ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1927, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. REG. DENNY—“ROLLING HOME.” The popular Reginald has surpassed his own brilliant comedy standard, in this newest superlative production. No picture could possibly be embellished with more candid, thrills: than this one. It leaves the mark with a breath-catch-ing bound, and it breaks the tape without an appreciable slackening for one instant. “California Straight Ahead” sinks to the placid level of; juvenile romance, “What Happened to Jones” becomes a restrained story of domestic differences in comparison with the whirlwind pace of "Rolling Home.” There are a few excellent comedians appearing on the screen to-day who could raise laughter between the pages of a book of Euclid, laughter hearty enough to evoke comment from Chicot the Jester, but the cacehination which this Universal Jewel raises is sufficient to cause Mr. Punch to elevate his hardened brows in questioning surprise. It is stimulating, this comedy, it is a glorious triumph over the Tragic Muse, and those pessimists who keep on saying that Dairy Control has knocked the bottom out of everything. Reginald Denny, with his disarming smile, Ms glib tongue, his resourcefulness and illegal love of speeding has created new records in comedy with this production, and has set a standard that his fellowcomedians will find difficult to follow. Marian Nixon, the heroine of several of his past successes, again appears opposite the star, and plays her part delightfully. Mention must be made of the excellent comedy items which precede “Rolling Home,” these being a finely nonsenical Century comedy and a new Go-Getters story “Who’s Hooligan?" THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE. PETER B. KYNE’S GREAT NOVEL. “Never the Twain Shall Meet,” the special screen adaptation of Peter B. Kyne’s famous novel, which is now at The People’s theatre, was filmed in Tahiti. It is a story which holds particular interest for it deals in a singularly clear and graphic manner with the perils which attend the mixing of the' white races with those of colour, how pure white stock rapidly runs to seed under the combined influence of tropic indolence and. the non-observance of civilised ways of life. With all the tropic beauty of Tahiti as a gorgeous background, the picture tells of Tamea, the half-caste princess, and Dan Pritchard, the silent man of the West, who marries her according to native custom, and regretted it. Anita’ Stewart plays a wonderful character part as Tarfiea the bewitching half-caste, and Bert Lytell gives a marvellous impersonation as Dan Pritchard the white man who sinks to the depths and is finally reclaimed to manhood by the self-sacri-fice of Tamea. THE OPERA HOUSE. “NELL GWYN”—A REQUEST SCREENING. As it will he presented at the Opera House to-night for its final screening in New Plymouth the British film masterpiece “Nell Gwyn” i« entertainment to the ultiinate degree of completeness. Whatever doubts may have existed as to Britain's place in the film industry must surely be dispelled with the presentation of “Nell Gwyn.” This picture proves conclusively that quality is the characteristic of all British films, and in this respect it brooks no rival. As soon as quantity is combined with quality the motion picture industry in Britain will be firmly established and should command the markets of the world. “Nell Gwyn” is essentially a character study. It is a study of’the adorable litle orange girl who 'captured the heart of a king and a nation and her charming, vivacious personality is present in every scene. Dorothy Gish in the title role excels herself, and her work in this production is the crowning success. of a brilliant career. To-night’s special screening has been arranged in response to many requests from patrons Who were unable to obtain seats at Saturday’s presentation at Everybody’s and no further extension is possible. The box plan will open at Coder’s at 9 o’clock this morning.