ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 20 April 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE—TO-NIGHT

"HOMESPUN FOLKS."

Heralded by film critics as a notable addiiton tq the ranks of rural classics, Thomas H. Ince's great associated producer's special production, "Homespun FolksT*4^ scheduled as the presentation at the Opera House to-night. With the honour of trae manhood as its theme, a broiling political campaign as its plot, and a locale which, takes audiences back to the old homestead pf a gentle New England villa, "Homespun Folks" is describes as the most human absorbingly wholesome document yet contributed to the cinema. Lloyd Hughes, in the leading roll, has a wonderful opportunity as a young country lawyer who is thrown into the whirl of a bitter political quarrel, and his dramatic talent and ability to put over' clever - comedy touches "is wonderfully brought out. An excellent supporting programme will be shown. !

OPERA HOUSE.

ELLA SHIELDS.

This talented artist took Auckland by storm, and Wellington visitors who witnessed the performance described Miss Shields as one of the most wonderful male impersonators ever seen in Australasia. The Auckland Herald says: "The art and culture of Miss Ella Shields will mate her many friends in New Zealand, where both qualities are appreciated to the full by seekers after amusement. The comedienne and male imperspnator, a, popular idol in London music liall circles, has specialised in the latter class of work. She has been suitably endowed for it by Nature—a slender, boyish figure, features that lend themselves to the particular characterisations she affects, and, best asset of all perhaps, a lowpitched voice of musical tone, which assists materially in maintaining the illusion that her attire has first created. Refinement may ibe said to be the keynote of her varied impersonations.. At her opening performance at His Majesty's Theatre last evening Miss Shields was most cordially welcomed and had an enthusiastic araceptdon. She sang six numbers, commencing with the song of a dapper yautih in evening dress, "You're a Doggone Dangerous Girl," in which her poise .and confidence were features, and in which she showed that she had discarded exaggeration for complete naturalness. There followed a really excellent impersonation of a young policeman in the song 'Percy, P. 0.,' wfricTi increased her popularity with those in front. Then, as a middy in 'The King's Navy,' the artist charmed her listeners. The next solo, sung in a morning suit' of blue serge, w;as as artistic as its predecessors. Miss Shields then appeared in 'Burlington Bertie of Bow,* a character study of a broken-down swell, in which she has made her name famous in Britain." Miss, Shields, support*! by a strong company of international vaudeville rartists, will appear at- the Opera House next Tuesday. The box plan is opee^t Mrs. Cook's, next Opera House

MAWMA PICTURES.

Ihere was ; a.vety large attendance at the People's PietiMvs on Tuesday night When the star picuire, "No Woman Knows," was screened. It was without doubt a very fine production and was much appreciated by alll present. The music was a special feature, Mr. Renwick's orchestra of ten instruments being specially engaged for the evening, and was thoroughly .enjoyed. They also played for the dance after -the performance, which was well patronised. This week's programme will be of the best films, and good houses (weajtiVer mittircg) are -assured.