AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 138, 13 June 1929, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

The famous stage melodrama, The Silent House,/' has been successfully filmed and wall be screened at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. The.' stage version ran for a year at one theatre.in ..London and ten months on Broadway, and all theatregoers in New Zealand will remember Maurice Moscovitch's fine performance as Dr. Chan Fu. In this British film version, Gibb McLauchlan, in the same role, does not disappoint. It ds said to be one of the greatest and most sensational pieces of screen acting yet produced. _ Arthur. Busey, a newcomer to the films, gives great promise in his portrayal of young Winsford. Next in order of merit are 1< rauli Perfitt, Richard Winsford, Gerald Rawlmson and Captain Barty. The producer, Walter Forde, has been plucky m tackling such a'production, for he has hitherto concentrated on producing and acting .in feature comedies. The interiors of . the house are wonderful, and the Chinese-sets brilliant, with faithful detail. The photography is stated to be the cleverest and most perfect yet seen in a Bmtish film. The story begins in China where Richard Winsford robs. Dr. Chan Fu's ;joss of ite jewellery. Chan Fu follows, him; to London' and' finally kills him. In his' hypnotic power he holds the daughter of-Winsford s partner, whom he calls T'Mala. Before Winsf ord's death he left > a half-wnbten note for bis heir and 'nephew, George Winsford, which tells -that some of' the jewels have been 'turned into bonds, and that both the latter and the priceless "star are hidden, but it does not say where. Chan Fu pretends to be young Winsford's friend, and the 'law informs him that the bonds must be found and redeemed within twenty-four hours. Then follows a series of thrilling incidents.where. Chan Fu tortures his victims, .but is later■ killed, and Winsford collects both T'Mala; and the bonds as his prize. The story ends happily. This thrilling British production should attract large audiences to the Majestic. The supports are all well chosen, while a special programme of music ' will be given by the Majestic Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. J. Wbiteford Waugh.

STRAND THEATRE. What caused the murder of Broadway's most alluring. and coldly ambitious showgirl? Was it vengeance, fear, jealousy or robbery? "Eind the motive and you solve the mystery of this baffling crime," says Pliilo Vaiice, suave, fascinating, amazingly keen, silk-hat detective. And so the audience that attends the Strand Theatre tomorrow will have the same task set them, as "The Canary Murder Case" will be presented then and should have/a successful season. The notorious blonde beauty of Broadway was found strangled in her luxurious apartment. Jimmy Spotswoode, young and wealthy and in love, with her friend, was last seen with her. Alys La Eosse had quarelled with her over- a man about town. There was another aspect. Had Tony Skeel, gangster, threatened her for money, or had Louis Mannix committed the crime? He had been threatened by the "Canary" and feared her. Dr. Lindquist, a sinster, secretive-individual, was jealous of the Broadway blonde's amours, just as Charles Cleaver, shady politician, was afraid of her knowledge of his life. The farther the police went with their inquiries the more there were who become implicated. There are thrills galore and plenty of action in this remarkable alltalking mystery picture till the amazing denouement at the end. William Powell, as Pliilo Vance, noted detective, directs the action of a third degree by arranging a poker, game among', the suspects and then observes them and their actions to detect the actual murderer. The voices of James Hall and Louise Brooks should be heard in clear tones.. One of the thrills of the picture is the death cry of Louise Brooks in the character of "the Canary" when she is murdered.

PLAZA THEATRE. The management of the Plaza Theatre announce that 0ver:75,000 people..have seen "The Singing Pooh" and that the season is drawing to a close. In'his role as an entertainer at a' cabaret, Jolson' sings several well-known; songs, which, for the purposes of the story, are supposed to be written by the star •himself. Among them are "It All Depends on You" and "I'm Sitting on Top o.fHhe World." Some of the songs are actually Jolson's compositions, among the:best of these being "There's a Rainbow Round My Shoulders" and the now famous. "Sonny Boy." Josephine Dunn and Betty Bronson-support Jolson, and the role of the child is played by little David who gives a splendid performance, and is excellent, in the parts of the film in which he speaks. There is a good supporting programme, including numbers by the New York Philharmonic Society's Orchestra of 110 instruments, playing Wagner's "Tannhauser" overture, Giovanni Martinelli, who sings "Vesta La Giubba" from "I Pagliacci," by Leoncavallo, the Howard Brothers, who give burlesque on grand opera, the famous violinist Mischa Ehnan, who plays Dvorak's "Humoresque" and Gossec's "Gavotte," and a male quartet for whom the setting is a monastery cell. The quartet' sings "The Rosary," "Love's Old Sweet Song" and "Drinking Song." ,

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. Colleen Moore is always a screen favourite, and -picture patrons will see her at the TivoM and Everybody's Theatres today in "Why Be Good?" This is the main attraction in a double feature programme. ; The story concerns a young man who is attracted by Pert Kelly, a clever young dancer. His father does not approve of the girl and forbids young Winthrop to see Pert, but in an interesting sequence of events the girl proves her wortli and a happy ending results.» The popular comedienne is seen at her best in, the role she plays. She is supported by Neil Hamilton, Edward Martindel, Bodil Rosing, John Sainpolis, Eddie Clayton, Lincoln Stedman, Louis Natheau, Collette Merton and Dixie Gay. The second feature, is "King, of the Rodeo," with Hoot Gibson an the saddle. This is one of Hoot's best pictures to date, and should make a strong appeal to lovers of out-door drama.

NATIONAL THEATRE. There will be a complete change of programme at the National Theatre <to-morow when a double feature bill will be screened. William Boyd will be the main actor in "The Cot," while Marie Prevost is starred in "A "Blonde For Choice."

HIPPODROME THEATRE. The change of programme at the HippodroTe Theatre is being well received by large audiences at all sessions. It* • double feature bill that oonnofc fail to Attract. "The No-Gun Man," with Le ty Flynn in the leading role, as full of thnUs and fast action. Good brushes with bandits and plenty of gun play characterise this film. Of its type it L outstanding and overs of the great outdoors should not mess the opportunity of seeing this story of a fearless man and his stimngTeeds unfold itself on the silver JffS Picturi is good entertainment throughout. The second attraction is "Napoleon," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture; It is presented with a thrilling sense of intimacv P and heart-throbs. Mdlle. Gina Manes makes a beautiful Josephine-quite like the illustrious beauty one reads about —and her love scenes with the Man or Destiny" aTe not to be forgotten in a short time. "Napoleon" was produced with the full co-operation of the French Government, and is a dramatic spectacle with a huge cast of famous European players, who provide a refreshing change from familiar faces. It is a long time since so many genuine thrills, have been packed in one film. . .

ST. JAMES' * The final performance of Pat Hanna's Diggers will take place at St. James; Theatre on Saturday. A complete change of programme will take place to-morrow ni"ht. There are • twenty-five artiste in the company,"and the. entertainment is sparkling from start to. finish.. commencing next Monday a season- will De ; .riven bv Frank O'Brian's including Janice Hart, Bert Lee, Tiny. Douglas, a jazz band and the London revise cast. A feature will be the famous flapper, ballet, of eight beautiful girls. Then-there will be "Mrs O'Brian's Boy Frank," billed as London's popular : pantomime- : dame. The box plans are now open.

VIOLIN RECITAL. Mr. Gregory Ivanoff will give a violin recital at Lewis Eady Hall this evening. He will be assisted by Otto Beck and Ivan Fosello. A . high-class programme is assured.