AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 25, 31 January 1928, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE.

Cinema fans have only to-night to Bee "Ben Hur" at the Strand Theatre. Wherever it has been screened, "Ben Hur" has been a wonderful success. It was presented to Their Majesties the King anil Queen at Windsor Ca6tle, and to the Archibishop of Canterbury, and during the tour of the Duke and Duchess of York it was screened on board H.M.s. Renown no fewer than I»ve times. This film is the third of three attempts by the late Mr. Marcus Loew. to pictureise General Lew Wallace's story. Mr. Loew, who was a multi-millionaire producer, had decided to give "Ben Hur" to the worid, regardless of cost. With the first two attempts he was dissatisfied. Both were scrapped. A new cast and a director, Fred Niblo, were called in. Unfortunately, Mr. Loew did not live to see his ambition realised. The film certainly contains several features which no other screen production has yet been able to boast. It has a cast which is seldom seen. Ramon Novarro plays the name part. May McAvoy the role of Esther, and Francis X. Bushman that of Messala the Roman. Others are Pauline Starke, Carmel Myers, Betty Bronson, and Nigel de Brulier. There is a prologue with | the picture, throughout the screening of j which Mrs. Eve Bentley's orchestra plays the special musical score very enjoyably.

EMPRESS THEATRE

A first-class vaudeville and picture programme has been arranged by the management of the Empress Theatre for presentation this evening. A special engagement has been made of Herbert Joy, a musical tramp, lately from the Fuller circuit. Harr&. De Reeve, the Thirsty Comedian, and Wallv Harrison, a novelty musical artist, will offer entertaining turns, and there will be some enjoyable numbers by W. Crawford, descriptive baritone. A song and dance turn will be given by the Laurie Duo, and other selected turns will be included on the programme. Clara Bow, one of the most popular of the younger screen stars, will be seen in "The" Plastic Age," which is an excellent story of college life. A number of interesting supports will also be shown.

TONGAN MALE CHOIR.

Some of the melody and not a little of the fragrance of the Friendly Islands were brought to Auckland last evening by the Tonga Methodist Choir in the course of their journey to Australia, as guests of the Methodist Board of Missions. The concert chamber of the Town Hall was crowded, and it is evident that should the choir favour Auckland with a further visit on the homeward voyage, their friends will be well advised to engage a larger hall. Two impressions which remain from last night's concert are the charm of the native ceremonies and dances, and the splendid response of the Tongan boys to the efforts of their conductor in introducing them to some of the great works of European music. Their spirited rendering of the "Hallelujah Chorus'"' will not soon be forgotten by those who heard it, and -.who called loudly for an encore. Also much enjoyed was the "Soldiers' Chorus" from "Faust." A few lighter numbers were included, such as "Old Mother Hubbard," and in these the audience had glimpses of the native sense of humour. Perhaps the strongest appeal, however, was in the native dances and songs, and in the brief representation of ceremonies and pastimes. Of the dances, the Tongan boat song "Taua'alo" was a fascinating number, with its tuneful chanting and rythmical action. In this, as in five other group dances, the picturesque native costumes were seen to excellent effect —the flaxen mats adorned with coloured torches,, the ,tall headgear and the many items of island I equipment. A feature of the dancing was the graceful motion of the swaying bodies

and the expression which was imparted into the movements of hands and feet. In the dancing, as in the singing, the company threw themselves into their work with an enthusiasm which was refreshing to behold. They gave of their best, and were rewarded with the unstinted appreciation, of the first audience to which they have performed outside their island home. Credit is due to the conductor, the Rev. A. H. Wood, who is the principal of the college in Tonga. It is possible that the choir may return to Auckland in April next, "BRIGADIER GERARD." Most readers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works know his '"Brigadier Gerard" stories. These have been picturised by First National, who will release the film in Auckland shortly. "Brigadier Gerard*'' is the story of the son ox a Basque innkeeper, who is always longing to serve Napoleon. His chance comes when the inn is visited by a countess, who is carrying important papers. Young Gerard and the countess fall in love, and later he helps her to escape from enemies who are determined to get the papers. For this, Gerard is given a commission in the Guard, and the rest of the story tells of his soldiering adventures and his romance. It is told in the way which has made Conan Doyle so popular with readers of fiction. In being transferred to the screen, none of the delightful original appeal in the story has been lost. The theme is played by a strong cast which is headed by Bod La Rocque, who will probably be best remembered for his acting in "The Ten Commandments." Apart from the fact that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the author of the story, the picture's best recommendation is perhaps in the name of the man who made it (Cecil de Mille). To him are also credited "The Ten Commandments" and "The King of Kinge." De Mille has made "Brigadier Gerard" on a scale of lavishness that is seen in very few pictures. It is indeed a fine production, and when released in this city, it should draw capacity houses. It will be screened at the Princess, Tivoli and Everybody's. ORGAN RECITAL. An organ recital was given last evening at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Mr. A. W. Lilly, F.1.G.C.M., organist of All Saints' Church, Dunedin. The recital, which was enjoyed by a large congregation, included works by several standard composers, and the qualities of the fine organ were brought out in a masterly manner, in a finely-varied performance.