ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16087, 10 September 1924, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

IF WINTER COMES. Thousands have read A. S. M. Hutchinson's mighty novel, “If- Winter Comes." Those who have seen the screen version declare it to toe better than the book, see it to-night at the popular New Strand Theatre. Two of the most powerful scenes in this screen masterpiece are the inquest on Idflic Bright, the young girl .whom Mark befriended and for whose death he is suspected, and Mark’s meeting later with the hypocritical Twyning, who sought to fasten the crime on him. Throughout the trial, with the prosecution twisting facts and distorting innocent situations, poor old Mark js dragged through a hell beyond his imagination. In this difficult, entirely psychological situation Percy Marmont shows his complete understanding of the mind of Mark. Then, armed with the proof that Twyning:s son is the father of Effie Bright’s child, Mark seeks out the elder Twyning to "bash” him. He enters the office with murder in his heart. He learns that Twyning’s son gave his life in battle. He softens and, instead of wreaking vengeance, he spares Twyning, his arch enemy, the pain of knowing his son’s misdeed, consoling him with the words: “There, there—fine death—fine death—brave lad—brave lad.” Seats for to-night and the remaining two nights should be reserved at Lewis R. Eady and Son,, Ltd., or by theatre ’phone 1422. THEATRE ROYAL. Fulfilling the most enthusiastic predictions of early reviewers, "Richard, the Lion-hearted,” Associated Authors’ screen version of “The Talisman,” an Allied Producers and Distributors Corporation release, is proving one of the screen sensations of the season at this theatre, where, it opened last night. Touching the highlights of the adventurous King Richard’s career and based on his Third Crusade into the Holy Land, "Richard, the Lionhearted,” has ' been produced with a lavishness that lends it powerful historical and entertainment appeal. Wallace Beery's characterisation of Richard stands out as one of the finest pieces of screen delineation ever drawn, while other members of the cast including Kathleen Clifford, Marguerite de la Motte, John Bowers, Charles Gerrard, Clarence C.eldert, Wilbur Highby and Tully Marshall give equally creditable performances. Six motor-cycle policemen served as Viola Dana’s personal escort for a week during the filming of “Rouged Lips,” her newest Metro starring vehicle, which Harold Shaw is directing. The supports are wonderful, and beautiful music is played by the Royal Orchestra. Book at Paul’s or ’phone 1580. FRANKTON’S OWN. Exposing secrets that even the police have not generally known, and detailing in every angle the machinations of the blackmail rings that have terrorised society in large cities with manufactured -scandals and fabricated accusations, "The Whispered Name," Universal’s sensational disclosure of society’s gravest menace, comes tonight to this theatre. In the cast are Ruth Clifford, heroine, Niles Welch, the newspaper editor, Hayden Stevenson, as head of the blackmailers, Charles Clary, the blackmailed millionaire, Buddy Messenger, Herbert Fortier, Arthur Howard, Mary Mersoh, Emily Fitzroy, Jane St-arr and Carl Stockdalc. With excellent supports. J. C. WILLIAMSON ENTERTAINERS. One of the most important events in the theatrical history of the Dominion for some time is the appearance here at the Theatre Royal on Monday next of the first company of J. C. Williamson World-famed Entertainers. The J.C.W. firm are now 7 associated with the leading theatrical managements of England, America, the Continent and South Africa in regard to securing the world’s best talent, and theatregoers in the Dominion are indeed fortunate in that the Dominion is included in this world’s circuit of attractions. All the companies appearing in Australia come to New Zealand and depart from here to America. The first organisation is headed by the famous English character impersonator, Bransby Williams, who for the last twenty years has been a head-liner of all the principal vaudeville theatres of England. His impersonations of such wellknown Dickens roles as Micawtocr, Dan’l Pcggoty, Bill Sykes and Grandpapa Small weed arc said by the press of England to be “classics of old English notabilities of literature.” The company also includes a remarkable act in the seven Hadje Kadir troupe of Arabs. They in their line are said to rival the phenomenal turn provided bv Long Tack Sam. A Sydney pressman savs of them: “The Hadje Kadir troupe of Arabs are whirling wonders of the desert with their extraordinary gyrations.” From Paris are a famous duo, Anna and Louis, who present an eccentric musical mixup. f rom America come Lucan and McShane, the character dame and the girl, who present a riotous scene “Come Over. Modern dancers with a difference is the description of Landry and Julls, who hail from Belgium. An English musical comedy act is that of Ward and Long. M. V. Robinson is a raconteur of originality from Canada who is Hire to become a big favourite. George Castles and Torzillo, from j Australia, arc billed as the harpist and ( melody supreme. A specially selected .1 G Williamson orchestra is under] the baton of Harry Jacobs. The. box ( plans open to-morrow at Paul’s Boox Arcade.