AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 33, 8 February 1930, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. lharles Rogers and Nancy Carroll, cosml'3 of several recent talking pictures, i S'-ora another success in their latest production, "Illusion,'' which opened its i season at the Regent Theatre last night. I The story which is one of social eon- j filet, is interesting and at times amus- ! lug. Carlee Thorpe and Claire. Jernigan ' are partners in a magician aet and are veil on the road to success when Carlee meets Hilda Schmittlap, society heiress. From then on his interest is not in his work but in the wealthy vomiz woman. He leads a high life and is palpably in love, or thinks he is, with this belle or' society, Meanwhile Claire attract; Eric Schmittlap. son of ease and wealth and while Carlee is winning at bridge and making himself popular with the last set. Claire is leading Eric a dance. Carlee, while he will not "admit it, is intensely interested still in Claire, and when he finds out that Eric proposes taking her to his apartment, the 7 oung magician becomes rather angrv. Ke finds, however, that his young partner has gone elsewhere. The next day at a society circus event Hilda, the heiress, tells her "mystery man'' that she has discovered that he is only a vaudeville entertainer and that she could not jiiarry him fc-r fear of her social prestige. Angered, he returns to the theatre where Claire is doing an illusi-on act with her partner. The' act is rather sensational. Four rifles are fired at her hut she comes through the ordeal unscathed because she has substituted graphite bullets for the original ones by sleight of hand. On this occasion, however, she fails to substitute the graphite bullets and. when the rifles are fired, fails to the stage wounded. Carlee attends to her and all their differences are patcned up in the time-honoured way. Charles Rogers is as versatile as usual, his acting being always perfect, while Nancy Carroll makes an. apt partner for him. The part of Hilda Schmittlap is well played by June Collyer. while Regis Toomev, as her fast-living brother, is excellent. A good selection of supporting features is provided and the two comedies in the first half of the programme are excellent. Mr. Whit-fnrd-Waugh and his band and Mr. Ewart Lyne at the Wurlitzer organ render bright interludes of music, while a clever sleight of hand artist entertains the audience in novel fashion. "LOMBARDI LTD." The box plans will be opened at nine 'o'clock on Monday morning for the seasoa of Mr. Leo Carrillo in "Lombardi Ltd," which opens at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday. The management will have a staff of ushers at the box office at an early hour to form a queue so that the earliest arrivals may have first choice of seats. "Lombardi Ltd" was specially written for Leo Carrillo by Frederick and Fanny Hatton and the artist will be supported by a fine combination of comedy and dramatic players. "Lombardi Ltd" is the most popular of the many plays in which Leo Carrillo has starred. He appeared in the play for the whole New York season. Tito, the character taken by Carrillo, extends such unlimited credit to his extensive clientele that he is on the verge of bankruptcy. Is he downhearted ■when his book-keeper and manager (played by Leslie Victor) points out this srave dancer? No! His art comes before such sordid considerations as mere money, and ke carries on with unbounded enthusiasm. There is humour, pathos and drama in this cleverly constructed play. Two noted stage favourites in the persons of Margaret ColienLandis (sister to ths Hollywood star) and. Barbara Luddy will also make their bow to New Zealand audiences, and Cecil Mannering is another new visitor who comes with excellent credentials. The company supporting includes Brandon Peters j Henrietta Cavendish, Natalie Moya, Rowena Ronald, George Kensington, Maidie Hope, Beatrice Kendrick, El ma Gibbs,. Daphne. Baim, Jack , "White, and the. beautiful mannequins who take part in a striking fashion parade- There will be eight evening performances and two matinees. STRAND THEATRE. In "The Lady Lies," Paramount has produced a powerfully dramatic but at the same time absorbingly human romantic drama that should add greatly to the prestige of Its featured player?, Walter Huston, Clandette Colbert and Charles Ruggles. '"The Lady Lies" is the story of "a prominent and successful lawyer who is a widower, and who, to the disappointment of his two young children and his relatives falls in love with a woman who is not, in their opinion, of an equal social standing with him. The family powers of intervention are brought to bear, and the plot deals ■wjth the weighing in the balance of a true love affair, and a family's selfish ambitions. After numerous situations, ■which are shot through with clever dialogue, the romance reaches a logical culmination. Heading the supporting programme is the famous "1S12" overture, played by Dr. Hugo Reisent'elds Symphony Orchestra of 100 musicians. This number serves as a background tor the theme of Tchaikowsy's masterpiece— Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Russia and the burning of Moscow, PLAZA THEATRE. "Frozen -Justice," filmed in ?ar northern ice and snow, will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Talu is the central figure of the story played by Lenore IHric. She is the wife ol an Eskimo chief, Lanak (Robert Frazer). and she seeks to free herself from the fetters of her half-caste racial heritage. To this end she rnns away with the master of a trading vessel, arriving subsequently at Nome. Civilisation, however. does not suit her. and atter suffer- j in;z the jibes of such people as frequent dancing saloons she derides to return to her people. Incident -Ui this resolve make a highly' interesting and thrilling story, the climax being dramatic and startling. This all-talking drama of the north has many thrills and much action. Tiie programme of shorter subjects has been carefully selected for their entertainment qualities. ROXY THEATRE. "The Trespasser," with Gloria Swanson in the leading role, which has just ■ concluded a successful season at the Civic Theatre, is to be presented at the Roxy Theatre on Monday. This human and enthralling film story, whic hbrings to the screen the great star in her trrs talking role, caused much favourable criticism in America, and England, and a■' ts beitar presented in bydney. _ tL Roxy to-day "Hurricane" is herng screened for the last time. In T la tore Hobart Bosworth is the leadm dL: ver. He is responsible for the> first sea" picture ever brought to the -cretn. It was the sensation of its proportion to its cost made more money than any other picture has & W E .<we»W----f OaI T'&X is a fcSmS JmH** «> e sea and more j? la7 '

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

! A capital programme, headed by a j first-class all-talking' detective story j film, "The Girl From Havana, was 1 screened la»t night at the Majestic ! Theatre, on the occasion of the weekly j change of bill. With fascinating Lola, ! Page ill the role of a smart girl detecI tive, and the popular Paul Page playing I the part of a diamond thief, the film is j an attractive one. the bulk of the action ! taking place on board a modern liner passing through the Suez Canal. The swift-moving story, which, develops several thrilling situations, is relieved by flashes of humour, and the ship s captain gives an instructive explanation of the working of the canal locks as the ship passes through. Like several of the big films screen of late, '"The Girl From 'Havana" reveals the progress which hasbeen made in recent months towards the perfection of the talking picture. Every scene is depicted with artistic regard for the maximum of effectiveness. Built on the C'onan Doyle system of logical, dovetailed and not impossible facts, the mystery story of the theft of four valuable diamond bracelets, and the efforts of a fashionable gang to dispose of them, grips the interest. Thrills abound, and there is a strong love interest. All the threadbare, traditional, mystifying tricks have been cast aside, but although the audience .is "in the secret" all the way, there is a pleasing and essential development concealed till the last moment. An exceptionally bright variety of short . sound films supports this big feature, worthy of special mention being "The Skeleton Dance," a novelty of great originality and merit, in which four sprightly skeletons dance in a graveyard in the dead of night. This provoked broadsides of hilarity. "The Irish tasy," featuring national songs of the Emerald Isle, "Dancing Gobs," a clever vaudeville number, and a silent film screened in conjunction with the Majestic Orchestra, completed the programme, which will be shown daily till the next change. NATIONAL THEATRE. Theodore Roberts, "the grand old man of t'ae screen.'' is featured in "Ned McCobb's Daughter," which heads the new programme at the National Theatre. Perhaps the best remembered of Roberts' pictures are the Cappy Ricks' series, in which he essayed the shrewd, fun-loving, eccentric old retired sailor, created by Peter B. Kyne. in real life, Roberts has long been an enthusiastic yachtsman and since his return to good health is resuming this favourite recreation. His latest screen role in "Ned McCobb's Daughte/' is quite fittingly one with a tang of salt air. Roberts is seen as Captain Ned McCobb, respected citizens of a small New England town and former ship's master. Irene Rich plays the title role in this P.D.C. picture, and Robert Armstrong, George Barraud, Carol Lombard. Louis Natheanx and Edward Hearn complete the cast. On the same programme there is "Hinging the Changes," in which the British star, Henry Edwards, who was featured in "The Flag Lieutenant" series, heads the cast. Barbara Gotfc contributes most of the comedy in this bright production, and another star in the cast is Margot Landa. The story revolves round a search through an old castle by three thieves, for a treasure supposed to be hidden. The programme at the National is complete with entertaining supports, and throughout the bill, enjoyable music is- played by Mr. F. Bartlett's orchestra. LUNA PARK. The Grand National Dancing competitions, under the auspices of the National Dancing Society, are set down to be ha Id. at Luna Park, commencing on Monday. The carnival will last for a week. The progress of the competitions will not interfere with the running of the Park's permanent attractions, such is the scenic railways, the senic river caves, the merry mix-up, the dodge-'ems, the fun factory, the goofy house, the caterpillar, the whip and the joy wheel. GRAND THEATRE. Doris Kenyon and Richard Bennett are co-starred in "Home Tt/wners," a delightful all-talking comedy-drama, which has opened for a season at the Grand Theatre. Another entertaining comedy which is screened on the same programme is "Why Girls Love Sailors." A "feature of the supports is "Auckland From the Air," a local production directed by Mr. . Rudall Hayward. CAPITOL THEATRE. "The Letter," to be presented at the Capitol Theatre to-day, is one ot" the finest dialogue pictures yet presented to an Auckland audience. In it Jeanne ; Eagles is starred, and her speaking voice and "wonderful acting make the picture stand out as something far ahead of ordinary screen play. It is a story of plantation life. in. the Malay States, being the screen version of the stage play by W. Somerset Maugham. CRYSTAL PALACE. "Thunderbolt" is the headline attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road, to-night. It is an all-talking feature of much dramatic merit, with George Bancroft in the leading role. A strong cast supports the principal. Sing Sing prison provides a background to the story and the theme is one of love and hate in the atmosphere of this historic prison. There is much heart interest, and throughout the screening the iflterest is maintained without a moment's dullness. A selected prosTamme of all-talking short suojects will also be screened. EMPRESS THEATRE. Two talking features will be presented at the Empress Theatre, Newton, to-dav. The headline attraction is. "Tne Flvinsr Marine,'" with Ben Lyon and Shirlev Mason heading the cast. It is a rodeo of the air, and flying "stunts are performed as an everyday affair. 4i Th.e Soeiler" is the second attraction. This is a Pathe talking circus story, wit a Lanr thrills and much suspense The programme is well balanced, and the main .features will be supported with interesting featurettes, MOULIN ROUGE. - This evenings attraction at the Moulin Ro Remuera, is "Flying Fleet, a spectacular aviation pictures starring Ramon No.sc.rro. who has a part well suited to his temperament. The mcident included parachute leaps, air stunts ot every description and a smash. A specially <*ood supporting programme includes a topic, scenic and a comedy. ARTILLERY BAND. The Artillery Band, supported by qv'nor Costaniini and the Puccini Musical Society and assisted by _ wenknown Auckland give a classical concert in the Town Ball next Thursday. A splendid programme to, been arranged, full deaiia ot wa.elr 3Tl n«ir in another column. Miss K. O'Xearv and Mr. S. Adams will be at [the piano, and Mr. H. Hiscocks at the «Snd or-an. For the first time in the Amnion the band accompaniment will £, under the baton of Mr. Wynne Smith WOT The box plan has been opened it Lewis Eady. Ltd. Those who appreciate -ood classical music should not 4S this splendid concert.

CIVIC THEATRE. !

, j "Charming Sinners/ 5 from W. Somer-1 set Maugham's play, with a cast includ* j l in? Ruth Chatterton, Give Brook, "Wil:|liam Powell and Mary Nolan, is the new attraction at the Civic Theatre. A • sparkling, intimate story of married life, f beautifully" acted by a group of out'l standing cinema scars, makes "CharmI ing Sinners" a particularly lively and t entertaining show. Ruth Chatterton, as j the wise wife, tired of her husband's | philandering, decides to punish him. i She chooses the dignified method of re- ' paying him in his own coin by pretend- j j ing to give her affections to an old I admirer, William Powell. She fools her j husband in clever fashion, reawaken-! i some of the romance which appeared [dead to her for ever, and brings about a | readjustment in her home, which no [amount of scandal or ranting could . j accomplish. Give Brook, as the husband. reveals new talents in a splendid characterisation. Mary Nolan, as the "other' woman is delightful. A feature of the accompanying programme will be numbers by Ted Henkel's stage band and ! his orchestra, and Fred Seholl at the ! grand organ. The Civic Ballet will apj pear in new presentations. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. | "Gold Diggers of Broadway' 3 completes I its seventh week at the St. James' | Theatre within a few days, and already ! over 1-50.000 people have seen it. The ' dim is a brilliant reproduction oi revue as it Is staged in New \ork. Nick Lucas, known on gramophone records as "The Crooning Troubadour." has an important role, and introduces most of the song hits, including the two favourites, "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine" and "Tip-toe Through the Tulips." Others in the cast are j Winnie Lishtner, who carries most of the comedy, Ann Pennington, Lilyan Tashman; Conway Tearle, Helen Foster and Nancy Welford. Varied supports, |which include "Orpheus" (Offenbach) as } an overture, by the Vitaphone Symphony !Orchestra: vocal numbers by Van and jSchenk: "Banjomania" (which features Eddie Peabodv), and a launchable \iddish ■ comedy, accompany the film. TIVOLI THEATRE. One of Clara Bow's best talkies, "Dangerous Curves," is the current attraction at the Tivoli Theatre. Tne film is a bright story of circus life, and there is some splendid trapeze work in it. Miss Bow has the role of a member of a troupe of equestriennes, while her leadj ing man is Richard Arlen, as a trapeze artist. Kay Francis has a splendid role a? . Arlen's partner. Good variety is offered in the supports which aceompaay "Dangerous Curves." LYRIC THEATRE. "The Legion of the Condemned" and "Code of the Scarlet" are the two pic- ] tures which form the double-feature bill j being presented at the Lyric Theatre. I Gary Cooper and Fay Wray are costarred in "The Legion of the Condemned." which was directed by William Wellman. who made '"Winers.'' John [Monk Saunders also wrote the story for each film. Reading the cast of "Code of j the Scarle-;*' are Ken Maynard and his I [horse. Tarzan. The theme concerns the J 'activities of the Royal North-West : Mounted Police. Good supports and i enjoyable orchestral music complete the 'Lyric's entertainment. PRINCE EDWARD. i A special comedy attraction. "The | [ Home Towners," will be presented at j : the Prince Edward Theatre, Karanga- j f hape Road, to-night. This is a 100 per I cent talkie, and there are many laughs ■ and thrills in the production. The \ featurettes contain talking and musical I items. EMPIRE THEATRE. The Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, will present "The Hole in the Wall." an all-talking mystery drama, to-night. This is a picture with plenty of action and many thrills. It concerns an underworld gang and their 'defiance of the i police. A baby is kidnapped for re- ! venge, and right up to the last the i [ interest is maintained. There will al-o •be a good programme of supporting items. MUNICIPAL BAND. At the Zoological Park at 3 o'clock to- j morrow afternoon a tiue musical programme will be presented by the Municipal Band. Among the items to be played are Beethoven's "Creation Hymn" and excerpts from "The Desert Song." An entire change of programme will be given in Albert Park at 5.30 in the even•ing. Outstanding items at this performance will be "Zanetta" (overture) and '•Lohengrin'** (selection). ARCADIA THEATRE. "Fox Follies of 1929" is the current attraction at the Arcadia Theatre. Sue Carol, David Rollins and David Percy have the leading role in this pot pourri entertainment. Several song hits, including "The Breakaway" and "Thai's You, Baby," are in the film. A sequence in colour" representing the floor of the ocean, is one of the features of the production. EDENDiLE THEATRE. '"Bulldog Drummond," one o* the best dialogue pictures yet screened, will be presented at the Edendale Theatre, tonight. This sensational sapper story is well acted, Ronald Colman being the featured player. Action, adventure and thrills are the outstanding characteristics of the play. A splendid programme of supports will also be screened. DANCING. The famous Dixieland Dance Band will plav all the latest jazz numbers at the popular cabaret at Point Chevalier tonight. There will be fun for all. Dancing will cease at midnight. The Pirate Ship will again have its decks cleared for action to-night, when dancing will take place to the strains of the Versatile Pirate's.. Late transport, including the vehicular ferry, has been arranged. A grand carnival is announced for tonight' by the Felix Dance Club at the Orange Hubert Hoffman and his ; Commanders 'wilt play. At the Manchester Unity Hall tor night the Ngaroma. Old Time Dance Club will be in session with Mrs. Nortnover leading the orchestra. > There will two hours' dancing at the ; Delta Theatre to-night after the screen- , ing of the talking picture, "Interference." The Druids Old Time Cabaret at North Street, Newton, will hold a dance ' to-night. The Famous Revellers will - provide the music and play all the latest ■ "hits." An old time dance is held every I Saturday at the Municipal Hall, New- ! market." Monte Carlos are announced t with special prizes. _ , The Ventura Dance Gub will oe in session to-night at St. Sepulchre s Hall, s Bendall's Collegians will play. > Two hours 3 jazz will follow the ptcII ture screening at the Pictuxedrome. Mill i ford, to-night". LI The Grey Lynn Labour party will hold ■ j a dance at tha< O'Neill Street .Hall, Pon- ; sonby, this evening. Pattridge's orchesf tra will play.