AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 212, 8 September 1927, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE. With "Counsel For the Defence," which opened its Auckland premiere to-day as the main picture attraction of the bill at the National Theaxre, there "comes if u to thc BCre en of two artists, who, but a few years ago, were favourites with cinema fans the world over. They *J e Betty Compson and House Peters. •Miss Compson appears as a girl, who, though she has just left college, is faced with a tragic problem. Her father, a prominent physician, is also an inventor, and he is being victimised by a gang of political rogues, who hope to secure the secret of his discovery. It is left to his daughter to save her father from financial ruin, and also to preserve his good reputation. She is assisted in her scheme by the editor of a large daily newspaper. Finally, she is successful and the rogues are caught red-handed. Miss Compson is excellent as the daughter of the physician, while House Peters takes the role of the newspaper editor exceptionally well. The stars have a good supporting cast. On the same programme is "North Star," a thrilling drama of the frozen north, with the dog actor Strongheart in the leading role. The intelligence displayed in this picture by the animal is almost incredible, while there can be no doubt as to the strength of his breed. Although the dog and his acting are the main features of the film, the sequence of events has a delightful romance woven into it, and the theme is not without its humour and even pathos. Good supporting numbers accompany the two big attractions at the National.

NEW HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS. Not only the fight itself, but also the wild enthusiasm of the vast crowd gathered for the memorable struggle, is to be seen in the film of the recent contest between Jack Sharkey and Jack Dempsey, who fought recently for the right to challenge Gene Tunney, the heavyweight champion boxer of the world. The film is now being screened as the main attraction of the programmes at the New Hippodrome and Empress Theatres. Each round of the titanic battle is shown in detail, and the punch with which the ex-champion knocked out his opponent. i 6 very clear. On the bill at the New Hippodrome, the chief supporting film is "The Heart of Salome," a William Fox production, which stars Alma Rubens. In this

film Alias Rubens is said to be at her best. She is admirably suited to the role with which she has been entrusted, while other players, among whom are Walter Pidgcou, Barry Norton, Holmes Herbert and Robert Agnew, are also »cl! cast. They have obviously been c .. . - selected not only for their acting abilities, but also for their screen personalities. Beautiful and lavish settings are probably the most noticeable teature of the picture The fame programme also includes the greening of the latest Fox News, and that popular O. Henry comedy, -The Man About Town." Another of Alma Kubetis' vehicle from William Fox. "Marriage License, provides the chief supporting number oi the programme at the Empress Walter Pidgeon is again in the male lead, while other featured players are Walter McGrail, Richard Walling and Emily Pitzroy. The latest Fox News, and another O. Henry comedy, "The Complete Life" are also screened. LYRIC THEATRE. Two of First National Pictures' best nlms, "See \ou in Jail" and '"Shipwrecked" are included in the bill of fare now being presented at the Lyric Theatre. 'See lou in Jail" is ideally contrasted to "Shipwrecked," the whole entertainment being delightfully varied and well balanced. At the head of the strong cast which interprets the theme of "See You in Jail," there is that popular comedy artist, Jack Mulhall. Undoubtedly he has a type of humour all his own, and it is a type which should quickly catch the fancy of cinema fans. He is seen as a wealthy young man who is forced to spend a term behind the bars. But he makes the best of his enforced confinement, and creates quite a deal of fun with the warders and other officials of the prison. "Shipwrecked" is, as the title suggests, a tale of the sea. The wreck in mid-ocean of a large liner, crowded with passengers on a long voyage, is realistic in the extreme. The film shows the panic of the passengers, and the coolness of the captain of the ship and his crew. The haste with which the boats are lowered, and the mad scramble for room are, well depicted; indeed, the film may easily be described as one of the most thrilling and one of the most entertaining of the season. Seena Owen is the star, while others in the cast are Joseph" Schildkraut, Matthew Betz and Lionel Belmore. Good supports accompany the two big pictures at the Lyric.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Bardeley's the Magnificent.", Seldom has a film been awaited with such interest, and during next week, when it will be screened at the Majestic Theatre, it should prove itself one of the most attractive offerings of the year. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release, the film has at the head of the cast which interprets its theme, that popular artist, John Gilbert. Eleanor Boardman is in the feminine lead opposite him, while others in the cast are Roy IFArcy, Emily Fitzroy, Karl Dane, and George K. Arthur. The theme is really a colourful story of the middle ages, based on the story by that masterwriter, Rafael Sabatini. Accompanying this film at the Majestic, there will be a first-class bill of supporting numbers. These will include the screening of the Majestic News, Eve's Review and an hilarious comedy. The Majestic Orchestra (under Mr. John Whiteford-Waugh) will render a particularly attractive score. Their numbers will include, in addition to enjoyable music throughout the entertainment, a musical introduction and an orchestral interlude. STRAND THEATRE. For some weeks now, Auckland cinema fans have looked forward to the screening at the Strand Theatre of "The Term of His Natural Life," and when it has its premiere to-morrow, it k expected to draw capacity houses. An Australian Films production, the picture is the screen version of the wonderful story by Marcus Clarke, and is played by one of the strongest casts ever mustered by the producers. Eva Novak is admirably suited to the star role, while other players, among whom are George Fisher and Arthur McLaglen, have also been well selected. Some of the scenes are realistic in the extreme. Shots of the burning and blowing up of the ship Hydaspes, of the riotous mutiny on the ship Malabar, and big "mob" scenes, are exceptionally vivid. In conjunction with the film, there will be an atmospheric prologue at the Strand. Other numbers are the Strand Magazine, and a laughable comedy, while throughout the entertainment, the Strand Symphony Orchestra, under the capable baton of Mrs. Eve Bentley, will render an enjoyable musical score. MUNICIPAL CHOIR. An attractive programme of standard and popular music has been arranged for the concert in the Town Hall on Saturday evening next. The Municipal Choir will be heard in a varied selection of choral works, including the "John Peel." Miss Isobel Langknds will play works by Bach, Cyril Scott's "Lullaby" and Beethoven's "Rondino." Mr. Birrell O'Malley will sing "Yesterday and To-day" (Spross) and Sullivan's "Take a Pair of Sprakling Eyes," and the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett. will play Caesar Franck's poetical "Fantasia in A" and Wagner's 'Star of Eve."

NEW REGENT THEATRE. Seldom, if ever, has the management of the New Regent produced such an entertainment aa that which is anounced for a week'a presentation, starting to-morrow. The week will be called "Spring Week," and the whole programme has been drawn up in harmony with the main theme. Eddie Horton, together with the Operatic Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Maurice Guttridge, will play "The Storm" from "William Tell." This will be presented with full stage and lighting effects, and with the turn, Miss Bettina Edwards, Auckland's premiere danseuse, will appear in an appropriate dance number, assisted by Miss Cecil Hall's prize ballet. The orchestra's other numbers will include "Rustle of Spring," Mendelssohn's "Spring Song," and "Faust" ballet music. The vaudeville number will be the appearance of Marie Lawton, who will present a musical act, including harp and vocal numbers. "Let It Rain," Douglas McLean's latest vehicle for Paramount, will be the main picture attraction, while there will also be the usually fine smaller films. PRINCESS, TIVOLI, EVERYBODY'S. Any of Harold Lloyds pictures are assured of being well received, and it should certainly be so with "The Kid Brother," his latest vehicle for Paramount Pictures, which is the stellar attraction of the current programmes at the Princess. Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres. "Hot Water," "Safety First" and "College Days" were all signally successful, but "The Kid Brother" is claimed to be Lloyd's greatest production, and is expected to create records for popularity during its Auckland season. . From end to end the film is crammed with the good clean humour for which the star is noted, but while this is its outstanding element, it also has its fair share of romance, thrills and even pathos. Once again Jobyna Ralston is cast as Lloyd's leading lady. She has now filled such voles for some years, and through appearing with Lloyd, has become one of the most popular comedy-drama actresses on the screen. At each of the three theatres, the programme also includes some fine supporting numbers. At the Princess, the

chief support is "See You in Jail." a First National release, which stars Jack Mulhall. Throughout, the film is comedy; it should appeal strongly to theatre patrons who are fond of pictures of this type. The second attraction at Everybody's is "Shipwrecked," another First National picture, which is ideally contrasted with "The Rid Brother " while that at the Tivoli is "The Desperate Game," a Western thriller. "LA MASCOTTE." Recently Auckland theatregoers have been taking a keen interest in the production of "La Mascotte," by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. The play will have its premiere on Saturday, September 17. Written in much the same style as the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, "La Mascotte" may well be classed as a play of that type which will never die Right through the theme, sparkling comedy is the outstanding element, but there is also beautiful music for both principals and chorus. Mr. Dan Flood and Mr. G. C. Lyttelton have the comedy side of the story between them, and it is certainly in safe hands. The musical numbers have been entrusted to Mrs. Harold Simson (nee Eva Robertson), Miss Beryl A. Poulton. Mr. Ernest Snell and Mr. Birrell O'Malley. The chorus is a very fine one.