ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 14 February 1930, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROMANCE, DRAMA AND THRILLS

To produce something different must surely ibe the everlasting problem put to motion picture directors, but the director of ‘‘Salute,” a Fox Movietone all-talking picture, - which was screened at tlie Opera House last evening, proved successful in providing the audience with a picture which unfolded itself in a different and very entertaining manner. The story opens with scenes in the naval academy, and shows the raw recruit being put through the various grades of an officer’s life. _ Two months were spent filming action on the original locations at Annapolis and West Pointy and the liuge trailing grounds with the boys in training were well photographed and the sound effects were very realistic. The picture depicts Paul, the young trainee, with his troubles as he endeavours to become a star in the field of football. Being light and without tlie knowledge of how to tackle a man, Paul had a rough time. Perseverence, however, won him an emergency’s place in the game of the year when tlie army met the navy at the polo grounds in New York City. Paul learns that liis brother John, the army football hero, has stolen bis girl from him. Paul, the dreamer, wakes up and awaits the moment when lie may he called into the game to get even with liis brother. The football match proved highly exciting, especially so with the sound effects, but the game went hard for the navy, and at half-time the score was well in favour of the army.' The coach was urging his men to watch big Randall. Tlie second spell opened with a mightly rush, a player was hurt, and young Paul came on the field. He, too, was told to “watch out for your brother.” With the enmity he held for him, Paul was only too willing to. await his chance. It came, and a better tackle was never made. Paul was away with the ball, and scored just in time to make the game a draw. Explanations followed and the picture ended as a picture should. The supporting programme includes “News,” “Four Married Men” and “Voices of Italy.” The programme will be i%hown agjjin this evening.

MATINEE TO-MORROW

“INNOCENTS OF PARIS.”

To those who have not seen him it is hard to express the power of the dynamic personality of Maurice Chevalier, the French stage star who is now appearing in Paramount pictures. With his first picture he has been an instant success in both America and England, rivalling only his popularity on the French stage, which earned for him the name of tlie Idol of Paris. Chevalier is one of those persons with whom everyone feels at home, and his charm is most effective. The first picture, coming to the Opera House, commencing with a matinee to-morrow, is “Innocents of Paris,” a tale, as the title indicates, of Paris. Chevalier, you say it “Che-val-yeay,” is a second-hand dealer who falls in love with a beautiful girl Louise. Her father does not think him good enough, and tries to break tlie romance. But Chevalier becomes a famous stage star, and wins out in love as well. This picture was directed for Paramount by Richard Wallace, who has several successes to bis credit. Others in support of Mr Chevalier are Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett. Margaret Livingston and John Miljan. “Innocents of Paris” will be screened twice to-mor-row and again on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The booking is heavy, and intending patrons are advised to reserve their seats at Miss Blake’s.

GRAND THEATRE—TO-NIGHT. “THE RACKET.” The barking of machine guns; the intermittent reports of automatics; the excited howls of a mob gone wild, are some of the thrilling highlights of Thomas Meighan’s latest starring picture entitled, “Tlie Racket,” a story of a feud between a police captain and the leader .of a gang of rum runners which will be screened at the Grand Theatre to-night only. Xs Captain McOnigg, Thomas Meighan gives one of his greatest characterisations in “Tlie Racket.” a* melodrama of the underworld, adapted from the famous stage play by Bartlett Cormack. a newspaperman. Hard-boiled and fearless of all elements. Meighan fights the gang leader Nick S n arsi. which part is portrayed by Louis Wolheim, one of the most able character actors in motion pictures to-day. Marie Prevost as Helen, the night club entertainer. who is the principal figure of a romance with John Darrow, a reporter. also gives an outstanding performance.