AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 242, 12 October 1929, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. Without depending too much on spectacle, First National have made "The Divine Lady" a film worthy of the figures whom the story introduces. _ To the audience which saw the initial screening of the film at the Plaza Theatre' last night, "The Divine Lady" revealed some surprising facts, not only in being entertainment of a type that was not expected, but also in the actual story of the romance of Lady Emma Hamilton and Horatio Nelson, at that time England's idol. It would not have been difficult for the producers to spoil this film with- '"faked" studio scenes of naval battles, but it is pleasing to see that only two shots of this kind have been included in the production —the Battles of the Nile and Trafalgar, Nelson's two greatest victories. Two long shots of the British and French fleets closing for the encounters are the only suggestions of artificiality; other scenes of the sea fights have been made with unusual. reality, and prominence _ has been given to the most memorable incidents' in these critical battles —Captain Hardy's warning to the Admiral, the famous message to the fleet, and Nelson's death, a touching scene which has been used, to bring the story to a close. Apart from these two sequences, the film is the story of Lady Hamilton's rise from obscurity to renown. Not the least of the niany commendable points is the casting. Corimie Griffith lives the part of Lady Hamilton, playing it with a grace and charm that are undeniable. Opposite her is, Victor Varconi, who makes Nelson a strong though pathetic character. H. B. Warner, always an attractive performer, plays Sir William Hamilton with a finish that only an experienced artist could give to the role. Montagu Love (for once not a villain) appears as Captain Hardy, and lan Keith has the part of ,Sir 'William's nephew, young Grevjlle. With the fijin at the' Plaza there .is a budget of wellselected supports, giving a delightful variety of entertainment. An interesting Empire News Gazette brings all parts of the world before the audience, and comedy is provided by the absurd antics of Oswald, the rabbit, in a clever cartoon. Vaudeville entertainment is given by Roy Smeck, with guitar, banjo and ukulele. The finest number on the sitpporting bill is a selection by Giovanni Martinelli, star of the New York Metropolitan Opera Company, who sings "Celeste Aida" from Verdi's famous opera. NATIONAL THEATRE. A splendid double feature programme is being screened at the National Theatre. Tihe die&diline attraction is "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." The author, Anita Loos, is proba/bly the best known woman in America. Her name on anything is a promise of sparkling wit and comedy. Since thirteen years of age, she has been - writing screen comedies. In making the picture an exceptional cast was'chosen. The girl picked for Lore tea Lee was Ruth Taylor. The pi-cture progresses from laugh to laugh, and sends the audience out sitill chuckling, and not a little wiser for having seen Lorelei, t»he iblonde golddigger in action. The other characters —Dorothy, the wise-cracker; Sir Francis Beekman, and 'hie hatchet-faced wife; Henry Spoflard, millionaire reformer, and his dotty mother; Gus Eisinan, the Chicago Button King, and Robert and Louis, the French lawyers—all were there. But Lorelei is the central char- • acter, and it is her career that makes the.,story. , .The .jsecond "A Man's Man," with William Haiiies in the leading role. Haihes enacts a 'boy with, a correspondence school complex, working as a soda fountain assistant and longing to join-a lodge. Miss Dunn ie liis sweetheart wi-t/h a movie star yearning, and.when they marry things begin to happen.' The and orchestra add to the entertainment. ■: ;.' ■•STRAND THEATRE. *_; Touches of quaint and whimsical comedy in Mary Pickford's newest picture, "Coquette," now playing at the Strand Theatre, are many. Director Sam Taylor, a graduate of the Harold Lloyd school of comedy, has lightened, the drama of Miss Pickford'e story of the little .Southern coquette .with effective bits of gaiety and youthfulnees. The opening scenes in which the heroine attempts to dispose of her faithful lover, Stanley, in favour of her newest conquest, reflect the 'humour of every day realism. The efforts of the younger brother, Jimmy, to achieve manhood in fhe smoking of his after-dinner cigarettes and in !his disgust ait the coquetries of ihie sister and her friends will bring an understanding smile to all men who were once boys. The pathetic comedy of the scene in which Norma, tries to follow the intricate dance steps demonstrated to her by 'her young 'friends, while her heart is torn by mental anxiety, could have been produced only by a master ihand. The supporting f eaturettes are all of an interesting character. CRYSTAL PALACE. At the Crystal Palace Theatre the chief attraction is the all-dialogue feature, "A Dangerous Woman. Thisfine drama is set amidst the tropic heat of a small British colony in Africa, where a lone white commissioner and his assistant try to mete out British justice- to the natives. The commissioner's success i 5 evident, but at his jungle home he finds his Russian wife is unfaithful. So bad do her infidelities become that he moves to another ' bungalow, only •to return to a shell of make-believe, when the announcement comes that his brother is to be -his new assistant. Then midst the swirl and oppressive heat of the tropics he sees the vitality of his brother sapped and his clean life smirched. Baclanovo, famous Russian actress, portrays the woman, while Clive Brook is the commissioner, and Neil Hamilton his brother. A. full programme of talking supports is included in the bill of fare. MOULIN ROUGE. A well-selected and varied programme will -be presented this evening. at the Moulin Rouge, Remuera. Commencing at 7.45, the latest topicals will show Australia day by day. A two-reel comedy will follow, also two talkie ieaturettes, Albert Spalding (violinist) and the four aristocrats (instrumental syncopaters). The big feature is. "Black Magic," with Josephine . Dunn, Dorothy Jordan and John Holland in the leading roles. It is a thrilling and original drama of adventure and romance on a tropical island of the South Seas. The Majestic Orchestra, under the baton of Whiteford Waugh, will provide the latest music for pictures and the two hours' dancing, which concludes the programme. : W.E.A. PLAYS. Members of the W.E.A. Drama Class and Dramatic Club will present three short plays in the Technical College Hall, Wellesley Street, this evening. On Tuesday' evening Dr. Raymond Firth*will give a free public lecture under the auspices of the association in.the University College HalL He will speak on "The Human Side of Savage Life," and will illustrate Ms talk with, lantern slides.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. ) Thrills and laughs abound in chief attraction at the Majestic Theatre, where •'Masquerade," a comedy-drama, heads the bill. There was a large attendance last night to witness its initial screening. Both the best elements of comedy and drama are used in the picture, and the two skilfully bound together form an excellent entertainment. The story is adapted from "The Brass Bowl," by Louis J. Vance, which has been a popular favourite for many years. This is the first talking picture seen in Auckland, where the chief man has been called on to act a dual role. Alan Birmingham takes the two parts of Dan Maitland, a wealthy young bachelor and of Dan Anisty, a notorious society bandit. The difficulties attending such a dual personality have been overcome, both from the talking and from the. acting aspects. Birmingham gives an excellent performance both as the society man and as the bandit,, and although one is the double of the other, so skilful is the'acting that the audience are deceived into imagining that two different men take the vj opposite roles. Birmingham has a good talking voice and it records well, while in his acting he shows no trace of micro--, phone shyness. Leila Hyams, in the capacity of the heroine, proves a most fascinating robber, and her charm and grace are irresistible. Perhaps the actor who provides the most • enjoyment is Clyde Cook, who takes the part of Blodgetit, Maitland's valet. Maitland returns from a trip to the Continent and finds that his apartment has been broken into. The robber has left the print of one hand on the top of a dusty table, and this matches the glove which a mysterious girl had dropped outside the flat. This is the start of a series of exciting episodes.. Maitland, who hass fallen in love with the girl at first (sight, gets into tangle after tangle through being mistaken for his double, Anisty. The crook to obtain the Maitland family jewels poses as a man about town. The jewels are stolen and then the episodes move in quick succession .to the'final climax. A fine programme of talking supports tops off, the 'entertainment. The most interesting scene is .a sound , of Mount Vesuvius iii eruption. An all-talking comedy, "In Holland," provides ample amusement while the Kentucky Jubilee Singers and "The Eagle's Nest" keep the audience entertained. , ROXY THEATRE. "The Hole in the Wall" at the Roxy Theatre is an interesting romance of intrigue and adventure. It is a Paramount all-talking feature, and has been attracting large audiences. The famous Broadway players, Claudette Colbert and Edward G. Robinson, head a large cast which includes David Newell, Nelly Savage, Donald Meek, Alan Brooks and many other artists of note. The story deals with the adventures of a young girl who joins a band of criminals inorder to avenge herself on a woman who has had her wrongly imprisoned. The girl quickly assumes leadership of the band and her career as.a criminal makes the basis of a thrilling plot. A full supporting programme is screened. , REGENT THEATRE. A unique mingling of the technique of tihe stage and screen marks the production of "Madame X," no-w having a successful season at the Regent Theatre. Ruth Chatterton, famous American stage actress, plays the title role. On the stage her.name Is a household word, as the result of, "Come Out of ; the Kitchen," "Mary Rose," "La Tendresse" and others of her bjg Richard Carle, once the reigning Broadway star of musical comedy, Lewis Stone, famous stage actor and later a screen etar, and Raymond Hackett, who played the lead in toe stage play. "The Trial of Mary Dugan," and, incidentally, once supported Barrymore on the stage in "The' Copperhead," are among ' the players. Other stage and screen celebrities are Mitchell Lewis, Eugenie Beseerer, Ullric Haupt, Carroll Nye, Claud King, Ohappell Dossett, and Sidney Toler. The supporting programme of talking and sound films has been chosen with discretion. MUNICIPAL MUSIC. The Auckland Municipal Band will render a musical programme at the Zoological park On Sunday afternoon. Some of Rossini's brightest and most tuneful music will be heard in the selection "La Boutique Fantasque," whilst the "Classica" selection is a galaxy of gems. The overture, "Morning, Noon, and Night," the suite, "Italiana," with bright marches and hymn tunes will be played. Mr. J. Davies will play as a cornet solo "A Dream of Paradise," and Mr. McLennan, the piccolo solo "La Tourterelle." , Compositions by Mendelssohn, Bach, and Saint-Saens, will be the principal works to be played by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett at the recital in the Town Hall, to-morrow evening. The programme will also include the slow movement from a Tschaikowsky string quartette, Holllns' "Spring Song" and Barrett's "Coronach." The twelfth concert of the season will be given by the Municipal Band in the Town Hall, on Saturday evening next. The programme, again selected'by the public will include "Tannhauser" march, the second movement of Schubert's "Unfinishe Symphony," "Light Cavalry" overture, waltz-intermezzo, Beethoven's "Echoes," and selections from "The Bohemian Girl" and "Maritana." , Mr. J. Davies will play the brilliant cornet solo "Cleopatra," and Mr. Ed. Pheloung Weber's solo for the clarinet, "Concertino." Vocal items will be sung by Mrs. Hal McLennan and Mrs. Cyril Scott, with Miss Gordon at the piano. DTTSOLINA GIANNINI. Tfcat New Zealandere ehould have the opportunity oi hearing the glorious young soprano, Dusolina Giannini, practically at the outset of a, career which promises to be one of the most remarkable in musical history, is due to the the enterprise of the well-known entrepreneur, Mr. E. 5. Gravestock, who has brought to this country a hosit of musical celebrities, including Backhaus, Charles Hackett, the late Jean , Gerardy, Lipkovska, Rosina Buckmari, and many others. In introducing Giannini to Australia and New Zealand, Mr. Gravestock declared his firm belief :"that this young singer would immediately be recognised as the indisputable successor to Melba,. Clara Butt, and Galli-Curci—and this in spite of the opposition of modern mechanical music. The enthusiasm aroused ;by Giannini in Sydney and Melbourne would seem to justify Mr. Gravestock's prediction. Commenting on, the fact of some hundreds being turned away from a matinee performance, the Melbourne "Argus" said: "Such a happening honours the artist and vindicates the musical name of the city. This was the seventh concert of a series which might easily continue, for several weeks, so keen is. the delight of all intelligent musiclovers in Giannini's wonderful art. Discerning listeners realise that they are in the presence of one of the great singers of the world." Two concerts will be given in the Auckland Town Hall on October 22 and 24,,

• ST. JAMES , THEATRE. The bright revue at the St. James , Theatre ds drawing large audiences. Jim Gerald has brought over a competent company, while the attention he has given to dressing and lighting effects is most noticeable. The ballet of twelve dancers who ,can each do solo work is a feature of the show. There will be a change of programme- every Thursday. STUDENTS' RECITAL. At the Lewis Eady Hall next Monday a splendid programme lias been arranged .for Mr. Leo Whittaker's students' recital. There are many fine numbers arranged, including solos, duets and trios. The programme is announced in another column. COMEDY OPERETTA, In, aid of the effort to establish a Rover section of the Boy Scout movement in Auckland, Miss Lillian Braithwaite and the pupils of Madame Valeska will present the comedy operetta, "The Bo'sun's Bride" in the Town Hall Concert Chamber this evening.. • ; OPERETTA AND DATTCE. An entertainment was presented to a large audience in the Maimrewa Theatre laet evening, when an amusing comedy, operetta, "The Bo'sun's Bride," was presented " by , Miss Lillian Braithwaite, L.A.8., assisted by • pupils .' of. Mile. Valeska; The entertainment was given, free in support of the local tennis club; funds, and the results were entirely satisfactory. The club's appreciation was aptly expressed by the president; (Mr. L. W. Smith). The evening con-' eluded with a popular dance, the music for which was contributed by Miss Kitty Harris, Mr. A. Donaldson, and members of the company. DANCING. At -Dixieland Cabaret there will foe dancing this evening from' 8.30. The famous Dixieland Dance Band will play all itihe latest music. ' ' The weekly dance of the Akarana Yacht Club will ibe. held" at, the clubhouse this evening. ' " The North Auckland regimental dancewill 'be [held, in Ponsonby. Drill Hall tonight. ' . : ... ..'. . - There will fee dancing at the Delta. Theatre, New Lynn, to-night after the screening. : , ■. ..<...■■ At the Pioturedrome, • Milford, two hours of jazz will follow the- picture screening. Two hours of Jazz will succeed the screening at the "Moulin Roiige this evening. There is an old-time dance, every Saturday at the Municipal Hall, Ne.winarket. The Felix Dance Club, with Hubert Hoffman's Commanders, will hold a dance in the Orange Hall to-night. The Ventura Dance Club will be in seseion at the St. Sepulchre's Hall tonight. Bendall's Collegians will play. i The Grey Lynn Labour party will hold an old-time dance «in O'Neill Street Hall, Poneonby, to-night. Paltridge's orchestra has- been engaged. i There will be a dance at the Crystal Winter Garden to-night. There will be a merry evening ait the ;Click Clack Cabaret this evening where dancing will be indulged in until midnight. A studio championship .will be judged and the Click-Clack Oreihestra will play. , ' ■ •/■ • ; There will' Ibe'^a ."■ dance at Point Chevalier Sailing ClxA to-night. .'/.. ■'■-;: '; There will be , a jazz evening at Zea)andia Hall, Dominion ' Road 'Terminus, to-night. At the Druids' Old-time ..Cabaret, North Street, Newton,, novelties , and surprises will be the.order this evening." The Ngaroma Dance Club will 'hold an old4ime dance to-night at the Manchester Unity Hall. Mrs. Ndrt/hover's orchestra will foe in attendance. The management of the Orange Hall announce tthe final heat for their fox trot competition, for next Friday night. The Dixieland Dance Band will be in attendance. The Taka-puna Boating Club will hold a dance at the clubroom, Bayewater wharf, to-night, from 8 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Music wiU be by the Lawrence Repasz Trio. ' The Parisian Dancing Club's novel entertainment last Saturday will be repeated this evening in the Society of Arts Hall. Harry Bolton will supervise the Parisian Orchestra. The reengagement of Syncopated James will assure patrons of some amusing antics.