ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17712, 16 May 1929, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE WRECKER/’ EXCITING iYIYSTERY PLAY. For the third time this week the Theatre Royal was crowded last night for a Williamson theatrical attraction. This lime it was “The Wrecker,” a mystery play by Arnold Ridley, interpreted by a company recruited mainly from England. “The Wrecker,” though it does not equal I lie earlier production by the same dramatist, ‘ “The Ghost Train.” chiefly because of Us lack of humour, is an interesting play, with some exciting moments. The identity of Ihe person responsible for many railway smashes is cleverly hidden until the linal scene. In fact “The Wrecker” differs from most plays, because the linal act is the most tense. For sonic reason, what should have been the “big scene” at Hue close of the third act, the saving of the express by the tossing of a coin, “missed” somewhat last night. The company playing “The Wrecker” did good work, a particular feature being the manner in which some of the smaller parts were taken. Miss Josephine Wilson was natural and restrained as Mary Shelton. She never became merely melodramatic, as a lesser artist might have done. Her delightful speaking voice gave point to the lines, especially in the few romantic scenes. Mr Clayton Greene was virile as t'nc ex-footbalier turned detective! If he did not get all that was possible out of the big scene in the signal-box, ho redeemed himself in the. tense moments of the final act. Mr Arthur Young, as Joshua Barney, gave a very fine performance. The testy official of the earlier scenes was cleverly contrasted with the crazed individual later. Mr Frank Morrison, as Noah, was the old railwayman to the life, and Mr George Willoughbyplayed Sir Gervaise so well that the audience regretted his early disappearance. Miss Noelle Sonrdng was amusingly flippant as the modern Lady Bervl, and Miss Helen Saintsbury also' caused merriment by her clever work as the office girlReginald Collins, as Chester Kyle, kept people guessing as to whether he was the dreaded “Wrecker.” A particularly good “bit” was provided by Mr Richard Stirling as “AH” in the signal box, and Mr Norman Lee, too, made a comparatively small part stand out prominently in this scene, dying most convincingly. Mr Guy Ilouth, as Horace, (or ’Oracc!) over-acted somewhat, but got the laughs. Frank Rutherford, was forceful as the m specter, and minor roles were piayed by Miss Ivy Sparrow and Mi Kaye Brudell. , , The play was well mounted, and the “effect's” were very realistic.

THEATRE ROYAL. “The Docks of New York” is the title of the Paramount picture starring George Bancroft, which will be the feature attraction at the .Theatre oval to-night. The new picture dmie bv the popular star is from an original’ screen story written by John Monk Saunders, celebrated author of “Wings” and “The Legion of the condemned," two aviation epics produced by Paramount, which.swept the country by storm. Josef- von bternhprsr the well-known director, who leaped with Bancroft to fame when the two turned out “Underworld, also directed this picture. STRAND AND FRANKTON THEATRES

Admirers of Victor McLaglen and they are legion —-were out in force last night at the above theatres to witness the latest opus from the I’ox studios starring that .lovable heman." “Captain Lash is tiie title ol the new McLaglen vehicle, and it lias received the deft directorial touch of John G Blvstonc, who won worldwide fame for ins recently produced “Mother Knows Best.” McLaglen ~lves his usual finished portrayal of a character ciit and tailored exactly to fit him. Cook is a riot. Claire W indsor the feminine' lead, seldom has seemed lovelier and never revealed sucli dramatic talent, and _the supporting cast is real!:' excellent with Arthur Stone, Albert Conti and other favourites giving flawless portrayals.