AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 171, 21 July 1928, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

EMBASSY. A well diversified programme of uniformly high quality is presented at the Embassy Theatre, where celebrity vaudeville enters upon its second week. English and Australian artistes of repute appear on the bill, and it is no exaggeration to say that every turn is a good one. The Eleven Rascals are a troupe of girl tumblers and gymnasts, whose work bears the unmistakable stamp of class and "finish." Opening with a dancing item, they progress, through feats of pyramid-building and clever balancing to a positively whirlwind riot of tumbling and somersaults. In a breath-taking finale the girls bound across the stage one after another, throwing somersault after somersault, and finishing with the double "back lift," that most difficult of gymnastic feats. One of the girls does a clever turn on the tight wire, and a tiny member of the troupe shows great promise in her individual work. The girls conclude their performance in a Maori haka, delivered with a zest which would do credit to the "All Blacks." Bert Harrow, an English comedian of distinctive style and quiet but effective methods, keeps the audience in a titter ot merriment with his quips, and his ditty, entitled "Earwig-o"—or should it " re . Go"?—is a delightful little effort. Leighton and Woods, a clever dancing duo, contribute an act that is replete with charm and lacks nothing in technical skill. 1 hey open with a spectacular dance of the Argentine order, to which their second number affords an effective contrast, being typically Slavonic, and executed in Russian costume. Reg. Thornton and Doris O Shea make good rise of such popular topics as the All Blacks and the forthcoming big fight in a bright and topical turn. They sing a clever song, "If The Wowsers had Charge of the World," in which a good deal of clever satire is concealed under the mask of jollity. Altogether a witty and agreeable turn. Mention must next be made of Manelli, a juggler of real skill, whose offering is rendered none the less attractive by reason of the fact that he eschews "patter," and does his work in silence. His manipulation of three broad-brimmed hats is as clever a trick as one has seen for many a long day. A musical interlude by the Martins introduces the audience to a novel tvpe of xylophone, namely a double row of "bottles filled with water to different levels. This .quaint instrument ' (rives a clear and bell-like tone, and is effectively exploited for both classical and ultra-modern music. Signor Enrico Palmetto, a Danish tenor, whose voice possesses rich timbre, and is particularly good in . the lower register, sings a couple of popular ballads, winding up with the evergeen "Donna e Mobile." which is given with correct • :iipo and the requisite joyous lilt. Mis* : fir' Fellowes. a male impersonator, appears a dashing midshipman, and also as a schoolboy, and a man of fashion. Her voice is of unusual brightness, and her songs are rollicking and witty. First on the bill come the Buchanans, a couple of eccentric dancers. «ui intro< l ,lc e several novel steps, the 'black-face" member of the duo being particularly smart. Reference must be made in conclusion to the excellent work of the Embassy orchestra, in accompaniments and selections alike.

STRAND THEATRE. Anna Karenina," a glamorous story of Czarist Russia, entered upon its second week at the Strand Theatre vesterdav. I his magnificent picturisation of Count Leo Tolstoi's immortal classic has a distinguished cast, John Gilbert and Gret.i Garbo taking the leading part*. The acting 1 is superb and the settings on a magnificent scale. Madame Elinor Glyn, in speaking of the two artists who made "Anna Karenina" what it is, said: "These two are the supreme ones on the screen." Hie story is powerful. Count Vronsky (John Gilbert) meets and loves Anna Karenina (Greta Garbo), the youthful wife of a senator who neglects her for his career. Vronsky and Anna finally elope, the husband prophesying doom for both. Returning to Russia. Anna manages to see her child, but she is discovered by the husband and ordered from the house. The Grand Duke is about to deprive Vronsky of his rank when Anna secures his reinstatement by promising to leave the count. Anna, with the realisation that she has lost both the man she loves and her child, clips silently awav and seeks death under the grinding wheels of a locomotive. It's a great picture, wonderfully produced and acted, and gri[>s the heart from the start to the tragic climax. The prologue is a "Coppelia Ballet," produced by Mile. Valeska. It features Len Wilson and the Strand Follies. There is an interesting film entitled "Thrills In Many Lands," and an "Our Gang" comedy. The Symphony Orchestra under Eve Bentley renders a special musical programme. TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. "Lady Be Good," with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall in the principal roles, is being screened at the Tivoli arid Everybody's Theatre. This is one of the funniest comedies filmed in Auckland for some time. It is First National's version of the musical comedy success of the same name. It brings constant ripples of laughter, winning many new fans for the versatile pair, who share honours in the main parte. Mulhall plays "Mysterio," a magician on a second-rate vaudeville circuit. Miss Mac-kaill is his winsome assistant, who help<s hir.i produce rabbits from hats and make plum pudding disappear in a mysterious manner. Almost the entire picture takes place back stage of the vaudeville theatres of the circuit, with the other players providing the supporting characters in the story. A whimsical tale of the adventures and disappointments of "Mysterio" and his assistant runs through the picture, with comedy bits and opportune gag/ liberally interspersed. James Finlayson, as the human target for the 'expert crystal shot, provides many uproarious moments, as does Dot Farley, as his wife, who shoots ap'ples off his head for the amusement of spectators. The second feature is the "Chinese Parrot." This is a mystery drama of the first order, with thrills galore, the story holding the audience from start to finish. A Chinese parrot plays an important part. It is almost a human bird, which repeats the cry of "murder" at an unexpected moment, and gives the story a new turn. It is weird, mystifying and baffling. Priceless pearls are mysteriously stolen, a multimillionaire strangely disappears, a shot is heard, and only the parrot knows. The surprising secret is revealed by the bird. MISS BEATRICE ELLIOTT. Miss Beatrice Elliott, New Zealand's own dramatic soprano, who has recently returned from four years' concert and oratorio work in America, will give her first recital to-night at the Town Hall Concert Chamber, when a generous programme, compiled from works of the world's greatest masters will be provided. Mies Elliott is a New Zealand girl, who sought and found fame abroad, and it is confidently expected that she will equally delight her kinsfolk as she did our American Cousins. Assisting artists are Miss Molly Wright 'cellist, and Mr. Leo Whittaker at the piano. Booking arrangements are advertised. " PRINCESS CHRYSANTHEMUM." The Japanese operetta, "Princess Chrysanthemum," will be presented in thfe concert chamber of the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, in aid of the funds of the Epsom nursing division of the St. John Ambulance. The performers number about fifty, half of whom are children. The pretty frocking is a feature of the operetta.' The dresses for the adult members of the cast have been loaned by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, while those i i*f c hddren were designed by Miss Y. Orbell, who is also responsible for the arranging of the numerous dances which c " r ,. ln . the course of the piece. The tK - ,8 by Mrs. Edgar Webb. m i£? " upp,ied b >' Mrs. Orbell! & Mr /,S) ar Webb «d|

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Jiggs finishes up with a sore head in the picture "Bringing Up Father," which was screened at the Majestic for the first time last evening. Maggie, with social ambitions and the ways of a washerwoman, the affectionate wife with the rolling pin, hovers by the bedside, the source of all his hopes and fears. It is a particularly human picture all through, The Jiggses. Dinty, two or three dogs, and a slice of high society—a most home-like crowd, not difficult to understand in regard to ways and manners. Jiggs has the big head and well-tried set of acquaintances that MeManus selected for him—the same ' restricted pleasures and habits of home discipline. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, in adapting the story for the screen, have included a variety of situations, and tied them together with a simple thread of romance, lhe charming daughter is represented by Polly Moran: and Farrell MacDonald and Marie Dressier are seen in the parte of Jiggs and Maggie. In the other big picture "I the programme, "The College Widow," Dolores Costello is delightful. It is a college tale in American university circles, and the general atmosphere is that of a healthy athletic life, with scarcely a peep at the academic side. For the purpose of the story, Warner Brothers have featured the star ns a girl student, whose heart is set upon achieving a college triumph—the championship at football. She plays her [.art with restraint and power, faces difficult situations, and controls the final triumph in a manner that docs credit to her talent and abilities. The picture concludes with exciting scenes at the match, in which crowded galleries of spectators and the contending teams take their share in the big test, lhe Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. J. W hiteiord-Waugh, supplies the and shade for the picture programme. contributing an excellent musical accompaniment. •'Jerry," the fighting kangaroo, was seen in several smart rounds with an athletic youthful pugilist, the progress of trie contest being followed with keen delight by the audience. Included jn the bill was also a Majestic News.

REGENT THEATRE. An outstanding vaudeville act is a feature of the change of programme at the Resent Theatre. In it there are associated Miss 1* lon ic Le Vere and Mr. Lou Handinan. Miss Le Vere's performance is full of merit, and is one of the best turns seen on the variety stage in Auckland for some time. This ta.ciited artist is a clever dancer and impersonator, while her catchy songs have fleeon ic popular since her first appearance a day or two ago. Her clever impersonation of Marion Davis, the well-known film star, is exceptionally good. The setting- is in keeping with the performance, and the audience were transferred to a New York that overlooking Broadway. A revolving clectric sign at the top of a sky-scraper announced "Florrie Le \ ere —-clever impersonator." Many songs of his own composition are sung by Mr. Lou Haudruan. including "Nothin " and "My Sweetie." Both these entertainers have spontaneously "caught on," and a successful season for them is assured. The picture side of the programme is in rio way neglected. The main attraction, screened List night lor the,first time, is "The Secret Hour," with Pola Negri in the main part. It is a triangle tangle with a "new twist." An old man woos a beautiful girl by proxy, and she falls in love with a handsome young substitute. Ihe story chiefly concerns Annie, a waitress, the part being taken by Miss Negri, and Tony, a wealthy orange grower (Jean Hersholt). Annie is tired oi waiting upon ali and sundry while Tony is tired of being a bachelor. He goes to the city because all the local fcirls had made love to his handsome foreman. Joe. Tony meets Annie in a spaghetti restaurant and falls in love with her at first sight, 100 b.ishiul to inquire her name he goes home and gets .Joe to write a proposal of marriage to ' her. and addresses It to the girl, whose number he had noted when in tiie restaurant. She replies and asks for a photograph. Tony thinking his grizzled face will end the affair, sulwtitutes Joe's photo. Annie leaves for the ranc-h and Tony meets with an accident on his way to meet her. and she marries Joe. It was not until Tony had recovered from his accident three months afterwards that he learns the truth, but in the end happiness is restored. It is a sweet romance or the orange groves, and L another triumph for the talented Pola Negri. The supports are in keepiug with the main features. The music is outstanding under Mr. Maurice Guttridge. " SUNNY." "Sunny" continues to draw big houses nightly to St. James' Theatre. As its name implies, "Sunny" is bright anil melodious, and includes spectacular saenes, picturesque ballets, clever dancing, and hilarious fun. The great London musical comedy success is pure sunshine. There are many tuneful numbers such as "Who," "Two Little Blue Birds," "Sunshine," and "Wedding Knell," and dancing plavs a considerable part in the production." The "Blackbottom" and "Tough Guv" dances were especially good. The team work of the ballet is also worthy of mention. Elsie Prince was just her charming self as the daughter of the circus manager. With Jimmy Godden. who was as droll as ever, and Charlton Morton's whimsicalities, a blithesome, rollicking spirit was radiated. Whether in the circus, on board the Atlantic liner, or in the poppy field, this trio kept the large audience rocking with laughter. Their gongs, dancing, and dialogue were of the brightest and best. In the comedy section Betty Lambert played £1 • u £ to tlle P rinci P a| s- Nellie Dean and Elsie Parkes also helped towards the success of the production. "Sunny" will' be replaced by "Mercenary Mary" on Thursday evening next. Box plans are as advertised. "ROOKERY NOOK." The fact that in book form the very humorous "Rookery Nook," which is to be staged here by J. C. Williamson's New English Comedy Company on Wednesday night next, has reached its eighth edition, and rendered into iarce, has monopolised one London theatre for close on three years, _ recommends it for sampling, and critics who saw it-on its initial representation in Melbourne declared it to be the best and funniest production that has been seen in Australia for twenty years. For the presentation of "Rookery Nook," also for "Thark and "A Cuckoo in the Nest," which are to be staged during the season, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management has evidently succeeded in getting together a particularly powerful combination of comedy stars, the majority oi t'hem being well-known London artists. Mr. Hastings Lynn has appeared verv successfully in a number of English comedies, and the management was fortunate in beiug able to induce him to leave London, as he scored an instantaneous triumph as Gerald Popkiss in "Rookery Nook," his whimsical creation being one of the outstanding features of the production. Mr. Basil Radford, who appeared as the debonair hero in "The Ghost Irain," will make hie reappearance here in the important character of Clive Popkiss. Miss Helene Simon, Miss Minnie Rayner, Miss Jane Comfort, Mr. Cyril Vernon, Mr. Victor Fitzherbert are other well-known English artists, who will make debut here on Wednesday night. The cast also includes Leslie Victor, Nellie Mortyne, Beth Mackey and Miss Donalda Warne, the dashing young Australian artist, who created a furore in Melbourne recently in the role of Rhoda Marley. The box plans will be opened on Monday morning next.

MUNICIPAL BAND

The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon at 2.45. A delightful programme includes the bright marches, "The Staffordshire Knot," "Sylvia,' and "Merry of Heart," the "Jubilant" overture, the waltz-intermezzg "Beethoven Echoes," selection "Princess Ida," and fantasia "Reminiscenses of All Nations." On the evening of the same date, in the Town Hall at 8.30 p.m., the band will again appear, with* % complete changc of programme.

"LOVES OF CARMEN." Dignity is apparent in the long list of brilliant screen luminaries portraying the principal roles of "Loves of Carmen," Fox Films screen adaption of the widely known opera "Carmen," which was produced under the direction of Raoul Walsh, maker of "What Price Glory." Heading the cast is Victor McLaglen, whose recent characterisation of Captain Flagg, firmly established him as one of the most talented players appearing before the camera. In this picture the stalwart actor portrays the role of the Toreador. In the pivotal feminine role is Dolores Del Rio. who likewise won millions of admirers because of her portrayal of Charmaine in "What Price Glory." Miss Del Rio is seen as Carmen, a role which fits her fiery temperament as naturally as old lace fits Tavender. Don Jose is characterised by Don Alvarado, a young screen player who has risen to the front ranks with amazing rapidity. Alvnrado's Spanish ancestry admirably coincides with the screen role. Nancy Nash, who plays M ichaela, has been featured in Fox pictures, and is recognised as one of filmdom's shining lights. Ben Bard. Mathilde Comont, Jack Bastian, and Ralph Sippeiiy are other established players who portray important roles in the picture. Loves of Carmen ' comes to the Strand Theatre next Friday, and is to be preceded by a gorgeous prologue.

"BUNTY PULLS THE STRINGS." The St. Andrew's Society of Auckland will present "Bunty Pulls the Strings" in the ( oncert Chamber of the Town Hall on \\ eduesday next and three following nights. 1 his delightful Scotch comedy has enjoyed a triumphant career and achieved a remarkable run of popularity. It gives a faitlnul delineation of Scottish life and character of 60 years ago, alive with humour and heart interest, and will be interpreted by a cast which includes Auckland's leading amateurs. The play is bem;; produced by Mr. Kenneth Brampton. and special attention is being paid to the mounting and dressing. The music will be supplied by the St. Andrew's Society Orchestra. Box plans as advertised. LUNA PARK. Luna Parks short winter exhibition season will be brouzht to a conclusion tonight, and there will be no further opportunity for enjoyment at Auckland's Coney Island until the summer. This pleasure resort has become a ,mo*;t popular rendezvous ior young and old on account of the numerous attractions.