AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, 13 August 1928, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

/TO-NIGHT’S VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT A grand entertainment is to l be presented at the Opera House this evening by the Hamua Glee Party and ‘‘Zara,” the incomparable master magician. A feature of the programme will be the Maori Maiden Poi Troupe who have been most successful at recent Competitions, and Zara, who will present a full hand of magic, which no* doubt will create a deal of wonder and speculation. He has just returned to his native land after a tour of Australia, and judging by the extensive repertoire of tricks he has acquired he will spring a few surprises. An. artist of special note is J. McAnally, aiffleur, direct from Scotland, who gives an exhibition of the real Charleston and a whistling solo. Bella Morris and J. Barone are coon comedians. Miss May Carroll, a dainty soprano, will render: “Home, Little Maori Home.” J. Himone. will contribute several songs. Other items on the programme are solos, trios, and quartettes by members of the Hamua Glee Party. Theatre-goers and lovers of variety should not miss seeing this grand company of entertainers. Popular prices are being charged, namely 3e, 2s and Is. Reserve at Vare’s. COSY THEATRE There cannot be two candid opinions about the quality of the French film “Les Miserables,” which will be screened again at the Cosy Theatre tonight. The screen version of Victor Hugo’s epic novel, is made by Cine-Ro-mans. It is great, no matter by what standard or from viewpoint you judge it—great in conception, great in design, great in execution, and great in the quality of the acting and the vision of the producers. The original version was in two parts, one of ten and the other of eleven This has been condensed into twelve reels. A great deal of profoundly interesting material has of necessity been eliminated. But as it stands, in its curtailed form, the film is still a remarkable example of what intelligence, respect for an author’s work, and the inspiration of a work of genius affords sincere artists can achieve when applied to the silver sheet of a novel that possesses the elements of immortality. Many of the best-known names in the French, theatre were proud to take part in this picture. The story as they tell it picks out x the principal dramatic incidents- in the novel, always preserving the main theme—the regeneration of humanity through the influence of goodness in mam. From the time when Jean Valjeani is given his liberty by the Christlike old Bishop, his jace is set towards good instead of evil. The dramatic proportions of the book have been ingeniously preserved, even in the abridged film, and though it is impossible not to discern here aad there hiatuses that indicate cuts, yet there is no inconsistency to be noted, and the sequel invariably provides the essential clue. Reserve at Vare’s. “OLD IRONSIDES” The biggest role of her screen career to Esther Ralston came when she was selected to play the leading feminine part in James Cruze’s production of 44 01 d Ironsides,” which is to be shewn at the Cosy Theatre next Wednesday. It was stated' that Miss Ralston won the featured part over a field of 16 prominent candidates, of whom screen tests were made. “Miss Ralston’s role is, one of the biggest parts I have ever directed,” declared Cruze. “Only an actress of extremely delicate sense of reaction to direction is capable of doing it the justice it deserves.” Since coming to Paramount a little more than -a year ago, Miss Ralston has appeared in 10 pictures that have -steadily built her popularity with the play-going public. Among them were “Peter Pan,” 44 The Lucky Devil,” 41 The Trouble With Wives,” 4 4 Woman-handled, ” 44 The American Venus,” 44 A Kiss for Cinderella,” and 44 The Blind Goddess.” 44 01 d Ironsides” will mark Miss Ralston’s second appearance in a Cruze production. Other players who have important roles in 4 4 01 d Ironsides” are Wallace Beery, George Bancroft, George Godfrey, heavyweight champion of the Pacific Coast, Charles Farrell. Reserve at Vare’s.