AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 29, 4 February 1928, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Inspired by the genius of Barrymore, "His Lady," which was presented at the Majestic to a crowded house last evening, is a notable piece of work. It ia the Barrymore of "Don Juan," "The Sea Beast," and "The Beloved Rogue" in a picture of many contrasts. There is charming simplicity, romance, unnatural excitement of the French gambling parlours of prorevolution days, the false gaiety and glittering brilliance of the halls of Versailles, and the grim life of a convict ship. Back in the time of Louis XV. life, as far as the French nobility and royalty were concerned, was a round of luxury and pleasure. Just when the thread of the story is getting straightened out the scene in the royal presence turns everything topsyturvy, and then follows the remarkable part of the film. The brilliancy of pearls and purple is splendidly oppressive. King Louis stakes a province for the love of "His Lady," throws up the stake and plunges lives down to the bottom of human misery. How the romance gets clear in the finish arid two lives are rocked to new hope in a scene at sea is the climax. It is reminiscent of the domestic felicity of one brief week in Paris, getting into its stride once more, with promise of the mild and beautiful savour of a country life and love. The course of true love is painted in a masterly way, and Barrymore lives the character of Fabien in memorable series of changing scenes, and Dolores Costello is there with him again, too. with her beauty and art. The technique throughout is fine and the photography an outstanding achievement. In the supporting bill the leading musical attraction is "Waiata Poi," a song by Mr. Ernest McKinlay, Dunedin tenor. Besides playing incidental music the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh, gave an excellent overture, "The Belle of New York." A New Zealand scenic, topical budgets and a comedy make up the balance of the programme. NEW REGENT THEATRE. Numbers on the Wurlitzer organ form an important part of the entertainment at the New Regent Theatre, and although patrons of that popular house will miss Eddie Horton they are not to be disappointed. Until Mr. Harvey, the new organist, arrives in Auckland from Australia, early next week, the management have engaged Mr. Arthur Frost. When Mr. Frost appeared last night he was particularly well received. His numbers are not novelty tunes, and they were verypopular with last night's packed house. "In a Persian Garden" and "Somewhere a Voice is Calling" were indeed well played, and deserved the reception which as given them. Those three monkey "star-I,"' Max, Moritz, and Akka, who have delighted Regent audiences during the past week, again caused a lot of fun with their clever tricks. Their season closes to-night, and on Monday the stage turn will be provided by the Kwong Sing Wah troupe of Chinese. Other numbers on the current bill of fare are the Regent Gazette, which shows all "the most recent events of importance from overseas, a laughable comedy, "Row, Sailor, Row," and a picturesque film entitled "Windsor Castle," which screens the legend of Herne the Hunter, a king of the underworld, whose palace was supposed to have been beneath the old oak in Windsor Castle grounds, in the reign of Henry VIII. Heading the picture side of the entertainment there is Bebe Daniels' latest vehicle for Paramount, "Swim, Girl, Swim," another hilarious college farce, even more enjoyable than "The Campus Flirt." Although in the' opening scenes Miss Daniels appears as the "boob" of the school, and because of her hobby, entomology, is nicknamed "Bugs," by the end of the story she is the swimming champion of the school. Miss Daniels is just as appealing as ever, and there is also some interesting work by the supporting players, among whom are Gertrude Ederle, who swam the English Channel, and James Hall, who has the male lead. William Austin, as a professor, supplies much of the humour of the story, by his absurd expressions. After a lot of work trying to capture a bee. be exclaims, "Eureka" and other expressions of triumph, while, when looking for the heroine his call is "Yoicks! Tally Ho!" and other expressions of hunting. Mr. Maurice Guttridge's ■ Operatic orchestra again offers a delightful musical score, the entr'acte being "Merry Wives of Windsor," which is played before "Windsor Castle." STRAND THEATRE. In "Seventh Heaven," which is now being screened at the Strand Theatre, there is an entirely new form of picture entertainment. This film is so different from the usual type of picture that is released that, while it is so tragic, it appeals more to cinema patrons than most other productions. There are love scenes, which have never been equalled for excellent acting. "Seventh Heaven" is the gripping story of Chico, who, as lie describes himself, is a ' "really remarkable fellow," a worker in the sewers of Paris, and Diane, the beautiful girl whom he found and took to his little home in the attic on the seventh floor of an old rotting building. In the principal roles, there are two newcomers to the ranks of stardom, yet these two young artists give work which might well come from artists with years of experience, both on the stage and on the silver-sheet. They are Charles Farrell, who is cast as Chico, and Janet Gaynor, who appears as Diane. "Seventh Heaven," which is a William Fox production, is an adaptation of the Broadway stage success by Austin Strong. Strong, who is a grandson of Robert Louis Stevenson, lived for a long time in New Zealand. He finished his studies at Wellington College. and later went to the United States to study landscape work. Then he came back to the Dominion, and one of his chief pieces of work was to design Auckland's Cornwall Park. He is now a successful playwright in America. There is an excellent prologue to "Seventh Heaven" at the Strand, and the bill also includes some fine supports. Mrs. Eve Bentley's Orchestra plays enjoyable music throughout the entertainment. LUNA PARK. There are plenty of thrills for merrymakers at Luna Park, where crowds gather every night. While the scenic railway is probably the most popular of the Park's attractions, there "are always good followings at the merry mix-up, the scenic river caves, the dodge-'ems, the whip, the joy wheel, the caterpillar, the fun factory and the goofy house. The free attractions, which are presented on a stage at one end of the amusements area, include song and dance numbers by several of Auckland's best known artists, and often miniature pantomimes are staged. The side shows, of which there is a great variety, are always popular. Enjoyable music is played by a good jazz band on the Park's dance floor, which always draws a good throng. From the promenade, where refreshments are served, patrons can watch all the Park's novelties working. DANCING. Patrons of the Dixieland Cabaret, Point Chevalier, will be treated to another firstclass entertainment at the usual Saturday evening gala to-night. Music will be supplied by the Famous Internationals, who will play all the latest dance hits.

There will be another enjoyable dance at the Mis>sion Bay Cabaret, Kohimarama, this evening. The Hawaiian Eight will provide enjoyable music.

Cancers are assured of a good entertain.t at the Beaehaven Cabaret, under the -■ !i.v.nl Blanchaids. Launch services are advertised.

A jazzing competition has been arranged lor this evening's entertainment at the b its Hall.

Luna Park £ dance floor is one of the most popular in the city. Music is supplied by a good jazz band.

The usual Saturday night dance arranged by Mr. George Williams, will be held m the Masonic Hall this evening Old-time dances are held every Wednesday and Saturday evenings, under the direction of Mr. D Mayes, i* the cipal Hall, Newmarket.

"TIP TOES' AND "QUEEN HIGH* The J. C. Williamson. Ltdannounce that on WednesdavPTv® 11 15, they will present their Comedy Company in the lat«t „d Hew y„t „«i„i Tip Toes, whicti has record seasons in Sydney and ■vr-rT p ' etcd Cheerful music, plenty^! clever dancing, and pictnresoup^^;. are futures of "ftp Toes,»X which is by that famous comnr--T. ru'® Gershwin. The dialogue affiS'fe lian.t satire, some of it daring, tad.TT I it very amusing. "Tip Toes" W f7;A f to reach the record run enjoyed W«l» Marie" in Sydney, and in proved just as popular. A larttjSwf : or money was expended on the trodnrSi and the cast was selected with with the reeult that "Tip C * re > described by Australian critics « v?" by far the best all round musical T^f ag tion that had been staged perxormancc of "Rose Marie" the season., which is to be a britf omfSf company will al*o stage "Q ueen another very successful musical co™S» There are over 70 people in tfccSX* including Hugo and Romona, fromTv' Folies Bergeres. Paris. The box SS i"l? be opened on Monday, February