AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Issue 38, 14 February 1929, Page 20

AMUSEMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE

Every night for a week the '"Fu'.l H">:ise'' has gone up early at the Strand Theatre where "Two Lovers'' i» th j headline attraction. For another week the great Ronald Colman-Viltna Banky combination will be screened. The complications of modern existence, financial. social and sentimental are as a thimbleful of purified water when placed by the illimitable ocean of intricacies which the simple life of three of four centuries ago presented. This is considerably in evidence in "Two Lovers.'' wh ; e!i is an actual reproduction both in letter and spirit of the famous novel "Leatherface."' written by Baroness Orczy. It is the kind of story scenario writers dream about but seldom find. The romantic swashbuckling adventures of the leading character Leatherface, played by Ronald Colman. serve to introduce the aud.enc.J to everything needed to know that story's background. Medieval Ghent is shown and the pomp and circumstance or the 18t'n century. The leather-clad figure that guards the life of Prince William of Orange from the Spanish oppressors is always in evidence. Reduced to pimple language, the story is merely the struggle of a man and woman. The period, the costumes, the scenic background, the historic values are merely incidental. The picture is splendid entertainment. Thus interesting romance is interspersed with a dramatic and thrilling mystery angle, and the picture is Samuel Goldwyn's best. In the stage presentation. "A Might in Venice." the soloists are Mr. BirrelL O'Malley and Miss Mary C.'tield. The supporting films have all been excellently chosen. and the playing of the Strand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Miss Eve Bentley. considerably enhances the entertainment. REGENT THEATRE. Ever since he did "Twelve Miles Out." John Gilbert has wanted to make a gangster picture truly perfect as far as his own conception is concerned. The opportunity came to him with a purchase by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, of the famous stage play "Four Walls." a story dealing with gangster life on New York's East side. This picture will open a season at the Regent Theatre to-night, and it promises to be one of the greatest love tragedies translated to tile screen in recent times. Romantic stars are in the principal roles, these being John Gilbert and Joan Crawford. who scored such brilliant successes in "Flesh and the Devil.'' There is a thrilling climax to this picture—a battle between police and gangsters, .is seen from a New York skyscraper. The fiirht takes place in and around the East Side Political Club when two rival gang's engage in a "free-for-all.'' John Gilbert and Joan Crawford escape from the hall to the roof, and from this vantage point lean over the parapet and watch the battle in the streets below. It is said that Gilbert displays in this picture his ability as a great actor, and his res nirce as a wonderful lover. In brief. "Four Walls" is the story of a gangster who shoots a man in a cafe, and is sent to prison for four years. On release, he resolves to go straight, but cannot survive the lure of the old love for a new an i 'oetter one. A second feature is "The Main Event."' This is a De Miile production, with Vera Reynolds in the leading role. The story concerns a cabaret dancer and two pugilists, and is said to be a very entertainment, as there are many thi: 1 - ling situations and much to iuil the interest. The famous operatic stars from the Italian Operatic Company, Ru-sso and Bradford, will again appear. A special musical programme has been arianged by Mr. Maurice Guttridge. MAJESTIC THEATRE. '"Blindfold."' which commences a season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, divides its interest four ways. There is a lone policeman, who doggedly pursues his duties in spite of !«gal ami criminal obstacles; several characters of the Dr. Jekyl' and Mr. Hyde type, a highly dramatic sequence and a love theme. Love. hate, tragedy, joy, law's Nemesis and evil shadows tii't across the screen. On a dark background of intrigue, interwoven with the machinations of a gang of hieh class jewellery thieves, the invincibility of law and love stand out. There are said to be so many good points about "Blindfold." that it is hard to know when to start and when to stop praising the film. The story is by that excellent seller of contemporary crime romances, Charles Francis Coe. w ho ' wrote. "Me, Gangster.'"' "The River Pirate.'' and others. Charles Klein, a German director, new to the I'nited States, used many pieces of ingenious technique when he produced the picture for Fox. The cast reads like Hollywood's Blue Book. Lois Mor in. who came to public attention in ''Stella Dallas," and has been climbing the ladder ever since, heads the list George O'Brien, of "Sunrise" fame, appears opposite. Then there are F.arle Fox. Maria Alba. Don Terry, and Fritz Feld. while in character roles will be found Craufurd Kent. Robert Homans, John Kerry and Andy Clyde. A new camera angle should make this picture outstanding. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged, including an t'.F.A. gem, entitled "N'ature's Wizardry," the latest topics of the day will be shown in the Majestic Magazine, also an outstanding two-reel comedy. Special attention is being paid to the musical programme and Miss Kate Campion will sing "One Fine Day" from "Madame Butterfly." PLAZA THEATRE. "The Man Who Laughs," the Victor Hugo classic, which is to commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day is a drama of passion and intrigue. It is said to be one of the most spectacular motion pictures in the history of the cinema. It is the romance of a maimed mountebank and a beautiful blind girl, enacted by C'orrad Veidt and Mary Philbin. The lavish settings and old-world atmosphere go back to England in the year 1705. during the reign of Queen Anne. The many prominent figures of her court move prominently through the picture. There is a cast of •tOOO, among the leading members of which there are many prominent actors. In addition to a fine supporting programme a special musical score by Mr. Howard Moody's Orchestra has been arranged, while vocal items will be given by Mr. Hartley Warburton. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The splendid programme that has been provided during the week at St. -James' Theatre will be repeated to-night, and there will be a change of programme tomorrow. Mr. Geo. Wallace has had a most successful time and appears to become more and more popular with the audiences. Described as "An avalanche of | comedy" his revue. "The Sparklers." has been most attractive, and George as the "Nuisance," has created quite a new record for himself. All the supporting items are good. Vocal it-ems, musical turns and good comedy are the order of the evening at the "House of Fuller." LUNA PARK. Luna Park continues to amuse large crowds of pleasure seekers. There nee 1 not be a dull moment for any visitor to this popular resort, as a far-see ; ng inaaagei <nent has installed all the side-shows and novelties imaginable. A coming attraction will be the appearance of "The Famous Brackens, who carry out a series of sensational aerials novelties. It is claimed for this troupe that nothing approaching the acts they carrv out has before been attempted in Auckland. MUNICIPAL IN PARNELL PA *»<« m n | Th® mimical prog.amine to be played bv the Municipal Band in Parnell Park toI night will include bright overtures, charming selections, stirring marches, instrument! solos and other interesting jtumogoi.