AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 134, 8 June 1928, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

EMBASSY THEATRE. There is an entire change in the programme which is being presented at the Embassy Theatre during the week, starting to-day, by the Mildred Harris Revue Company, "The Diplomats." Again the principal attraction is an original sketch in which Bert Gilbert, who has already made himself very popular with Auckland theatre-goers, takes the principal role. "Where's the Chicken" is the title. "The Painters and the Zambuck Family" is the title of another original sketch, in which Ed. Warrington .producer of the company, appears. This presentation is said to be as amusing as the military number which Mr. Warrington offered last week. All other members of the company, including those two clever dancers Clyde and Yvette, Al Mack. Cecil Scott, Linda Dale, Sam Stern, Jack Emsworth, Jack Gerrard and Colleen Hope, also offer delightful turns. Enjoyable music is again provided by Mr. Eric Waters' orchestra of eleven instrumentalists.

LYRIC THEATRE. A super-picture, full of spectacular scenes, is "The Last Days of Pompeii," from Lord Lytton's celebrated classic novel. It was shown for the first time last night at the Lyric, to which theatre it is exclusive. The life, haibito, pastimes, religions and vices of the people who inhabited Pompeii 1900 years ago are faithfully depicted by a strong cast, backed by thousands of "supers" who are seen in the streets, at the public baths and national sports. Opening with a aeries of pictures showing the remains of the city as they are to-day, the film fades for a second as the centuries are rolled back to reveal Pompeii in all its magnificence, throbbing with life. A gripping love story is told —a story which Lord Lytton has immortalised. The noble Glaucua is loved by Nydia, a blind flowerseller, who helps him escape from the awful death which Arbaces, Egyptian sorcerer, plane for him. Her great but unrequited love prompts Nydia to reconcile Glaucus to the fair lone, his beloved, from whom he was estranged owing to the machinations of Arbaces of the evil eye. The romajice is enacted in the peaceful, sun-drenched days which preceded the awful earthquakes and eruption of Vesuvius, which brings the picture to a terrifying termination. Lava streaming down the slopes of Vesuvius, giant columns and blocks of masonry tumibling in the dust, and thousands of wild-eyed refugees fleeing from the fiery death are a few of the more awe-inspiring scenes with which "The Last Days of Pompeii" is crammed. It is a new and much improved picture, different in all respects from the film of the same title shown some years ago.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Among opera lovers all over the world, "La Boheme" is known and loved, and now it has been made the subject of a fine screen production, which will open its Auckland season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Lillian Gieh and John Gilbert portray the two lovers in this appealling drama, and the work which they put into their acting, makes their performance such as must grip any audience. This version was taken not from the opera, but from the original novel, "La Boheme," by Victor Murger, and it has been made under the direction of that master producer, King Vidor. Few people do not know the theme of this charming story, of the romance of Mimi, the little seamstress of the Latin Quarter of Paris, and Rodolphe, her poet lover. Peopled by such a cast as that which it has been given "La Boheme" must rank as one of the biggest productions of the year. Supporting Miss Gish and John Gilbert, are such well-known artists as Kenee Adoree, Roy D'Arcy, Karl Dane and Edward Everett Horton. There- is a good musical prologue to the film, in which Miss Etta Field sings "Musetta's Song." Among the smaller films are the Majestic Magazine and a laughable short comic, while throughout the entertainment Mr. John Whiteford-Waugh's Orchestra renders enjoyable music.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A thrilling mystery drama entitled "The Thirteenth Juror" is the main attraction at Everybody's Theatre, the programme having 'been changed yesterday. The featured players are Anna Q. Nilsson and Francis X. Bushman. Never have there been more dramatic courtroom scenes. Counsel for the defence, who is himself the murderer, is seen in an endeavour to free an innocent man. He had freed hundreds of blood-guilty men and now, with his best friend involved, how could he save him from the law? This dramatic story is quite different from the majority of mystery film 6, and Francis X. Bushman gives a wonderful interpretation of the crooked lawyer. Helen whose part is taken by Anna Q. Nilsson, as a girl, is loved by both the men in the case, and although at the trial Mareden is found guilty of the murder he never committed, Desmond, in the end, declares he is the guilty man. This the jury refused to believe, thinking the successful lawyer has gone mad. Finally, the district attorney has Desmond arrested, and he is subsequently released On a plea'of self defence. Another feature is "No Control," with Harrison Ford and Phyllis Haver. This is a laugh-maker of the first water. It's a rare feast of entertainment —a riot of fun from start to finish. It sparkles with delightful situations, and has the speed and action of a cyclone.

STRAND THEATRE

Beautiful Irish romance and a mother's inherent love for her only eon give marvellous opportunities for fine drama in "Mother Machree," which opens at the Strand Theatre to-day. John Ford, who has given the ecreen "The Iron Horse" and "Three Bad Men" has made in "Mother Machree" the most intelligent use of Irish background, rich in ecreen valuee, and Miss Belle Bennett, it is said, has brought to her part a tenderness seldom seen in motion picture endeavour. The picture should prove a great attraction. It is eaid to be poignant as the song, vital with life, and sparkling with Irish wit. A picture that will stir the heart becomes a treasured memory, and nothing can have greater heart appeal than the story inspired by the great song "Mother Machree." The song was written to fill a gap in a forgotten play. It sang its way into the heart of the world, and has now been made into an epic film. The supports are of the usual excellence, including the Strand Magazine, an Aesop Fable entitled "Noah's Outing," a Fox variety, and a short comedy. The prologue by Mr. Birrell O'Malley and Mile. Valeeka will be a special attraction. The Strand Symphony Orchestra will render some special Irish music, including "Emerald Isle" and "Mother Machree."

NEW REGENT THEATRE. Through the duties of the . army in "Behind the Front," tlie navy in "We're In the Navy Now," the air force in "Now We're in the-Air" and the fire brigade in "Fireman Save My Child!" those two inimitable comedians, Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton, have found their way, and pow they , have become mountaineers in "Wife Savers," their latest farce, which has opened for a Season at the New Regent Thea>tre. Beery is cast as a Swiss alpine guide, "with a yodel that starts an avalanche " while* Hatton appears m a second lieutenant who, in private life, was a waiter tinder Beery in a Brooklyn restaurant. In the story, Hatton leaves hie "Swiss Mies" in the care of Beery, and when he returns and fiilds them -married, he raises storma which shadow even the avalanches caused by Beery's singing. From beginning to end "Wife Savers" Is screamingly funny. An appropriate accompanying programme support* "Wife Savers" at the New Regeiit.' Besides several enjoyable smaller Kims, there is gon<' •• .tli by the Operatic Orr-li.wt, . \\ Harvey, >' Ih> »" . tions at the IV."

"A FLORENTINE TRAGEDY."

In producing " A Florentine Tragedy," as the central feature of an entertainment in the new Lewis Eady concert hall last evening, Mr. Theodore Trezise and his associates not only provided enjoyment for ah appreciative audience, but made a worthy contribution to the cause of dramatic art. In this, as in many other instances in Auckland, commendation is • due to amateurs who are • sufficiently enthusiastic to provide for the public acceptable fragments from the rich storehouse of classical drama. The entertainment is to be to-night, and the proceeds art being devoted to the Children's Play Association. "A Florentine Tragedy" expresses the poetic fervour of its author, Oscar Wilde, and presents a crystalline picture of florid life in ancient Italy.. The scene represents a tapestried upper room leading on to a balcony in the house of Siinone. a merchant of Florence. Bianca, the wife of the merchant, is informed by her maid of interest which has been dis* played in her charms by Guido, a young prince of Florence. Guido calls and there follows a scene in which he proclaims his love, and Bianca reveals her lack df marital happiness._ The arrival of Simone is the presage of impending tragedy. He torn between the claims of hospitality, the bartering instincts of the merchant, and the dark thoughts aroused by the unexpected presence with his wife of the princely stranger. In the events which ensue there is both tragedy and relevation. As Simone, Mr. Trezise gives a finished interpretation of the distracted merchant and with vocal polish presents the brilliant language of the play. The wife, Bianca, is well pourtrayea by Mrs. Cor&lie htanley McKellar, more especially in the hesitancy with which she at firse receives the advances of the prince, and in the final dramatic scene with Simone. As Guido, Mr. Arthur Fryer-Raisher acts with rugged strength, and as Maria, the maid, Miss Kthel Bae ably performs her minor part. Gloria McKellar makes an effective entrance as a prentice lad. A feature of the production is the richness of the stage setting and the effective atmosphere which surrounds the play. The first part of the entertainment last evening consisted of a miscellaneous programme contributed by Mr. and Mrs. C. Prime, Mrs. Albert Dobson, Misses Tiark, Dorothy Steel, Edna Tullett, Mr. Alex. McElwain, and four charming performers in a ballet arranged by Miss Daphne Knight. "PRINCESS CHRYSANTHEMUM." Proceeds _ from "Princess Chrysanthemum, which will be presented in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday evening, are to go to the Rev. Jasper Calder's City Mission Fund. About fifty performers, half of whom are children, have paats in this attractive Japanese operetta, which is organised by Mrs. Edgar W ebb. Pretty costuming is a leature of the production. The frocks for adult performers have been loaned by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, while those of the children in the piece are designed by Miss Y. Orbell, who has also arranged the dances. Music will be provided by Mrs. Onbell (piano), Mr. iwlgar Webb ('cello), and Mr. Harris

DANCING. There will be an elaborate carnival held by the Parisian Dancing Club in the Jvitchener Hall to-morrow night. Lone night 6 held by this original club have always been popular with Auckland dancer*, and to-morrow's entertainment should be no exception. Beautiful French hats will be distributed, besides other novelties. Ihe music, which is in the hands ot Mr. Birtley and his society orchestra, will be a feature of the night, attraction will be the fox-trofc Kubenesque" adapted from Rubenstein's *» Attractions at the Premier dance in the Orange Hall to-night include demon>tiatioiifi by Miss \vonne Alien and Mr. to in Shorter of the Yale Blues. There will aWo be a fox-trot competition. Alex. Xozenof s Band wil feature several new selections.