AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 122, 26 May 1930, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

■ — CIVIC THEATRE. Good entertainment is contained in the new programme at the Civic Theatre, and on Saturday night the house was crowded in every part. The main picture offering is "Let's Go Places," a good comedy produced in a novel way. Its action revolves around a pushing Press agent who induces the hero to "accompany him to Hollywood with a view to entering the movies. Believing that a name out of the common will be a decided advantage, the agent persuades the hero to change his name from Adams to Dubonnet. Complications follow, as the name is that of a famous French tenor, also on his way to Hollywood. A friend of the Frenchman, expecting his arrival, rents a mansion, hires servants and sends a chauffeur to the train to meet him. The tenor is not in the train and Adams is taken for the real Dubonnet and invited to the house. On the train Adams had become acquainted with a famous movie actress. He did not know her position on the journey, but is made aware of it when their destination is reached and her friends are there to welcome her. Adams, still clinging to the name of Dubonnet, is able to secure a position as an actor by the help of tho lady, and he makes a success of the part allotted him. Then comes the "show clown." The real Dubonnet arrives and the hoax is exposed. Disgrace is avoided, however, when it is learned that Adams had really assumed his mother's family name and it turns out that the French tenor is 'in reality a relative. Tho Frenchman is proud to Cud he has such a popular nephew, and the heroine is proud also. Joseph Wagst.aff is the hero of the story, and he sings and acts well. Frank Richardson, as the breezy Press agent, is always in the picture, and causes much merriment by his activities. Others in the cast are Lola Lane, Sharon Lynn and Charles Jules. Mr. Fred Scholl, at the grand organ, gave a fine rendition of the intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana." Mr. Ted Henkel and his Civic Concert Orchestra were heard in "Hungarian Lustspiel." The supporting programme of talking featurettes was up to the best Civic standard. The comedy was good, and so were the cartoons and sound news items. "THE CASE OF SERGEANT GRISCA." The Australian and New Zealand premiere of "The Case of Sergeant Grisca" will take place at the Strand Theatre next Thursday. This talking picture is artistically produced, the plot being founded on the novel by Arnold Zweig. Chester Morris is the hero, and Betty Compson the heroine. There is a strong supporting cast including Alec B. Francis, Gustave von Seyffertitz, Jean Hersholt, and Paul MeAUis'ter. The story shows the hero, a Russian soldier, escaping from the wire enclosure of a German prison camp. He makes for Russia and on his way meets the heroine. Her father and two brothers had been shot by the Germans, and she had joined a band of refugees hiding in a forest. The sergeant is given the tag of a dead Russian soldier so that he may be considered a deserter if caught by the Germans. He is caught and declared a spy and condemned to death by a court-martial. He reveals his identity at the last moment, but despite the intervention of a kind-hearted commander-in-chief, who tries to save his life, he is executed by a firing squad. The picture gives great scope for dramatic acting. The Press in America were unstinted in their praise of the film. The Washington "Daily News" stated: "'The Case of Sergeant Grisca,' notable and often powerful, stands on the merits of its show eloquence, terminating in the most realistic climaxes ever presented in the films.'' "SPLINTERS." Another British film, this time a comedy, is coming to the Civic Theatre next Saturday. This is "Splinters." which is not only a first-class musical and variety show, but a page of war history true in every detail. Imagine the consternation caused when a private in the front line is ordered to report to Headquarters. He comes with fear and trembling wondering for what misdemeanour he is paraded. But it was not to lose his pay or his leave that he was called up, but to organise a bright show for the boys. Private Hal Jones immediately gets busy. A derelict hut is turned into a theatre, candles in bottles serve as footlights and Hal Jones begs, borrows or steals "props." and costumes and everything necessary to make his show a success. Sacking becomes curtains, old forms are chairs, sugar boxe3 are ornamental pillars overnight, but what of the talent? Here was a poser for Hal. Evervbody is eager for a part, but who is suitable? The artists are eventually found and a splendid entertainment* is put on. This is all told in "Splinters," which features many of the original artists including Hal Jones himself and Reg. Stone, the famous female impersonator. Nelson Keys and Sidne.. Howard are also in the cast and a fascinating chorus of "girls;' who rival the attractions of the genuine article. ARCADIA THEATRE. One of the best dramatic offerings of the audible screen, "Such Men Ate Dangerous," is the headline _ attraction at the Arcadia Theatre. It is the film version of Elinor Glyn's daring story, the plot concerning the disappearance of the famous Belgian financier, who was lo*t from an aeroplane over the North Sea. A good supporting programme will also be screened. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The Two Black Crows, Moran and Mack will be at the Britannia Theatre Three Lamps, to-night in "Why Bring That Up?" This film .has had successful seasons wherever presented. There is an excellent supporting programme of talking featurettes.