ENTERTAINMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3963, 2 July 1929, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT.

PAT HANNA’S DIGGER S TO-NIGHT. MIRTH AND GRACE AT THE TOWN HALL. If any company can claim to produce comedy typical of New Zealand’s own hardy growth of wit, surely it is Pat Hanna’s little regiment of “Diggers” who appear at the Town Hall to-night, after a long absence from Foxton. The company was originally re- _ cruited from picked men of the A.I.F. and N.Z.E.F., and it has never lost the human toulch which was looked upon as peculiar to our own “Diggers.” “Pat” himself, and his present coimpanion in comedy, Joe Valli, frequently don the old uniform again for some amusing little sketch of military escapades. In tlieir tremendously successful Brisbane season, where the company played for 361 nights and tickled the fancies of 49,678 paying patrons, the Diggers didn’t forge Mother Maoriland, and delighted" ~ Australian audienlees with little sketches rejniiniscent of brother Hori and his pretty Maori sisters.

The Diggers have 'been honoured in high circles, and when T.R.H. the Duke and Duchess of York were in Brisbane, a command performance was proposed. Unluckily, notice was too short for the whole of the company to be transported to B|ris,bane, but Pat himself made the trip by air and was there to be one of the Royal couple’s enthusiastic weleomers. Maoriland is just- as much “home” to the Diggers as the Australian cities which have shown su'eh appreciation of their clean, clevey comedy—and the company show's it’s glad to be back again by the topical spice with which it mixes its progralmmies. 'Seats may be reserved at Heath’s.

TOWN HALL. . ; Another Zane Grey, Jack Holt picture “Sunset Pass” will head Wednesday’s programme at the Tov'n Pall. “Sunset Pass’’ is a story of cattle rustlers, and the bringing to justice of a band of thieves by a U.S. Marshal, a role portrayed by Holt. Nora Lane has the role of the sister of a leader, of the outlaws, giving the story thrilling complications, because Holt and Miss Lane fall in love. “Sun * set Pass” is said to be one of the most entertaining stories ever written 'by the famous -author, and Paramount has faithfully transplanted it to the screen. Otto Brower, who directed “Avalanche,” also directed this Zane Grey story. With comedy, serial and News, at usual prices. A British picture that set a very high standard in home production will be seen at the Towm Hall on Friday, when the Gainsborough screen version of “The Constant Nymph” is presented. Ivor Novello, a great screen favourite, plays the part of “Lends Dodd,” giving by far the best and most de- ! tailed characterisation of his career. Mabel Poulton, a young actress, as “Tessa,” takes a frontrank pfla.ee among the international stars. Usual prices.