AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 307, 28 December 1929, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. After hearing nearly half a dozen splendid gramophone records, Aucklandere have been looking forward eagerly to seeing as well as listening to the Two Black Crows, George Moran and Charles Mack. To the audience which saw their premiere in talking pictures at the Regent Theatre last night, this clever comedy pair introduced a new form of entertainment. Their work is done with a minimum of action, ajthough they do not rely entirely upon dialogue to score. Once having taken a position on the stage, they remain there, and their clever remarks roll ever so lazily from their tired mouths. If by chance they do move, it appears to involve such an effort as would suggest that their "race for life" had been among a colony of snails. "The early bird catches the worm because he wants it," insists Moran. "Well let him have it," is Mack's reply. And that is a true indication of his energy. The story which this pair have chosen for their opening talkie is more than a flimsy narrative used as a hook for the comedians to hang their jokes oa. It opens with the formation of their partnership, brought about by Moran losing his original partner, and being helped out of a nasty argument by the kindhearted Mack. Together, they score a success with their first performance, and another stage-mate (played by Harry Green) becomes their manager. Under his guidance they reach Broadway and there start a season of unwavering success. It is the victimisation of Moran by a scheming chorus girl (Evelyn Brent) and her partner, that causes a break in the camp. Thinking of his partner's own welfare, Mack objects to their friendship, and Moran leaves him. He is soon brought to his senses though, and he returns only to find Mack in a dangerous condition in hospital. There is a dramatic and unexpected climax to the story, in which Moran has the task of his life to bring Mack back to consciousness. Moran and Mack can boast of one achievement if of nothing else—they have made a film without a kiss in it! The two comedians are strongly supported by Evelyn Brent and Harry Green, whose Yiddish humour seems to pour forth in an inexhaustible stream. Jack Lumsdaine heads the accompanying programme. His numbers this week are an entertaining collection of musical hits written by Irving Berlin, a number demonstrating, "How Songs Come to be Written," and two or three popular melodies. He is accompanied through part of his performance by Mr. John Whiteford-Waugh's orchestra, which also plays an overture and an entr'acte. An interesting Pathe Sound News, a Christie comedy, and a clever sketch entitled, "Dark Eyes," featuring Carmel Myers, complete the programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Isle of Lost Ships" is the current attraction at the Majestic Tluatre. This exciting First National-Vitaphone production is based on the popular story which has the weird and mysterious Sargasso Sea for its setting. A New York detective, his prisoner and a girl are alone on a wrecked ship which is washed into the Sargasso. There they discover a colony of human derelicts, who terrify the girl by their decision that she must marry one of them. Eventually they escajfe in a submarine that they manage to repair secretly. Even then their troubles are not over, for their ship is short of air, but cannot rise to the surface owing to the thick weed which grows for miles round the Sargasso. The hero is shot from a torpedo tube, and with a knife, manages to cut a way through the weed and allow the summarine to rise. It is a stirring climax to a picture that is packed with interesting action from beginning to end. Virginia Valli has the principal role and Jason Robards plays opposite her. Among the supports screened at the Majestic are a number by Jack Smith, the whispering baritone, a Fox Movietone News, an ■Eve's Review, a number by Clapham and Dwyer, the popular English patter artists, and another by Brooks and Ross, vocalists. Mr. John Whitford-Waugh's stage band is heard in enjoyable selections. PLAZA AND TIVOLI. Rugby rules are no aid to the understanding of a football game played in the American way, but that does not constitute a serious obstacle to the enjoyment of the picture "College Fun," at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres, which opened a short season last evening. A big match is the event of the film, and the audience seems to catch more of tli£ spirit of the game through the "talkies" though the willingness of such contests was apparent in the days of silent pictures. Play is free, and there is a team enthusiasm that has no beg pardons about it. In fact, the "gridiron" contest for the national championship between two rival colleges is a real business in itself, and it is a decided advantage to have the cheers and uproar of the crowd to aid in the appreciation of critical moments in the match. Everything goes to show that sound effects are a great advantage for the appreciation of outdoor sports on the screen. The gaiety of college life is good entertainment, and the music and songs of the,students have a swing about tbem> that is quite appealing. Romance has its- proper place too, and in that connection the work of George Lewis and Dorothy Gulliver is deserving of much praise. Life.on the campus as well as in the corridors is effectively treated, and all through there is a strong vein of humour. The story concerns the rivalry between the captain of the football team and a star player for the love of a girl. Between the attentions of the two she enjoys herself immensely, and that, of course, brings more trouble than enough for all parties. Her decision at length hinges on the result of the big football match, and the exciting finish sees Lewis play the part of the heio. It is a thrilling moment when the winning goal is scored. Eddie Phillips, "'iiri'chiil Ross, Hayden Stevenson and Sumner Getchell are prominent in the supporting cast. Several smaller "talkie" films, featuring songs and musical numbers, and also a sound news make up the balance of a varied programme. / MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. A fine programme includes "Zampa" overture; selection, "Reminisences of England"; potpourri, "Tangled Tunes"; triumphal march, "Cleopatra"; cornet duet, "Cheerfulness," by Messrs. Bowes and Morgan;' piccolo solo, "The Comet," by Mr. McLennan; glee, "Hail Smiling Morn"; bright marches, and other tuneful items. On Sunday evening at 8.30 the band will give a free musical recital in the Town Hall, wheu an entire change of programme will include the overture, "Italiana in Algieri"; selection,] morceau inilitaire, "'The' Outpost"; Aneell's Three. Irish Dances, I and other favourite numbers. !

STRAND THEATRE. "Blackmail" is still drawing large and enthusiastic audiences to the Strand Theatre, where it is now in its second week. This film, which is the first British feature-length talkie, is the story of a girl's crime. Persuaded by an artist to visit him in his studio, she stabs him when, he makes unwelcome advances. In her hurry to escape from the place, she leaves a glove behind. It is discovered by the Scotland Yard detective who is covering the case, and he learns that the girl Avho has killed the artist is his sweetheart. Any attempt on his part to protect her is foiled by a malicious blackmailer, who also knows the solution of the murder mystery. The story has a number of other exciting developments before its surprise climax is reached. Annie Ondra plays the leading role, and another principal part is in the capable hands of Cyril Ritchards, the popular musical comedy star, who will be remembered by New Zealanders for his appearances in this country with Miss Madge Elliott in "The Cabaret Girl," "Kissing Time" and "A Night Out.' - Entertaining supports, which include a Fox Movietone News with scenes of the arrival in America of the British Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald, a Ufa Gem entitled "Pearls and Lacquers," a musical number, "Me and the Boys," featuring the British film star Estelle Brody, and a musical scena, "In An Old World Garden," are also screened at the Strand. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. All-talking comedy, truly so named, produced entirely 111 colour, quaint ballets, and fine music are some of the good things provided to St. James' theatregoers this week. "The Gold Diggers of Broadway," starring Nancy Welford, Conway Tearle, Winnie Lightner and Albert Gran, is the big picture, and it alone is an evening's laughter. There are dresses that even the mere male must admire; there arc catchy tunes which are introduced by Nick Lucas, known on gramophone records as "The Crooning Troubadour." Among the most enjoyable of these are "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" and "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine." Winnie Lightner carries the whole of the comedy, and also sings a number of humorous songs. The story is a flimsy tale, concerning a boy who, wishing to marry a chorus girl,' fears the refusal of his uncle, upon whom he is entirely dependent. Another girl undertakes to persuade him that chorines are not so bad as most people would insist. The uncle's reaction to this scheme is not what was bargained for, and through most of the story it seems that the little plan will fail miserably. There are entertaining supports on the same programme. Van and Sclienk contribute several humorous songs, and there is a clever Yiddish comedy. The Vitaphone Orchestra of sixty instruments plays Offenbach's "Orpheus" as an overture. Eddie Pea body, ban joist, contributes several enjoyable numbers, and some unusually good ballet and formation work is done by the Vitaphone girls in a presentation entitled "Serpentine." NATIONAL THEATRE. An exceedingly deft and skilful combination of action and romance affords audiences at the National Theatre with a glorious tale of adventure in Tim McCoy's latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, "The Desert Rider." It is an entirely new and original story, the theme of which revolves about the struggle of the early white settlers during the ratification of the Spanish land deeds. The picture opens with breath-taking action in which a young pony express rider is held up aiid robbed of a land deed which forces a beautiful senorita on the mercy of a friendly mission. Tim McCoy, as the pony express rider, lends all his romantic and colourful past to the portrayal. The ensuing events take both him and the girl through many and varied thrilling escapades, but the outlaw gang is finally corralled and justice administered. A charming love theme is

interwoven throughout the story, and Raquel Torres as the heroine aids greatly the quality of the romance. Comedy relief is supplied by Bert Roach, who portrays a fat but perpetually hungry Friar, while the heavy role is capably handled by Harry Woods. "The Wonderful Lie," starring Brigitte Helm, who will be remembered for her' work in "Metropolis," is the accompanying attraction at the National. There are also entertaining supports, and the programme is complete with enjoyable music by Mr. F. Bartlett's orchestra. ROXY THEATRE. "High Voltage" and "The Shady Lady" are, proving popular holiday attractions at the Roxy Theatre. William Boyd, who first sprang into prominence in "The Volga Boatman," and who was afterwards starred in "Skyscraper" and "Lady of the Night," has the leading role in "High Voltage." Carol Lombard, Owen Moore and Diane Ellis are in the cast. Phyllis Haver, who became famous for her characterisations of the adventuresses in "The Way of All Flesh" (withEmil Jannings) and D. W. Griffith's epic, "The Battle of the Sexes" (with Jean Hersholt and Sally O'Neil), is seen to advantage in the lead of "The Shady Lady." Robert Armstrong and Louis Wolheim support her. The supports at the Roxy include an interesting news reel with scenes of events from parts of the world, a- laughable short comedy and a novelty number. LUNA PARK. Special attractions, as well as the permanent fun machines, are drawing large crowds of visitors as well as city dwellers to Luna Park. Queues are constantly waiting for admission to the scenic railway, the scenic river caves, the dodge'ems, the whip, the merry-mix-up, the joy wheel, the fun factory, the goofy house and the caterpillar. There are excellent sideshows at the Park. Refreshments are obtainable. MOULIN ROGUE. Nancy Carroll and Gary Cooper appear together in "The Shop-worn Angel," the current picture at the Moulin Rouge, Remuera. The story is one of a boy who, while in a military camp, meets a vaudeville girl. They are married before he leaves for France, but ne is ordered away immediately after the ceremony and is shipped to the front, never to return. The popular musical number, "A Precious Little Thing Called Love," is sung in this film by Miss Carroll. The picture is a part-talkie. Two hours' dancing to music by Walter. Smith's Syncopators, will follow this evening's entertainment. EDENDALE THEATRE. Richard Dix's successful talkie, "The Wheel of Life," in which he plays with Esther Ralston, is the current picture at the Edendale Theatre. A Paramount sound news, a musical numb:r, a talking novelty, a scenic and a news reel are screened in support. CAPITOL THEATRE. "Fashions in Love," Adolphe Menjou's first all-talking starring vehicle, is to be screened at the Capitol Theatre. Menjou has for his leading lady in this production the popular British stage ana screen artist, Fay Compton. A fine budget of supports will accompany the big picture.,

CIVIC THEATRE. "Three Live Ghosts" is now in its second week at the Civic Theatre. Claud. Allister and Robert Montgomery have the principal roles in this entertaining comedy-drama of English lower class life. The story concerns three men who return from the war. One is a shellshock case, and the other two discover, on reporting, that they have been listed as "killed in action." Their subsequent experiences are most amusing, especially the escapades of Spoofy, the shell-shock soldier, who causes his companions endless consternation by stealing everything that comes within his reach. His finale is the theft of Lady Leicester's - jewels and the kidnapping of her son. Ted Henkel's orchestra of thirty players, and his stage band of twenty, and Fred Scholl at the Civic Grand Organ, are being praised by audiences which attend the Civic sessions. The work of the ballet and the three specialty dancers, Ramon, Madeline and Pedro, is also eulogised. Special arrangements for the day sessions and for the winter garden and cabaret are advertised. "WHOOPEE." There was another large audience at "Whoopee" last evening and the mutual p'av again caused much amusement. It will be repeated until .Wednesday next, and on Thursday the pretty "Lilac Time" will be revived. It has Lfeii generally acknowledged that "Lilac Time" is a much better class of coimc opera than the average of those staged in recent years. Its music at tiinos rraches the standard of grand opera and its story of the life of Schubert is intensely interesting. Special irtere&t centres in the revival of "Lilac Time" because it will cnce again introduce Leal playgoers to John Ralston's characterisation of the role of Schubert, in which he achieved a triumph on its ciiginal representation here. Only- a few performance* can be staged cf "Lilac Time" and it will be I«y "The Maid of the Mountain*'' and ' The Student Prince." The plar.-* fur 'T ilae Time" will Le opened on M-mday morning. ONEHUNGA STRAND THEATRE. "Hard Boiled Bose," a Warner Brothers-Vitaplione production, will head to-night's bill of fare at the Onehunga Strand Theatre. Myrna Loy, Gladys Brockwell and William Collier, jun., are featured. Supporting numbers are by John Barclay, character impersonator, and the Brock Sisters, liarmonisers. EMPIRE THEATRE. "Betrayal," with Emil Jennings and Esther Ralston in the principal roles, is to-night's headline picture at the Empire Theatre. Comedy numbers and the latest news-reels make up the opening half of the programme. BRITANNIA THEATRE. William Boyd is starred in "The Flying Fool," which is being screened at the Britannia Theatre. There is plenty of exciting action in this story, and Boyd has countless opportunities to prove that he is something of an athlete as well as an artist. There are all-talkie supports. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. After a successful run in a Queen Street house, "Bulldog Drummond" is being screened for an extended season at the Crystal Palace (Mount Eden) Theatre. The film is Ronald Col man's first talkie. It is a picturisation of the famous adventure story by "Sapper." Joan Bennett plays opposite Colman and the cast includes Montagu Love as Peterson and Lilyan Tasliman as Irma. EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Wild Party" is the attraction announced for presentation at the Empress Theatre this evening. Clara Bow is starred in this entertaining story of college life. George Sidney and Mack Swain appear together in "The Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City," which will be screened in support. Kate Price and Vera Gordon appear as their wives. WEST END THEATRE. Three big pictures will be screened at the West End Theatre this evening. They are "Thp Apache," starring Adelphi Miller, "Lovers' Sacrifice," with Kate Von Nagg in the leading role, and "The Big Show," which features John Lowell. ARCADIA THEATRE. A cast of Fox's junior players, headed by Charles Eaton and Helen Twelvetrees, with Earle Foxe and Carmel Myers in support, is featured in "The Ghost Talks," the attraction at the Arcadia Theatre. In addition, the programme includes a three-reel comedy, entitled "Marching Out," featuring Chic Saie, and a Fox movietone film of the last Melbourne Cup race. "The Music Shop," a vocal act, and a foreign number of Fox Movietone News completes the bill. DANCING. Dancing will continue until midnight at the Dixieland Cabaret, Point Chevalier, this evening. Music will be provided by the Famous Dixieland Dance Band. "The Final Saturday of 1929" will be celebrated with a gala evening at the Pirate Shippe, Milford, this evening. Ye Versatile Pirates will provide the music. There will be a special dance in the Click Clack Cabaret, Rialto Buildings, Newmarket, 011 New Year's Eve (Tuesday). The Auckland combined branches committee of the New Zealand Labour party will hold a New Year's Eve dance in Scots Hall. The dance will be an old-time and jazz entertainment. Vocal items will be given by leading artists. An entertainment will be held at the Druids' Old-time Cabaret, North Street, Newton, this evening. The Famous Revellers will be present. The Ngaroma Social Club will hold another old-time dance in the Manchester Unity Hall this evening. Mrs. Northover's orchestra will attend. The Grey Lynn Labour party's dance will be held in the O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, this evening. Dancing will be to Paltridge's orchestra. Old-time dances are held every Saturday evening in the Municipal Hall, Newmarket, under the direction o£ Mr. D. Mayes. There are novelties and favours. Dances held by the Parisian Club are now staged in the Whitehall Dancing Studio, upper Queen Street. Bendall's Collegians will be present at this evening's dance of the Ventura Dance Club in St. Sepulchre's Hall. Special announcements are made by the Delta Theatre, New Lynn, in regard to holiday dances. To-night there will be a dance after the picture programme. On New Year's Eve there will be an all-night dance after the talking picture programme, and a late night dance after the pictures on New Year's night. Dancing at the gala in the Ponsonby Hall (opposite the fire station) this evening will be to music by Jack Swinburne's Havana Band. There will be a Paramount dance on New Year's Eve.

DELTA GOES TALKIE. The Delta Theatre, New Lynn, has followed the city's lead, and goes talkie next Monday. The opening picture is a 100 per cent dialogue production, "The Donovan Affair," in which Jack Holt and twelve other stars speak. It is a mystery story concerning a murder which occurs at a dinner party. Interest is maintained throughout, and it is only at the finish that the guilty person is discovered. Interesting talkie featurettes will also be screened. GRAND AND PRINCE EDWARD. The Grand Theatre has been converted into a talking house and is now screening its first programme, "The Glad Rag Doll" being the headline attraction. Dolores Costello is heard for the first time in this film. ■ The same film is being screened at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton. LYRIC THEATRE. "Somehow Good" and "Introduce Me" form the double-feature bill now being presented at the Lyric Theatre. The popular British star, Fay Compton, is featured in "Somehow Good" and opposite her there is Stewart Rome. Douglas Mac Lean heads the cast of "Introduce Me," a laughable feature comedy : drama. Selected supports are also screened. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. / "Not Quite a Lady" will be screened at the Picturedrome, Milford, this evening. Mabel Poulton is starred in this British production, which is a lilu: version of St. John Hankin's celebrated comedy, "The Cassilis Engagement." Barbara Gott plays the role of the lowerclass girl's mother, and is responsible for some excellent humour. Good supports will also be screened and there will be a jazz after the picture screening. , ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for the recital in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon will be selected from popular works by Bach, Handel and Peace. The city organist will also play minuets by Mozart and Beethoven, and Schubert's "Serenade."