AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16492, 9 November 1927, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

Til 13 PALACE. Motion' picture goers wlio thrilled to the artistry of Lillian Gish in “ The White Sister ” und who regard her as the finest actress of modern times have yet to see her in her greatest role. In “ 'Hie .Scarlet Letter," Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story of Puritan days, which is screening to-night and at to-morrow’s matinee at the Palace, Miss Gish has the role of the immortal Hester Frynno —a role which still further establishes her greatness. Although written many years ago. “ The Scarlet Letter ” is still regarded as one of the best pieces of dramatic literature ever given to the world. Dealing with an age of nar-row-minded, blind prejudice, it tells of a man and woman who loved with a mighty overpowering love, and of the price they paid for it. Its powerful theme and the plenitude of its dramatic situations make it. an ideal screen subject. And it could have no better heroine than Lillian Gish. For years, picture producers desired to bring “ The Scarlet Letter ” to the screen, but certain difficulties stood in the way. If was left to tlie production executives of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to overcome these difficulties, and with the advice and co-operation of the Federal Council of Churches of America they did so. “ The Scarlet Letter ” tells a story tha\ is as dramatic and inspiring to-day as when it was first written. • Its heroine, Hester Pry line, was young and gay, and in love with life. For these reasons the stern men and women of the Puritan colony in which she lived regarded her with disfavor and l suspicion.. And when a- great new love entered into her life and fate whirled' her into a tangled web of tragic happenings,. she faced the scorn and bitterness of her neighbors with proud serenity, because love is greater than intolerance. Victor Seastrom, who directed, has made many remarkable pictures. A distinguished supporting cast includes Lars Hanson. “ flic ’Swedish John Barrymore,” Karl Dane, and Henry B. Walthall. EVERYBODY’S.' Jack London’s “ The Call of the Wild,” is a favorite hook in American literature, and for that reason its pictU’iisatiO’n should bo of particular interest. The picture and story tell of the return of a big St. Bernard dog, Buck, to the primitive, after it is stolen from a country estate in California. 'Hie thief tulips the dog fo Alaska during the gold rush, and attempts to train him as the husky dogs of the North are trained—with a club. This is not successful, and he sells the dog lo another man, who trains the animal with kindness rather than force. When his master is killed, Buck is left alone, and he gives in to the call of the wild strain in his blood, and' mates with a wolf. The story doses with Buck at the head of a pack of wolves that are tlie terror of the Yukon region. “ The Call of the Wild ” is the feature on the programme showing for the last time to-night. In addition there is a fine supporting hill. Like the old dime novels, the Iranspa iV? ntl yi-plfotted two-reel movie thrillers of yesteryear have passed into the limbo of forgotten relics. With the advent of Hoot Gibson to the cinematic horizon, a new era has dawned in the realm of Westerns. They have been dignified and revamped along modern lines, still retaining the tang of the days of the West that was. Gibson has brought a magic touch to revive anew the romance, the tragedy and the comedy that tinged the lives of those who lived in the wide, open spaces. In his latest Universal-Jewel release. “Iley! Hey! Cowboy,” which will he shown at Everybody’s to-morrow night. Hoot Gib son is cast in the type of role lbaf\ fits him like a glove. Imbued with a thirst for the heroic limelight, and continually in hot water through his attempts to he romantic and adventurous, Gibson colors his role with the highlights of flaring deeds. His acting is set oil against a, background of comedy relief furnished by experienced farceurs. “Hey! Hcv! Cowboy” was directed hv Lynn Reynolds, from an original story and script by himself. The supporting cast 'includes Kathleen Key, “ Slim ” Snmmeijvillo, Monte Montague, Clarke Comstock. Wheeler Oakman, Jim Corev, Nick Cogley and Milla Davenport. ALLAN WILKIE. At the Opera House to-morrow night, Mr: Allan Wilkie, C.8.E., will stage “ Hamlet,” tlie most famous play in the English or any other language. In the name part, Mr. Wilkio has gained laurels all over the world, arid is said to imbue the role with a noble dignity and a scholarly interpretation unrivalled on the stage to-day. Mr. Wilkie has gathered around him a competent company, including many English artists, leavened with artists from New Zealand and Australia. Especially should be mentioned Miss Hunter-Watts, Who will play Ophelia in “ Hamlet,” a role she has enacted in every quarter of the globe. “ Hamlet,” by its philosophical excellence, its supremely powerful situations, exquisite character drawing, and finely-woven plot, makes up an evening’s entertainment which no one should miss, and Mr. Wilkie's company takes full advantage of the opportunities for good acting. “ Hamlet ” will be followed by “ Romeo and Juliet ” on Friday night, and “ A Midsummer Night’s Dream ” on Saturday. 1927 REVEILLE. More than 160 performers are rehearsing daily for the 1927 Reveille, and Mr. W. Lints, th&» producer, who ,is stated to have worked wonders with amateur talent in New Zealand during the past 12 years, is more than delighted with the performances. He promises the Gisborne public practically a professional production. Although the name remains the same, the programme changes on the third performance. A glance at the advertisement in the amusements column will show that the 1927 Reveille is truly a big production. A' special orchestra has been arranged by Mr. W. Kohn, which is sufficient to guarantee that the music will be a, feature of the production. There are 19 vocal numbers, all supported by strong choruses, and Mr. Lints considers lie is fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. McKnight, of Palmerston North. In professional circles Mrs, McKnight is considered one of the best soubrettes in New Zealand, and on the dancing side Miss Ethrie Pallridge will probably surprise even those who know and admire her past work. Miss Paltridge worked 1 very hard in iSydney. She will he seen to advantage with Mr. Lints in a new acrobatic creation; also in four Other special solos. In tlie other soloists Miss T. R-igg, who has starred for Mr. Lints’ Reveille in Taranaki, has been entrusted with four solos, and should again score a- success. Miss Jelinek, who is well known _in operatic circles in Gisborne, is doing admirably and will take four solos, and also a duo with Miss R-igg. Mr. V. Cnulton, in musical comedy numbers, will probably lie the surprise packet; he will he supported by a full chorus of 16 Indies and 10 gentlemen. The producer is very pleased! with his work. Miss N. Millard will take the solo in a dainty Irish number. It is stated that the public can look forward to a spectacular production, with numbers to please all tastes.