AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 39, 16 February 1928, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

"TIP TOES." BRIGHT SHOW IN AUCKLAND. The theme of the pseuclo millionaire and the "imitation" heiress has long been familiar to short story readers and to playgoers. More than 20 years ago there was a popular music-hall ditty about a pair who "told each other such a fairy tale,"' and did not O. Henrv introduce a variation of the same* idea into one of his tabloid tales?

|Inco again the plot has been turned to account. for it is the basis of the ' >tory in "lip locs," the two-act musical comedy which J. C. Williamson, Ltd., presented to a large audience at His .Majesty s 1 heatre last evening. A clever twist at the end, whereby it appears that the millionaire is "The real MacKay" after all, is an effective variation of the original theme, and serves to bring down the curtain on a conventionally happy ending. The plot may not be particularly brilliant, but it serves its main purpose in linking together a series of charming stage "sets" "which form the background for song and dance, excellent fooling—and still "more | song and dance.

A quaint mixture of Yank*; modernity and Cockney comedy is "Tip Toes." The idea of blending the broad effects of London humour with the dash and snappincss of the light American stage is certainly novel, and the authors, producers, or whoever is responsible, are to be congratulated 011 the success of the experiment. Music and dancing are the big idea in ''Tip Toes," but neither of them touches an outstandingly high plane, and one feitrs that without the excellent fooling '••<,{ Barrett Lennard and Cecil Kclleway, the entertainment would miss most of its appeal.

Ro much having been said in criticism, let it be added that the "firm's" latest ottering i? a thoroughly acceptable trifle, and that it goes with a bang from start to finish. A revue-like entertainment of this type—and how revue-like it is! — must rattle gaily along in order that its very modern and unclassical music may j;aiii the needful glitter. "Tip Toes" does not fail. There are six reallv well-set scenes, and goodness knows how many soncs, duets, trios and dances.

Tlic latest American music is perhaps not everbody's taste, but Georgo and Ira Gershwin give us one or two numbers which will doubtless be sung, and whistled, or played on tlie gramophone at many an Auckland party during the next fort night. Notable amongst them is '-The Birth of the Blues,'' a haunting melody with the slow, fascinating "Blues'' tempo. The.song is sung very charmingly indeed by Thelma Burness, "Tip 'Joes" heroine and leading ladv. "Nice Babv," '"That Certain Feeling," and "Sweet and Low Down" are other good numbers.

But to rot urn to flip dancing. Most of it is of the modern Charlestcn-cnm-Dixic order, but a new ami refreshing note is struck by the offerings of three Parisian dancers, Mdlle. Kamona, Josephine Head and Albert .Hugo. The trio combine ell'ectively in dances, which are a welcome change from tlie eternal slmflle and side step of the "present day. The ladies have grace and charm, admirable augmentations, to their technical skill.

Mention lias Already been made of the comedy element, safe in the hands of Cecil Ke 11a way and Barrett Lennard. Each is an excellent foil to ithe other, and their extravagant an#es make the auditorium "one vast, substantial smile." Mr. Kellaway's facial expression is exceedingly droll, and his quiet "asides" are really funny. Mr. Barrett Lennard's clothes are positive riots in colour, and his comic "effects'' never fail to tickle the audience. Incidentally the pair introduce some new and funny "paps." Miss Tlielma Burness is well suited by the role of 'Tip. Toes," the litlle dancer who at last finds happiness with the man of her heart. Miss Burness has youth, charm and talent, and ehe should make still greater headway in her profession. Opposite to her plays Levland Hodgson, who makes of the hero a manly and chivalrous figure. He sings well, and acts with commendable restraint in a part which might easily have been overdone.

"Tip Toes" will lie played for a week. Xext Wednesday evening- (lie same company will present "Queen Higli." MAJESTIC THEATRE. Another of the Majestic-'* well-known laughter entertainments Mill he presented with the change of programme to-morrow. A new comedy team, Lew Cody and Aileeri come to the screen in "Adam and Evil," the chief attraction, which is said to be one of the screen's most hilarious comedies. No better screen vehicle than this riotous feature comedy could have been selected for the initial appearance together of these two popular players. "Adam and Evil" is full of fast and furious fun, rendered doubly delectable by the accomplished artistry of Lew Cody, and by Miss Pringle's great charm arid talent. Cody has the role of a philandering husband wiio accounts for such of his escapades as reach his wife's ears by inventing a twin brother, whom he finds it necessary to impersonate in order to allay his wife's suspicious. In this difficult role Cody proves no less delightful than does Miss Pringle as the suspicions young wife. There is well varied and well balanced entertainment in the supporting programme, which includes a New Zealand scenic, "Marlborough Sounds," a Majestic Jtfagazine, showing- the latest world happenintrs, an Our Gang comedy, "The Old Wallop," and shots of Auckland bowlers on'local greens. A strong feature .of the bill of fare will be the music by the Majestic All Soloists Orchestra, under Mr. J. Whitford-Waugh. As an interlude, "Piccolo Pic" (Walter Slater) will be presented by Mr. Frank Poore. .

NEW REGENT THEATRE. I "Figures Don't Lie," with Esther Ralston in the leadftig role, is the headline attraction on the double feature programme which starts at the New Regent Theatre to-morrow. It is the story of a forgetful business man who is font} of telling his associates that he owes his success to three things—punctuality, efficiency, aud a good memory. In reality the punctuality,, efficiency, and memory are all supplied by Janet Wells, his pretty blonde secretary. The mild flirtation between the young typist and. her employer rouses the jealousy both 'of his wife and of the girl's suitor, a young sales manager, portrayed in this instance by Richard Arlen. Then come many amusing situations. with gay beach and cabaret scenes, providing an interesting setting to_ the comedy. The second picture is entitled, "Stark Love," a unique type of production, by Karl Brown, wlio has taken a mass of intimate facts concerning the people who inhabit the mountain fastnesses of North Carolina, and has woven them carefully into a story which reveals the life of a strange people in all the stark melodrama of their 'savage surroundings. The cast has. been drawn from the mountain folk themselves. The programme will be strengthened by the first appearance of Leslie Harvey, billed in America and Australia as "the wizard of the who wijl take his place at the theatre's organ to-morrow. A musical programme well up to the usual standard will be played by the Regent Operatic Orchestra, • and the supporting films will be delightful.

NATIONAL ANI> LYRIC. Two picture houses in Auckland that keep a line standard of entertainment are the National and Lyric.- To-day they changed tlreir programme and with the change has come a bill of fare that is easily equal to their best.?. "White Flannels," the Warner Master which is the chief feature, , lias another great mother role for Louise Dresser, who plays poor Ma Broska, the wife of a Polish miner. Ma Broska has seen young college men a( the homes of the mine operators where she goes to do day's wqrk. Their natty clothes, their unhardened hand.3, their careless, jaunty ways, even their speech, different from that she has ocea used to hear, fills her with the determination to send her sob to college, whether he will or not. Frank Broska. played by .Tason Robards, is a boy who likes his job. He loves a village girl and has a pal, a miner, too. rough-and-ready as himself, but Ma wills that all this be changed. cjhe learns, when almost too late, that education is not necessarily of schools, and that it takes more than what she calls "white flannels" to make, a gentleman. "Spoilers of the West," with Tim McCoy in the leading role, and \Vith Marjorie Daw playing opposite him, is also shown. The supports and the music arc up to the standard of both theatres. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.

Like all entertainments that are presented by the management of Everybody's Theatre, "Three IVJLiles Up," which stars A 1 Wilson, is a first-class picture, whichJ starts at the theatre to-morrow. "The fans] of A 1 Wilson, who is rated as the greatest stunt aviator in motion pictures to-day, will have an opportunity to thrill again when they see this popular artist in 'Three !Miles Up,' said a critic. Wilson has been called the "human ily," the "Bird man," the'"sky pilot," and various other names indicative of his marvellous skill as an aviator, stunt man, and aerial | acrobat. None of them is adequate, as will be seen by those watching the screening of "Three Miles Up." The story

around the aviator is not the usual trite variety made'with just the idea of exploiting tricks and stunts, however. Real human interest centres around "Dick/' the "ace" of his regiment, who, before his enlistment into the army had been an expert crook. Ilis desire to "go straight" and win the girl of his choice involves him in adventures which are logical and convincing. Wilson is supported by an excellent east, including Kthlyne Claire, William Maian, Frank Rice, William Clifford, Billy "Red" Jones, Joe Bennett, Archie Ricks, ami Art Goebcl. The production was directed by Bruce Mitchell, and is the second of a series of four airplane pictures which Universal is producing under the supervision of William Lord Wright. There is an excellent supporting programme, which is made all the more attractive by the delightful music of the orchestra. * I STRAND THEATRE.

After two weeks, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell still charm and captivate Auckland with their brilliant work and artistry in "Seventh Heaven," which is the headline attraction on a first-class programme at the Strand Theatre. From the play by Austin Strong, a 1 New Zealander, the film was. produced by Fox. Of Miss Gaynor's portrayal it has been said: "The flower-like charm of this young actress is something new, appealingly refreshing, and spiritually beautiful. Words cannot describe the wiusomeness of her teardimmed smile, her happy laugh, or the manner in which she shows her spiritual growth from a cringing street waif to a woman fearless in the face of tfppallingi danger, and who meets the worst that I life tlireate*s to offer unflinchingly. Charles Farrell, who also liseß to star-j dom with his performance in the role of I Chieo. that 'remarkable fellow,' is equally appealing with, his stalwart manhood and his carefree way of leading Wane from the gutter up, up the long winding flights of stairs to his heaven in a garret beneath the stars. All the fog-bound romantic atmosphere of Parisian Montmartre, where the story is laid, has been retained through expert lighting and photography in the picture, and all of the intimate and beautiful thoughts which made the play so great have been kept through direction and" interpretation. Frank Borzage, who directed the production, has achieved;, a masterpiece. It is a picure that cannot be too highly praised.*' Another excellent supporting programme has been arrange'd for the coming week, and Mrs. Eve Bentley's popular orchestra plays delightful music throughout the whole show. The prologue to the etar picture is a brilliant atmospheric production presented by Miss Phyllis Hazel and Mr. Birrell O'Malley. x

HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS. There were record houses at the Hippodrome and Empress Theatres for the opening of the official film of the HeeneySharkey fight, which started its season last evening. Most of Auckland's boxing fans were present and all acclaimed it one of the best fight films that have evev come to this country. The picture is complete in detail and the photography is excellent. Every round is faithfully shown by th 6 camera and the punches by the fighters are all recorded in clear view. Heeney was nearly dropped in the eleventh. The bell saved Sharkey from a knock-out. Referee and critics differed* The New Zealand boxer was wildly cheei-cd after the contest and there was long enthusiasm after the final gong had sounded. An attraction that is almost as good as" the fight picture is Tom Mix's latest western thriller, "Tumbling River." Accompanied by Tony, this former Texas Ranger leaped canons, plunged into a roaring river and fought off a gang of cattle rustlers in a fashion that would have made him the fear and envy of Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill and the rest of the old heroes. Playing in the leading feminine role, Dorothy Dwan has one of the most thrilling parts ever assigned to her. Although she is said to be an eastern girl with a Philadelphia finishing school training, Miss Dwan learned about riding from the west. The story relates the life of a rancher who is the ward of a boy and the victim of a crew of typical rustlers. In this instance, Tom Mix requires that his famous mount, Tony, share honours with another horse, for the boy must have his four-footed friend. How the lone rancher runs down the rustlers, saves a charming girl from their clutches and recaptures his beloved horses serves to give Tom Mix a striking opportunity. "Silly Sailors," one of the supports, is a first-class comedy. ,

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. There is a laugh in every foot of the First National film, "The Life of Riley," which started as the star attraction at the Princess and Tivoli. Theatres to-day. George Sidney and Charlie Murray at their best are co-featured. E. M. Aslier produced this hilarious film, and William Beaudine directed it. Other favourites, including Sam Hardy, Myrtle Stedman, June Marlowe, Stephen Carr, Edwards Davis, and Bert Woodruff are also in the cast. "Riley,'' the character depicted by Murray, is fire chief and general storekeeper in a rural village, and is chief o£ pblice and the iceman. Hardy comes to town with a circus as a sideshow man, and' remains to get the rich widow, desired also by. the fire and police chiefs! Myrtle Stedman plays the role. A consistent plot is woven around this rivalry, the invention of a fire extinguisher by Riley, and a very sweet romance between Molly, who drifts into town the day of the circus, and St«ve; Meyer's son. Even a touch of wistful pathos is allowed to enter the junior love affair, contrasting effectively with the breathless succession

of comedy scenes. "The Prince of PiUen," a new comedy production released by Producers Distributing Corporation, which features Anita Stewart and George Sidney, is also being shown. The scenes are laid in a mythical principality in Europe, and are exceptionally amusing. The supporting cast includes Allan Forrest, Myrtle Stedman, Otis Harlan, and Rose Tapley.