MAJESTIC THEATRE

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 278, 23 November 1929, Page 13

MAJESTIC THEATRE

Judging by the success that Billie Dove made in the leading feminine role in her first talking picture, "Careers," which was screened for the first time in Auckland before a large audience at the Majestic Theatre last night, she will not be one of those former favourites who have suffered from the introduction of the sound filmsi Miss Dove has established a wide reputation on the silent screen, and her success in the talking field will no doubt add many to her long list of fans. Besides acting very convincingly, Miss Dove shows that her voice is admirably suited for reproduction. It is soft and musical, and has very little of the tiresome American twang. Opposite her Antonio Moreno handles the part of her husband in praiseworthy manner, but Noah Beery eclipses him by wonderful acting in the role of the sauve villain. Beery makes an excellent villain, who, in a position of power, has many chances of betravimr his less fortunate fellows. The scene of the story is laid in IndoC'hina, over which France has spread her rule. Young Duval and his pretty wife migrate there in order to give the voting man a chance of promotion in the Civil °Service. The President of the colony, however, will not promote the young man because Madame Duval disregards his advances. Duval eventually becomes fed up by his treatment and resolves to make a journey to the capital and complain to the Governor. Meanwhile his wife inadvertently discloses to the President that her husband is about to make the trip. The President, enraged at this step, threatens to ring the Governor and thus frustrate Duval. The wife, in a state of terror, promises to do anything the President desires as long as her husband is not damaged. A native, however, now comes on the scene with intent to steal, and in the ensuing fight kills the President. Stark realism is portrayed by all the stars in the absorbing events which follow, and until the final reconciliation is effected the interest is sustained remarkably well. Many subjects of interest are contained in the supporting programme, which includes a sound picture taken of the Scout Jamboree recently held in England, "Screen Snapshots," a bright film showing the activities of some of the famous people of Hollywood, selections by Gene Morgan's orchestra, and a Fox Movietone News. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "The Idle Rich" is the attraction announced for. presentation at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road, the evening. "The Idle Rich" is a delightful screen story, with Bessie Love, who made a triumphant return to motion pictures by her performance in "The Broadway 'Melody," in the principal role. Playing 'opposite her is Conrad Najrel, who makes his talking debut in "The Idle Rich." Nagel was one actor to whom the talkies were a boon, for he is said to have a voice that records and reproduces excellently. Among the excellent all-talkie supports on the Crystal Palace's programme are an interesting news reel, with scenes from all parts of the globe, a laughable short comedy, and a scenic. STUDENTS' RECITAL. An attractive recital will be given by the students of Mr. ami Mrs. Cyril Towscy in the Lewis Eady Hall this evening. The programme will include vocal and musical numbers. ROTORUA MAORIS. The Rotorua Maori Choir will give a recital of hakas, poi dances and songs in the Town Hall next Friday and Saturday evenings. Fifty performers will contribute to an enjoyable programme which will include numbers by the Rotorua Quartet, and solo items by Ana Hato and Dean Waretini, gramophone recording artists. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The last concert of its season will be "iven by the Bohemian Orchestra in tht Town Hall on Thursday, December 5 The programme comprises works bj Wagner, Thomas, Ed. Geiman, SchubertBach, Godard and Tschaikowsky. Music lovers are assured of excellent entertainment. Booking arrangements are advertised. OPERA RECITAL. An opera recital in costume will b( given by Madame Irene Ainsley witl advanced pupils and Mr. Arthur Riplej next Thursday. The programme includes scenes from "II Trovatore," "Carmen/ and "Aida." The ballets have beei arranged by Miss Daphne Knight, whih tlie chorus is from Madame Ainsley': opera class. Booking arrangements ar< advertised. DRAMATIC RECITAL. The pupils of Mr. W. Russell-Wooi will appear in a costume and dramatii recital at the Lewis Eady Hall nex' Saturday. Children's plays and elocu tionary items will be given, while th< senior pupils will be heard in sonn advanced dramatic and humorous work The dressing promises to be original anc effective. Miss Cecil Hall is arranging the dances, and Miss Hope Asher wil sing. Booking arrangements are adver tised. SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENTS. An address on "A Philosophical, Ethi cal and Critical Glance at Affairs" wil be given by Mr. R. F. Way at th< Rationalists' concert in the Majestii Theatre to-morrow evening. The pic torial programme will comprise "Peakt of Destiny," a Pathe Review, and f U.F.A. gem, "Murder." At the Strand Theatre a populai cinema service will be held. A group o) Maori singers and instrumentalists wil take part. They will be in costume "Uncle Tom" will lead the big sing-o. MOULIN ROUGE. A full talkie programme at the Moulin Rouge, Remuera, will be screened this evening. The feature is "The Lone Wolf's Daughter," in which Bert Lytel and Gertrude Olmstead play the leads. A talkie featurette, topical, scenic and a comedy complete the first half of this evening's entertainment, after which dancing will continue for two hours to the snappy music of Whitford Waugh's Orchestra. BAZAAR FUNDS. At St. Benedict's Hall next Saturdaj a, novel entertainment will be held in aic Df the bazaar funds. The entertainmeni is being arranged by the Misses Beres ford. A matinee will be held at 2.3( p.m. MAORI DEMONSTRATION. A demonstration of Maori dancing singing and exercises will be given undei the auspices of the Methodist Maor Mission in the Town Hall next Monday evening. The programme will commenct with community singing, followed by t Maori welcome to the Maori delegates by the Rev. Tahupotiki Haddon, senioi superintendent of Maori Missions. Ai item, "The Maoris at Home," showing their games and favourite choruses should be of special interest. Other numbers will be the songs "Waiata Poi,' "Home, Little Maori, Home," "Hine < Hiue," "E Pari Ra," "The Ratan.i Hymn," "Waiata Maori," and "E Ihi e te King Nui," together with a widt selection of hakas, poi dances anc choruses in Maori.