ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1922, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S. LAST NIGHT OF “THE DREAM CHEATER.” In “The Dream Oeater, ’ adapted for the screen from the famous French writer’s “The Magic Skin,” Warren Kerrigan portrays the most dramatic role of his long and brilliant career, the magnetic artist departing entirely from his usual brand of delineation. Unusual dramatic strengeh is obtained by sudden and striking contrasts in the production. The hero’s happy boyhood stands out in relief against the tragedies which follow ; his former wealth contrasts with his want; his superstition and fear give way to the light of truth and understanding, and hia doubt in woman’s loyalty is supplanted by his love for one of the sweetest characters ever reproduced upon the silver sheet. It is an exceptionally well acted story of ]ove anfl romance. The final screening takes place to-night. Charles Ray will be featured to-morrow in a First National special, “The Gid Swimmin’ Hole.” THE PEOPLE’S. “THREE WORD BRAND.’A Western photoplay that is as full of action as the conventional egg is of meat, is William S. Hart’s new Paramount picture, “Three Word Brand,” which will be featured at the People’s Theatre for two days, beginning tonight. From the opening scenes, when Ben Trago, after placing his twin sons in safety, blows himself into fragments by igniting a keg of gunpowder to escape a band of savages that had him caught in a trap, to the final fade-out, when he holds the girl of his heart in his arms, there is not a wearisome moment. Mr. Hart plays three roles, and he portrays them all with consummate artistry. Jane Norfolk is his leading woman, and heads a strong supporting i-ast of screen players. The supporting programme includes Gazette and a tworel Mack Sennett comedy.

THE FAMOUS DIGGERS. BOX PLAN OPENS THIS MORNING. When things were looking gloomy for the Allied armies during the Great War, the Famous Diggers were busy keeping up the spirits of the soldiers by means of bright entertainment. Strangely enough, in these times of peace, when financial despondency is in the air, these same Diggers are fulfilling a similar service for their civilian populace. That they do it in splendid fashion is evidenced by the huge response from the general public in other parts of New Zealand. As one of the contemporaries remarks: “From the beginning to the end of the programme, the Diggers have their audiences in paroxysms of laughter. Hard times are forgotten; nothing is remembered save the delicious enjoyment of the moment.” There is, however, just that blend of serious items which prevents the programme from being too sugary. Fred Webber, a very clever singer, who is an expert dancer, contributes largely to the success of the show. Joe Valli, the Scottish comedian, who has been specially imported from London, does a lion’s share in the laughter-making. Ivan Marshall, an operatic tenor, is an exmember of the J. C. W. firm. He comes with a fine reputation. Bernard Beeby is a baritone with a voice of exceptional quality. Frank Moran, nearly seven feet of elongated laughter, lives up to his reputation as a fun-purveyor. Tano Fama, the captain of comedy; Stan Lawson, the misleading lady, and other favourites, are still members of this troupe. The show has now been reorganised, and n new wardrobe purchased in London, at 11 cost of several hundred pounds. Moreover. the scenery embraces two exquisite sets, “Carnival Time ’ and “The Arabian Gasis, 5 both of winch are a feast , of colour. The revue is entitled “Box 1 n’ Tricks,” and contains some of the best sketches from the London Hippodrome revue of that name. Box plans for Sat- ] urday’s performance open at Collier’s , this evening.