ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15314, 15 August 1923, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAGNIFICENT SHOW AT STRAND. Nothing more entertaining than the fine programme presented at the popular New Strand Theatre last night could possibly be wished for. Laughter and excitement reigned from beginning to end, and a most satisfied audience left the theatre. " Where Romance Rides," which is adapted from Zane" Grey's, most popular novel "Wildfire," is a thriller interspersed with lively comedy. The great horse race alone will give spectators their money's worth, but not satisfied with that, Producer Hampton staged for the film one of the most desperate struggles between a girl and a man ever filmed. A half-witted man, Joel 1 Creech, thinks Lucy Bostil has injured him and kidnaps her. To feed his revenge he ties her to the back of a horse and sends the horse straight for a.precipice. He himself is caught by a dangling rope and dragged to his death and the girl is rescued by Carl Gautvoort in the role of Lin Slone, a rancher. Mr Hampton's cast contains some of the most famous names in the fUm ' world. Claire Adams, Carl Gautvoort and Jean Hersholt are featured. Miss Thelma Pehberthy gave an excellent interpretation of an Egyptian Idol Dance. Although only 13, this little dancer shows great promise, her work being received last night with warm applause. Buck Jones in the big Fox film picture, " The Boss of Camp 4," together with the latest English Topical News, completed a very fine programme, which will be repeated to-night. ■ "SMILIN' -THROUGH" ON FRIDAY. • Norma Talmadge's latest First National staring vehicle, "Smilin' Through," is coming to the Strand .Theatre on Friday, for an engagement of three days. Advance reports state that this is the most ambitious production yet made by Norma Talmadge. It is an adaptation of Allen Langdon Martin's stage hit of the same name, in which Jane Cowl appeared on the speaking stage. Appearing opposite Miss Talmadge are Wyndham Standing and Harrison Ford, and a splendid cast, including Alec B. Francis, Glenn Hunter, Grace Gris■wold, Miriam Battista and Eugene The production deals with the romance of beautiful young Kathleen, who is left in the charge of John Carteret following the death or her Aunt Monyeen. Monyecn was fatally wounded by a jealous suitor 'on the day of her wedding to Carteret. When Carteret learns that Kathleen is In love with the son of the man who MEled his bride he interrupts the of the young people and the Absorbing plot gathers dramatic 'momentum. Norma, ever a great (emotional actress ,is said to have i taken advantage of tiie great dramatic opportunity presented her. Seats should be reserved for the big attraction at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd.

A VERY FINE PICTURE. **Blood and Sand" began a three •nights' season at the Theatre Royal 'last evening before a big house. All who saw it must agree that it is beyond division of opinion a very fine picture—a wonderfully well done production by Paramount that provides a most -unusual story—a passionate romance of the bull ring in Spain that is as full of lights and shadows as'the etching of the characters of Ibanez, Che author, are full of effective contracts. The great Rodolph Valentino is seen at his finest in this picture. His impersonation of Gallardo, the toreador, torn by his love for two women, was magnetic—no less. It held interest at high tension. Yet Valentino's was not the only outstanding acting 'of the cast. Nita Naldi rose to heights as an aristocratic but unscrupulous daughter of Spain, while Lila Lee, as the modest and childless "Carmen," the wife of "Gallardo," was delightful. The contrast between the two women could not have been demonstrated to greater advantage. It is safe to predict a real success for "Blood and Sand" at Hamilton. Two capital attractions precede the chef d'ouvrc. Reginald Denny delighted his admirers in the "New Leather .Pushers,' and Johnny nines unloosed clean and clever fun in "Torehy's Frame Up." It is advisable to book at Paul's. "THE LEATHER PUSHERS" AT FRANKTON.

A splendid house thoroughly enjoyed last night's tip-top programme at Frankton's Own Theatre. Alice Brady has never been seen to such ad- ' vantage as she is in " -Missing Millions," and Gladys Walton pleased everyone in the Irish play, "Tnc Top of the Mornin'." To-niglit Reginald Denny will show in his lino sporting picture " The New Leather Pushers." : Blood'and Sand" will be to-morrow's ■ ;■ feature.