AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 165, 14 July 1928, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

EMBABBY THEATRE.

With a rush the Eleven Rascals tumbled on to the stage at the Embassy Theatre last evening and continued to tumble around at whirlwind speed. The Eleven Rascals are eleven girls, whose ages range from five to fourteen, and whose acrobatic capabilities are marvellous. The feats of one of the elder girls and one of the younger, wiio are sisters, on the trapeze, were such that no adult would attempt. The younger girl twice went through the double dislocation, while the elder at one time took the weight of her sister on a trapeze with her teeth. The whole of the new company which commenced their season at the Embassy Theatre last evening are clever artists. The display of Manelli, the Continental juggler. was unlike the usual act of that kind. The way in which he ran hoops round his body took his audience by surprise. The moment Bert Harrow came on the stage he became_ a warm favourite. He was responsible for much of the humour of the evening's entertainment. His account of the trip on the Ulimaroa from Sydney, and his two humorous songs were brimful of laughs. More fun was provided by the Buchanans, a study in black and white. What the black half of the duo did with his body was barely believable. He appeared to have no bones at all. The of Reg Thornton and Doris. O'Shea was productive of more laughter, and much of their nonsense was exceedingly clever. Thornton's song about what will happen if Tom Heeney wins 'he big fight naturally won warm applause from the start. A more serious turn was provided by Signor Enrico Palmetto, the Danish tenor, whose items this week are "A'h, So Pure," from the opera "Martha" (Flotow), and "Home, Sweet Home." Effie Fellows, the popular male impersonator, sang and danced her way into the heart of her audience. The dancing turn wae provided by Leighton and Woods, two youthful dancers from the Wentworth, Sydney. The ninth act on the programme was in the hands of the Martins, Leo and Marie, novelty instrumentalists. One of their instruments consisted of a number of bottles of various sizes partly filled with water. The company should h«.ve a successful season in Auckland. MAJESTIC THEATRE.

To create a character like Sadie Thompson, as W. Somerset Maugham did in his stage success "Rain," was essentially the work of a great author, but to portray that character was a task which only a clever artist like Gloria Swanson could have accomplished. In "Sadie Thompson," which opened to a packed and enthusiastic audience at the Majestic Theatre Wt night, Miss Swanson gives a faithful characterisation of an obviously difficult role. So believable is her work, so natural is she in the part, that it might easily seem that the play was written for her. Her dress—htgh-beeled shoes, patterned stockings, cheap, many-coloured costumes — her manner, "swagger" in the extreme, h»>r whole appearance, pictures graphically the type of woman which she is intended to represent. "Sadie Thompson" is set in the tropical island of Pago Pago, where a party is quarantined owing to an outbreak of smallpox and confined indoors by a torrential downpour. And there, in a rude "hotel" is enacted a drama that paints not only the tragic story of a derelict woman, but the struggle of a tyrannical reformer to choose between his devotion to duty and the call of worldly desires. Outcast from the underworld of San Francisco, Sadie Thompson stays at P&po Pago on her way to Apia and meets Alfred Atkinson, who "bosses the islands like # he owned 'em," and who. having forced a cofessiou from her, determines to break her defiant spirit and gain her repentance. While Miss -Swanson's portrayal must be praised, there are other performances in the production which must not be overlooked. That of Lionel Barrymore, as Atkinson, whose unwavering regard for his duty, as he interprets it. has an entirely unexpected outcome, is another remarkable piece of work. To Kaoul Walsh also must go a lot of credit, for besides playing the role of hard-boiled Sergeant OTlara of the U.S. Marines, with whom Sadie eventually finds happiness, he directed the production. That such a picture should not completely shadow the rest of the programme good supports must be staged, and in this the management of the Majestic has maintained the high standard of entertainment for which the house hos earned its reputation. Clever work comes from the Harris Sisters, Mildred and Connie, late of "The Diplomats," who provide the stage turn. While Mildred captured the audience with her enjoyable playing, her sister delighted with her typically "tomboy" antics. Both are good musicians and their turn is indeed a novel one. Humour is provided in "Leave 'Em Laughing," a hilarious short comedy in which the two principal characters, affected by laughing gas, cause a lot of trouble to a traffic policeman. Interesting scenes of recent events from overseas and shots of London cabaret entertainments, are contained in the Majestic News, while beautiful colour senes of "Killarney Lakes and Dells" and fashion plates are a feature of the Eve's Review. Enjoyable music by Mr. John Whiteford-Waugh's Orchestra completes a first-class programme. LYRIC THEATRE. Comedy, pathos, dramatic thrills and an appealing loVe story are all contained in "Sally In Our Alley," which is being presented at the Lyric Theatre. A tenement Cinderella is the heroine of the tale. She is an Irish orphan, who is adopted by a trio of foster-fathers, a Jew. an Italian and a Scotsman. A young plumber lad is her sweetheart. When her wealthy aunt opens the door of riches for her, she is expected to forget her hum'ble friends. Her reaction to this new phase in her life is the motive for the events that lead up to the stirring .climax, and also paves the way, for an original twist in the story. "Sally In Our Alley" lias the added attraction of Shirley Mason in the title role. Miss Mason was dhosen for the part because of her great success in "Sweet Roeie O'Grady." and it is obvious that she has not disappointed those who placed their trust in her. Richard Arlen, who appeared in "The Blood Ship," has the male lead, while the three foster-fathers are portrayed by Alec. B. Francis, Paul Panzer and William H. Strauss. All give faithful performances and hold the audience delighted with thenoriginal humour, which is such a feature of the story. Entertaining supporting numbers accompany "Sally In Our Allej at the Lyric. TUDOR THEATRE. The new programme at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, has a double attraction in that gripping drama, Body and Soul." and Madge Bellamy's latest comedy success, "Silk Legs.'' "Body and Soul, is a story set in the snowcapped Swiss Alps. Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Leydon, a derelict physician living at a mountain Inn, attends the new maid. Aileen Pringle takes the part of Hilda, the maid, and Norman Kerry that of Riffo, a champion ski jumper who arrives at the inn and falls in love with Hilda. The following spring Riffo is seriously injured, and mountaineers bring Dr. Leydon to the unconscious man. who is attended by Hilda. When the doctor learns who the patient is he determines to kill him, but his surgeon's instinct wins over his savage hate, and he saves Riffo's life. On his way back to the inn he is i overwhelmed by an avalanche, leaving the way open to happiness for Hilda and Riffo. The second feature, "Silk Legs," is a fascinating little Btory of rival sellers of silk stockings. Madge Bellamy is seen in the part of the girl who outwits her male arrival. A comedy, "Waiting," and an interesting gazette concludes the programme, which will be repeated to-night and Monday. On Tuesday the double features will be "Tillie's Punctured Romance," and "Wife Savers." On Friday next the change will include Lois Moran in "Love Hungry," and "Sally In Our Alley."

STRAND THEATRE.

Tolstoy's great novel, "Anna Karenina," picturised by Metro-Goldwyn, with Greta Gar bo, John Gilbert, and George Fawcett in the stellar roles, was screened at a gala performance at the Strand last evening, the theatre being packed. With its powerful theme and beautiful romance of Imperial Russia's vanished grandeur, plus the excellent portrayals of the roles Greta Garbo and John Gilbert are called upon the play, "Anna Karenina" must rank as one of the best pictures ever screened at this theatre, where only the. best films are to be seen. Nothing of the vividness and tragedy of Tolstoy's! great novel haye been lost in this picture.! Two lives are wrecked by unfortunate passion, and the drama of love and sacrifice is presented with all the realism that the greatest of Russian novelists was able to command. Greta Garbo takes the role of Anna Karenina, and plays the difficult part of a woman who accepts an unworthy lover and is denied the right to see her own child, for whom she never loses her great affection. It is a role that demands' the utmost from any actress, but Greta Garbo's success in somewhat similar parts] in the past fits her for the task. Her lover is Captain Alexis Vronsky, aide-de-camp to the Grand Duke Boris, whose part is taken by John Gilbert. They meet when Anna's sleigh is wrecked in the snow. He takes her to a neighbouring inn, where they dine together. He meets her again and finds that she is the wife of Karenin, a pompous cabinet minister, who is noted for his slavish reverence of all that is conventional. Captain Vronsky destroys the happiness of the Karenin family, and Anna is driven from her home, and her beloved child- Her lover's draught of bitterness comes when he is threatened with dismissal from his regiment. At great sacrifice Anna has this order rescinded, j and the plot is brought to a dramatic close. As a prologue to "Anna Karenina," Mile. Valeska produced the "C'oppelia Ballet," featuring herself. Mr. Len Wilson, and the Strand Follies. Most colourful, this Russian ballet was wonderfully well arranged, and proved yet another success for Mile. Valeska. The ballet is alone well worth the price of admission. The secondary subjects on this programme are particularly strong, and also interesting. There is a Fox interest picture, another Fox picture, "Thrills In Many Lands," in which fragments oi aTT the most thrilling happenings throughout the world are depicted, and a rollicking Our Gang comedy, "Rainy Days." The Strand Symphony Orchestra played as the overture Tschaikowsky's brilliant "Marche Slave," and much delightful incidental music arranged by Eve Bent ley, who wields the baton over those in the orchestral well. For a programme that would be difficult to surpass, the Strand is well worth a visit. | REGENT THEATRE. Probably all Auckland golfers at some time or other in their careers have sliced a ball when driving from the tee at their favourite links, but it is doubtful whether they have conceived the possibility of this defect in their play being directly attributable to tight-fitting garments. But the fact that clothes make or mar the golfer, and spell the difference between play punctuated by expletives and placid play of the type that gives satisfaction, is convincingly proved by Richard Dix in his latest Paraimount release, "Sporting Goods." which [commenced its season at the Reirent Theatre last evening. But, in marshalling his arguments as a salesman of an elastic golfing suit, and winning through to success. lie meets with almost insuperable difficulties that, incidentally, are launh provoking. Quick thinking and a borrowed wardrobe, however, extricate him from many an awkward predicament, and ultimately lie emerges triumphant as an ideal salesman and a bank balance sufficiently large for him to marry the idol of his dreams. Gertrude Olmsted plays opposite the popular star, and is at the bottom of most of the complications that arise, while Ford Sterling add 6 a delightful comic flavour to the production- Captain Winston's seals and diving nymphs again supply the vaudeville turn, and .are an entertainment in themselves. The animals [perform almost incredible evolutions in a (living tank with remarkable dexterity, and are models of what patience and kindness can accomplish. The feature that appealed most to the appreciative | audience was the alacrity with which the j seals performed tricks nominated. The sup- | porting programme is as diversified as it is excellent, and includes a Regent Gazette, presenting American, English, and Australian topicalities, of which probablv Sydney's welcome to the Pacific flyers is the most interesting, a screamingly funny comedy featuring Neal Burns in "Just the Life," and a film depicting fashions and modes of travel of a quarter of a century ago as compared with to-day. The incidental music supplied by the Regent orchestra under the baton of Maurice Guttridge is of the usual high standard, while "Reinzi" (Wagner), a picturesque descriptive piece supplied as an entr'acte, is artistically handled by the combination. The programme will be repeated to-night, I and thougliout the week. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. The dreary, dangerous wastes of the frozen Alaskan plains: the hectic excitement of a 'boom town; the wild hilarity of goldmincrs on a "spree"—against this colourful background has been woven one of the mosf engrossing films of the season. The picture is "Burning Daylight." a First National production, which heads the current programmes at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres. Based on Jack London's thrilling novel of the same name, it provides Milton Sills with the best role he has had 6ince "The Sea Hawk," and as the daring, courageous prospector who finally makes the gold strike of the day, lie is excellent. On to the screen has been transplated all the colour, movement, excitement and epic drama of those stirring times, and the result is a picture fraught with thrills, tense drama and sweeping pictorial effects. Opposite Sills, is Doris Kenyon (Mrs. Milton Sills), who, despite her absence from screen work for two years, gives an outstanding performance, one which must be recognised as being quite as enjoyable as those when she made herself one of the favourites of screen fans. "Won in the Clouds," Universal'* second air film for A 1 Wilson, is also screened at both theatres. "ROOKERY NOOK." On Wednesday,itTuly 23. the J. C. Williamson, Limited, will present for the first time to playgoers of New Zealand their new English Comedy Company in Ben Travers' very successful and screamingly humorous comedy "Rookery Nook." The approaching season is to be limited to twelve nights, but during that period will also be staged "Thark" and "A Cuckoo in the Nest," both of which were written by Ben Travers. For the interpretation of these English omedies the •J. C. Williamson, Limited, management engaged a number of bestknown and most popular comedy stars, including Hastings Lynn, tho famous comedian, Jane Comfort, Helene Simon, Minnie Rayner, Cyril Vernon and Beth Mackey, all of whom will make their first appearance here in "Rookery Nook," also Mr. Basil Radford, who appeared here very successfully in "The Ghost Train," Leslie Victor and Nellie Martyn, and the cast will also include J. C. Williamson's latest "discovery," Donald A. Warne, who recently created a furore in Melbourne by her brilliant acting. Not since the Dion Boucicault-Irene Vanbrugh Company toured New Zealand have we been visited by an English comedy organisation and the present has proved one of the most successful that has yet appeared in Australia. Each artist was specially selected for the character she or he portrays, with the result that the comedies are perfectly presented. "Many authors," wrote a critic, "evoke smiles, but Mr. Ben Travers has the gift of making an audience laugh outright at his comedy." The company, which numbers over 30 artists, will arrive here on Tuesday next, so they will enjoy a week's holiday before the opening of the New Zealand tour. . The box plans will be faened for "Rookery Nook" on Monday, uly 23.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE,

"Metropolis," the U.F.A. film, which is still drawing large audiences to Everybody's Theatre, is possibily the finest picture yet shown in Auckland. Production, direction, acting and photography are all excellent, and the story is sufficiently novel to be interesting and thought-provoking. It shows a city about the year 2028, when machinery is the dominating factor in the life of the great majority of the people. It represents a phase of the tight between capital and labour, and points the moral that they are necessary to one another. A mechanical woman is invented and incites the workers to wreck their own homes and endanger their children before she is turned on and burnt by the infuriated crowd. It is in these crowd scenes that tlie vast superiority of the production is most evident. "Metropolis" is a picture to see and to think over. It is instructive. intensely interesting, and, at times, sharply poignant. "SUNNY." Theatre-goers are looking forward with keen interest to seeing Elsie Prince, Jimmy Godden, Charlton Morton, and all the "Archie" company in the great London and New York musical comedy success, "Sunny," the second production ot Sir Benjamin and John Fuller's London Musical Comedy Company, which will be presented at the St. James' Theatre on Monday evening next. "Sunny," as its name implies, is bright and melodious, and includes spectacular scenes, picturesque ballets, clever dancing, and a wealth of hilarious fun. Writing on the opening night at Wellington, the "Dominion" states:—"Sunny" is pure musical sunshine. Presented for the first time in New Zealand at His Majesty's Theatre last night, it radiated a blithesome, healthy, rollicking comedy spirit that captured everyone, whilst Jerome Kern's catchy melodies, as bright and tinkling for the day as a butterfly's life, set the feet tupping and sent everyone home with a merry tune on their lips. What more can a musical Comedy do? Dancing plays a part in the production, the "Black Bottom" and "Tough Guy" uances making an appeal. The tuneful numbers in which the play abounds include "Two Little Blue Bird.s," "Sunshine," "Do You Love Me?" and "Wedding Knell." Box plans as advertised.