AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 255, 28 October 1929, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS.

"JQUfiNEY'S END."

"Journey's End," which is to be, staged here by the J. C. Williamson, J Limited, management at His Majesty's; Theatre for a brief season, beginning osi Wednesday night next, unfolds no actual | plot as we know the -word, but it is a! drama of real life as the author saw; and lived it. Captain Stanhope,, although he is only a young man, has j already seen four years of war service. The strain has told on him, but rather; than go sick, he is bolstering up his: shattered nerves by drinking whisky. I A newly-gazetted officer, Second Lieut.'! Raleigh, has contrived to ge.t drafted j into this particular company, because! Stanhope is the hero of his schooldays and a great friend of his sister. This, arrangement upsets Stanhope, who does, not to shoAV his displeasure, as he knoAvs he is not the man he used to be, and feels that he has a grudge against the youngster, who Avill see him at a disadvantage] and he is afraid that the girl he loves, Raleigh's sister, will hear of the change through her brother. There is disagreement betAveen the two because Stanhope asserts his right to censor-a letter. When he obtains it he does not do so, but Lieut. Osborne, second in command, unwillingly looks through it and finds that it contains nothing but praise of Stanhope. The experienced Osborne and the youthful, dashing Raleigh are chosen to carry out a raid and Osborne is killed. The dramatic incidents are relieved by some genuine touches of humour, the comments upon dug-out life in general and upon the daily rations in particular, by Mr. Vincent Lawson in the role of Lieut. T?otter, are said to be highly amusing, and Mr. John Fernside, as the, cook, has also a humorous part to enact. The fact that five of the principal artists, in Ambrose Flower, Reginald Tate, Vincent Lawson, Reginald Dano and Alan Lawrence, Avere chosen for their parts by the author of "Journey's End," signifies that it is Avell portrayed. The company will arrive by the Ulimaroa, and a full scenic and lighting rehearsal will take place tomorrow evening.

REGENT THEATRE. Laugh after laugh echoed through the Regent Theatre on Saturday night when the delightful comedy drama, "Nothing But the Truth" was presented before a packed house. More riotous humour is hard to imagine than that produced by Richard Dix and his ssupports in this all-talking comedy of American life. The picture play closely follows James Montgomery's stage drama. Just how hard it is to tell the truth is, perhaps, not realised by many, but follow Bob Bennett through this story and the difficulty of such a task is unfolded in a clever and mirth-provoking fashion. Every line spoken keeps the audience laughing from beginning to end, while unexpected and amusing situations add to the carnh'al of fun. Richard Dix makes his first appearance in talking pictures, an event Avhich has been awaited by many. He has a clear voice and enunciates Avell, and is very easy to listen to. One does not.have to strain to catch his Avords. Dorothy Hall is successful as leading lady, and Helen Kane reproduces the "gold-dig-ging" show girl to a nicety. Berton Churchill and the remainder of the cast all take- their parts AvelU under able direction. The story concerns a bet made between business associates that one of their number, Bob Bennett, cannot tell the truth for twenty-four hours. On the surface this appears to be a very easy undertaking, but badgered by those who hold the other side of the bet, Bob finds it more difficult to keep to the truth than he imagined. He finds it Wst embarrassing, .for instance, when asked his opinion about a song rendered by a young girl Avith an atrocious voice. He cannot tell a lie because one of the other side is at his elbow and perforce has to say "awful," at Avhich, of course, the girl bursts into tears. The others, however, do not find that things run too smoothly for them, especially when one gets mixed up with some chorus girls who want him to finance their show. His wife finds out and appeals to Bob, who reduces everyone to despair by telling the truth. Situation after situation, steeped in comedy, are unfolded as the story moves gradually to its natural •ending. An entertaining and varied programme of supports is also provided.