AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, 1 June 1921, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. THE WHITE HEATHER. Maurice Tourneur’s new special picture, “The White Heather,” will have its premiere at the Opera Huose next Thursday, where it is being presented by the international attractions. Unusual interest is attached to the production, which is described as the best of melodrama made by the producer of “The Wip,” “Sporting Life,” “Alias Jimmy Valentine,” and other screen thrillers. “The White Heather” is based on the famous Drury Lane melodrama, which met with enormous success in London, New York and in Australasia with Bland Holt. The background of the melodrama is divided between the Scotch Highlands the London financial district, the shuns, and the ocean. The story revolves round the efforts of an unscrupulous nobleman to repudiate his manage to a pretty commoner, the only record of the ceremony being in the wreck of a yacht at the bottom of the sea. “The White Heather” culminates in a death struggle between the hero and the villain at the bottom of the the sea, both trying to get possession of the fateful paper locked within the water-tight chest. Those scenes were actually taken on the ocean floor off San Pedro Harbor, Mr. Tourneur utilizing the newest subsea photographic inventions of the M illiami son Brothers. Charlie Chaplins biggest comedy “Shoulder Arms” will be shown. Box plan is pt Hendersons. THE PARAMOUNT. Welsh-Pearson, famous for “Th Better ’Ole.” “Garryowen,” and thei » recent brilliant picture, “Nothin] f Else Matters.” are already engage on a new production at their studio at Wilksden. They have, on on side, a church and school. in additio to a well-organised studio. The clas> f rooms in the old school have bee i ' ((V'y rted into apartments and labor! ‘ ■; tories wb«>re developing and t ntiu mid • v» rv ) of photograph worx may be earn’ d out. There also r pori- '-b' li' bting set, whic *" • mr. c:;i.’ d ” ’ tho ground

In the production of “Nothing Else Matters” some of the most striking scenes are inside, a theatre. These were taken at Huddersfield and the Theatre Royal. At the conclusion of a performance one evening the audience were asked to remain in their seats while the cinematographer took some “shots” for a new film. Hugh E. Wright, in his character, took the stage, sang a song a.nd told some stories in tho approved low-comedian manner. Meanwhile, shots were being taken from the wings, gallery, and circle. The orchestra, too, entered fully into the spirit of the adventure. The following scenes in the film, representing “behind the scenes.” were taken in the Willesden studio, and tlhe result is wonderfully convincing This programme will be shown for to-night only. THE COSY. Jacques Futrelle, one of the heroes of the ill-fated Titanic, left behind a novel of international fame, “My Lady’s Garter,” which has been adapted under the same title to picture production by Maurice Tourneur, the master director. “My Lady’s Garter” is a mystery story concerning the efforts of a secret service man to trap a master criminal whose alias is “The Hawk.” “The Hawk” is finally brought to justice, but not before Wyndham Standing, as the detective, and Sylvia Breamer, as tho girl, are involved in many exciting adventures which end in romance. Mr Tourneur's skill in weaving scenes of this sort of a story into just the right tempo is too well known to need further comment. The dramatic worth of Mr Eutrelie's novel is unquestioned and the cast selected to enact it is ideal. The feature, exciting and thrilling to rhe extreme, will furnish an evening of genuine entertainment to ail who like mystery story at its best. The “Invisible Hand” •serial concludes to-night. There is a matinee to-day at 2.30. “HUMPTY DUMPTY” PANTOMIME A WONDERFUL SHOW. It would appear to be the general opinion that "Humpty Dumpty. ” which is to be staged here under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., on Tuesday, June 7. at the Opera House, outclasses every previous pantomime production by this firm. Probably the most popular “principal boy” who has appeared at Drury Lane Theatre, London, for many a day is .Mis.s Beatrice Al lei., who was speci ally brought out from England to take the leading role in “Humpty Dumpty.” -Miss Marie Fdnchonette will appear as the “principal girl.” Albert Le Fre, wiio is one of London’s most popular comedians, is said to be the most amusing dame we have yet enjoyed in This part of the world, and he is ably assisted by that brilliant English comedy artist. Mr Edwin Brett, who appeared here very successfully with Barry Lupino in "•The Forty Thieves.” a lew years j ago. Morris and .Moen, who created a furore here last ye. r in "Mother Hubbard.” will' introduce some new -specialty acts in "Humpty Dumpty.” Probably the greatest and most wondcr.ul act yet seen in any production staged in Australasia,, is that presented by the Licardo Brothers, who created a sensation in Sydney and Melbourne. TJie dresses, the dectrieffects, and the general mounting of “Humpty Dumpty.'’ are of a. more lavish nature than anything yet attempted on the ' ■ stage, anc the ballets are a spe< ial feature ol this stupendous production. The box plans open at the .Bristol on Thursday, June 2.