AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 136, 11 June 1927, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

new regent theatre. Again must the management of the New Regent be congratulated upon favouring the Auckland picture-going public with a programme which is in every way in keephigh tone of the theatre. JJehghtful music, bright vaudeville, a wonderful film story, and excellent supports al * i. e i n f^ e( iients of the entertainment, T rec^Pe take a lot of beating. In borrows of Satan" D. W. Griffith has given us a film which may be classed as one of the producer's best. That, in itself, should be sufficient recommendation tor the most fastidious picture-goer. It has been said that if D. W. Griffith had not become known the world over for his production of *'The Birth of a Nation'* I ne would have become so as the result of Sorrows of Satan." Adanted from the story by Marie Corelli, the film is a gripping drama, introducing the Satan of today as Prince Lucio de Rimanez. The story of the picture is one of the oldest in the world, but as the result of the genius of the producer it becomes new in the retelling. Stricken by poverty, a struggling writer denounces God and declares himself willing to sell his soul for worldly riches. Satan, in the figure of the Prince, gives him his chance and he is quick to grasp it. 'I he climax comes when the charming Prince reveals himself as he really is—Satan on earth. Eventually Geoffrey Tempest, the writer, returns to hnd happiness in his former love. Adolphe Menjou, the Devil, was never better suited to a part than in "Sorrows of Satan." Ricardo Cortez, as Geoffrey Tempest, is only a featured player, but this is solely due to the unusual excellence of the cast. As Mavis Clare, Tempest's first and last love, Carol Dempster is given ample opportunity of displaying her rare ability; while the work of Lya de Putti is outstanding. On the vaudeville side of the programme Donald Stuart, who is both a good comedian and a clever magician, presents an entirely new turn. Eddie Horton, at the mighty Wurlitzer, needs no introduction. His continued popularity -is well deserved. Throughout the entertainment delightful music is supplied by the Regent Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Maurice Guttridge, an overture. "The Caliph of Bagdad" (Hoieldieu), being particularly much appreciated.

STRAND THEATRE. Sparkling comedy, combined with a tensely interesting theme. p> to make up the story around which "The Man Upstairs." the current attraction at the Strand, has been built. The opening scene sees Geoffrey West staying at a fashionable hotel in the West End of London. W li;le there he answers an advertisement in a London daily, and for some days, carries on correspondence with an unknown girl. He tries to make his letters as mysterious as possible, and is astounded when he finds that the peison to whom he lias been writing is Marian Larnard, a girl staying at • t!ie same hotel, and travelling with her chaperon. Later, a rumour is spread that a guest at the hotel has been murdered, and West's knue having been found beside the body, the weight of the evidence is decidedly against him. He is locked in prison, but escapes, and starts to weave a net of very convincing evidence around the chief of police and a lady accomplice, who turns out to be Marian. She confesses that she has been playing a practical joke on him. and a pleasing climax is reached with the services of the chaperon no longer needed. A strong cast plays the story, the leading role being played by Monte Blue. Dorothy Devore has the feminine lead, while the supporting players include Heine L'onklin, whose negro characterisations are alway popular. On the accompanying programme the main feature is "Daughters Who Play," which stars Marguerite de la Motte and John Bowers. The Strand Magazine and an Aesop Fable cartoon will also be screened, and an appropriate musical score, which include- - ' Cavatina" for an interlude, has been arranged. JASPERS CONCERT. Jasper's Concert, which, at the last performance, drew a capacity house will be presented at the Town Hall again tonight. Doors will be opened at G. 30 and the entertainment will commence at 7.45. The programme will be similar to that offered last Tuesday, except that in place of Mr. Bob Adams, who is otherwise engaged, Miss Margaret Stoddart, one of Auckland's most popular violinists, will play several solos. Among the performers . ; the Pierrot troupe, the Hawaiian singers, and Bud Calder. The presentation of "Scrooge's Christmas Da}-,"' a sketch based on Dickens well-known story, with Mr. Calder as Scrooge, will provide one of the most interesting turns. The Movie Mixup, which was among the most amusing items at last Tuesday's concert will also be staged, and is expected to meet with the same reception. A number of old-time songs, among which are "Daisy Bell - ' and "Say Au Revoir," sung in harmony, should prove a popular feature. An amusing sketch, which aims at certain public officials, has been arranged as an addition to the programme of the last performance, and will be presented by Mr. Calder's two young sons. For many of the turns, appropriate scenery l.as been painted by Mr. Will Diamond, the result of whose efforts have put the finishing touches to the concert. The scenery for the Hawaiian singers' items is especially picturesque. That the result of Mr. Calder's duties is much appreciated is well known, and it is hoped that a warm response will be given to his work in connection with this entertainment.

THE MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band plays in the Zoological Park on Sunday at 2.4.5 p.m., and will render a programme containing several fresh items, among them a 6uite bv the popular writer, Ketelbev, entitled "In a Lover's Garden," which will be found novel and tuneful. Other numbers are "Semiramide" overture, "The Rose of Persia" selection; entr'cate "The Valley of Poppies", together with bright marches and hymn ttines. "Oalm as the Night" will be played as a cornet 6010 by Mr. Fred Bowes. COMMUNITY SINGING. Once again the infectious little "joy germ" is going to make his appearance in Auckland, for next Wednesday, the 1927 winter "Copimunity Sings" will commence at the Strand Theatre. The opening "sing," commencing at 12.30 p.m. on ednesdav nest, and concluding at 1.30, will be held in the Strand Theatre, with the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, as chairman, the Rev. Jasper Calder as song leader, and soloist from the wellknown pierrot company, "Jaspers Ltd." Proceeds will go to the non-endowed charities. Song books will be distributed. EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. An excellent film of the great Eucharigtic Congress, which assembled at Chicago last yeai, will be presented at the Auckland Town Hall by His Eminence George Cardinal Mundelein, on Tuesday and Wednesday next. When screened in Chicago, the film "grasped the audience so realistically, that at the clost, thousands of men and women rose and burst into the 'Te Deum.' " That is how the film reviewer a Chicago daily paper described the performance. Aucklanders should welcome the opportunity offered to them, and the picture; which is really a series of tableaux filled with magnificent spirituality, should be very much appreciated. ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, has arranged a varied programme for the organ recital in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. In addition to standard organ works, Mr. Barnett will play transcriptions of the music of scene 111., act 1., from Wagner's "Tannhauser," and Schubert's "'Serenade and March in D." BAND CONCERTS. A varied programme has been selected by the Auckland Artillery Band for the Albert Park to-morrow, including selections from grand opera, marches, descriptive fantasia, a popular overture, a very interesting number describing scenes at Whaka, and a request novelty, "A Ragtime Bass Player."

MAJESTIC THEATRE. > There is first-class entertainment at if Ma j estic Theatre this week and those who crowded the house to see the change last night, must have gone away thinking to themselves that the high standard of the popular house never varies. There is a Majestic News that is mofe than interesting this week, and Eve's Review is full of interest. Then there is a film showing further tests of the entrants in ' ss New Zealand 1927 Screen Star Quest." The photography and the work ox some of the girls is first class. There is a farcical comedy, in which Lupino Lane does all sorts of amazing things. Then the popular Jack Lumsdaine, Australia s whispering 'baritone, spends a delightful and amusing few minutes at the piano, singing those songs that have made him so popular during his .Auckland season. He has written a song to leave behind him when he goes away. ]t is a catchy melody about a Maori maid and it will no doubt be whistled and sung long after Mr. Lumsdaine is back in Australia. Gloria Swanson has reached ! the pinnacle of a memorable career. "The Love of Stinya" ' brings a new Gloria Swanson to the screen. We have seen her in a dozen different roles, but as Sunya Ashling she gives an entirely new characterisation and her interpretation is brilliant. It is her first picture for United Artists, and it is to be hoped that it is only a forerunner to many more such films. Like all Gloria Swanson films, it is lavish. The story is taken from the play " Eyes of "iouth. ' The opening scenes £how Sunya driven to self-destruction by an Egyptian priest. Centuries later, the two are reincarnated. 'J lie priest conies to atone. Sunya is the daughter of a father who is in financial difficulties, who thinks that her marriage to a millionaire will repair his fortunes. She is given the choice of three careers. She can become an opera singer, she ran become the wife of the repulsive millionaire, or she c.m become the wiie 01 Paul. the man she loves, a young engineer with a mture. but no money. Then the priest, who has been searching for Sunya to atone, turns up. j He gives her a crystal so that she may look into the future. She gazes." and is horrified at the life she sees with the opera manager and the millionaire. She i sees that her only way is to marry the man she loves. It is a tine film and' brings an entirely new theme to the screen. All through the entertainment, the Majestic All Soloists Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. F. G. Slumlord, Hays _ beautiful mu>ic. As an overture. M il it.ma was played, and as an inter- i hide "Lucia di Lannnermoor - ' was rendeied. It was good. EPSOM LIBRARY COURSE. A debate upon the proposition "That the New Freedom of Woman has been in the Best Interests of herself and the Community" will form the next item on the Kpsoni Libary course to take place on Tuesday. The debate will be provided by teams of the Workers' Educational Association, the ladies' team defending the proposition and the meu attacking it. DANCING. A l.uge number of dancers is expected to gather at the Dixieland Cabaret, Point Chevalier, this evening, when a long carnival night will be held. Music will be supplied by the Famous International Seven, who will play all the latest dance hits. Two novelty turns at the Click Chck Cabaret, m the Kialto building. Newmarket. should delight patrons of" this popular rendezvous this evening. The cabaret is now under new- direction. This evening Miss Cecil Hall's pupiLs will be seen in cabaret turns. The ever popular Y alter Smith Band still continues under the new management, and they will play all the latest dance numbers. Dancers continue to patronise .the New Regent ballroom, where late nights, with dancing continuing until midnight, are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Dansants are also held in the afternoons, and an enjoyable time is assured at all entertainments. The usual Saturday night dance of the Parisian Dance Studio will be held at the society of Arts Hall. Kitchener Stre<jt, this evening. The many features which have been arranged, promise a good entertainment. Several novelties have been got up for the Saturday night dance of the Burlington Dance Club, to be held in the Dominion Hall to-night. Another dance, arranged by the Burlington Club, will be held in the Devonia HaH, Devonport. The usual Saturday night dance, arranged by Mr. George Williams, will be held in the Masonic Hall to-night. pld-time dances are held cverv Mondav Wednesday and Saturday nights under the direction of Mr. D. Mayes, in the Municipal Hall. Newmarket. Patrons of the Seville Cabaret will be treated to an enjoyable evening at the usual Saturday dance to-night.