ENTERTAINMENTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 571, 1 October 1920, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

LYCEUM PICTURES. SATURDAY. "The New Moon," the star feature for to-morrow evening, is a story of Russian life as it exists to-day—of men and women, aristocrats and peasants, freedom and bondage, love and laughter, hate and tears. A beautiful Russian princess disguises herself as a peasant girl, while she seeks protection from the anarchists who are trying to rule the town. When the women of the country are ordered to register so as to be nationalised she leads them to revolt. Miss Norma Talmadge, as the Princess Pavlovna, is given an excellent opportunity to display that remarkable versatility for which she has become famous. As the Russian princess she is proud, beautiful and gorgeously dressed. Decked in resplendent jewels, silks and velvets she is truly a wondrously beautiful member of the royal house of Russia. Later, as a peasant girl, in coarse, ill-fitting clothes and shawled head she lends atmosphere and realism to the role. Picturesque scenes at Saranac Lake, Russian officers in their handsome uniforms, and loose-bloused, longbearded Bolsheviki, and peasant girls in the grey sashes and pretty shawls, tramped about the hills in 12 inches of snow, troikas and britchkas, Russian sleighs, all lend the atmosphere of realism to the production. This is a very fine picture, and one worth seeing. The supports are equally interesting. ,

MONDAY. SPECIAL PICTURES. "The 'Digger' Evans—Silvino Jamito fight piciure is'the finest I have ever seen." This is what Mr. Will Lawless, the eminent boxing scribe, "Solar Plexus," of "Fairplay," said after viewing the film of the wonderful fistic battle in which "Digger" Evans, Australia's soldier boxer, gained the decision over Silvino Jamito, the Phillipino wonder, after 20 exciting hardfought rounds at the Sydney Stadium on Saturday, February 18, 1920. Despite the cost of hiring this big film the Lyceum management are not making any extra charge for admission. The picture takes one hour to screen. The remainder of the programme is equally interesting.

"THE FAMOUS DIGGERS." PREMIER HALL, OCTOBER 12. Very happy old memories crowd around the band of warrior entertainers who will appear at the Premier Hall on Tuesday, October 12, under the direction of Mr. Victor Beck. "A merry heart goes all the way," said General Russell, in commending "The Diggers" to the public of New Zealand. "The Diggers" helped our boys over many a mile. Come and see them. "The Diggers" are now paying a farewell visit to New Zealand prior to fulfilling engagements in the East. Everywhere they appeared in Australia under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., they met with an enthusiastic reception. The Melbourne Punch says: "There is no doubt that these are the best yet," and a Brisbane contemporary reports: "Tano Fama. the comedian of the 'Diggers,' is one of the most versatile artists seen here for many a moon. His impersonation of 'Old Bill' in the humorous sketch, "The Leave Train,' waa the living image of Bruce Bairnsfather's creation, and was miles ahead of the, specially imported artist who created the part in the prodaction of The Better J 01e" in Sydney. Entirely new programmes will be presented by "The Diggers" in their forthcoming farewell visit, and many novel and unique features are promised. There is no doubt that this brilliant combination cf artists ha"s made a wonderful reputation from London to the Antipodes, and that such reputation has been deserved is borne out by the Press criticisms everywhere the "Diggers" have appeared. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was so impressed by the efforts of this wonderful company of entertainers that he notified "The Diggers" that he extended his patronage to them. "The Diggers" return to New Zealand with a very extensive repertoire of entirely new numbers, and many startling novelties will be presented"by them. The orchestra of ten players, all clever performers, is one of the features of "The Diggers" entertainment. The wonderful success of "The Diggers" is not to be wondered at considering the versatility and brilliancy of the company. Volley after volley of fun is fired from the stage at the audience with hilarious results. "The Diggers'" methods of presenting their bill of fare are both original and novel, and the whole programme scintillates with genuine humour. Included in the personnel are Tano Fama, comedian, George Proctor, tenor, Stan. Lawson, "the misleading lady," Donald Stuart, comedian, Gas. Dawson, ragtime exponent and dancer, Frank Perkins, baritone, and Len Walker, dancer and light comedian. Writing of their performance in London, The Globe, says: "The Victoria Palace was packed last night, the attraction being 'The Diggers,' who have made a great hit. Stan. Lawson, the female impersonation, -is wonderful." The box plan will be open at The Bookery on Friday next.