AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 282, 28 November 1929, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. Laughs chase tears in a helter-skelter race to an astonishing denouement in the Vitaphone all-talking mystery photo play, "On Trial," which heads the long programme that opened at the Plaza last evening. The story unfolds rapidly, with a wealth of dramatic incident, and the vocal part of the film is remarkably clear and lucid. The cast is a strong one, with Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell and Lois Wilson in the most prominent roles. The story is one of domestic happiness marred by the selfishness of a faithless husband, who involves a whole group of people in a murder trial in which many exceptional

and mystifying features are disclosed. Gerald Trask is shot in his own home,

and his safe rifled, and the finger of suspicion points at Robert Strickland who pleads guilty to the charge of murder. The State demands a trial, which reveals that things are not what they seem. All the principal players rise to fine dramatic heights, not only in the court scenes, which are effectively alternated with scenes in which the crime is re-enacted, but also in the emotional situations which lead up to the pulse-quickening climax. There have been several popular murder mystery films since the talking picture came into its own, but in none has the interest been sustained so thoroughly, and the solution so cleverly concealed as in this latest sensation from the Vitaphone studio. Franklin Pangborn, who convulsed thousands by his comical evidence in the "Bellamy Trial," has a singularly amusing part as the obdurate juryman, whose obstinacy leads to the unmasking of the safe-robber. Supporting pictures include a newsy sound gazette, depicting some recent events of world interest, and a comedy, "Perfumes and Punches," in which a willing boxing bout is a feature. Oswald, the lucky rabbit, is the principal in one of those fantastic and always popular sound cartoons, "Sick Cylinders" in which impossible adventures follow in mirth-provoking succession. John Charles Thomas, the world-farnou3 baritone is seen and heard with Vivienne Sigel, in a scene irorn the Broadway musical success, "Maytime," singing "Will You Remember?" Douglas Stanbury and Marie Gambarelli, of the Roxy Theatre, New York, appear in a stage scena, "A Moonlight Romance," which is. full of melody and beauty.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Smiling Irish Eyes," of which much has been heard in recent months, will open a season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. In this film Colleen Moore makes her first appearance in screen dialogue. This picture, an all-talking and singing special, has been acclaimed as Miss Moore's finest production, and in view of the fact that it offers the opportunity for her followers to hear her voice for the first time, it should draw crowded audiences. James Hall is Miss Moore's leading man in this Irish romance, most of which was filmed in exterior settings. The background for the greater portion of the story is in the Killarney district of Ireland, while there are brief episodes in New York as well. The popular song hits, "Smiling Irish Eyes" and "A Wee Bit o' Love," are introduced in this Vitaphone picture, Miss Moore revealing unexpected talent as a vocalist by singing' them in a delightful voice. These melodies take an important part in the story, which was scenarised by Tom J. Geraghty. The picture was produced by John McCormick, and directed by William A. Seiter. An excellent programme of supporting talkie featurettes will also be screened.

STRAND THEATRE. Backed with an impressive cast and a reputation as one of the greatest melodramas of all time in both book and drama form "Bulldog Drummond" comes to the Strand Theatre to-morrow, as Ronald Colman's second individual starring picture and his first opportunity to play a genuine comedy role since he entered American pictures. Supporting Colman in his role of the young demobilised British army officer hungry for adventure and finding it, are Joan Bennett, Montagu Love, Lilyan Tashman, Claude Allister and Lawrence Grant. "Bulldog Drummond" marks the first appearance on the screen of Joan Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, and a well known stage actress in her own right. The story, written by "Sapper," is already familiar to thousands. It put 3 its hero into a fierce struggle with a gang of criminals whose methods of procedure are based on the fiendish torturing abilib" of Dr. Lakington, a physician who delights in inflicting pain. The combinaton of these sinister elements with the love stoTy of Drummond's romance with Phyllis, unc'o has fallon : :uo tie criminal's hands, makes a thrilling story. Many unusual effects have been achieved through the use of futuristic settings and modernistic lighting arrangements. The mood of entire sequences has been accentuated by means of special backgrounds. There will be a full supporting programme of interesting talkie feaI turettes.

REGENT THEATRE. "The Cocoanuts," the Paramount musical comedy show which is at the Regent Theatre, sends one into roars of laughter at the mad antics of the Four Marx Brothers, who are starred in the production. One is also charmed with the wonderful dancing in the picture* the ballet being perfect and the solo dancing and eccentrics something worth looking at. Then there are the lilting melodies from the tuneful ear of Irving Berlin, who was responsible for the lyrics and music. The dancers are from some of the most famous ballets of America, and their work calls forth rounds of applause as they tread in faultless step to the. intricacies of the ballet, both jazz and classic. Mary Eaton, whose lyric notes are heard to advantage in "When My Dreams Come True," is one of the musical comedy stars of Broadway, and for a long time one of the stars of the world-famous Ziegfeld Follies. There is a full supporting programme of talking featurettes.

ROXY THEATRE. An excellent all-talking programme is being presented at the Roxy Theatre. It is "Syncopation," with Bobby Watson and Barbara Bennett in the leading roles. It is a musical extravaganza, combining the latest American jazz numbers with an appealing romance. Fred Waring's internationally famed Pennsylvanians play nine'song numbers, ranging from Victor' Herbert's "Sweet Mystery of Life" to Sammy Stept's latest new song hit, one of five especially written for this show, and entitled, 'Til Always Be in Love With You." In addition to these there are two numbers by the Melody Boys, three songs by Morton Downey, songs by Dorothy Lee and Gania Zielenska, two numbers by a string orchestra, and a piano solo by David Buttolph. There is a splendid supporting programme.

NATIONAL THEATRE. A realistically sustained terror and a grim suspense make "Desert Nights," John Gilbert's new film, which opens at the National Theatre to-morrow, a thing apart. It tells a vivid and gripping story of three individuals at the mercy of the primitive wastes of an African desert. Writhing in anguish for the want of a little water, and suffering untold agonies of fear, these three are gripped in a veritable orgy of terror. The film depicts their suffering and their fear with a startlingly dramatic realism and it also carries a most unusual love theme. Gilbert is. seen in an entirely new and different role. Never before has this star had such a forceful and thoroughly dramatic role. Ernest Torrence is cast as an' English nobleman, a rare of decidedly well placed humour. It is impossible to over-rate the marvels of the U.F.A. production, "Secrets of the East," the second attraction. It is an imaginative story of the legendary Copper City of Atlantis, and concerns Ali, an old cobbler, who is wafted away to dreamland, to find himself in the luxurious palace of the Sultan among hundreds of harem beauties. The eight is too much for the poor cobbler who is unused to such scenes of glory, and the rich wine and foodstuffs he is given cause his collapse.

"THE DESERT SONG." Again last night a capcity house at His Majesty's Theatre was charmed with the musical comedy. "The Desert Song," which is described as the greatest presentation of its kind ever attempted by the J. C. Williamson management. "The Desert Song" lives up to its description in every detail. Its music is haunting, its frocking is beautiful, its singing delightful. As the "Red Shadow," leader of a band of Riffs, Lance Fairfax scores a triumph, as does Marie Bremner, who plays the part of Margot, the little French girl who falls in love with the mysterious v "Red Shadow." There are many features about "The Desert Song," which make an irresistible appeal. One scene follows another so rapidly, and so much is crammed into the three hours' entertainment that one is bewildered. It is a play that could be seen twice before it was fully appreciated. No greater tribute could be paid to the artists. There will be a matinee on Saturday.

CIVIC THEATRE. The management of the Civic Theatre announces that although over 1700 seats have been reserved for the opening night next month, there are still many seats in good positions available. Arrangements are well in hand for the opening ceremony, and something unique in entertainments is promised. The booking office at the Civic Theatre corner is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ROTORUA MAORI CHOIR. What promises to be an excellent programme of Maori songs and dances will be given in the Town Hall to-morrow evening and on Saturday evening by the Rotorua Maori Choir, a splendid band of performers who comprise nearly all the leading Maori artists. A number of colourful Maori ceremonies will be presented, and pois and hakas will be performed. Male quartets, male and girls' duets and choir items comprise the remainder of the programme. It is seldom that genuine Maori entertainments are seen in Auckland and there should be a large attendance at both concerts.