ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4516, 17 January 1923, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CENTRAL THEATRE PICTURES. TO-NIGHT’S PICTURES. “REPORTED MISSING.” If ever tlie phrase "not a dull moment” was rightly applied it has been to “Reported Missing,” tp be screened to night. The story concerns the efforts of an Oriental shipping king to gain control of a fleet of ships upon which Owen Moore, as Richard Boyd, lias an option. In order that young Boyd’s option will lapse the wily Chinaman arranges to have him shanghaied—and then the fun begins. It is just one thrill and laugh after another. Nita Naldi, the statuesque Follies beauty, attracts with her marvellous' gowns, and Pauline Garon, the flapper de luxe, has everybody’s eyes popping. The biggest thrill in .the ■ picture is a race between a sea sled and a hydroaeroplane which is followed by a chase in high powered machines. The fight in the home of. Oman is the greatest, ever, and one no lover of conflict should miss. ( “FOOLISH WIVES.” MONDAY, JANUARY 22. “Foolish Wives,” the long-heralded super-photoplay, which cost ovei a million dollars to produce, continues its tremendously successful match throughout America and Canada. Reports are reaching New Zealand that it is sweeping all before it in .the picture world and that wherever it plays it is causing a tremendous sensation. The Universal Film Company is promising that “Foolish Wives” win have an appeal to New Zealanders, as it has an International theme. Women will flock' to see it for the glittering displays of the latest creations in gowns' from London, Paris, and New York. Gowns, jewellery, and furnishings loaned to the Universal Company by the leading jewellers and modistes of America and Europe are said to have been valued at over £280,000. The Company footed the bill for their insurances as long as the articles were in use. “THE FAMOUS DIGGERS.” The Central Theatre was well filled last evening, when the Diggers made a welcome re-appearance in Paeroa. Since this company was here last April it has considerably improved, hence last night’s performance gave great pleasure, and the big audience was not slow tp show its appreciation. Joe Valli, the little Scotch comedian, would win. his way- anywhere, and he kept the audience rocking with laughter and merriment His jokes were crisp, new, and entirely free from any vulgarity. He occupied the. stage for an unusual time, but the audience still demanded more of this irresistible comedian.. He was always funny, but in “The Rest Cure,” a duel fought with a i“dude,” he excelled himself. Stan Lawson has lost none of his dash as “The Misleading Lady,” and with Joe Valli scored a great success .as a long-lost soldier son. Jimmy Norton, “That, London Boy,” appealed strongly, and Gus Dawsons and dancing was well up to past performances. Claire Gooley was easily the star attraction among the ladies of the company, and her fine voice was heard to special advantage ip “Where by car.Acan has’ rested,” sung as a duet with Claude Bell (also a newcomer), who sang very pleasingly. The dancing of Miss Eily Dalgleish was very attractive. In her solo worn she clearly demonstrated her. ability as a dancer pf.no mean order, winning hearty and well deserved applause from the audience. The various ballets by the “Supeco Six” exceeded expectations, the “Butterfly Ballet” being one of the gems of the evening. Effective staging, ‘With many novel effects, added to its charm.

The orchestra, as usual, played a large part in providing a tuneful programme. The programme provided an evening of clean, healthy amusement, and the many friends of .the Diggers in. this town will wish them continued success and prosperity, and look forward to their next visit to Paeroa. ,