AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 232, 1 October 1929, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

' ' ■ —• Ti ROXY AND CRYSTAL PALACE. Commencing to-morrow at both the Roxy Theatre, Queen Street, and the Crystal Palace, Mount Eden Road, a talkie feature will be presented titled "The Younger Generation." It is adapted from the successful stage play, ''It is to Laugh," and is a drama of intense human interest. It tells how the sudden advent of riches wrecks a happy home. In this film a number of screen stars make their bow to the public in spoken parts. Jean Hersholt, one of the most able character actors of the day, has the part of "Pa" Goldfish, a street vendor of the east side of New York. Ricardo Cortez represents the son, .Morris Goldfish. Lina Basquette, well, known as an emotional actress, plays the part of "Birdie" the daughter. The Goldfish family have humble beginnings, a wife and two children being brought up on the earnings made by "Pa" Goldfish's pushcart. The girl has a sweetheart, one Eddie Lesser, who shows marked ability as a composer. The son develops keen business ability, and, choosing to be an art dealer and antiquary, he forges ahead. He is able to get into society,' and' falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy man. He establishes himself in a palatial home, and'brings his parents there, but forbids his sister to associate with her sweetheart, the composer boy. Father and mother are , not pleased with their son's style of living, and when he sends his sister away they leave to seek her. The end , is ■ tragic, the father dying suddenly and Morris being disappointed in his love affair. The greater portion of the film' comprises talking sequences. The supports are all excellent. JIM GERALD REVUE. Mr. Jim Gerald, in the first flight of Australian comedians, and more than popular during the 32 weeks he appeared in Auckland, will commence a season at St. James' Theatre next Tuesday. Following a trip abroad Mr. Gerald has been playing to' large houses in Australian capitals. He has a fine repertoire of revue numbers, and his company is said to be of exceptional ability. DEVONPORT "TALKIES." Gradually the suburban- theatres are being equipped with talking picture apparatus. The Victoria Theatre, Devonport, is to be reopened to-morrow evening. It has been renovated, and a'tered throughout and lavishly furnished. The talking comedy-drama, "The Home Towners," will be the main feature, and there will be a full programme of supports. The opening ceremony will be performed "by Mr. J. Hislop,, deputy-Mayor of. Devonport. • NICOLA'S MAGIC. Nicola, the magic man, who has been admitted as a member of the Fakirs' Society in. India, continues to entertain large audiences at St. James' Theatre. HL illusions are marvelled at and he appears to do. the impossible. It is.an amusing and most entertaining programme, despite its length. Among his great feats may be mentioned "An Escaped Prisoner," "Furnishing a Flat," "Stretching a Woman," "The Living Pincushion," etc. Members of his company are also bright and entertaining. BENEFIT CONCERT. There was a good and appreciative audience at the Concert Chamber of the I Town Hall last evening, on the occasion of the concert arranged by the Auckland Rugby League Glee Club in aid ,of the Ball Fund. Songs were given byMisses Williamson, E. Sniitheon and C. Palmer, Messrs., T. Cooper, C. Massey, L. Bickerton, 0. Beck, A. Watts and C. Lambert, R. Powley and by the Nifty Trio. Humorous verses were contributed by Mr. R. .Yatea, dances by Misses Lorie Hanimill and Katterns (2), and Mr. N. Tate gave a juggling display with, partner. Prior to the opening a gramophone recital was provided Iγ Moore's Gramophones, Ltd. The stage duties were in the hands of Messrs. W. Forshaw and A. Austin. Mr. W. Purcell was accompanist. The concert willooa* siderably increase the fund.