AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 252, 23 October 1926, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The programme presented at the Majestic Theatre for mc first time yesterday was delightful because of its variation. "The Son of the Sheik," stair inc the late Ru-lolpb Valentino, was the principal attraction. It is a story of desert life, playeJ in an atmosphere of extreme realism, and it was based on the well-known novel by Edith M. HullThe story deals with lite in Morocco, and the tribesmen are shown In the setting of the desert and the squalour of the market place. The picturesque atmosphere is sustained throughout, and even were a plot lacking, much of the picture could stand alone entirely on the merits of its elaborate scenery. Artificiality has had no effect on the moonlight wastes and oases. The plot deals essentially with violent passions. Valentino, as the son of the Sheik, is in the familiar role which permits him to alternate his moods be tn-een love and hatred. Vengeance seems to be the appealing theme of the production. Vilnia Banky appears as Yasmin, a dancer in a band of street entertainers. Her father is a French mountebank whose ambitions go no further than eKin& out a bare living in the market places with his troupe. Excitement enters immediately when the son of the Sheik carries Yasmin off to his camp, and is persuaded by his father to release her. Attracted to the dancing exhibitions, the hero is involved in a series of encounters with bandits, but the story has a happy ending. "In the Days of Pompadour" is a delightful dance scena presented with the programme. It was arranged by Miss Cecil Hall. The orchestra rendered a number of selections. A comedy, a Pathe gazette, and a pictorial complete the change of programme. STRAND THEATRE. "The Limited Mail" drew a crowded house when it had its initial Auckland screening at the Strand Theatre yesterday, ft is an elaborate picture, remarkable for the beauty of its setting. Filmed in the Colorado mountains, in the west of America, the picture is rich in mountain scenery. Many American critics saia that the picture contains some of the most beautiful mountain scenery yet seen on the screen. The story is about the fortunes and misfortunes, adventures and misadventures, of Bob Snobson (Monte Blue), who is a care-free, happy-go-lucky Easterner. Bob goes on tramp, and during his trampings he meets with Spike and Potts, two other members of the brotherhood of the open spaces. In adventures, the trio join partnership, and among other things they save the Limited express from crashing to destruction at a mountain landslide. It is a thrilling sequence. Soon Bob encourages the friendship of the mail clerk, Jim Fowler, and the two of them quickly fall in love with Caroline Dale, who is a waitress. Just as trouble appears to be brewing, Jim is killed in a wreck. Later Bob and Caroline get married. Pathos and humour are cleverly woven into the story, and there is something about the picture that makes an instant and big appeal. Although the theme is one that we have seen many times, the picture is presented in an entirely different manner. It appeals instantly. The rest of the programme is enjoyable and entertaining because of its variation. "Hay Fever" is a screaming comedy that proves to be one long succession of laughs. The Strand Symphony Orchestra plays as an over.ture "The Pink Lady," and Rene and Eenard, direct from the London Coli--seum, entertain with banjo novelties.

GRAND THEATRE. J "College Days," said to be Harold Lloyd's greatest comedy is the stellar attraction on the programme now showing at the Grand Theatre. It is a picture of college life with laughs and thrills and humour that is all wholesome and refreshing. There is just sufficient pathos in it to make the comedy ring true. A great deal of the success of the picture is due to Harold Lloyd himself. His portrayal of Harold Lamb, the sentimental freshman at college is remarkable. Tricks and jokes of all kinds are played upon Lamb when he first goes to college, and he is led to 1 believe that his popularity is assured. Finally he wins the heart of 1-eggy, the daughter of his landlady, ayfl after many troubles he becomes the college hero and wins the girl he .loves. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Wanderer of the Wasteland," the ecreen adaptation of Zane Grey's popular novel by the same name, heads the programme now showing at the Queen's Theatre. It is a gripping story jacked with thrills and a charming romance runs through it. The picture was filmed amid the grandeur of the canyons of Amenca, and is done entirely in natural colours. Irvin Wilatt. directed the picture for Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky. Jack Holt heads a strong cast. RIALTO AND REGENT. Richard Dix is seen in a delightful lomedy, "Womanhandled," at the Rialto tod Ragent Theatres. In the picture Dix has the part of a wealthy New Yorker, and is in good favour with the women. Unfortunately for them, he does not think much of the modern woman, but has an ideal type of his own. The heroine too, has an ideal type. She and Dix are on common ground and the romance begins. In the last sequence the girl is seen being rescued in a thrilling manner by the hero. "T> e Romany," featuring special mountain and river scenery, is shown with the same programme. MUNICIPAL CONCERTS. To-night in the Town Hall Concert Wiamber the Municipal Band continues the above series of concerts. A bright and entertaining programme has been specially prepared with a view to the acoustical properties of the smaller fi all, so tliat those with the most SURCeptible of ears need have fear ?i the sound volume being over-power-jng in the slightest degree. Several Hems will be heard for the first time by tins combination, notably "Semiramide" overture, the serenade and valse from The Student Prince," and the euphonium solo "Nazareth" to be rendered by Mr. J. Purchase, and the cornet duet "Cheerfulness" to be played °y Messrs. Bowes and Morgan: Mr. •Hartley Warburton, baritone, a recent winner at the competitions will sing We prologue from "Pagliacci" and "O otar of Eve" from "Tannhauser," with JUr. Leo Whittaker at the piano. ORGAN RECITAL. A recital will be given in the Town ttali to-morrow (Sunday) night com*mencing at 8.30. The city organist, Mr. Matighan Barnett. will play standard works by Bach, Mendelssohn and Cesar franck, Beethoven's popular "Minuet" in G, Parry's choral prelude on the tune associated with the words, "As pants the hart," and a Breton air arranged for man and bells.

"THE ARCADIANS." There will be several features of special interest surrounding the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's 1920 season, opening at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday evening next, November 1. First will be the public's opportunity of renewing their acquaintance with the breezy and tuneful music of Lionel . and .id Talbot, and that dry spice of satirical humour which characterises the lyrics of Arthur Wimpers, the collaborators of that most, charming of musical plays, "The Arcadians." Then, in the caste of principals who have been chosen to uphold the reputation of the Society are the names of one or two who make their first appearance on the amateur operatic stage. The part of Peter Doody, the much-trained jockey, who is responsible for much of the humour of the piece, has been allotted to Mr. Norman MacPherson, a new member of the society, whoso work in the role of the Frenchman ii. "Fanny's First Play," done by the Little Theatre Society last year, may be remembered. Miss Hoskin has been selected for the part of Sombra, the Arcadian maiden, in which part her well-trained soprano voice should stand her in good stead, and in the capable hands of Mr. Lyttelton the comedy part of Simplicities should lack nothing of sparkling fun and vivacity. The opportunities for good concerted work by the chorus, both in singing and dancing, will be taken full advantage of by those who have become old favourites of the society's patrons. Miss Ethel Rae as the vulgar Mrs. Smith, Miss Beryl Nettleton as Eileen Kavanagh, Mr. Ernest Snell as Jack Meadows, and Mr. Len Kevin as the jealous Sir George Paddock will be welcomed back.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A criminal picture full of mystery, "Afterglow" is the star attraction on the programme now showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. It stars Lillian Hall Davis, the well-known English actress. The remarkable fact about the picture is that the story is said to be one of actual fact, and goes back to a case that was heard in the London criminal sessions fifteen years ago. "Below the Line," a Master Picture starring Rin Tin Tin, is the second attraction. The supporting programme is a good one.

IRVING'S IMPERIAL MIDGETS. Writing of Irving's Imperial Midgets, who commence a short Auckland season at the Opera House on Monday afternoon next, in conjunction with the Chefalo-Palermo Company of illusionists, a Canadian paper says: Vancouver it gazed through the wrong end iof a telescope last night when the curtain at the Pantages Theatre rose to show a single file of black and white ' -liformed soldiers about to do the famous "Pr*ade of the Wooden Soldiers" fro... the 'Kjssian production "Chauve Souris." Diminutive figures, none over 3ft high, went through the motions of the fascinating "march"; Vancouver was viewing Irvings Imperial Midgets for the first time. Fifteen little men and women comprise the company of midgets. Although their total height would not make ten normal Canadians, the midgets are men and women in years, with mature mentality and judgment. Many of them have been on the stage for years, and are accomplished musicians, expert I gymnasts, and attractive singers and dancers. To go behind he scenes between performances last night, and to chat with the midgets as they rested in dressings gowns and kimonos, was to have the queer sensation of entering the land of Lilliputians. Theirs is certainly a unique and altogether satisfying show. Applause was frequent and sustained, whilst recalls were so numerous that the other acts on the bill had to b? considerably curtailed. Chefalo, 'the merry monarch of magic," is an illusionist and magician who gets right away from the beaten track. He infuses plenty of humour into his turn, which is rich" in gorgeous dippings and stage settings.' Signorina Palermo is the world's only lady illusionist and with the aid of Chefalo and company presents "The Garden of Aiystery," a symposium of illusion and necromancy. The full com pany appear twice daily all next week The box-plans, which are filling rapidly for the opening day, are on view at the theatre. The company is due to arrivt per the Limited on Monday morning, and will travel to the theatre in Bay Fiat cars kindly lent by Maoriland Motors Ltd.

MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon at 3 o'clock. The fine musical programme to be rendered includes the selections "The Gondoliers" and "Squires' Popular Songs;" overture, "Italiana in Algieri;" suite, "Three Nell Gwynn," dances; Boccherini's famous "Minuetto;" "Amorettan Tanz," waltz; hymn tunes and the bright marches "Under the Allied Banners," "The Bull- i fighters." and "British Steel." ART AND OPPORTUNITY. The Grafton Shakespeare and Dramatic Club will present "Art and Oppor- ! tunity," a three-act comedy by Harold ! Chapin, on Tuesday next, October 26, in the Remuera Library Hall. The cast includes Mesdames E. R. Pilkington md Frank Turner, and Messrs. Ernest Blair, A. R Duncan, A. V. Perm, C. M. Rattray, and S. M. Yallop. "THE GOLDEN LEGEND." Madame Winnie Fraser, Madame Irene Ainsley, Mr. Edwin Dennis, and Mr. William Gemmell will be the soloists for Sullivan's "Golden Legend" to be given by the Auckland Choral Society at the Town Hall next Thursday evening. In this inspired work Sir Arthur Sullivan is considered to have reached his highest level of utterance. From the beginning, with a chord of the seventh, in itself an innovation, although not quite without precedent, to the last note, it is an immense work in its entirety, and in its details, its creative power, and in hearing. The orchestration is very beautiful, but extremely difficult, and it 19 only an orchestra such as the society possesses that can do justice to it. The box plan I opens next Tuesday. i>