AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 104, 4 May 1929, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Stumbling through a bright revue or many lauglis, wearing a billowy Mouse and a skirt which showed a distinct tendency to tall oil, George TV allaee appeared in a new role at St. James' Theatre last night, when "Me and My Girl'''" was staged before a large audience. His wig" of sickly yellow, his big unpowdered face and washerwoman's arms made the •"dame" of George Wallace a hefty personage not to be trifled with by flirtatious policemen. Add to this the fact that this f-emaie attire was forced upon the comedian. who wanted to play a male part in the action rather than that of a college cook, and it will be realised that Wallace's tendency to shed garments on the slightest provocation could only lead to hilarious results. The college principal had invented a mixture on scientific lines, calculated to turn a woman into a man. temporarily at least, and the one thing wanting was a subject on whom the experiment might be tried. After taking several doses, George Wallace arrived at the stage when the masquerade "became intoleraDle, but the professor's transports at the apparent success of his concoction were turned to sorrow hy the outraged feelings of his prim and proper little wife. She suspceted that her husband was courting the cook, and called a constable. Such was the framework on which the clever entertainer hung a comedy rich in laughable situations, and providing innumerable opportunities for the display of his fun-making abilities. Xine members of the company, including Jim Romaine, as the lazy butler, Evelyn Dudley as the dominating wife, Sir Meredith in the role of a "go-getting" reporter in love with the professor's daughter, Bert Dudley as the eccentric professor, Marie Nyman as the reporter's sweetheart, and Marshall Crosby a» a peppery old. colonel, gave th-e principal admirable support. The suportins programme was well up to the high standard set by this popular company, an original skit, entitled "Peaceful Dreams," being the outstanding feature. The scene is a bedroom with the 1-ong-suffering wife lying in bed awaiting the arrival of her poker-playing husband. He comes at length, a trifle the worse for his night's fun, and "wants to go to bed with his boots on. A burglar interrupts the argument, and there are continual ripples of merriment till the curtain drops. This week's numbers by the "Flaming Youths" are am-ong the best the stage hand has attempted, and a new specialty dance by Olive Partridge and Thelma Bux- . ton was one of the most appreciated numbers on the programme. Songs by Maida _ Jones. Jiick Scott and Marie Nyman, the Two Dudleys in cross-talk of a racy variety and solos in character costume by ■ Marshall Crosby were other attractive fea- , tures. The expensively-rroeked ballet is . seen this week in a wide variety of danc- - ing numbers. , MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Majestic first-night patrons had something to talk about when the entertainment concluded last evening. The subject was the presentation of another very fine British picture. "Show Life," in which the delightful Chinese actress, Anna May Wong, was to be seen at her best. She was ably supported by Mary _Kidd and Henry George. ""Show Life" is a vivid story of the lives of music hall artists, and concerns a waif who is rescued by a down-and-out actor from two ruffians. He was at one time a dagger thrower, and he takes the girl into his show. The waif becomes remarkably devoted to the man who "treats her rough." The picture has many thrifts, included in which is a railway mail robbery and spectacular theatre and cabaret scenes. It is a drama with a deep emotional appeaL Miss Wong sustains her reputation for being one of the uost clever of modern actresses. She is typical, to say the least, of the East, although she was born in Hollywood, and made a reputation for herself _ with Douglas Fairbanks in "The Thief of Bagdad."' She is supported by Henry George, who made a name for himself gas Grot, the engineer leader in "Metropolis. 3 * As usual the Majestic's supporting programme is an excellent one, the vaudeville act this week being a presentation of the latest musical hits and classical numbers by the Melodie Musical Comedy Co., Mr. Wilfred Scott and Miss Agnes Sterling. Mr. Scott has had much English experience and possesses a baritone voice of quality. Miss Sterling is a pianiste of marked ability, and the duo give a most pleasing entertainment. The other pictures were also good, especially "Songs of Spain," one of Fitzpatrick's melody series, which was presented with special accompaniment by Mr. Whiteford Waugh's orchestra. The Majestic Magazine this week is well worth seeing, and those who want to laugh heartily should not miss the two comedies. A word of praise must be given to Mr. Whiteford Waugh and his orchestra for the musical part of the programme.

"THE WRECKER." "The Wrecker," the thrilling railway mystery play, to be staged here for the first time by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management, in conjunction with E. J. Carroll, as "FTis Majesty's Theatre,- on Wednesday night next, opens in the central office of the Great Trunk railway, where the audience makes the acquaintance of most of the characters of the play. The dialogue turns on the activities of a mysterious "wrecker"' who has sent train after train to destruction. "The Wrecker" is the more or less nebulous personage to whom the outrages have been attributed. His identity is well concealed. An obvious culprit is suggested in Chester Doyle, who sets out to make money out of the terror created by "The Wrecker." Then follows the murder of a railway chief, Sir George Bartlett, shot dead in a room filled with friends and under their eyes. Screams are heard in a later scene when a mystery hand appears, lights go out, and a lady detective is fiercely warned. In quick succession follc-w the doping of a signal-box crew, and the timely saving of an express through the toss of a coin as to which lever should be pulled. The interest in the story is maintained right up to the finish, which discloses in a really fine anti-climax the identity of the wrecker. It is said that the train and other effects introduced are an outstanding feature of the production. The company is headed by Miss Josephine Clark and Mr. Clayton Green, two London stars of high repute. The specially-selected English company also includes Miss Noelle Sonning, Gur Routh, Arthur Young, George Willoughby, Frank Morrison, Ivy Sparrow, Kay Brudell, Reginald Collins, Helen Saintsbury, Richard Stirling, Norman Lee and Redge Carey. Positively only six evening presentations can be staged of "The Wrecker," and there will be an afternoon performance on Saturday next. STRAND THEATRE. . The -patronage at the Strand Theatre since sound-synchronised and talking pictures were introduced has been phenomenal. The public are evidently relishing the new form of entertainment and e<rsrybody is anxious to see the world s eighth, wonder. 'The Street Angel" is the mam feature and the beautiful music oi the Roxy Theatre Orchestra is a reveiation. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell axe the leading rolavers in this romantic drama and their acting is fine. The talking subjects are all good and the v-oices clear. ine King makes his last public appearance before his serious illness and is_ seen performing: the opening ceremony of the .> ew-castl-e-on-Tvne Bridge. The cheers or the multitude and the full, rich voice of ilis Majesty are distinct and real. Mr. -Bernard Shaw posed for the '\talkies and makes an appropriate speech, while crer trude Lawrence, comedienne, makes a favourable impression. In "Fox Movie News'"' some idea is gained of the wondeifui possibilities of filming with sound accompaniment topical even-ts of the w - The comedy side has not been neglected and Chic Sale, in "The Star Witness, to excruciatingly funny. If all comedies m future are as good there will -be nothing to complain about. The programme to a revelation and speaks volumes xor what been accomplished ia 80 short a, time.

NATIONAL THEATRE. A double feature programme, ably supported by a comedy and a novel Interlude aJ Trent to make up a good evening's entertainment at the National Theatre night. The chief picture, '"Broadway -Daddies,"' -was interesting, in that it gave a glimpse of night life as it is in Xew lork. The seat of action was a night club where an extremely pretty girl led tlie jallet of chosen dancers. LT n fortunately for one of the manager's plants she was not the usual type of night club dancer and would not countenance his o \??.^ ure . e ' Je falls in love with a young millionaire, who, however, iposes as a very poor boy to fathom the true depth of her affection. They become engaged but the boy s father, thinking she i-s of the ordinary type of chorus girl, telle her that she will spoil his son's life if she marries him. With noble self-sacrifice she hands back the rim;, but there is misery in her heart. That night the persistent has a party at his house and asks all the chorus girls, merely to get the one ~,x . a nc^e s ere - He has also asked the millionaire _ and his son, and the father accepts, thinking that, as the girl his son loves will be there, he will get an insight as „ to what she really is. She, however, reiuses to do anything and goes home. Realising he is wrong, the old man tells li3«j son Triiat a mistake lie made and urges him to make it u- Gladly the boy obevs ana a fitting compromise is eflected. Jacqueline L » jan played the part oi the virtuous _ chorus girl with excellent talent, her striking beauty making her ably fitted for her part. The second attraction, The Isle of Lost Men," a stirtale of the South Seas, kept the audience a*t a constant pitch, of excitement. The greed for wealth, a mutineermg crew, two unfortunates cast adrift in a boat with salt water and salt pork, and pretty white girl living among the natives constitute the elements out of which, this thrilling film is made. The interlude was supplied by Miss Walker, an American. woman who is walking round the w°rld._ Mr. Bartleet's orchestra excelled itself in rendering appropriate music.

REGENT THEATRE. "The Bellamy Trial," -which has been such a signal success as a "talkie" at the Regent Theatre, "will close its season tonight, and on Monday "White Shadows of the South Seas" will make its initial bow. The story is laid in the South Seas, that amazing mystery place of waving palms, soft southern winds, and exotic scenery. It concerns the fate of a primitive race of native Polynesians. Terrible hardships are portrayed, which the whites had inflicted on the simple natives. Led on by a white man's greed, the natives dive to terrible depths in search of pearls, their bodies being crushed by water pressure in the tremendous depths, and their souls by the white man's indifference. Dr. Lloyd, a beachcomber physician, earns the enmity of the whites for his friendship with the natives and is shanghied from the island aboard a pest ship. It is the tragedy of a lovable people, who tried to live as the white man and failed. Tornadoes. sharks, shipwrecks, and catastrophes combine to make the picture one of a thousand thrills. It is the drama of a j man who loved all men and a woman who loved one. Five months were required to film the picture, special care being taken of the settings. The featured players are Monte Blue and Raquel Torres. Exploration of the South Seas on a scale never before attempted by white men was conducted by Mr. Van Dyke, the director, and the 60 men Who helped him with the production. During the five months they spent in the southern archipelago in filming the picture, the expedition reached and photographed spots never before visited by white men. MOULIN ROUGE. The double feature programme now screening at the Moulin Eouge, Remuera, is first-class and the supports are in keeningl In "The Woman From Moscow," Pola Negri takes the name part in a thrilling drama by Victorian Sardou. As Princess Fedora, she was betrothed to Ylandimir (Paul Lucas), who is summoned from a ball only to be found dead. She swears vengeance and follows a clue to Paris, falls in love with a stranger, and finds he is Louis Ipanoff (Norman Kerry), the kißer. The sequel is tragic. The second feature is. "Captain Lash," in which Victor McLaglen takes the part or a hard-driving fifth engineer in charge of the stokehold crew. A real scream, "Cold Turkey," concludes this programme which will be shown to-night and on Monday. On "Tuesday there will be an all evening dance. "THE KING OF KAWAU."

"The King of Kawau" or "Seventy Millions." is the humorous title which the Auckland University College students have given to their extravaganza this year. The reason for the two names is that the students consider the play "too big for one title." There are ballets designed and arranged by Mile. Valeska, and much in the show which is clever and new. The boy 3 themselves call it "typical, topical, tropical, musical, up-to-the-minute farce," and they have put out a "Who's Who," including Bertram, the bird fancier, King of Kawau (Mr. J. Gregory). Some idea of the extravaganza may be obtained from the following few lines in the students' propaganda:

I The King was in his counting house, counting lOU's. He said: "I've only night shirts left, I'll pawn 'em with the Jews." - The college students are always bright and breezy, and the public should find them no exception to the rule on this occasion. The opening night is Friday, May 17, at St. James' Theatre. GRAND AND LYRIC. A double-feature bill is the order at the Grand and Lyric Theatres, the main attraction being "Revenge," with Dolores Del Rio in the leading role. This is a glorious photoplay, and embraces a simple story told of a beautiful gipsy spit fire. The star is said to be more alluring in thiq film than in "Ramona." The second I attraction is "Bine Skies," with Helen ! Twelvetrees and Frank Alberton in the principal roles. municipal band concert. The Municipal Band will continue its series of concerts in the Town Hall tonight at eight o'clock. A varied prolamine has been prepared. Commencing with a rendering of Suppe's "Light Cavalry" overture, th band will play a suite from Humperdinck's pantomime play. "The Miracle." an originale suite for military band, two descriptive items, "A Southern Wedding" and the "Old Folks at Home" in foreign lands. A selection from Benedict's "The Lily of Killarney" will conclude the programme. The band's soloists—Messrs. Hal C. McLennan (flute) and Fred Bowes (cornet)will be heard in first-time numbers. The vocal side of the programme will be supplied by the New Zealand four male voice quartet, who will sing concerted and solo items. Mr. Leo Whittaker is the accompanist. MUSIC AT THE 200. The Auckland Municipal Band will play at the Zoological Park to-morrow aiternoon at 2.45. An interesting programme includes the selections "lolanthe and Songs of Ciro Pinsuti, Gounod s overture, the first movement of j~ lChu bert's "Unfinished Symphony, a charmin descriptive number "A Forest Wooing," the "Marche et Cortege from Gounod's "La Reine de Saba, waltz. "Tout Paris," together with hymn tunes and bright marches. ORGAN RECITAL.

Bach's dramatic "Toccata and Fugue in D minor, and a fine Symphony b> Holloway, will be the principal numbers of the programme for the organ recital to-morrow (Sunday) night in the Town Hall The city organist wiD also play transcriptions of Kevins "Goodnight and Schubert's "By the Sea."-

CRYSTAL PALACE. Three features are announced as the 3 programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Mount Eden, to-night. "The Mysterious ' Lady" is the headline attraction, with ; Greta Garbo and Conrad 2sagel in the ■ main parts. "The Desert Bride"' is a ; colourful picture which cannot fail to ■ attract. Betty Com p.son and Allan For- ; res>t are the featured players. On the ; stags Mr. Arthur Griffith will present the ■ beautiful spectacle, "Shades of" Shake- ; speare's Women." This should attract i many people who are ordinarily not pic-ture-goers. The Crystal Palace is always in the fore with gooji programmes and tonight will be no exception to the rule. DANCING. There will be another carnival night at Dixieland Cabaret. Point Chevalier, this evening. A special musical score will be played by the Dixieland Dance Band under Mr. Hary Neilson. There will be novelties and favours. Ye Olde Pirate Shippe at Milford. will hold the usual Saturday night dance, when music will be supplied by a good jazz band known as Ye Versatile Pirates. A free motor service will be run from the top ot Milford Road to and from the cabaret on Wednesday and Friday nights. The Click Clack Cabaret will hold a carnival to-night. Clyde Howley and his Famous Internationals will play all the latest fox-trot hits. Old-time dances are held every Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the Muni- | cipal Hall. Xewmarket, under the direc- ij tion of Mr. D. Mayes. At the Ponsonby Hall, the Paramount < Dances will be continued this evening, i Meredith's Adelphi Band will be in a'tten- [ dance, and chocolates and cigarettes. 1 streamers and confetti, will be the order ' of the gathering. An old-time dance will be held by the , Grey Lynn Labour Party in the O'Neill ' Street Hall, Ponsonby, this evening. Pal- | tridge's Orchestra wilr attend. ' The Crystal Winter Garden, in the Crystal Palace Theatre Buildings, Mount Eden. Road, will be open this evening, when the dance music will be played by the Seattle Snappy Six. The hall will be dressed as for a carnival, and there will be streamers and novelties of all descriptions. The Boska dance will be held in the old Orange Hall, late Rush-Munro's Cabaret. Karangahape Road, this evening. There will be balloons and favours and prizes | of all descriptions. Dancing will be in full swing to-night at the Oakleigh Cabaret, Henderson "V alley, Stacey's Revellers will preside. _ The Felix Dance Club will be in session at the Orange Hall this evening, for which novel competitions are announced. The Coney Island Dance Club, in the 1 Masonic Hall, Belgium Street, announces ; a carnival for to-night. Patrons are pro- ■ mised a good entertainment. The_San Toy Dance Club, with Walter 1 Smiths Band, will hold a carnival this '■ evening, when balloons and other favours ! will be distributed. j The Akarana Yacht Club will open their weekly dances at Mechanics' Bay to-night. I A free bus will- be run from Endeaa's 1 Buildings from 7.30 p.m. There will be two hours ot jazz after the picture screening at the Moulin Rouge I this evening. These dances have become ' popular on account of a good floor and ' the excellent music. 1 The Parisian Dancing Club are present- r ing- a carnival in Kitchener Hall this i evening, when dancing will continue until c 11.30. A feature of the evening will be c the fantastic paper hats, which will be

given to patrons, will be played, bv Mr. Harry Bolton aid The Parisians.