ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 18 September 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

JOURNEY'S END.”

an ENGLISH TALKIE CLASSIC,

FIRST SCREENING AT OPERA HOUSE.

In .spite of the stormy weather there was a large audience at the Opera House last night to witness the lirst local screening of the sound-film version of ‘•Journey’s End,” the English war-time play which has enjoyed a world-wide popularity in book form and on the stage, and is now breaking all records for an English production on the talkie screen. The film follows closely the stage versions as seen here and the characters are for the most part wonderfully like, in appearance as well as in interpretation, those seen before the footlights. As might he expected, the setting of the play covers a wider range on the film; on the stage the whole of the action took place m the officers’ dug-out. On the screen ofintpses are given of the trenches and No Man’s Land. The roles of Stanhope, Trotter, Osborne and Hibberd, might have been played, by the same actors as were seen here in the flesh, so alike were they in appearance and manner, but probably most people will agree that the young Englishman who played Raleigh here (and who had previously been seen in New Zealand in the title role of ‘‘Young Woodley”) was superior in his work to the It a leigh of tlic screen. Tlio btitiiuiiij vus done better on the stage also ; in the screen version Mason was excellent as regard maimer and make-up, but his intonation was often as cultured as that of the officers. However, those are only small points of comparison which come to the mind simply because we have had the stage play here within recent memory. The play loses nothin<r of its appeal on the screen and is once again a great study in courage without any “trimmings,” and the heroic quality of men who daily stood up to the task of doing a job for which they had no liking. It is a mattei roi congratulation that New Zealand patrons have been enabled to see an English-made talkie version of this great plav. It is produced with all the restraint ” that characterised it on the stage; those who see it are thus saved the disappointment which sometimes follows upon the adaptation to the screen of a piece winch iias won far oui in book form or on the stage. . Everybody who saw “Journey’s End ’ on the stage, and who felt that they would like to'see the play again should not miss this film, which makes the play re-live. Anybody who did 'not see the play should not miss this opportunity of seeing one of the most widely talked-of dramas of modern times.

ELTHAM THEATRE.

“THE BIG PARTY.”

For a snappy story with plenty of fun, melody, glittering backgrounds and action,’ ‘‘The Big Party,” which screens at the Eltham Theatre tonight, is just what patrons want. In its swift and amusing progress the film takes us from cheap nickel-and-dime stores to an ultra-ultra- modiste s establishment, from dingy tenements to the most luxurious apartments, from 50 cent table d’hote cafes to glittering night clubs, while the romance of the slangy but lovable shopgirl and her window-trimming boy friend is carried out to everyone’s complete, satisfaction. During; the action in the spectacular modiste’s shop sequence, a series of professional models are seen displaying the latest modes in afternoon gowns and evening gowns and this will prove of great interest to the ladies. Five catchy song numbers, written by three of the best-known composing teams, make a feature worth while, especially “Day Dreams” and “I am Climbing up a Rainbow,” sung by Whispering Jack Smith.

“SALLY” AT MANAIA

The tuneful and graceful facets that “Sally” flashed at her audience from the stage have been brought unimpaired to the screen by First National in its adaptation of that diverting musical comedy as a talking picture, and it is in this form it is now being presented at Manaia, commencing tonight. Other musical comedies have been produced as talking pictures, hut “Sally” overshadows them all. It is the bright jewel of screen excellence, with the virtues that marked its stage presentation multiplied inconceivably bv the lavish settings and the wider scope that the screen affords. Those who go to “Sally” in search of a plot that will not strain the credibility will be disappointed, but those who go for an evening of sparkling comedy and delightful singing and dancing . will find the maximum of enjoyment. Marilyn Miller’s performance as “Sally” will be remembered for a very long time. She dances joyously, sings Tier numbers well, and really acts —a rare accompliment among leading ladies in musical comedy. Alexander Gray gives gives Miss Miller able support with his polished manner and pleasing voice. Joe E. Brown and Ford Sterling are a consistently entertaining comedv team and T. Roy Barnes and Jack Duffy are also excellent in their respective roles. Tljrue is a good supporting programme. A free bus will leave the Criterion Garage, Haw.era, at 7.15 o’clock to-morrow night if sufficient inducement offers.