AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 225, 23 September 1929, Page 17

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE

"The Eternal Quadrangle" is the only name that could be given to the class 'of story which "Fashions in Love" opens. The eternal triangle has formed the plot of many an entertaining film, but in "Fashions in Love," which opened on Saturday at the Regent Theatre,, there are two husbands and two wives concenied. This is the film chosen for Adophe Menjou's talking debut, and in it the popular French star gives a perfornianco which leaves his work in silent films in the shadow of oblivion. It is a new Menjou that appears before his audience, just as %uave as ever, yet more magnetic in his personality, even more polished in hie irresistible charm. His role is that of a famous pianist whose popularity among womenfolk is regarded by his trusting wife as something which her husband, though he tolerates it, finds distasteful. But realisation that he finds enjoyment in their company is brought by the charge made by a husband whose wife has run away with the concert artist to a mountain cabin. Here they are found by the forlorn wife and the deserted husband, who have fallen in love with one another, and who insist on divorces being arranged. The pianist, who has regarded his affair as a trifling, passing incident, knows that he will be lost without the attentive wife'who has 'been so important in his euccess, but she is immovable in her determination to separate from him. Then comes a climax, which, although it was to be expected, is brought about in a most surprising manner. Menjou's portrayal of the temperamental artist is a splendid piece of work, and is the more fascinating'because he speaks with a French accent. If the reports that he has left America to take film work in England are true, then British films have gained a great artist. With him is the British player Fay Cqmpton, It is obvious that Mies Comptori hae not been allowed to overshadow the star in any way, but there are many scenes which she "steals" from him. John Miljan and Miriam Seegar complete the principals. Among the supports are numbers providing humour, singing, qlever cartooning and news with sound. A Pathe Audio Review covers events of interest in all parts, of the world, and comedy is provided by the story of a young woman whose hueband's employer falls in love with him. Some clever singing is given by the Harmony Boys, and novelty is added to the programme by a sound cartoon introducing the old song, "Mother, Pin a Rose on Me." Enjoyable selections played by Mr. Arthur Frost on the Wurlitzer organ complete the enterainment.

WESTMINSTER SINGERS. The Westminster Singers concluded a very enjoyable and successful series of concerts in His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday afternoon and evening. The audiences were large, the party received enthusiastic manifestations of pleasure, and were.called back after each item. A fine programme was submitted. Thoroughly enjoyed were the concerted pieces and-adult solos whilst the boy sopranos were in great demand. Mr. Albert Greene made a great success in the solos of the sailor chanteys and in the humorous narratives with the choristers. A notable feature of both concerts was the expressive singing of Mr. Branscombe's excellent setting of the old song, "The Village Blacksmith." The ensemble work in the performance of this item was excellent, and the singing of the solo by Master Norman Clarke touched all hearts. Mr. McKinlay, the ■tenor, was in great request, and contributed extra songs. Messrs. Reid, Draper, Lowry, Barber, O'Connor and the bass humorist, Mr. Albert Greene, conspicuously and ably filled their allotted roles. The cantor, Mr. Edward Branscombe, said he had been very gratified by the way the public had shown their appreciation of his company and the music rendered, and when the Dominion tour was completed Mr. Henry Hayward , has arranged a short season in this city early in December, before the company depart for Australia. This announcement was very heartily received.

CIVIC CONCERTS. In the Town Hall last Saturday evening the customary municipal concert was given, and attracted an audience of about 200, The choir, numbering 56 members, gave effective renderings of eight items, of which Mendelssohn's "Psalm 98" was the principal. This received an exultant and telling delivery. Byrd's "Cast Off All Care," Atterbury's "Maying," and West's setting of "The Little Sandman" were pleasingly contributed,, whilst McEwen's "Canakian Clink" and "The Farmer's Daughter" were given nicely, blended renderings. German's "Orpheus with his Lute" and "Rolling Down to Rio," two numbers delivered at the previous concert, again received successful presentments. Miss Mary MacCormick gave a bright and pleasing performance of McFadyen's "A Birthday Song," and sang tastefully Hagemann's "Do Not Go" and "At the Well." Violin soloe by Bach, Kreisler, Medtner and Eavel were successfully rendered by Mise J. Allen. Mr. Maughan Barnett directed the choir, and played on a suitably registered organ pieces by Guilmant, Elgar, Wesley and Massanet. Messrs. Randal and Whittaker acted as accompaniets. Last night Mr. Barnett gave the usual free organ recital, and was heard in solos by Bach, Mailly, Mozart, Beethoven, Peace, Wagner, Guilmant and Adam.