TALKIE ATTRACTIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 17 January 1935, Page 2

TALKIE ATTRACTIONS

“CUCKOO IN THE NEST”

OPENING ON SATURDAY “The Cuckoo in the Nest,” winch opens its Hawcra season at the Opera House on Saturday is, without a doubt the funniest book from tne pen of Ben Travers. The story at once suggests Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls, and with the leading roles in their bauds the success of the film is assured. The pair have been assigned the pa ds allotted to them in the original stage production at the Aldwych Theatre, London.

The story is more than a farce; it is a riot,, and the men who gave theatregoers “Plunder,” and “Rookery Nook” are responsible for the situations. The difficulty about the presentation v ill be the audience who will lauga r.o much that much of the sayings will be lost. In this connection the management make an appeal ‘.or as much restraint as possible so that the dialogue may’ be heard. To describe the story would spoil the picture for those who do not know the book, and ruin a pleasurable sense of < nticipaaon for those who do know it. The film is one on which the management indelibly stamp the hall mark of excellence, and it carries a personal guarantee. R:uph Lynn in the role of an “Algernon,” which suits him admirably, and Tom Walls as the old toper ;.ro/ide entertainment which will last for ninety minutes and will be remembe.’ed for as many months. In order to give everyone an opportunity to witneSs the production, tie film will be screened for three nights with a matinee each day.

OPERA HOUSE

“THE GREAT DEFENDER”

POWERFUL, UNUSUAL TF.NTER-

TAINMENT

Outstanding and really “different” screen eiYtertajtnnent is offered m “The Great Defender,” the sensational drama of unrequited love—and the law courts, which screens at tho Opera House to-night and to-morrow. Cleverly woven around a great counsel, Sir Douglas Rolls, K.C., a role brilliantly portrayed by that splendid dramatic star Matheson Lang, “The Great Defender” tells the story of Rolls’ last and most sensational ease—the trial of Leslie Locke, A.R.A., charged with the murder of his beautiful model, Phyllis Ware, with whom ho had had an affair.

Margaret Bannerman, the beautiful English star, plays opposite Matheson Lang. “The Great Defender” is a drama that will hold you in a vicelike grip of suspense right from the opening till the final fade-out.

GRAND THEATRE

“ACE OF ACES”

Richard Dix’s histrionis flair for portraying vigorous he-man characters is said to receive its fullest expression in his new RKO-Radio Picture, “Ace of Aces,” a gripping drama sketching realistically the transformation of a war ace from pacifist to killer, which features Elizabeth Allan and Ralpliy Bellamy in important supporting roles, was written by John Monk Saunders, noted aviator and celebrated writer of ‘‘Wings” and “The Dawn Patrol.” Saunders’ story presents Dix as Tit. Rex Thorne, ranking ace in the American Air Service. Pacifistic at the outbreak of the World War, Rex is virtually forced to ‘battle by liis linancee, who interprets his assertions against war as cowardice. In combat, he becomes a relentless killer, scoring forty-two victories and the appellation “Aceof Aces.” Visions of fallen adversaries and remorse eventually creep upon Rex, and he finds he cannot continue his deathdeafiing career. Trained for dc/.th, he realises lie cannot face life after war, and decides to seek a Way out in an unusually dramatic manner. ! “Ace of Aces” will be presented at 1 the Grand Theatre to-night and tomorrow night. '