AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 105, 6 May 1929, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The much-discussed "White Shadows in the South Seas" will open its season at the Regent Theatre this evening. "White Shadows of the South Seas" is a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Movietone production ,and stars Monte Blue and Racquel Torres. The success with which this film has met is recognised among producers as a surprise. W T hen Monte Blue and Racquel Torres were sent to Tahiti, with Director W. S. Van Dyke to make the film, it was expected that they would bring back what is known as an ordinary programme picture. Blue, it must be admitted, was "on the down grade," and his following was dwindling, while Miss Torres was hardly known at all. But the production ■which they brought back has been placed among the classics of filmdom, Blue has returned to a position in the film world far more respected than he was before, and Miss Torres is a star overnight. The picture can best be described as beautiful. More than one film director has endeavoured to put the tropical beauty of the South Seas into a film, and although several good pictures of this kind have been presented here, it will be agreed that none of them has been of the standard which "White Shadows" (as it is familiarly known) can claim. _ There are some wonderful scenes of Tahiti, of sunsets and sunrises. The story is one of a doctor, who, through drink, becomes a beach-comber, and a girl he meets when he is washed up from a wrecked ship on to the practically unknown island. Well selected smaller pictures will also be screened. CRYSTAL PALACE.

There Avill be a fine double feature pro-. gramme screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road, this evening and to-morrow. The main attraction is "Beggars of Life," with Wallace Beery and Louise Brooks in the leading roles. This is one of Beery's great efforts, and brings him back to a legitimate dramatic role once again. The second feature is "The Danger Rider," starring Hoot Gibson. Gibson has ever been a popular star, and in his latest film he maintains his splendid reputation. The Crystal Palace Theatre is always in the forefront as far as good entertainment is concerned, and the programmes put on since the opening night have earned the theatre a reputation as one of the leading theatres outside Queen Street. HIPPODROME THEATRE. The Hippodrome Theatre is screening "The Mysterious Lady" for a very limited season. The stars are those well-known and popular artists, Greto Garbo and Conrad Xagel. It is a big special of ten reels, and wherever shown has done splendid business. There is a fine supporting programme, including topical news items and two fine comedies. In addition there is an educational film and a short subject, "Australia Day By Day." The Hippodrome can always be relied upon to screen an attractive programme, but the present bill of fare is far above the average. TOWN HALL CONCERTS. Before a moderate attendance in the Town _ Hall last Saturday evening, the Municipal Band gave its second concert of the season. The musicians were in capital form, and gave distinctive performances of the attractive programme of music presented. Mr. Christopher Smith, the director, obtained from his forces fine phrase treatment, good sostenuto, and tuneful and expressive concerted work. A gay and sparkling performance of Suppe's "Light Cavalry" overture opened the programme, after which came a refined and highlv interesting interpretation of Englebert Humperdinck's suite from "The Miracle." The author of this magnificent stage spectacle was born in 1854 at Lieberg— on the Rhine, while still a young and promising composer he made the acquaintance of V\ agner, but, although he was undoubtedly influenced by the great master, he managed to preserve his own marked individuality. In 1893 Humperdinck produced his first successful opera. "Hansel n rI, , ; n ns , cllar ming use of the old folk tale has been the most popular German opera of modern days, whilst his music to The Miracle" made a great impression when produced at the Olympia in the early part of 1911. The opening preude of The Miracle" was plaved in a songful W, the Procession ?? ru# } ? s Dance was notable for delightful play of parts and nicely sustained work The Banquet Scene and i r \uns Dance, which contains some charming music, was given an effective performC8 "th, attractively treated and coloured 7 ? hnstm as Scene." Jacobs Suite v, 01 " ,ii ? j ry ~ Band" was admirably handled, and effective readings were given «An°i? e ii S Southern Wedding," Roberts' Old xolk At Home,' and Benedict's excerpts from "The Lily of Killarney." Messrs Simpson, Dormer, Mannell and Black, with nicely blended voices, were I "wl-, successful readings of Parks' While I Have You," and Siebel's "The Cotton Dolly. The two former singers were also_ heard in a tasteful delivery of Bells or Gold," and Mr. D Black f/"' e %. spirited rendering of German's Ihe leomen of England." Cornet and flute solos were admirably sustained bv Messrs. Bowes and McLennan, and Air YV nittaker accompanied. The customary organ recital was given last night by Mr. Maughan Barnett, when he performed works by Bach a„L,^ SSowie,- 0 " 111 ' K;