AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 33, 8 February 1929, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. "Two Lovers'' is a romantic story with a spice of mystery and adventure which cannot fail to attract. It opened a season at the Strand Theatre to-day and is sure of a good reception. It is an adaptation by Alice D. G. Miller, of the popular novel by Baroness Orczy, entitled "Leatherface." It was directed by Fred Niblo, creator of "Ben Hur," "Camille." "'The Enemy" and other notable successes. Ghent, in the 10th century, furnishes the background for the story of Donna Lenora of Spain and Mark Van Kycke. of Flanders. Briefly, it concerns the resolution of William, Prince of Orange, to the throne of the Dutch lowlands. The Spaniard*, under the tyrannous Duke of Azar, are frustrated in their attempts to stifle Flemish liberty and to capture the renegade Prince by the efforts of the mysterious masked figure. Leatherface. liven the marriage of Lenora. '"The flower of Spain,*' to the lordly Mark fails. Two thousand player.*, turreted castles, giant drawbridges, wild night rides, and a hattie in the swamps are among the episodes that tell of their fight for freedom and of Mark's battle to win the love of his bride by a marriage of state. Vihna Banky and Ronald Colman are the two lovers, this being the final and farewell presentation of a famous screen duo. The supports include the latest world happenings presented through the medium of the '"Strand Magazine" and "Eve's Review." The prologue, "A Night in Venice." will be a feature. It has been arranged by Yorke Gray. Special attention has been paid to the musical programme.

NATIONAL THEATRE. Adolphe Menjou is back in the familialatmosphere of love intrigues, jealous husbands-, evening clothes and silk hats in the feature picture, "His Private Life," that commences a season at the Natioual Theatre to-day. The picture has a Parisian background, and Menjou is the beau of the boulevards. Kathryn Carver is the leading woman, with Margaret Livingston and Eugene Lalette in support. It is said that "His Private Life" is one of the snappiest and peppiest pictures Adolphe Menjou lias made. His characterisations have made him popular with both men and women, and he has a great following. He has been described as "the perennial man about town" who teaches his less gifted fellows how to love lightly in self-defence. The grace and ease with which he bows out of his screen amours create around him a definite aura all his own. Men envy Menjou his gay assurance, and women wonder whether he is impervious to all feminine wiles. His characterisation in "His Private Life" is said to be outstanding and his performance remarkable. Miss Carver, who takes a leading part in the picture, recently became the bride of Adolphe Menjou in Paris. She is not unknown to picture fans. She appeared in "Service for Ladies" and "Serenade," in which she was Menjou's leading woman. This outstanding comedy should have a successful run.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The British International picture, "Moulin Rouge.'' will open a season at the Majestic Theatre to-day. This powerful emotional story of Paris deals with Parysia, the star of the "Paris-New York Revue"' at the Mculin Rouge. Her daughter, Camille, and her fiance visie the show, and the boy becomes infatuated witli the charms of his sweetheart's mother, falling desperately in love with her. He makes up his mind to give the daughter up for the mother, who is also attracted by the attention paid her. Camille becomes the victim of a serious car smash and has to undergo a dangerous operation. While she is in hospital the boy realises what a mistake lie is making; he comes to the conclusion that after all his real affection is for Camille and not for her mother, and he decides to cast out .ill other thoughts and go on with the original ceremony. The mother goes back to her work contented because her daughter is happy. There are many exciting incidents in the production, including a mad race down hill between two motorcars and a terrible smash at the end. The cast is made up of several popular players including Olga Tschechowa and Eve Gray, the talented Australian who won a beauty contest in Sydney. The world's latest news items will be screened in the Majestic magazine. There will be a comedy, and "Amazing Lovers." a nature study. An additional attraction is announced by way of a stage band presentation, "The Seven Crazy Clown Syncopators.'"' while Folole Lilliokalani will appear in her Hula specialty dance. A special musical programme will be played.

PLAZA AND TIVOLI THEATRES. ! The double feature programme presented at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres yesterday for the weekly change should be sure of a good run, as both pictures, as well as the supports, are splendid entertainment. Billie Dove has never looked more charming than in "Love at Midnight."' a story concerning a mysterious tragedy on a French battle cruiser. Captain Corlaix, commander of the warship, returns to his home and finds that his wife is missing. She arrives in the early hours of the morning in evening gown, and is unable to satisfactorily explain her absence. Corilax shortly afterwards laces a court martial, being accused of murdering one of his whose body is found in the commander's stateroom, the captain's revolver lying on the floor with a cartridge shell in the chamber. Corilax cannot explain the mystery and proclaims his innocence, but there is evidence of bad feeling between the captain and the murdered officer. The climax tomes when the captain's wife, at the expense of her own honour, explains the mystery. In this scene. Miss Dove rises to emotion::: heights, her characterisation of the captain's wife being most convincing. It is P>.khl acting. Ronald Reed and Paul Lnkas, in the leading masculine roles, give line performances. The second attraction. "Do Your Duty," features Charlie Murray, who appears with Doris Dawson and Lueien Littlelield. This is a rollicking comedy, Murray taking the part- of a policeman. The fine ait of sate (lacking is burlesqued in a scene that provokes roars of laughter. "A Bookworm Hero" is the "Collegians" episode, while a special attraction is the singing of Master Desmond.

CAPITOL THEATRE. The Capitol Theatre has always been a papular house of entertainment', catering for a thickly populated district. All the best pictures have their turn at this theatre, and an excellent programme has been arranged for the change to-night. There will be a double feature bill, both attractions being high-class comedy that is sure to delight patrons. "Plastered in Paris" is the first feature with Sammy Cohen in the main part. The popular Fred Thomson, with his wonder horsa Silver King will be screened in a coined v entitled "Kit Carson." This is a stow of the golden west full of action and thrills that should keep the audience keyed up to a state of excitement throughout. The supports are all of the usual high „rd-T. The programme will be screened up to Monday night.

CRYSTAL PALACE. The Crystal Palace. Mount EJen Road, is maintaining its reputation for good programmes. There will ho a complete change to-night, when Lillian Gish will be screened in '"The Enemy." This picture is a Metro-Goldwyn masterpiece. It is a powerful dramatic triumph, which has attracted large audiences wherever shown. Lillian Gitsh is an outstanding Kim star. who has been seen in such notable sui-t-esses as '-The White Sister" and "Annie Laurie." "The Enemy" cannot fail to appeal as it is full of action, romance and adventure. There are ten reels of this picture, and the supports will be of the usual high etandard..

REGENT THEATRE. Both feature pictures in the Regent Theatre's new programme deal with one of the few professions where romance still lingers—that of new-spotting. "Shadows of the Xight*' concerns the adventures of a young reporter, Jimmy Sherwood, who is detaded to investigate the activities of a criminal gantr. With him goes ■"Flash." a clever Alsatian of almost human intelligence. Following the murder of a police officer, the dog leads its master on a hot trail to a cheap restaurant, and there Sherwood takes a job as waiter. An encounter with a girl who is an unwilling member of tiie gang, proves the beginning of a romance, but two heads, it is shown, are no better than one. without the invaluable assistance of the dog. With the attempt of the gang leader. Feagan, to escape from the police net that surrounds him. the story leaps to a climax full of fast action. Lawrence Grey and Louise Lorraine, have, after "Flash,"' the leading roles, but among the minor characters there are many who relieve the tense drama of the piece by admirable touches of comedy. In the second feature, Buster Keatou heads the cast as an aspiring news reel photographer. Thi- straightout comedy is a well-played parody of life. From taking tintypes on the pavement, Buster Keatou aspires to a position as a movie photographer. Armed with an antiquated camera, he haunts the news reel oiiice in lor.d hopes of a job, undeterred by the innumerable panes of glass that are smashed by his clumsy apparatus. As heroine. Marceline Day lends a helping hand, with the result that the cameraman finds himself dodging bullets in a Chinese tong war. Kvoryoue gets a laugh out of it but Buster, and he returns to his tintype.*, until fortune comes to him unexpectedly. In addition to the two fine lea.ling features, there is an interesting gazette of recent events. The Regent Operatic Orchestra, under Mr. Maurice Guttridge, will delight music lovers, especially with their entr'acte "Masianello." This evening will see the return of the popular operatic singers. Russo and Bradford, who, since their last appearance in Auckland, have been with J. C. Williamson's company in Australia. Their seenas from grand opera are sure to prove a very popular variation.

LYRIC THEATRE. A double feature programme of exceptional merit will be screened at the Lyric Theatre this evening, the attractions being '"The Crimson City" and "Sailor Izy Murphy." '"The Crimson City" is a love story of a Chinese '"Madame Butterfly." The story concerns Nan Toy, a Chinese slave girl, who rescues and nurses a white man who has fled from England when wrongfully accused of embezzlement. The picture is full of action and romance, and the way the Chinese girl fights to retain the man she has succoured when his sweethearty comes to claim him is pathetic and thrilling. The charming Myrna Loy takes the principal part. There will be pieuty of merriment when ''Sailor Izy Murphy" is screened. The adventures of a perfumery salesman at sea as a member of a crew of lunatics form the basis of the story. George Jessel. the popular Jewish comedian, has the leading role. Amonzst the incidents is the pursuit of a millionaire on board a yacht. He finds that he is in the midst of lunatics escaped from an institution. There are numerous tights, and Izy'a appointment as the high executioner is most amusing. Jesei is seen as Izy Goldberg, the charaetec-r he created in "Private Izy Murphy." The supports are all of a high character, and the programme should be sure of a good season.

ALFRED O'SHEAS RECITE uS. Another attractive programme was submitted by Mr. Alfred O'Shea at his third concert in the Town Hail last evening. After his contributions the tenor was very warmly recalled, and was obliged to give further displays of his vocal art. Opening with Don Jose's "Ptomanza del fiore" from the Parisian composer, Georges Bizet's "Carmen," the singer gave the scene the variety of expression needed to exhibit the young brigadier's great passion and love for the reckless and bewitching gipsy Carmen. The Andantino was charmingly exposed, and much force and dramatic intensity was thrown into the Animate phrase, where Don Jose curses the hour he met the fascinating flash of Carmen's dark eyes, whilst with charm of voice and intensity of passion he delivered the pathetic love sentence o: the fi.iale. Massenet's "E'esie" was expressively treated, and tastefully rendered was the violin ob.igito by Miss Bosv.orth. The beautiful Pastorale from Bizet's

"L'Arlcsienne." arranged as an '"Agnus Dei," by Ernest Guiraud, was distinctly delivered, the tenor voicing its prayerful phrases in an impressive style. The effect of the performance was further heightened by the tastefully played pianoforte, violin, and grand or;:.in obligate) by Misses Halpin, Bosworth. and Edward Craston. lowen's "Mid Hour of Xight." Toselli's

"Serenata." Coates' "A Song Kern em-' bored," and C-adman*« "I Hear a Thrtiedi at Eve,'' was admirably rendered, and the recitative and aria "Ombra Mai Fu" from Handel's '"Serse"'—the only comic opera tli3 composer ever wrote —was given with gobel tone and in a charming legato manner. Mr. Edward Craston. with a suitably registered organ, tastefully accompanied. Pianoforte, violin and harp ro'.os were admirably performed by the Misses Theo Halpin, Tna Bosworth and Mavis Grevatt respectively. To-morro-.v evening the tenor givts his farewell recital and will be heard in Blumentlial's "Evening Song," Kahn's '"Ave Maria." Puccini's "Che Gelitla Martina," and popular ballads. "NELL O' NEW ORLEANS." To-night and to-morrow evening will signalise the last two appearances in Auckland of iMiss Irene Vanbruah and Mr. Dion Boucicault, and for these two notable occasions the J. C. Williamson. Ltd., nianagetnent will present them in the delicious cotr."dy-drama "Xell o' New Orleans." j n which bot-i Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault receive special opportunities for the display of their artistry. Lawrence Eyre's comedy of "moonshine, madness and make believe"' was s'leciallv created for -Miss Vanbrugh ami Botieicaitlt. and in it they have a.-hieve.l some of their bes; triuni'phs in England. Australia, and Xe\\- Z.-nlitnl. The c!nrarter of Mcilv Davmtrv. is t.ei•■'.■ -i,'\suited to Miss VatibVitgh's nutncroa.s accomplislnnetits, an 1 th: .->n _'h..ur t : ie piece she casts her spell ovr-t he: a:i lience. Mr. Boucicault. as tiie old padtv. w!i > loved young Ne'l, a:id who !ov.-s .her sti.'l "as a man loves an angel"' : s it !::s : >".-t in the I'gaicr mometits. ;t:tl he :.--s to gretit heights in the \i'.j: diamatic mom.nt at the end of the s c ■:■] act. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. A complete change of programme .- announce 1 for St. dame- I !i''-i'.f" * its evening, when Mr. 000. W.ii! :ce '•' \'.i s:--'e a revue fjuite ditbrc::t t . the i-.st. ~r,i:: shiVeks of laughter ...- the revue i.- a:inounceil as "an .tvaian.he o: iom-dv.'' George will take pari ot "T:,e j Xuisanre." and this will g:ve !;:m :■:.. ; scope to display his tal.-p.t. The vari :v. I been well clioscn. and the progr.im-iit :s | bound to be appreciated. 'J'hete wi\\ be ai matinee to-norrnu-.

LUNA PARK. ! The many attractions at Luna Paik are' responsible '■"'' 'arne attendant.-) s (luring those hot ni-'lits. Warm weather ma!;. - open-air amusements popular \\ ith pi a- j sure seekers, and so well has the m iiia'_' - ! ment i.i vanisi-il their pa: k that 1 u _'•> crowds can be dealt v. it!) without waiting j and inconvenience. There is much t.> 1..• seen at Luna J'aik. and time passes quickly for young and old. Thrills can l)e obtained galore. A scenic railway. '"Goofy" liouse. chair-o-planes. whips and ; merry-go-rounds are only a few or thej modern attractions installed for the enter-1 tainiuent of the multitude,.

EDENDALE PICTURES. The Edendale Picture Theatre has arranged a tirst-class programme :.> commence to-night, including Imm fcii-iris. "The King'" is one of the iio*t 1) '\::,_' pictures ever screened, and :t .s .. B: .i.- 1 production. Jt, is full ~f thvii'.s an! romance is interwoven. Fred Thomson with Silver Kin? is the se.v.i.l featr.e. Ilia is a story of the gaiien we*;, with a large slice of humour throughout. The excellence of the programme sho l'.d appeal to patrons. DANCING. At the Orange Hall to-nig'i: i'-.e i-vum of the Boston Dance Band shou'.d p:o\v i popular atti.ut:;>!i to d.inc ■ jvi:». i.. whom this band is well known.