ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 5 March 1931, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CYRIL M A TIT® IN “iGBUMPY.” 'SUPERB ENGLISH ACTING'. DELIGHTFUL STORY WELL PRODUCED.

All thoso who had the pleasure of seeing the eminent English character actor, Cyril Maude in “Grumpy' ’ during the war years will want to see the talkie version now showing at the Opera House,' Haw era \ those who aid not see Maude in the flesh should not miss seeing the film, for it presents one of the outstanding personalities of the English stage -in' liis greatest part with perfect faithfulness. The audience which witnessed the initial screening last evening was delighted with the performance, for ‘‘Grumpy” is not merely one of those pin vs which one “ought to see” because it was once popular; it is a firstclass play, guaranteed to amuse and thrill and charm anybody of whatever age and irrespective of their reverence, or Jack of it, for the best traditions of the stage. “Grumpy” is a delightful old man, with all the lovable and irritating qualities of liis type. Irascible, autocratic, kindly and with a keen old brain working beneath an aged exterior, he holds the stage practically throughout the whole of the piece, yet is never too prominent. The witnessing of the screen version, with the advantage it gives of seeing and hearing every detail, no matter in what part of the house one may be seated, brings home forcefully to those who saw the original the remarkable qualities of Maude’s acting. Every little gesture seems so fresh and natural—and yet it has not altered one iota during all the years that have passed since lie first perfected the part. Grumpy groans and wdieezes as he rises from a chair just as he groaned and wheezed years ago; he puts his hat on at the identical angle which convulsed audiences in 1917, but there is never a hint of staleness in any- part of the performance. The play is much better presented than it could possibly be in any stage production. The opening scene occurs in a river, of all places/ The supporting caste is excellent. The only woman in the piece, Grumpy's granddaughter, is an attractive young lady who speaks her lines well; Jarvis, the guest who rests under suspicion of the diamond robbery is faultlessly interpreted and the hero role is played by a y r oung man who fills the part most satisfactorily. All the servant characters are remarkably well done. 'The voices in every instance are English—and that means quite a lot. ‘i‘Grumpy” will be screened again to-night and tO--morrow night. It should not bp missed for two reasons; first, that it gives Antipodeans probably their last opportunity of seeing one of England’s most famous character actors in his most famous role; secondly, because it provides a fine entertainment.

This week’s supporting programme is one of the best seen for a long time. A Micky House and a. Talkartone, cartoon comedic-s, are each worth going out of an evening to see and to laugh at.

GR AND THEATRE ‘‘ T ALKIES'. ’’ UNUSUAL PLOT FEATURES. STORY OF GANG WARFARE. Heralded as one of the most powerful dramas since the advent of talking pictures, ‘'Framed, ” Radio Pictures’ stirring production, will be seen for the first time at the Grand Theatre, Hawera, to-morrow night and finally on Saturday. -Based on a most intriguing story, played by an unusually competent cast, and produced j in notable manner, ‘‘Framed” is expected to prove an outstanding hit during its run at the local theatre. The drama has been exceptionally well received wherever shown. '‘‘Framed” is a gripping story of gang warfare in a large metropolitan centre. It is said the drama is entirely different to any previous picture of its type. Adapted from Paul -Schofield’s thrilling story, the -film has a number of novel plot twists.