AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 222, 19 September 1929, Page 26

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. An all-talking thrilling drama, is announced for the change of programme at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. The picture, titled "Thunderbolt," has a background of life and colour in the mysterious underworld. New York's negro district, with all that is sinister, and hidden, is revealed. George Bancroft portrays the part of a hardlighting gang boss in love with Fay Wray, Eric von Stroheim's beautiful heroine of "The Wedding March." The girl repulses Bancroft and, in an effort to go straight, turns to Richard Arlen. They fall in love, but Arlen incurs the enmity of Bancroft. That is the big climatic situation. Bancroft, the virile he-man of the screcn, has sworn to kill young Arlen, the likeable hero-aviator of the famous "Wings." They are together in Sing Sing's death 'house. Will Bancroft kill the youth? Will he let Arlen be sent to the chair? Will Bancroft go to the chair? There is hard, cold breathless drama, and a love theme that keeps the heart beating fast. Josef von Steinberg 'ha-s included everything that made "Underworld" famous, and a great deal more in his new picture. A programme of talking supports will also be presented. 1

STRAND THEATRE,

"The Black Watch," which is having an extended and successful eeason at the Strand Theatre, contains all the ingredients that make a picture worth while. Victor McLaglen has become a popular star. As a secret service agent for the British Government, a man whose love for country is genuine and filial, he brings a shrewd intelligence into his role. His diction, like his supporting cast, leaves nothing to be asked for. By the same token, too much praise cannot be accorded Myrna Loy, who has the difficult role of Yasmani, temptress and adventuress. Despite her cruelty and barbarism, she is very much a woman in love. "The Black Watch" is a tale of love and adventure and intrigue and passion. All of these elements are carefully balanced and gracefully embellish the conflict between a man and a woman, political enemies yet in love, playing with empires as stakes. From one situation to another the story moves, the duel constantly mounting in intensity to a breath-taking climax. An interesting sidelight on the production is the music. An excellent bagpipe baud entertains in one sequence while in others there are old folk tunes and a Moslem prayer's song. Joseph Diskay, the Hungarian baritone, and David Percy, tenor, are the singers, and very effective, too. The strong supporting cast includes such capable players as Roy D'Arcy, David Rollins, Lumsden Hare, Mitchell Lewis, Cyril Chadwick and Walter Long. A good programme of talking supports is also screened.

ROXY THEATRE,

Commencing to-morrow at the Rosy Theatre a long-run all-talkie special programme is announced, the main feature being "A Dangerous Woman," with Baclanova, Clive Brook and Neil Hamilton heading a distinguished cast. It is one of the most dramatic stories yet brought t-o the talking screen. The torrid heat of the tropics, the primitive life of the jungle, the brooding mysteries of Africa, forms the background upon which is woven the story of the lives of a few white people. The story is laid in a part of Africa where the resident British Commissioner holds forth the white man's law. Clive Brook, the _ commissioner, is angry with the flirtations that his Russian wife has with his assistants. The breaking point comes when her attentions with one of them leads to the man shooting himself. Brook can stand no more, and the household is broken up. To Brook conies the news that his brother is to be his new assistant. To him lie must never .let it be known of the shadow in his domestic happiness. But when his brother falls for the wiles of his wife, and he sees his brother's life about to be ruined, he takes a firm stand. It is an outstanding story, throbbing with human emotion and alivo with thrUling plots. The picture should have a successful season.

REGENT THEATRE,

"The Wild Party," with Clara Bow in the leading role, will be replaced at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, when "Fashions in Love" will be presented. This is a Paramount all-talking feature, when the intriguing French accent of Adolphe Menjou will be heard for the first time in Auckland. This is Menjou's first talking picture. He was one of the most popular of stars on the silent screen and there will be many who will bo anxious to hear him talk and sing. Menjou has appeared as the prince of lovers so often that more than usual interest attaches to the new picture, An excellent programme of supporting features will be screened. Mr. Arthur G. Frost will play selections on the Wiirlitzer organ. -

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

"The Iron Mask," with Douglas Fairbanks in the leading role, will be screened for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. it was intended that the change should be "Innocents of Paris," featuring the French idol, Maurice Chevalier. The management announces, however, that owing to the installation of the latest talking equipment plant, to replace the apparatus previously put in, that a silent picture programme will be screened for a few days. This will ensure the completion of the new plant and elaborate testing, so that the reproduction will be perfect. Commencing to-morrow the programme will consist of a feature picture, "The Rising Generation," with Alice Joyce, Jameson Thomas and Betty Nuthall heading a brilliant ca3t. The latter is the famous tennis champion, and no doubt many people will be anxious to see her act. It is a picture that shows how daring youth triumphs over all obstacles. The supports will all be carefully selected, and there will be a special programme of selected music played by a talented orchestra.

"RIO RITA."

The "Rio Rita" season will conclude at St. James' Theatre next Thursday. This brilliant musical comedy has proved a great "draw," and large audiences have been the order. The singing of Miss Gladys Moncrieff has charmed Auckland theatregoers. The comedy element is well sustained, Miss Jeanette Gilmore heading this department with a clever performance. Her witticisms, eccentric dances and roller skating have been a feature of the production. The dressing leaves nothing to be" desired, while the ballets are worth going a long way to see.

NICOLA,

Nicola, announced as the world's master magician, with a company of his own, will commence a season at St. James' Theatre on Friday, September 27. His is a unique programme of mystery, merriment, excitement and fun. Nicola will only appear for a short season. Box plans open next Monday.