AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 215, 11 September 1929, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

" THE IRON MASK." Douglas Fairbanks as the valiant D'Artagnnn will o])cn the story of "The Iron Mask," which conies to the Majestic Theatre to-morrow, by stepping from a huge" tapestry representing- "The Three ■Musketeers/ , and speak tho prelude to this story of the undying love and valour of the brave guardsmen in whose hands rested tlio safety of a kingdom. This spoken prelude will vividly and dramatically present the theme of the story as well as introduce an entirely new and perhaps revolutionary method in sound films. The complete film will be presented with sound and orchestral synchronisation as well as the spoken interludes in which the various impov tant characters voice their intents and motives. As the thrilling tale of medieval adventure unfolds, Richelieu soliloquises, explaining his devotion to France which actuated his plottings in tho intrigues of church and State, and his efforts to direct the destinies of France through the weakling monarch Louis XIII. t)e Eochefort addresses the audience in burning words of hate and i\evengo. Thus Mr. Fairbanks combines the virtues of both the silent screen with the spoken word, maintaining the speed and action so essential to a Fairbanks story and using voices and sound to intensify and vivify this lively pageant of ono of the -world's mps't romantic and fascinating periods. CRYSTAL PALACE. "Show Boat," the super attraction that had a three weeks', season at the Strand Theatre, will be screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road, to-night. It is a colourful story of the Mississippi and of Chicago in the last generation. It concerns the love romance of Magnolia, the young showboat girl (Laura La Plante) and Ravenal,?* the romantic gambler whose part is taken by Joseph Schildkraut. Included in the presentation are the movietone features of the celebrated New York musical production, "Show Boat," staged by Florenz Ziegfeld, with many noted Broadway players. The audience actually sees and hears the. New York production in its nearest approach to reality. Helen Morgan and Jules Bledsoe are the outstanding Ziegfeld players in the production. The film is finely presented in sound and dialogue and the cast is exceedingly strong throughout. EMPRESS GOES "TALKIE." The Empress Theatre, Karangahape Road, close to the Reservoir, is the eighth picture theatre in Auckland to go "talkie." The management announce that the very latest plant has been installed and the house will open tomorrow to "The Man I Love," which had such a phenomenal run on Queen Street recently. It is an all "talkie," featuring Richard Aden and Mary Brian. A two-reel conicdy which should create roars of laughter is, "Meet the Missus." There wil be other featurettes, which have been selected with care. They will be all interesting and of the talking variety. The policy, of the management ia set out as "best and perfect talkies at all times." "MRS. MOONLIGHT." The Little Theatre Society will produce "Mrs. Moonlight" at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to-night. It is the first play to be produced in New Zealand by Benn Levy, the eminent playwright. It was first produced in the Kingsway Theatre, London, last December. The season ends on Saturday night.