ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 5 August 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

G RAND THEATRFJ—TO-NIGHT.

“THE DRAG NET

Onco more George Bancroft is playing the' virile two-fisted type of role so dear to his heart. In “The Drag Met.”. Paramount’s . sensational crook melodrama, showing at» the Grand Theatre to-niglit, Bancroft plays the part of a man who walks in constant peril and mocks at danger. It was such a, role in “Underworld” wfiicfi transformed the dynamic Bancroft from the “smiling villain” of the screen to one of the foremost diamatic stars in motion pictures. It was another such part- in “The Showdown which again demonstrated Bancroft s great dramatic abilities, in “The Drag Met,” Bancroft was directed by Josef von' Sternberg, the man who directed him in ‘‘Underworld. ’ Evelyn Brent and Fred Ivohler, t«’o_ other outstanding members of the “Underworld” cos t, are playing In the new picture, as is William Powell, one. of filmdomks outstanding villains. An excellent supporting programme will also be shown.

OPERA HOUSE “TALKIES

“THE VAGABOND KING.”

“The. Vagabond King,” which commences its Ma.wera season with a special matinee at the Opera House to-morrow at JJ p.m., is perhaps til© most outstanding production that .lias reached the screen ..since the inception of talking pictures. The colouring of the entire production is such a.s will arouse admiration everywhere. Calling forth the greatest admiration for iiis masterly handling of the very difficult character of Don is XL. O. P. Heggie, a, native of South Australia, plays ono of the most important parts in “The Vagabond King.”. Mr Heggie brings years of dramatic experience, during the course of Yvhich he became prominent as one of the stage’s greatest character stars, and a wealth of conscientious research to his role of Louis XI. Dennis King, who created tlie role in the original stage operetta plays the .same role with the .same dynamic spirit and gusto, in the allcolour .screen version. The two major song hits of the show are ‘'The Song of the Vagabonds” and “Only a Rose.” These are fairly well known by this time everywhere. A chorus of 500 voices supports King when he sings “The Song of the Vagabonds” in the picture. King’s leading lady is Jeanette. MacDonald. Warner Oland plays the treacherous Grand Marshal. Lillian Roth is seen and heard in the singing role of Huguette. The ;box lans l are rapidly filling at Miss Blake’s sweet shop.

‘LOVE LIES”—TO-NIGHT

J. C. WILLIAMSON COMEDY

To-night at 8 o’clock the curtain will rise at the Opera House on the production hero of the very successful London Gaiety Theatre musical comedy triumph “Love Lies,” which will be presented by J. C. Williamson’s new English company of singers, dancers and comedians. The occasion will also signalise the reappearance here of the very popular and very clever comedian Clem Dawe, who, as Jerry Walker, has scored his greatest triumph. In the past we have enjoyed Mr. Dawe in revues and pantomimes and to-night will be his first appearance here in a musical comedy production. London artists who will make their debut to a local audience are Miss Betty Eley, a distinguished young English comedienne. Mr. Bobby Gordon, a brilliant English light comedian and dancer, and Mr. Michael Cole, who scored an outstanding success in the Sydney production of “Love Lies.” Playgoers will welcome the reappearance of the talented actress, Marie Eaton, who is said to he at her best in the character of .lunetta Martineze, an AmericanSpanish .lady. Mr. Dan Agar is also well known to Mow Zealanders and so arc Mr. Paul Plunkett-, Mr. Les White, Mr. Eric Edgley, Miss Mona Earles and Miss Katherine Stewart. Others in the cast are John Wood and Compton Coutts. Catchy music, delightful musical numbers, a. love. ix>manco, wholesome comedy, exquisite, costumes, clover dancing and gorgeous mountings are the ingredients which liavo assisted to make “Love Lies” one of the most successful musical comedies staged during recent years. The specialty dance by Mona Zojipel and John Robertson created much enthusiasm in Sydney and so is the “tap dancing” by a clever ballet of Australian girls. The dresses and scenery are other features of “Love Lies.” The full operatic orchestra and chorus is under the direction of the. clever musician Gregory Ivanoff. The box plan is at the Opera House confection Shop.

ELTHAM THEATRE,

“TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN.”

“The Trial of Mary Dugan,” Bayard Vcillcr’s all-talking picturisation of the stage success of the same name, will screen at the Eltham Theatre tonight. The cast is headed by Norma Shearer in the title role of “Mary Dugan”; Lewis Stone has the part of Edward West, tlie defence attorney; 11. B. Warner that of the prosecuting attorney. Suspense, thrills and humorous interludes are cleverly mixed together in the development of this film. Even those who have seen the play are likely to -get a stronger reaction than they experienced when the piece was presented on the stage. The plot is the same in every detail, but is particularly tvell adapted to the speaking screen, and to all who like melodrama coupled with spelndid acting. “The Trial of Mary Dugan” is enthusiastically recommended. No better talking picture has yet been produced. Miss Shearer’s voice is one of the best yet encountered among screen players in its recording quality, and her admirers should not miss this picture.

PRINCESS OF POPPYLAND

AT MANAIA TO-NIGHT

A final reminder is given of the Knponga Amateur Tlneatrical Society's production, “Princess of Poppyland, which is to he presented in the Town Hall, Manaia, at 8 o’clock to-night. The operetta is in three acts and is bright and musical. The society is donating part of the proceeds < to the Manaia branch of the Division of the Farmers’ Union. In view of the fact that the Women’s Division is fust now assisting a very deserving case in the district a bumper house is anticipated.