TALKIE ATTRACTIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 12 April 1934, Page 2

TALKIE ATTRACTIONS

OPERA HOUSE. “SOLITAIRE MAN.” Screen followers of Herbert Marshall are in jot - their greatest treat when they witness his performance in “The Solitaire 'Man,” sensational drama of life among Continental crooks, written by Bella and Samuel Spewack. The film screens at the Opera House, Hawera, to-iught and the Grand Theatre finally to-morrow. Marshall even surpasses; his brilliant portrayal of “Trouble in Paradise’’ in the new picture in which he plays a war veteran driven to super-thievery by financial reverses. The restraint and suave chanii that have established him as one 'of the screen’s most popular leading, men are distinguishing qualities' of his new role. In addition to' Marshall’® performance, a notable supporting east contributes much to the picture. Elizabeth Allan, in the feminine lead, is given the greatest dramatic role of her screen career so far. Lionel Atwill gives another one of his effective “scalp tickling” performances as menace tc the entire cast. Aristocratic dignity blended with a high sense of comedy is contributed by May Robson in her role as an English dowager who helps to dispose of stolen jewels. Hilarious comedy is provided by Mary Boland, as much needed “relief’ during dramatic scenes. Ralph Forbes is outstanding as a shell-shocked war veteran who gives his life to protect a friend. Lucille Gleason _ ana Robert MoWade are entertaining in their comedy scenes during lighter moments in the picture. An excellent supporting programme will aflyso 'be presented. Seats may be reserved at Miss Blake’s. i • •'ARCTIC AND ANT’AR-CnC.” SIR. H. WJLKINS TO APPEAR. The story of one of the most amazing feats in the history of Polar exploration—a trip under the ice in the Arctic in a submarine—will be person, ally told by. the noted Australian explorer, Sir Hubert Wilkins, at the Opera House, Hawera, on Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. The film itself, “Arctic and Antarctic.” might well be classed as an epic of Polar exploration, but it Is (enhanced considerably by the running rapid-fire monologue in which the intrepid explorer himself explains the various scenes in which he is the chief figure. Sir Hubert Wilkins, was “pushed” into Polar exploration, as he puts it himself. He never wanted to he an explorer. He did not want to find things out. And to find out about the atmosphere, observations were necessary in the Polar wastes. Hence a .series of enterprises which have thrilled the world. He first adopt., ed the aeroplane. His first machines were heavy ones, and later became more famous aisi Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s Southern Cross. The majesty and grandeur of great mountain ranges and, vast icy wastes, with danger lurking never very far in the background are well photographed. Sir Hubert : then turns his attention to the Antarctic. covering great areas which had never.been seen before and have not yet been seen .since. Then comes -tbs most amazing feat of all. He became almost a Jules Verne of real life. His submarine, the Nautilus, ho secured

from the United States Kavy. The explorer tells of the efforts made to dissuade him fjjom his enterprise. The Nautilus sailed under the ice. Photographs taken: through thesubmarine’s windows reveal scenery the majesty of which, the explorer says, he had never seen <surpassed. _ The picture gives many interesting glimpses of life in the Arctic, and of the Esquimeaux; of their wonder wnen the first aeroplane appeared; of the trials and successes which come the way of the explorer.