ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 25 June 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE “TALKIES. ’’ “HARMONY AT HOME.” ] No ojie could fail to bo amused by n the all-talking comedy-drama, “Har- c mony at Home,” which commenced s screening at the Opera House .talkies” last evening. In the first place, 5 the picture is simplicity itself. It f deals with a middle-class American t family which has its counterpart in f every' part of the world. the situa- , tions which develop, hilariously tunny ( at times and pathetic at others, aie , seen in most homes. there is the ] father—good-natured, but not easily imposed upon, who worships comfort and easy living and hates pretence and subterfuge. There is the mothei fussy and anxious for the welfare oi the children, and who more often than not creates an awkward situation y , her anxiety to please then there are ; the children themselves, the “ i orown-up daughter with secret feelings . Sf resentment at the way her hie » . ordered by her mother, and the ten younger ones, a, boy and a gnl, uh° also rebel against stern parental control. The mother’s well-meant ettoits to arrange a suitable match for the elder girl very nearly wreck the latter’s happiness, but the head of the house comes to the rescue m tune to bring the young people together again. The acting of the principals i;s splendid and the audience is completely in sympathy with the trials and tribuations and minor joys and sorrows of thi very human family. William Colhei, senior Marguerite Churchill, Dixie Lee, Rex Bell and Elizabeth Patterson are some of those who make Haironv at Home” live before the eyes of the' theatregoers. The sound supports include Fox Movietone news reel, an all talking comedy and a smgmg act The programme will be finally shown to-night. . , , Dramatic intensity raised to its highest pitch is the keynote of Hie Trial of Mary Dugan,” which will commence a short season at the Opera House to-morrow with a matinee at - p.m. OPERA HOUSE “TALKIES.”. A MIDNIGHT MATINEE. Something new in the history of screen entertainment in Taranaki will be a midnight matinee at the Opera House “Talkies,” which will commence at 10.15 p.m. on Friday next (show night). The attraction which has been chosen by the management for this screening is the lox Movietone all-talking outdoor drama, The Romance of the Rio Grande.” With the exception of scenes taken in the Spanish liaciendai, the entire locale lor “Romance of the Rio Grande is Jam in the wild regions of the historical south-west, below the Rio Grande Ihe story concerns' two cousins, one a hallAmerican and his Mexican cousin. r Jliry are jealous about a vast estate l , the‘property of their grandfather, and particularly over Mary Duncan. This intriguing; bcanty, in tlic l’ole of (Airlo'tta, is too much for any man to resist. Warner Baxter as the half-caste cousin, wins the affection ol a. number of charmers. Antonia Moreno, playing his first “heavy”, role as Juan is passionately fond of Carlottn and proves rf. brilliant foil for Baxter. The story,, it is stated, moves at a brisk pace without a pause from first to last scene. Baxter, as Pablo, is wounded by the attacking bandits. He slumps over his horse, which dashes away, insuring his safety from capture. In his saddle bags is the very money which the bandits are after. Chance leads tlie horse to be overtaken by Manuelita a sparkling interpretation in the hands of Mona Maris. She aids him in reaching his grandfather’s , estate. This aged gentleman, Don, Fernando', played by none other than that eminent trouper Robert Edeson, realises that the wounded man is the son of his daughter whom once he drove from his home because she loved a,n American. Immediately the other grandson grows jealous. He feels that liis claim to tlie vast estate is uncertain. Also, C'arlotta casts sweet glances and soft sighs in the newcomer’s direction. The cousins soon quairrol. O'n one occasion they- iliave a- terrible battle. Tbo newcomer wins and wounds his opponent. This leads to even more bitter feeling between them. And when Jauri discovers that Carlotta. is unfaithful to him, lie kills her. Then comes a terrific struggle between the cousins. Manuelitai warns the newcomer. But to be appreciated 1 the final scenes must bo witnessed. A heavy rush is antici-. I pated and early booking is advisable.. GRAND THEATRE!—TO-NIGHT. “BRIBE! DANIELS.” For bigger and better kicks —Bebe Daniels. Now she’s kicking in the l chorus. A new drama of backstage ‘love. She’s the .lively, vivacious Bebe who “scooped tlie wodd with “Hot News.” Neil Hamilton, who “scooped” with her in that exciting story, is witli her again. When you see the Paramount Picture, “Take Me at the Grand Theatre to-night, you 11 take home something to keep you chuckling for days. An excellent pro- ’ gramme will he shown in support, including “The Collegians,” .topical and oversea news, comedy and! variety..