AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 276, 20 November 1926, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. "Black Cyclone" commenced its Auckland season at the Strand Theatre yesterday. A magnificent horse called Rex is starred in the picture, and Rex has the very human -weakness of wanting to win a mate. At first he is seen as a colt without a mother, and Killer, a stallion with a fiendish temper and a hideously spotted coat, drives him out of the herd. Rex is a horse with a natural fear of man, but lie comes to know the value of a man's friendship. Jim, a cowboy, finds him one day in danger of being swallowed up by quicksands, and goes to the rescue. Rex shows his appreciation by killing a cougar when it is about to spring on Jim when he is asleep. Rex also saves Lady, the cowboy's horse, from a wolf pack which trails her during her escape from the Killer's herd. There is a wide variety of scenery in the picture, and an abundance of incident narrated against the beautiful background of mountains and canyons. The second attraction is "Sun Up," a story of life in North Carolina. The principal player is George K. Arthur, a recent addition to the Metro-Gohlwyn-Mayer troupe of headliners. A Strand Magazine, an Aesop Fable, "If Noah Lived To-day," and a splendid film of the Royal Show complete the picture part of the programme. "Rose Marie" is a delightful orchestral interlude, played by the Strand Symphony Orchestra. MAJESTIC THEATRE. An American girl goes abroad with her :ousin, who has inherited a royal throne, md marines a Crown Prince, after much intrigue and adventure. That is the synopsis of the story "Beverly of Graustark," which was written by George Barr McCutcheon, and has been adapted for the screen in a picture that is now showing at the Majestic Theatre. From the Metro-Groldwyii-Maj«er studios, the picture comes is one with a high reputation, and it is said that Marion Davies, who has the leading role, gives one of the most remarkable performances in her screen career. Besides playing the heroine, she masquerades so perfectly as a Prince, that j mc is said to be a counter-part of the , Brince of Wales. Miss Davies plays the ' heroine, an American girl, cousin to the Crown Prince of a European kingdom, and with her hair cut short, she impersonates him to foil the plot of a pretender to the throne. Miss Davies' male masquerade is one of the wonders of the screen, says a critic, so perfect is the illusion. Elaborate settings depicting a mythical kingdom in Europe are the scenes of the play, and gorgeous costumes, uniforms and gowns make it colourful. Among the incidents in the picture, the battle on the mountain crag is a striking thrill; and the interpretation is in the hands of a notable cast, which includes Antonio Moreno in the part of a convincing hero as Dantan, the leading male role. Roy D'Arcy gives a sincere interpretation of the polished villain as the pretender to the throne. Creighton Hale, Paulette Duval, Max liarwyn, Albert Pran and Charles Clary are all seen in adequate roles. Miss Ina Thompson (contralto), whose success at the recent competitions festival brought her before the notice of Aucklanders, sings two songs during the evening sessions, and the supporting programme comprises a Government scenic picture, showing the virgin kauri forest with the axemen at work, a laughable comedy and two topical pictures. RIALTO AND REGENT. A delightfully amusing narrative of the real estate business in Florida, "The New Klondyke," is the picture that heads tbe programme now showing at the Rialto and Regent Theatres. Thomas Meigban has a light humorous role as Tom Kelly, one-time professional baseball player, and later a prominent land agent of Florida. Full of hilarious sequences, the story is a good one. As a second attraction, "The Lodge in the Wilderness" is screened. During the filming of a fire scene in the picture the underbrush was set alight and a strong wind caused the flames to spread in an alarming manner. It took several hours to stop the path of the flames. GRAND THEATRE. "Should a Girl Propose," a picture full of unusual situations, is the headline attraction on the programme that is drawing crowded houses at the Grand Theatre. The Sydney "Morning Herald" said tbe picture was the best Australian film yet produced. Screened as the second attraction i* "The Gambling Fool." It is a Western picture full of exciting incidents, with Franklin Farnum at the head of a strong cast. The hero saves the gambler and his young child from being cheated out of their land by a gang of sharpers. The hero cleverly outwits them and saves the fool's property. The supporting programme is a good one. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Code of the West," Paramount's presentation of Zane Grey's novel by the same name is the stellar attraction on the programme now showing at the Queen's Theatre. Owen Moore and Constance Bennett appear in the principal roles. The picture tells an amusing story of a flapper from the city who tries to vamp the cowboys of the wide open spaces. The story is a fast moving vehicle with plenty of humorous relief. AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA. A special request programme will be presented by the Aeolian Orchestra at the final concert of the fifth season on Tuesday evening next. The programme includes orchestral renderings of "War March of the Priests"' (Mendelssohn), "Bohemian Girl" (Balfe), "Cavalleria Rusticana" (Mascagni), "Chu Chin Chow" (Norton), "Marche Militaire" (SaintSaens), "Wedding Serenade" (Moses Tobani), "Magis Flute" (Mozart), "The Gondoliers" (Sullivan), and "Stars and Stripes" (Sousa). Vocal numbers will be given by Mr. E. C. Selwyn Hamlin, and pianoforte solos will be given by Miss Maida Hooker. A flute and clarinet duet will be rendered by Messrs. G. E. Carder and R. H. White. ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for the organ recital in the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) night will include Bach's great Donhinr 'toccata and Fugue, the arrangement by Saint-Saens of Liszt's "St. Francis Breaching to the Birds." Schubert's popular Military March, and other works by Cesar Frauck, Wolstenholme and Hollins. DANCING. Dixieland, at Point Chevalier, will held its usual Saturday night session this ever> ing. The Internationals dance will play all the latest dance hits. Tomorrow the cabaret will be open in the afternoon. An excellent orchestra will play the latest dance music at the Click Clack Cabaret, in the Rialto Buildings, Newmarket, this evening. Up-to-date ventilation appointments have recently been installed in the cabaret. A special noveity night will be held by the Burlington Dancing Club. Dominion Road, this eveniiur. Perrin's orchestra will be heard in new jazz numbers, and Miss Zoo Gwilliams has bedn engaged tt give exhibition dances. The usual Saturday night dance of the Parisian Dance Club will be held in tin Society of Arts Hall. Kitchener Street this evening. The Parisian Dance Orches tra, of eight instruments will play all th< latest numbers. The usual Saturday night dance of tin Point Chevalier Sailing Club wi'l be hel< in the .pavilion this evening. The dance arranged by Mr. D. May: Will be held in the Municipal Hall, New market, this evening. | The Watersiders' Social Club will hole its Saturday night dance in the Trade. Hall this evening. Messrs. Ravlick and Heaps will hole their old-time dance in the Zealandia Hull Dominion Road, this evening. The Saturday night dance arranged In Messrs. W. Bath and W. Turner will bi held in the Druids' Hall, Newton, thi, evening.

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN COMPANY. The box plans will be opened at Lewis R. Eady and Sou, Ltd., on Monday morning for the farewell season of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company, which begins at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday uiixht next, when "Tbe Gondoliers" will be staged. The season is limited to six nights," but during that period the company will stage no less than <■.<•' best and most popular . . the famous collaborators. "J'hc oouuoliers" will be followed on Thursday night next by "The Yoeman of the Guard."' and on Friday evening "Jolatithc" will be revived. On Saturday next (afternoon and evening) the exhilarating Japanese opera, "The Mikado,"' will be presented. and on Monday night "H.M.s. Pinafore. ' preceded by "Trial by Jury," will bo performed. The season will close on luesday, November 30. when "The Pirates ot Penzance" will be produced. The phenomenal success of the present tour is due, to a large extent, to the admirable manner in which each of the operas has ".."en produced, and also to the fact that the latest Gilbert and Sullivan Company includes such brilliant artists as Mr. .lames Hay, Miss Strella Wilson. Mr. Charles Walenn. Miss Winifred Williamson, Miss Patti Russell. Mr. Leo. Darnton, Mi. Lanco Fairfax, Mr. Bernard Manning, Miss Mabel Gibson and Mr. John Halston. Another great factor which has assisted to make the tour a record one is the magnificent chorus under the direction ot Mr. Gustave Slapolfski. The company will arrive here on Wednesday morning. HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. On Wednesday. December 1. the Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company will renew acquaintance with _ Auckland theatregoers at His Majesty's Theatre tor a season of ten nights. Their last appearance here was a little over two years ago. There are a few of the old favourites in the company, but there arc twelve new members, including Mr. Dan Hood, of Auckland, who will be well remembered here as a brilliant "piano humorist." On the occasion of the company s farewell m Adelaide after fourteen weeks, the •■Advertiser of 10/3/215 says: "A memorable sceae was enacted at the .I.C.W. Garden Theatre when the popular Humphrey Bishop Company bade farewell to ait audience of over 5000 people, who stood on the vast terraces and crowded the grassy slopes. Streamers of all colours Hashed from audience to stage, and crisscrossing, were picked up and hurled back again. 'Auld Lang Syne' was lustily sung by thousands, and cheers rang out again and again for the company. It was Adelaide's last opportunity of showing their appreciation of a considerably good show, and a remarkable performance was capped by a memorable climax." Box plans will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Monday. 29th. at 9 a.m. MUNICIPAL CONCERTS. Music lovers must not miss the beautiful programme to be given to-night in the Town Hall by the Municipal Band, with Miss Christina Ormiston and Mr. A. 11. Ripcy assisting vocally. The splendid band items arc, "Marc-he et Cortage," "Lgmont" overture, "Old Folks at Home"—in foreign lands, paraphrase "Die Lorely. ' tone poem "In the Cloisters," and grand selection from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," including the famous sextet. Miss Ormiston will sing Spohr's "Rose Softly Blooming," aud Mr. Bipley will sing "Evening Song." and the two artists together will render the duct, "Night AU Too Blessed," from Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet." Messrs. McLennan and Pairman will play Damare's "Les Echos dcs Bois," a charming number for the flute and oboe. Mr. Fred Bowes will play as a cornet solo Suppe's "Shepherd's Morning Song." Seats can be booked at the Town Hall. SACRED CONCERT. For the purpose of raising money for the Makogai leper patients' fund, a grand sacred concert will be held in the Majestic Theatre to-morrow evening. Instrumental items will be given by Mr. Henry Bishaw, Hawaiian instrumentalist, supported by Doody Williams, Spanish guitar accompanist. Other items will be given by Mr. Jirtimv Taylor and Misses Dorothy Summers 'and Beryl Scott, of the Loudon Pierrots. Auckland's Hawaiian instrumentalists, headed by B. D. Jngall. will present a number of items. Outside the theatre before the com .ft. the} Auckland Waterside Workers' , liver -Band will render selections. MUSIC AT THE ZOO. ( At the Zoological Park to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon the Municipal Band will render an interesting programme of musical items. Included are the stirring marches "The Woman Soldier," "The. Guards' Brigade." and "The British Legion," hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers," overture, "Morning, Noon and Night," descriptive "A Forest Wooing," dedication and benediction from Meyerbeer "s "Les Huguenots." Neapolitan serenade, "0 Sole Mio," selection, "Pieciosa," and other tuneful numbers. PAPATOETOE CONCERT. A successful concert in aid of the St. George's vicarage fund at Papatoetoe was held in the Papatoetoe Town Hall last evening. There was a crowded attendance. A programme was given by entertainers from Auckland, including Miss Phyllis Gribbin, Air. Barry Coney, Mr. Alan McElwain. and Mr. E. Axfonl, and the orchestral items were contributed by Mr. Morcy's orchestra of twelve instrumentalists, under Mr. J. S. Morey. Opening with the National Anthem, the programme was as follows: —Overture, "The Golden Sceptre"' (Hchlepegrellj Orchestra; song, I "Whatever Is, Is Best" (Herman LohrJ, Miss Phyllis Gribbin; llute solo (selected), .Mr. Maurice Seel, accompanied by Miss Marjorie .Seel; song, "YV'aiata Maori" (llilll, -Mr. Bai-rv Coney: humorous item, Mr. Alan McKlwain; Highland fling-, Miss Gladys Mr-Caulcy; cntnu-te, "Idyl" (Sanford I. Orchestra; sou-, 'Try Mignonette." Mrs. W. .Meek: 15 minutes' conjuring, Mr. K. Axiord; soul', "Lorainc, Loiaine, Loree" (Sprossi, Mr. Barry C'.ney; duet, Hute and clarionet. "1-", Here- the Gentle i Lark" (Bisliopl, Mr. M-.rey and Mr. Maurice Steel: song. "Down Here the Lilacs Fade" (Constance Maud I, Miss I'hvllis Gribbin; soin.j im.ro humour, Mr. Alan .McKlwain. Mr. Harry Coney gave llneo ciii mc items, including: "What a Wonderful World It Would Be." Miss I'hvllis Gribbin gave- as one of her encores, "Mr. Garden," and Mrs. Meek, "Love's a Merchant." Mr. MeKlwnin's encores were: "The Rich Man Drives By in His Carr-i-age and Pair." " 'Amlet." and "The Jewish Story." Miss Rita Burnside was the accompanist. Bouquets were presented to the accompanist and the lady vocalists. ONEROA BEACH EXCURSION. Leaving Quay Street wharf at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning the Northern Company's steamer Bangitoto will run an excursion trip to the Uncroa Ocean Beach. Arriving at Surfdaie at 11 a.m., the Bangitoto will leave at .1 p.m. on return. Special arrangements have been made for the i comfort of visitors, ami, in addition '" throwing tin: rest house open, li a w.itc i will be available. The nianagenit-ui . the Matiatia-Oncroa Ocean Bern li Kstaie, under whose auspices the cm :- .:. , being run, has arranged to haw: a movm picture taken of the excursion, t .■•lie with scenes on the estate which v.j'l shown in Auckland ie-\t week, at: I .:' . in the country ccnti i-.