ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 12 June 1923, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE—TO-NIGHT

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS IN "THE

MOLLYCODDLE.''

When Theodore Roosevelt used the term "molly-coddle" to express his contempt for the stay-at-home foppish young man of blue-blooded ancestry who inherited wealth, position and "class," but did nothng in iiis own day and generation, he little thought he was giving a. title to a ''movie. ''< The United Artists' production, "The Molly-coddle," deals with such a man as Roosevelt had i in. mind, but it goes further. Harold I IVicGrath, who wrote the story, saw that the "molly-coddle" might develop under certain circumstances, and in this picture he certainly does develop—he becomes v pocket edition of an earthquake, tornado and a volcano. Douglas Fairbanks is said to be ideal in the part, and critics agree that this is one of the best things lie has done. "The Mollycoddle" is quite a new development in film stories. In this Fairbanks takes the part of a man who came from a generation of fighters, but who was | transplanted to England at an early age, and there lived ?, "hot-house" sheltered life, and accordingly developed into a very civilised, quiet, gentle young man. He goes to America to get "out West"; meets a girl who disapproves of his foppishness, and then the lighting ancestry takes hold, and he fights and rides with the best. An excellent sporting programme will also be shown. Ordinary prices are being ehavsred, and seats may be reserved at Mrs. Cook's.

OPERA HOUSE, HAWERA

LEONITAS

Residents of Hawera and the surrounding districts will be pleased to J note that the Leonitas Vaudeville! Company is to visit the town on Thurs-; day and Friday next. This company includes the celebrated Professor Leonitas, whose fame as a hypnotist and mind reader is world wide. Ho has made a deep study of occult science, and treats the subject in a clever and amusing way. He gives demonstrations of thought transference which are as entertaining as they are mystifying. Blindfolded, and without,a word being spoken, the Professor will lead members of local committees to various parts of the hall where articles have been previously hidden by jfchem. His exhibitions have been described as "almost uncanny." Assisted by Mr Irwin, he gives a short demonstration of m«tttal telepathy. The famous Scotch comedian, Jock Gray, is the man who is supposed to have niaJe the Sphinx laugh when he was serving in Egypt. The company has also seouied the services of Miss Jean Matthe.vs, who is a singer of note. Garbe .hihn, the Hindoo illusionist, has been secured by this company, and his display of Hndoo illusions is wonderful. His famous box trick, in which he saws his assistant in halves, is something extraordinary. Mr Harry Riske, elocutionist, in his latest humorous and dranmtic successes, brings the performance to a close. Professor Leonitas would like any local committee to meet l.im on the day of the show regarding a thought transference test. The committee is asked to hide any article, anywhere, and the Professor ,vi<l find it so long as he does not endanger his life in doing so. Committees should be formed early.

j ALLEN DOONE,

AN INTERESTING PERFORMANCE. A crowded and enthusiastic house greeted the popular Irish, comedian and his talented company when tney presented the pretty and effective play "Molly iiawn" at tke Opera House ias"c night. The plot revoives round the story of the three young relatives of the wealthy Lord Amherst, of whom b.yc are scheming to bocome possessed of his wealth at ins death. Many amusing scenos take place at his mansion, ],vh.ere the old man reigns supreme and causes great fun by his upsetting tiie many schemes of the young people and then- friends. Molly Bawn, the other grandchild, daughter of his favourite but erring daughter, sets & new standard, and Irankiy shows hor contempt for the peer's fortune. In the end the plot works out as it should and happiness goes to those who are deserving of the joys of life. As Ted Luttrell. the young man in love with an meal. Aucn Doone gave a very fin© interpretation of a somewhat difficult character. He charmed all with his perfect naturalness, acting the part as though he were the man himself His by-pi ay—unspoken, yet full of meaning —was most effective, and in connection with las powers of oratory, stamped him as a hue actor. His declamation or the speech from the dock of Robert JLmmett. the great Irish patriot was remarkably fine. His singmg also was received with the greatest enthusiasm. Altogether he.achieved a great success. As Molly Bawn, Edna Kellev was quite charming and most atractive. She captured everyone with her happy natural style, and gave a convincing interpellation of the pretty Irish girl come from the home of the people and planted with her old Irish nurse, unexpectedly in aristocratic society. She S»S1 di off i? c part wel1' »«*<*££ i ished herself as a pronounced farour- ' ite with the whole of her audience As! Lord Amherst, the crotchety old peer ! "tiering badly in his old age, Chlrles ! Biovvn was most amusing, and strikingly good m his acting. AH the' other characters were canaMv filled I S'JI'VVT fOl' Ulance whi<* "Pleased, and delighted everyone. *J^f iai' mr tioU ? USt be made of the1 h'if g nol d Cc eo^at the *"* «*» »*,

KAPONGA PICTURES.

Hoot Gibson, showing to-morrow "* ™ "Sure Fir L e'" is tee smiling unaffected cowboy hero to the life Whether bound, gagged and taunted in the hands of his enemies, or engaged in thrilling hand-to-hand struggles in the darkness of the little mountain ".bin - his good humour never deserts him— his smile remains. An excellent animal comedy , s included in the j.ro^rmme