ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1926, Page 22

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S. A WORTHY BRITISH FILM. A story of England by an English authoress, dealing with the life of one of the best loved characters in English history, produced in England, with an all-British cast, and directed by an Englishman; such is “Nell Gwyn.” Every now and then a picture appears that has originality in direction, in story, or in technical treatment, that lifts the art of the picture entertainment out of the rut. Such a one is this picturised version of the life story of “Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” which is the best directed, the best acted, and the best dressed film turned out of an English studio. It has entertainment in every foot of its length—that is its greatest merit, since that is what the public most appreciate. The whole world is interested in the story of Nell Gwyn, and people of every race and clime will appreciate the coming of this great film. When screened to a notable gathering of film celebrities, journalists, etc., this British production was hailed as a triumph of masterful production and ingenious entertainment. No picture has so speedily attained such widespread popularity, and no other picture has been accorded such unstinted praise as has been given to ’‘Nell Gwyn” by the leading newspapers of the English speaking world. Herbert Wilcox, who made for us “The Only Way,” has again demonstrated that in the making of a film containing all the elements of entertainment, Britain can hold her own and provide pictures equal to, if not just a little better than the best of American or Continental successes. The season for “Nell Gwyn,” which commences at the matinee to-day (Friday), is limited and will close to-morrow (Saturday) night. For this memorable presentation the securing of a reserved seat is certainly advisable. No matinee screening will occur on Saturday unless the weather takes an unfavourable turn. THE PEOPLE’S. HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES. A detailed advertisement appears on Page 1 setting out the changes of programmes at the People Theatre for the next few days. At a matinee this afternoon which takes the place of the usual Saturday matinee the fifth episode of “The Winking Idol” will be shown, in addition to “The Crimson Runner,” in which Priscilla Dean plays the colourful role of a fiery Apache girl. Tonight, for family night. “The Crimson Runner” will be screened for the last time, together with a fine and attractive list of supporting films. To-morrow (Saturday) William Fox presents a comedy-dramatic burlesque, “Honesty the Best Policy.” played by Johnnie Walker and Pauline Starke. This production is a farce-comedy, presented in a novel manner, and into which much excitement and many thrills have been injected. The story is a real burlesque on the usual “crook” drama, and in this splendidly interpreted. A Fox News, a new ‘•Helen and Warren” comedy, and “The Winking Idol.” will be shown in support of “Honesty the Best Policy,” which screens on Saturday night only, except that a matinee will be given should the weather be unsuitable for picnics. On Monday a season of three nights will commence of Peter B. Kyne’s vivid romance of Tahiti, “Never the Twain Shall Meet.” This gorgeously beautiful story of Island love was produced by Maurice Tourneur, and the parts of Tamea and Dan Pritchard are splendidly portrayed by Anita Stewart and Bert Lytell. MUNICIPAL PICTURES, ELTHAM. It won’t get you anything but laughs. There’s no use going to it unless you want to have a good time. You might possibly feel nobler if you sat home reading some instructive book. But if you want to laugh, if you want to have a whale of a good time, if you are looking for sizzling excitement, you’ve just to see Syd Chaplin in “The Man on the Box,” the feature attraction at the Eltham Town Hall this evening. Hoot Gib son, in the most entertaining of western pictures, is gracing the screen at the Eltham Town Hall to-morrow evening. The picture is “The Man in the Saddle,” a Universal-Jewel production in which the popular star has ample op portunity to exhibit his ability, not only as a westerner and a dare-devil rider, but as a comedian as well. The picture has a delightful light comedy plot, with scores of screamingly funny situations. Gibson, as a comedy cowboy, continually finds himself in embarrassing and untenable positions because of his love of heroics. Marion Davies will make her latest appearance on Monday even ing next in “Yolanda,” a Metro-Gold-wyn picture, which is really a page torn from the romantic book of Europe in the fifteenth century. “Yolanda” is the finest and most beautiful picture in which Miss Davies has yet appeared. It has magnificence of setting, and a story of action and thrill, swift drama and historical accuracy. It is from the story by Charles 'Major. Some of the most beautiful scenes in “The American Venus,” the feature attraction at the Eltham Town Hall on Tuesday evening next, are made by the Technicolour natural colour process. These scenes are ' among the most beautiful that have ever reached the screen. Right at the commencement there is posed a group of Grecian maidens in a garden. The beauty of this is enhanced by natural colours. Again in the parade of the various contestants in the beauty contest, the mag- i nificence of their floats in the parade is strikingly brought out by this also. There is one other sequence in the picture that will call forth rounds of applause and admiration. It is the fashion parade. The gorgeous gowns, the beauty of the set and pulchritude of the models ar - seen to perfection with the marvellous use of Technicolour. These are scenes that will delight everyone. The intriguing romance of the famous Drury Lane orange girl, “Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” who found favour with King Charles the Second, screens at the Eltham Town Hall on Thursday evening next, in First National’s British production, “Nell Gwyn.” The title role in this film is most marvellously played by Dorothy Gish, whose piquant personality and charm of coquetry make “pretty, witty. Nel!.’’ live again. The story of Nell Gwyn is known to almost everyone, and it is pleasing to note that the cast, with the exception of Miss Gish, is composed of English players. Although Nell Gwyn has no conspicuous place in English history, she was, and still ie. a popular character in the story of England.