, sets out for a walking tour to escape the persecutions of his wife. Footsore and weary, Dickson arrives at Huntingtower, only to find the inn confiscated by Bolsheviks in pursuit of a Russian princess. Dickson is told to. move on, and is surprised to meet his nephew, who is* employed to keep watch over the Princess Saskia. The princess is made prisoner in a castle, and. aided by his nephew, the Glasgow grocer secures her release and freedom. It is a modern story which is said to give Sir Harry opportunities for an inimitable characterisation. Other films of interest on the programme are Overseas .and Topical News, Christie comedy, and Inlcwell cartoon.