AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 124, 28 May 1930, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA.

Before a fairly numerous audience, in the ; : Lewis Eadv Hall last evening the Aeolian Orchestra gave the initial concert of a new season. A popular programme of instrumental and vocal items was submitted, and pleasing renderings were given of the numbers.

The orchestra, led by Mr. F. M. Price, opened with an animated delivery of Zehles' "Wellington" March. Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld" followed, and received a meritorious rendering. The upper strings, 'cellos, contrabass and woodwinds had much engaging music to present, and generally the musicians kept . well together, though the intonation was not- always dependable. Lehar's- valse, "Gold and Silver," though rather long, received a tuneful exposition. The full band had many successful moments in Wood-forde-Finden's suite,, and decisively treated was Finucane's "Jig," but the intonation was uncertain in places in the same author's -"Mayday." • The orchestra's contribution to the concert terminated with tastefully played ex : cerpts from Simpson's "Maid of: the Mountains." ' . . •••• •

Miss Lillian Wood.gave pleasing renderings of German's "Valse >\ Song,". Covens' "The Birthday'' and Romberg's "Deep in My Heart," and joined with Mi;. Lambert in a nicely toned . performance of BucantonPs duet, "A Night 'in Venice." Mr. Lambert ' was recalled after his singing, of Purcell's. "Passing By" and Squire's "Stars Above." Miss M- Hooker, acted as pianist, and Mr. Gerald Lee. directed the concerted pieces. CIVIC THEATRE. The Civic Theatre is altering its custom this .week and will not change its programme next Saturday. Instead the change will be made to-morrow, when the British picture - "Splinters" will be presented: - : "Splinters" deals with the wax. It is a revue on the lines that was put on at the front to keep up the spirits Of "the army. In fact, it may be termed an Army concert revue, with. many of the artists in the cast Avho actually played on the war fronts. It is a splendid show and cannot fail to appeal. It commences with Headquarters sending for Private Hal Jones, who is commissioned to organise a theatrical company to entertain the troops. How he turns a shed into a theatre and improvises "props," borrows costumes, etc., is one amusing scene after another which keeps the audience in roars of laughter. But when it comes to. selecting: the players the real fun begins. Every man wanted a place, and. the weeding out process is excruciatingly funny. One of the most amusing items is a "parade" before the "tin hats" '.when the officer in charge does not order the men to do this or that, but asks, for instance, "Would you mind forming fours!"" It is a'humorous burlesque that is bound to be appreciated. Mr. Ted Henkel and his Civic Orchestra and Mr. Fred Scholl at the organ will assist in the entertainment. "THE GREAT GABBO." At the' Majestic Theatre on Friday a talking picture describing an unusual romance,, presented with unique stage spectacles, will constitute the change of programme at the Majestic Theatre. The story concerns the fortunes of Mary, the assistant of Gabbo, a foreign-born ventriloquist, appearing at a small theatre. Gabbo treats Mary as his slave and constantly reminds her that she is fortunate to be the assistant of such an artist. When, however, she leaves him and her .only regret is in' leaving Little Otto, the dummy through which Gabbo's better nature asserts itself, he in desperation determines to succecd and bring her .into submission. Upon securing an engagement with the company known as the "Manhattan Revue," which is playing on Broadway, he discovers Mary as an actress of the same company. When he learns that Mary is already married he temporarily loses his balance and, dashing on the stage, spoils the spectacular finale. He is dismissed from the company, and a pathetic note is added to the picture as he sees, in passing the front of the theatre, the workmen taking down the letters of his name. The main, roles; are filled by Erich von Stroheim and Betty Compson.

CRYSTAL PALACE. "Atlantic," the spectacular British film depicting the wreck of the Titanic in 1912, is the headline attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. This is a picture that every person should see. It deals with a dramatic incident in the history of sea transport, and it is a study of types and reactions. In addition, the real spirit of British heroism is displayed.. When the commander of the great liner finds that the boats are insufficient to take all the passengers and crew, he appeals to those who have to remain to "Be British." The picture is splendidly produced, the photography comparing favourably with anything that Hollywood has produced.

MUNICIPAL CONCERT. A "classics" night will be held by the Municipal Band in the Town Hall on Saturday next. Two movements from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, "Oberon" overture, Liszt's Oth Hungarian Rhapsody, and a selection from Wagner's "The Valkyrie" are among the numbers to be given. Miss Nellie Lingard will contribute vocal' items.