ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE. OFFICIAL FILM OF THE “HEENEYTUNNEY FIGHT,” ALSO WILLIAM HAINES IN “THE SMART SET,” “THE COLLEGIANS,” AND STRONG SUPPORTS. One of the most outstanding features of the Heeney-Tunney Fight as shown on the picture to be screened at the Majestic to-day •and to-night is the remarkable gameness shown by New Zealand’s popular idol, Tom Heeney, Tunney’s brilliance and lightning punches had no effect on the indomitable Tom. At times Tunney looked rather bewildered as Heeney, in spite of all that Tunney could do, kept boring in after his man without let-up. One of the deciding features of the fight really might be sized up as the jab in Heeney’s eye. This eye got worse and towards the finish of the fight it quite closed. Even in spite of this handicap Heeney kept plugging along looking for the opportune moment when he might give Tunney a coup-de-grace. At the end of the tenth round, Heeney was to all intents and purposes out. Yet when his seconds wanted to carry him to his corner, he refused to be carried and walked there. Less than one minute later, so wonderful was his condition, he bounced out of the corner as if he had received no punishment at all. Although Heeney was defeated, he was by no means disgraced, and according to the sporting writers of the United States, put up one of the greatest battles ever seen in the Hempen Square. William Haines never does the same thing twice in the same way. He never plays in two pictures that are alike. He is the one light comedy star for whom the gag man does not have to find jokes. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s latest picture for Haines is a story of polo and pleasure-seeking among the smart set—and “The Smart Set” is the name appropriately given the attraction, which also opens at this theatre to-day. A unique story with heaps of thrills, romance, and a strong dash of drama, most realistically portrayed. “The Smart Sat” will be eagerly awaited by most movie-goers. It will be a decided change for them to see a polo background to what is a most gay and spicey romance. Another chapter of the popular “The Collegians” will be screened in addition to some splendid supports. Plans for this tremendous programme are to be seen at the Bristol, or reservations can be made by phoning 738. “WINGS.” AT THE CIVIC TO-NIGHT. Opening at the Civic to-night “Wings” is the greatest aviation picture that has ever been made. That is not our opinion alone, but voices the thought of every worthwhile critic whenever the picture has been shown. Costing an enormous amount in money, time and preparation “Wings” will hardly be duplicated quickly owing to the great risk of life and to the vastness of the undertaking. “Wings” is an epic and filled with momentous incident. The thrill of the place battles is only equalled by the fact that you as spectator are taken right into the battle as passenger on one of the planes. The throb of the human story, and the many big and impressive scenes. Decoration of Allied officers and the prominent part played by the Allies in the picture immediately takes it above the run of war pictures that have glutted the screen. The director, William Wellman, was himself an ace, and no greater choice could have been made for the producer of this epic of the air than this young man. The immensity of the theme, the vastness of the action and the power with which the absorbing story is woven into the swift action have marked Wellman for greater honours. Best known in the cast is Clara Bow. Red headed star with the personality plus, who has lately reached such popularity as a star, tries, with great success, a fine dramatic role, as the girl in “Wings.” Next comes the fine characterization of two young men. These two boys, who have but recently come before the public eye, will by reason of their great work in “Wings,” be long remembered. They are Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen, who play the mates in the picture. Others in the cast, which is one of the biggest assembled in recent years for a motion picture, are Jobyna Ralston, Gary Cooper, Henry B. Walthall, Gunboat Smith and others. “Wings” is the first picture to be presented with the special synchronized sound effects —the forerunner of the sound movie—or “talkies” about which you are reading in the papers to-day. A special electrician travels with the picture attending to this phase of the entertainment.