AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 285, 1 December 1928, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

THE STRAND. "Oxford bags" that flap like sails in the breeze, a vivid fancy waistcoat, a blazer of doubtful texture, and a beret adorning his peculiar profile—that's Buster Keaton in "Steamboat Bill Junior," when be arrives fresh from college to link forces with his father, owner of "Stonewall Jackson," an antiquated paddle steamer, that is threatened with extinction owing to the arrival on the scene of a Wellappointed craft, replete with smart officers in ducks. The picture opened at the Strand Theatre last evening. What a contrast there is between the two services and their respective crews. One is manned by "rough diamonds" who have sailed the seven seas, and the other by the new order whose forte is making themselves popular with the ladies. But when Buster breezes on to the scene in his simple way, he adds, tone to the good ship "Stonewall JackSon" by appearing in full naval rig at the suggestion of the inimitable daughter of the owner of the rival service, and an old acquaintance. It is then that complications arise, and the audience just sits back and enjoys every minute of the rollicking, rib-tickling comedy. The feud between the two shipping companies waxes fast and furious, and ultimately Steamboat Bill, senior, a dominant figure of huge proportions, played by Ernest Torrcfice, who shares honours with Keaton in the role of his father, finds himself behind prison bars because of indiscreetly handling his rival. Buster makes a bold bid to release his father, but ends tip a patient in hospital for his pains. Then with sudden fury a tornado descends upon the troubled town, wrecking buildings, sinking the new liver service, and giving the star an opportunity to show that he is not the simple idiot that he looks. Almost as quick as it takes to tell he rescues his father, his rival and his daughter from watery graves, and the denouement comes with the quartette united at last. The supporting programme is in keeping with the high standard maintained by the Strand, while the incidental music and orchestral interlude, which introduces Eve Bentley and her talented orchestra, is a treat to listen to. A triumph in photography is "Lady of Victories," a technicolour novelty that portrays incidents during the Napoleonic wars, and features Aghes Ayfes. A travelogue paints pretty pictures of distant Ecuador, where customs of centuries still survive, and the scenery is unparalleled, the Strand Magazine is full of topical interest, and incidentally strikes a chord that is appropriate for its presentation of King George at a Highland sports gathering. The programme will be continued throughout the week.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC.

Two entertaining pictures are being screened <it the National and Lyric Theatres. The principal attraction is ' The Cardboard Lover," a comedy-drama, starring Marion Davies. In this fllm Miae Davies is seen in male attire for the 11 ret time since "Beverley of Graustark." Much of the action takes place in the ultrafashionable casinos at Monte Carlo. The accompanying picture is "Playing in which that- old favourite, Ben Turpin, makes hi® reappearance on the silver sheet. Pauline Garon and Robert Agnew are also in the cast, while a prominent part is taken by the famous Olympic sprinter, Charles Paddock. The story is a college one; the mad pranks on the campus when upper classmen meet freshmen and give them lessons on how to act in "coll."; those laughable incidents in the dormitories; the ragging and fighting-—all have been caught by the camera. There are also entertaining supports at each theatre; these include an interesting news reel, with scenes of receht events of importance from overseas, a hilarious short comedy and a travelogue. Enjoyable music is also provided. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. With their presentation of "Mixed Grills" at St. James' Theatre last evening, Geo. Ward's Whirl of Mirth Revue Company scored the biggest hit of their season to date, a season already in its fourth week. It was a hi(f that sailed high over the boundary—a six. Like a snowball that grows in size as it rolls Geo. Ward's company increases in popularity as it tumbles merrily onward, and last evening's "Mixed Grills" -were acclaimed to be even better than "Ginger Snaps," the programme submitted last week. The bill of fare is evenly balanced, with the ingredients of the mixture in just th® right proportion. There is a wealth of comedy guaranteed to dispel the most malignant attack of the blues, not a little delightful dancing, and at least half a dozen really catchy songs, most tunefully sung. These recommendations alone would carry the programme along to the complete satisfaction of the most fastidious theatre-goer, but there is an additional attraction in the Charleston Symphonic Six. Led by Frank Wilson, the band this week provides a medley of musical numbers which are as popular as any of the many the sextet have given during the course of their successful season. "Mixed Grills" contains much that is original, and the manner in which the show is presented is most refreshing. The responsibilities of supplying the unending humour of the piece rest on the shoulders of George Ward, Charles Sherman and Frank Moran, and they make light of their task. One of the cleverest items on a good programme is a sketch, featuring Gus Dawson, in which a scarecrow comes down from bis post and dances a midnight rag with his "ctoW sweetheart." Among a delightful selection of musical numbers supplied by Patsy Hill, Colleen Hope and Vernon Sellars, "Mary Hill," sung by Miss Hill, and "The Cobbler's Song," contributed by Mr. Sellars, were a little more enthusiastically received than the rest, particularly the latter, to which Mr. Sellars' fine baritone voice was most suited. Mrs. Kathleen Ward, who leads the orchestra, again delighted the audience in the all too few solo efforts at the piano in which she was heard. Jean Keith was as happy as ever in her dancing numbers, and all through the bliow went with a swing. A word of praise, too, is due to the work and bright frocking of the chorus. PLAZA AND TIVOLI. Always can patrons of the Pilaza and Tivoli Theatres be certain of excellent entertainment, for with the change of programme each week, the high standard set by the management is consistently maintained. This week the double star programme is even above that excellent standard. First National's snappy romantic comedy, "Heart To Heart," with Mary Astor, Lloyd Hughes and Louise Fa/enda in the leading roles, is crammed full of ! clean entertainment. It is a fascinating story. Mary Astor is an Italian princess, who returns to her American small home town and is mistaken for a seamstress, who is expected to participate in elaborate reception plans. So she works to furI ther preparations for her own arrival, creates a scandal with her girlhood sweetheart, Hughes, and generally upsets the town. Tbe love affair is renewed, Hughes being one of the few who recognises the "Seamstress" as the princess. Eventually j she & cent away through tbe effort of gossips. In order not to disappoint the family she returns in the gala apparel of a princess, and the developments come thick a«d fast. "Heart To Heart" is a picture of the appealing sort of clean comedy with romance and touches of ■ pathos. "Red Heels," the second big attraction, is an intriguirfg story of Parisian life. It is the story of the life of a little dancer in a Montmartre cafe from i the time she attracts the attention of a theatrical manager to her subsequent stardom, when she is the idol of Paris, and her marriage to an Englishman who is a little too stodgy. Lili Damita is the dancer* and the supporting cast is excellent. Fine pictures, including gazettes, comedies and travelogues are also shown, while attractive incidental music is played by the orchestra at both theatres during evening fce&iaftS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Perhaps the most true-to-life story that can be told on the screen is the story of the woman who tries to change he? station in life to find that she can be happy only in her own sphere. That is the story of "Trelawney of the Wells," an adaptation of Sir Arthur Wing Pinero's famous play, which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Not only loyal supporters of the legitimate, but even those who are but slightly acquainted with the stage, know the story of Rose Trelawney, star player at the old Wells Theatre in London, who falls in love with Arthur Gower, a young society man. His grandfather, Sir William Gower, realising that the match cannot be broken, invites the girl to live at his home until her marriage. But the* change in conditions cannot bring her happiness; the cold, gloomy atmosphere of the stately house in Cavendish Square; Sir William's absurd demands for silence whenever he is near, and his harsh reprimand for any breach of his own brand of home-made etiquette soon make her realise that she must return to her old life. And so she leaves. For a time it is difficult to foresee a happy ending, but this is reached through the softening of the old man's heart. As suitable a cast as could have been picked plays the story. Norma performance as Rose Trelawney is a splendid piece of work; Ralph Forbes, as Arthur Gower, has little to do; O. P. Heggie, the famous stage player, gives an unusually clever portrayal of Sir Arthur Gower, while Owen Moore returns to the Screen with a strong characterisation of Tom Wrench, who secretly loves Rose. With the film there are entertaining supports. The Majestic News shows interesting events from overseas and different parts of New Zealand; these include shots of the recent Tnterliouse Girls' rally in Auckland and preparations in connection with Commander Richard Byrd's Antarctic expedition. A clever comedy is Max Davidson's latest, "Came the Dawn," in which the happy experience of living in a haunted house has been filmed. A beautiful scenic of the Bay of Naples and its surrounding districts completes the picture side of the bill. A pleasing vocal interlude i« provided by Miss Christina Ormiston's singing of "One Fine Day," from "Madame Butterfly," and throughout the entertainment the orchestra, temporarily under Mr, Hayden Murray, plays enjoyable music. REQENT THEATRE. Another well varied programme is that which was presented for the fl»t time at 'the change at the Regent Theatre on Thursday evening; The feature of the blli of fare is another of Maurice Diamond's brilliant with Mr. Maurice Guttridge's Operatic Orchestra on the stage. This number, which is entitled "On the High Seas," introduces clever dancing and enjoyable singing; a feature is the pretty frocking. The principals, Freddy Hodges* Stella Lsmond and Ivy Towe, are supported by the Sydney Regent ballet. "Just Married' is the big picture. This is a delightful Paramount comedy, starring James Hall and Ruth Lee Taylor, two of the younger players who nave shewn such promise tiiat they have been given leading roles. The story is written by Anne Nichols, the author of the successful "Abie'e Irish Rose." The smaller films are well in keeping with the high standard which the leading attractions demand. TUDOR THEATRE. Ireland, that most romantic locality for screen and fiction, is used to the best advantage in "Hangman's House," the feature of the present programme at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. It shows Victor McLagleft, June Collyer, Larry Kent and Earle Foxe in leading roles.- McLaglen has another gripping role as Citizen Hogan, the Irish patriot, bent on avenging a great wrong. The production is based on Donn Byrne's novel. The second picture Is "Wickedness Preferred," in which Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle are the stars in an amusing comedy of what happens when a cave-man romance is put to the test. The supports include a varied graphic, New Zealand publicity film and a comic. On Tuesday, Emil Janningg will apepar in "The Last Command,"' when Birrell O'Malley will sing the Russian love song, "Dushka Moya" and "Thro' the Dark Arbutns." Next Friday "Fleetwing" will be screened, also "A Woman's Way," with Warner Baxter and Margaret Livingstone in the leads. LUNA PARK'S OPENING. In preparation for the coming summer season, Luna Park was brilliantly lighted last evening. The Park opened this afternoon after being closed for the winter months, and it wae obvious that Aucklandere and visitors to the city who are fond of a thrill, were glad to have the Park's fun-machines at their disposal once more. All the attractions are working again; the scenic railway seems to have established itself as the favourite again, but the other novelties all have their fallowings. The scenic river caves, the fun factory, the goofy house, the dodge'ems, the whip, and the caterpillar, and the joy-wheel—all wete well patronised this afternoon by the jolly crowd of merry-makers. The side-shows, too, of which there is a splendid variety, seemed to have a crowd always round them. The concession card system, providing admission and one ride on each of the attractions, is again being used; special rates are advertised. MUNICIPAL CONCERTS. The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon "at 3 o'clock. A brightly varied programme will include the selections "Patience" and "Madame Pompadour"; overture, "Les Cloches de Corneville"; intermezzo, "Scene in a Persian Market"; suite, "Ballet Egyptian"; instrumental solos by Messrs. McLennan and Bowes, together with stirring marches and popular hymn tunes. A varied programme has been arranged for the recital in the Town Hall tomorrow everting. Works by Bach, Adams and Tschaikowsky will be played by Mr. Maughan Barnett. Popular numbers will include Lemar's fine fantasia on the tune "Hanover," and Herrold's overture to "Zampa." DANCING, A carnival night will be given in the Dixieland Cabaret, Point Chevalier, this efrening, when a specially selected score of syncopated dance music will be played by the Dixieland Dance Band, under Mr, Harry Neilsoh. The cabaret has been renovated and entirely redecorated. A grand race ball will be held this evening in the Click Clack Cabaret, in the Rialto Buildings, Newmarket. Clyde Howley has arranged an enjoyable score of fox-trot hits for his Famous Internationals.

The Parisian will open a new up-to-dabe studio, situated in Whitehall, 419, Queen Street, this evening. Every feature that is essential to the modern ballrooirt has been studied; a flood floor has been laid down, and a special gramophone instrument has been installed.

Another enjoyable entertainment will be held in the Mission Bay Cabaret, Kohimar'ama, this evening. Favours will be distributed among the merry-makers. Bus services are advertised.

Old-fime dances are held every Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the Municipal Hall, Newmarket, under the direction of Mr. D. MayeS.

The Orpheans, under Lauri Paddi, will provide music for this evening's dance of the Felix Club in the Orange Hall, Newton Road.

The Ngaroma Social Club will hold another of. ite enjoyable entertainments in the Manchester Unity Hall this evening. The Regal Orchestra Will again be in attendance.

The Carona Dance Club are holding a carnival in the Masonic Hall, Belgium Street, to celebrate their opening night. Afl the latest novelties and favours will be distributed during the evening. A specially selected musical programme has been arranged by Huflhie Tatton for his Vagabond#. Pafttww art aarered of an enjoyable evening.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Varied entertainment is provided by the current programme at Everybody's Theatre, where the bill contains a laughable comedy and a thrilling Western drama. Bebe Daniels is starred in "Hot News," the main attraction. This is a story of the adventures of a news reel cameraman and a girl who takes his position when he resigns and joins a rival firm. The two meet on many assignments, and every time it is the girl who wins, although her rival has such a reputation as to be nick-named "Scoop." The fun reaches its height when both try to photograph an Indian prince who boasts that he has never faced a camera. Again the girl wins; when her film is developed, it shows a thief striking the prince on the head and stealing a valuable ruby from him. The climax come on board the thief's yacht, to which he has carried the girl and her rival, intending to do away with them. After a series of exciting experiences they are saved by a naval coastal cutter. Hoot Gibson introduces several new stunts in "Riding for Fame/' as usual he is helped considerably by the work of his clever horse. A charming romance has been cleverly woven into the theme. This clement is playd by Gibson and Ethlyn Claire.