AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 255, 27 October 1928, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE. Rex, untamed, unrivalled, uncouquered, the horse which is at one minute as quiet as could be wished Tor, and at the next a snorting, maddened animal, is the star of another thrilling picture. This is "The Devil Horse," which is being screened at the National (late Embassy) Theatre. In it, the fiery, spirited black stallion that Hal Roach found chained in a reformatory stall, displays his magnificence in a etory specially written for him by Roach. Rex plays the title role, that of a huge stallion of the wilderness, that is feared by the Indians because of his killing power. Surely, they thought, in their superstitious terror, this great beast that stamped out life with his killing hoofs was no ordinary animal! He must be a supernatural creature, a creation of the devil! But there comes into the life of this horse, a man—a man whom he recognises as the friend of his babyhood —a friend of those happy days before the Indians came and made war on the little caravan pioneers and left him desolate and smarting from his first taste of cruelty and pain. And so the devil horse and this man become comrades in the dangerous events that follow — events in which figure the girl that the man loves and the mare that has captured the attention of the horse himself. The scene in which Rex appears to kill aa Indian who has carried off the girl and is aibout to marry her, is one of the thrills that even motion pictures provide but seldom. On the same programme there is "The Jade Cup," a Paramount mystery production, starring Evelyn Brent. In this film Miss Brent again lives up to her reputation of being "the screen's most sincere girl of the underworld." The evil menace of a Chinese vase hangs like a malignant cloud over an artist's life, the tragic fulfilment of its fatal curse as certain as those of bygone days, the only witness of a murder a prisoner in a gangster's den, doomed to die because she knew—that is but one of the tense situations with which "The Jade Cup" is crammed. A young boy, led by love to abandon his sinister associates, framed by the relentless underworld as a murderer, besieged by a cordon of police whose watchword is "dead or alive/' and the girl racing in a desperate attempt to save him —that is another. "The Jade Cup" is filled with such sequences; its concomitants are as exciting as its mysterious title, suggests, and its theme has been enacted as only accomplished artists know how to play. Jack Ludei plays the role of the hero, and Charles Delaney is also in the cast. With the two principal attractions there are entertaining supports, of which an outstanding number 's a hilarious comedy that ends all too < :'.kly. Stvncs of recent event» of interest are contained in a news reel.

J. C. WILLIAMSON MUSICAL COMEDY.

Theatregoers are looking forward with much interest to the next J. C. Williameon attraction at Hie Majesty's Theatre, commencing on Wednesday, Octo/ber 31, it being their new Musical Comedy Company, -headed by the popular London actress, Annie Croft, who is supported by a combination of new and old favourites. The newcomers are Reginald Sharland, Leo Franklyn, Irving Rose, all with London reputations; others sure of a hearty welcome : include Gus Bluett, May Beatty, Billie Lockwood, Winnie Tate, Rowena Ronald, Katie Towers and Les Donaghey, together with a magnificent chorus and ballet of youth and beauty. Annie Croft hae made a defcided hit in Australia. Reginald Sharland is the quiet fuumaker of the London stage. Theirs is the method in' vogue at the Strand and the Shaftsbury. The story of "The Girl Friend" briefly is "concerning a girl who loses her purse, a man, who misses his train in trying to return it to her. The girl, who hae no money, is refused a room at an hotel, but by subterfuge, secures accommodation in the bridal suite. The bridegroom, without his wife, arrives at the hotel, more or less I merry. He finds, to his dismay, that » lady, not his wife, has occupied one of the rooms of his hotel suite during the night. Be is involved in the of furnishing explanations to his wife. The whole is a farcical comedy, and the score is agreeably melodious. Sailors and their variable taste in sweetheart* are responsible for much o". the fun in "Hit the Deck," a naval musical comedy that is the company's second production. The box plans for both productions open on Monday. REGENT THEATRE. I In her latest "picture, "Three Sinners,"! screened at the Regent Theatre with the : change of programme last evening, Pola ] Negri is the interpreter of the Continental type, of be<auty. The part is one that demands emotional powers of a high order, and for the expression of scorn and the deep human passions the star is supreme. The European background to the picture gives her opportunities which leave no doubt as to her dramatic talent, and the place she occupies among the beauties of the screen. Continental life and manners, with the dazzling grandeur of Paris, make a fitting setting for the famous actress. The story, too, is one that gives her wide scope. If the opening is not impressive it has the charm of naturalness; and the gorgeous scenes that follow stir the imagination. Not only is the acting of Mies Negri excellent, but it has the assistance and advantage of splendid photographic work. The star has the part of a baroness, and the theme is that of a neglectful husband, who causes his wife to fall into the power of an eminent musician. By means of a train wreck, in which the countess is reported to be killed, while she is in reality away in company with the musician, the way is paved for her disappearance, and a life of luxury under an assumed name. How her husband meets her in the midst of her new life and falls passionately in love through the striking resemblance to his vanished wife is the climax of the story. It also shows the star in a piece of remarkable acting, and gives the supporting cast, headed by Warner Baxter, and including Olga Vaclanova, Ivy Harris, Paul Lukas and Anders Randolph, full scope. "Fads and Fashions," the new programme in the stage Sand entertainment, by Messrs. Maurice Guttridge and Lester Sinclair, was exceptionally popular. For the variety of the musical numbers, the originality of the ballets, and the attractiveness of the stage setting, as well as the breezy performance of the musicians, the feature was deservedly applauded. The supports included a comedy, with Jimmy Adams in "Slippery Keels," a Dinky Doodle cartoon, "The Magician,' 'and a Recent Gazette. The entr'acte, "Orpheus," by the orchestra, and the incidental music, under Mr. Guttridge, was much appreciated. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Romance and good acting feature the presentation of "Jazz Mad," Universal picture, starring Jeau Hersholt. Marion Nixon and George Lewis provide the romance and Hersnolt the acting. Human interest abounds in the story of the old musician whose great symphony won't sell and who has to earn a living by playing in a comedy jazz band. . Tearful scenes and mirthful ones occur in the right places. Hersholt adds to his reputation as one of the screen's greatest character; actors by doing a tremendous portrayal as Franz Hausman, the musician. His genius for acting is fully shown. Miss Nixon and Lewis, who is starred in tfe ."Collegians" series, also display great: ability. The dramatic scenes in the hugie amphitheatre where the climax takes place are tensely thrilling, and are not overdone as are so many big picture spectacles. They fit in with the story. The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra and Alfred Herts, famous conductor, took part in this sequence. "The Cowboy Aviator," starring Hoot Gibson, is the accompanying attraction at Everybody's.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is offered in the programme which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Variety is the keynote of the bill, comedy, interest and romance being well blended. "The Work of the St. John's Ambulance Association" is a film showing the activities of this invaluable organisation on sports grounds and during daily routine, and there are also scenes of parades and inspections. Although most of tli£ scenes are taken in England, there are some of the work of the Auckland Division. In the Majestic News there are scenes of recent events, the range embracing the last sight of Amundsen before he left for the Arctic in search of the members of the Nobili expedition, never to return, the daring of a man who drops over roaring Niagara falls in a large rubber ball, a display of horsemanship, and the revels of the members of a girls' canoe club. Topical is the film of the departure of the Southern Cross on her re-conquest of the Tasman. She is seen leaving Christmhurch for Blenheim, and there are shots of the preparations for the final hop-off; at dawn flhe soars into the grey light, circles over the ground and disappears into the banks of threatening cloud, the sky-roads of the

Tasman. "N >sity is the mother of invention — and any boy of ten can be the father" is the point of "Edison, Marconi and C 0.," and "Our Gang" comedy which, besides being funny, is undeniably clever. Last night's audience was particularly delighted with the work of Koanui, a juvenile performer whose dancing and 6inging is well supported by the entertaining performance of a supporting ballet. Then conies the principal picture attraction, "A Certain Young Man," which stars Ramon Novarro. In this Novarro is not the athletic Ben Hur nor the romantic young sailor of "Across to Singapore." He appears as Lord Brinsley, a young English nobleman, of whom it is not uncommon to see newspaper reports regarding his many affaires d amour. The story shows how his reputation" counts against him when he meets the right girl. Most of the action takes place at Biarritz, the pleasure resort in the South of France, where Lord Brinsley retreats to escape the ladies of Loudon, but meets the first girl with whom he has really fallen in love. Marceline Day plays the role of the right '"girl," and others in the cast are Huntly Gordon, as her father, Bert Roach, as a suspecting husband, and Carmel Myers and Renee Adoree as two "flames." This wealth of entertainment is complete with enjoyable music from Mr. John Whiteford Wauglvs Orchestra, which renders "Red Gnome" (Kolleston), as an interlude.

STRAND THEATRE. After a successful season, "The Battles of Coronel and Falkland Islands" will bs replaced ai the Strand Theatre next Wednesday by ''The Student Prince," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's picturisation of the beautiful musical play that Auoklander* enjoyed a few months ago. Ramon Novarro appears in the title role, and Norma Shearer is Been as the peasant girl with whom he falls in love. The picture has been produced on the lavish scale which its original deserved, and as far as photography and technique are concerned it is a masterpiece. This is due to the artistry of Ernst Lubtsch, the director. The supports will include an atmospheric prologue, a Strand Magazine, and "My Lady of Victories," a short feature in technicolour, based on the love story of Napoleon and Josephine. Eve Bentley has arranged a line musical score, including selections from "The Student Prince," for her Strand Symphony Orchestra. RUSSELL-WOOD RECITAL. To-night, at the Hall of Lewie Eady, Ltd., Mr. W. Russell-Wood will present a number of his pupils in a costume and dramatic recital. Two diverting comedies, '"The Invitation" and "Fairy Tales," will ' - ' •• senior pupils, and the whimsical will find expression in an allegorical ....... wmy On-]/' "The Garden of Omar" will introduce a bevy of girls beautifully costumed in Persian fashion, itnd Miss Cecil Hall's dances In a ballet.

PLAZA AND TIVOLI. A fall in a burning aeroplane is one of the headlights of "Hard Boiled Haggerty," Milton Sills' latest starring vehicle for First National, which is drawing enthusiastic audiences to the Plaxa and Tivoii Theatres. The picture presents Sills in the characterisation of a world war flying ace. Starting with a leap into rapid-fire thrills, as the star downs his fifth enemy 'plane above the lines, "Hard Boiled Haggerty" builds quickly in interest to high points of drama, mystery and suspense. Molly O'Day is the star's leading lady. "Heart Trouble," which accompanies "Hard Boiled Haggerty" at bath theatres, is a comedydrama starring Harry Langdon. The gigantic task that confronted a German family which arrived in America just before the outbreak of the war, the decision they must make, and its ultimate result— these are the facts which arc responsible for a hilarious story. The son of the family must enlist—but with whom? How Harry Langdon solves tT.Ts problem for his parents, and how he saves the country he finally serves, in a most thrilling and humorous manner, supply the plot. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. An interesting programme, includes the overture "Tancredi," selections "lolanthe" and "William Tell," descriptive intermezzo "From a Russian Village."

TUDOR THEATRL V Realistic scenes of the BatfU «f ~ land are the outstanding foJ2L attractive and romantic ® showing at the Tadot The.tr. d* under the title "When FWt yTl^S o ® l ' The story centres on the of . two naval Bntisn and the other love for an English rirL iS, o 4 ® « the man, German, while Agnes Esteri)**^!^ P " 1 of E™*. .the wyf^tL officer who m killed when his at Jutland. The second atte,!r "J 1 ® 1 Tim McCoy in a romance, "Riders of the D*rk^ ports include a comedy 7 wtoon. On Tuesday DoloreTSf u"? 1 - 1 Ramon a, will be shown » T M olf y sinß bhe song.' St Fri^ t °? c^ wiU a in the and The Girl From Chicago" fLHjJf' SSLiT - *»w !ffs