AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 287, 4 December 1929, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

I Jim Gerald's latest entertainment, entitled, "Nights of Joy," is as full of fun, pleasing songs and bright dances as those that have preceded it. The sparkling chord is struck at the start of the 'programme by Letty Craydon and the rest of the company in a piece entitled, "Good News," and is continued through the evening with pleasing consistency. Jim Gerald, as usual, bears the brunt of the comic work and is at his best. In his first sketch, assisted by Reg Hawthorn, Gerald infuses a maximum of fun. After a convivial evening he is in a good mood, but cannot remember where he lives. Laughs follow his antics on the stage and the final a,nti-climax causes screams. A very popular number is that in which the Male Twinks give a snappy dance subsequent to the singing of "Flamin' Mamie," by Lily Coburn. Gerald and his companions make a very comic ballet. as the unsophisticated youth is rather a chdnge from the usual. He is engaged to Essie Jennings, but unless he becomes more' of a man she will not marry him. The father hires a young lady to teach his son the ways of the world, but she finds her task rather hard, while the audience find the whole sketch full of comedy. Joan Graham, assisted by the Twinklers, sings very effectively. The final number of the first half o.f> the programme, a gipsy scene, in which Linda Foy gives the solo, and dance specialties are given by Olivette, Joan Graham and Ronnie Shand, is very spectacular. Gerald appears early in the second part of the entertainment and with Tom Dale goes into business. Tho pair, however, wish to make their money without working and when they receive an invitation to a garden party think that their chance has come. Gerald in the role of a Russian Count and Tom Dale as his secretary, find that they have struck the right thing when the count is offered an enormous sum to kill the husband of a countess, but they are startled when the husband offers a bigger sum for the death of his wife. They are just waiting for the money to arrive when they find that they have wandered into a lunatic asylum. This venture proving 110 good, the pair take over a pawn shop and in this capacity create much laughter. The last number in which the comedian appears is a duel scene, in which Letty Craydon ably assists Gerald in producing the laughs. At intervals between the comedy, songs and dances are provided and bright numbers are given by Letty Craydon, Lily Coburn and Olivette, who does the famous dying swan dance in a very pleasing manner. Joan Graham and Reg Hawthorn give a little singing, a little talking and a little dancing. Throughout the whole programme there is not a dull moment, and this week's entertainment should catch the public fancy as the others* preceding it have done.

ROXY THEATRE.

"Syncopation" is a-delightful musical extravaganza which combines the latest American jazz numbers with an absorbing romance. This fine all-talking, allsinging, all-dancing film is the main attraction at the Roxy Theatre, and has proved a great success, being now in its second week. Bobby Watson and Barbara Bennett have the leading roles, those of Benny and Flo, forming the dancing team,. of Sloane and Barrel. Music is supplied by Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians,.- a world-famous jazz orchestra, which on its travels through America was a popular combination. The programme of talkie featurettes is in keeping with the main attraction. An all-talking picture will be screened as a change of programme on Friday. This is "The Flying Fool," with William Boyd the star, recently seen in "The Leatherneck" in the leading role. The picture is said to be greater than "Wings."

ARCADIA THEATRE.

"The Rainbow Man," featuring Eddie Dowling, is having a successful season at the Arcadia Theatre, Karangahape Road. This film introduces a new form of entertainment—tho minstrel show —to "talkie" audiences. Dowling is seen as the leader of such a troupe, whoso pal is an orphaned boy (played by Frankio Harrow). There are several tuneful musical selections in the picture, the principal being "Sleepy Valley" and "Rainbow Man," both of which Dowling sings splendidly. A charming romance has been cleverly woven into tho plot, this element being played by Dowling and Marion Nixon. The performance of Frank ie Darrow is a particularly fine piece of work. Sam Hardy is also in the cast. There is a good programme of talkie featurettes.

LITTLE THEATRE.

The Little Theatre Society will open a season at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to-night. The entertainment will consist of three one-act plays, each by an accepted master of the modern drama. The plays are: W. W. Jacobs' well-known tragedy, "The Monkey's Paw"; Sir James Barrie's satirical comedy, "The Twelve-pound Look"; and a comedy by Harold Chopin, "God and Mrs. Henderson." Booking arrangements are advertised. The sea° son should be successful as u lot of hard work has been put in at rehearsals and members of the society have taken much trouble to perfect their parts.

LUNA PARK,

Luna Park is to Lave a new lease of life and this popular "wonderland" is tQ reopen on Friday evening. The old sideshows will be again in full swine and there will be some added attractions. "The Wall of Death" is a special novelty that should attract young and okl. The scenic railway and° the "dodg'ems" will be in full working order for the opening day, and, provided good weather is experienced, there should be a record attendance.

"THE DESERT SONG." The final performances of '"'The Desert Song" will be staged this evening and on Thursday and Friday. "The Desert Song" is one of the most spectacular productions ever presented in New Zealand by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd. It has proved even more popular than "Rose Marie." The company will leave for Sydney next Saturday morning. CIVIC THEATRE. There has been huge booking for the opening of the new Civic Theatre, only 800 seats of which are now open for selection. The final arrangements are now in hand, and in the course of a few days the date of' the first performanco will be announced. It is anticipated that this will be shortly before Christmas. The building is alive with workmen, the activity at the present time being very marked. The ballet is being trained to its work, a number o the girls having arrived from Sydney yesterday. The grand organ, which will be presided over by Fred Scholl, will be a feature of the theatre. Mr. Thomas O'Brien is anxious to have every department so well organised that on t opening night the presentation will go with a swing from start to finish, an no expense is being spared with this end in view.