AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 181, 2 August 1930, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Brilliant dialogue, acting and direction make "Rookery Nook" at St. James' Theatre a superlative production. A really funny film is rare, but this one contains a laugh for every line. For a considerable number of years Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls have captivated ' London theatregoers hvith their inimitable humour in comedies that have placed the Aldwych Theatre well on the map of popular theatres. Although neither of these talented players has appeared on the silent screen, their performance in the alltalking film version of "Rookery Nook" is a revelation. The whole of the original stage cast appear in the film and enact their roles before the .camera as ably as any "old. timer." MAJESTIC THEATRE, ' Are all gamblers crooked, gamblers ? The answer is a-matter-of opinion, but the question is nevertheless a very interesting, one, ■ and it forms the stirring plot for Paramount!* daring "Street of Chance" romanoe-drama, which holds up the 'mirror of reality to big-time Broadway gambling life. William Powell portrays the role of "Natural" Davie, lord of all the 'bright-lights devotees of poker. It is his first starring role and, many preview critics say, it is his greatest role. In support of the star are Jean 1 Arthur, Kay Francis, Regis Toomey, Stanley Fields.and a number of other splendid' character actors. "Street of Ohance" is at the Majestic Theatre. Added attractions include Eddie Cantor in a mirth provoker "Getting His Ticket"; Lois Wilson nnd Bert Roach in "For Love of Money," a newsreel and a.talkartoon. PLAZA THEATRE.

Richard Dix, wearing the mantle of Hollywood's "beau farceur," in "Lovin the Ladies," is at the. Plaza Theatre. 'Farcical situations are unlimited. Dix. extracts every grain of humour from them. But the picture, based on the stage success "I Love You," by William Le Baron,- has many other elements of interest besides its comedy. Romance and philosophy parallel the rollicking humour. . The animating motive of the story is a wager between two clubmen. .• One maintains that any two young people, mutually attractive, under riven conditions of environment, can be made to fall in love and become engaged within a month The development of this subject'makes "Loyin' the Ladies" a most entertaining picture.

NATIONAL THEATRE. A double feature- programme will be presented at the .National Theatre today "The Woman Racket,'" an alltalking picture of New York night life, with Tom Moore and Blanche Sweet in the featured roles, is one attraction. It is a drama of night clubs and gangster life, with Moore as a policeman and Miss Sweet as a night club hostess. Glittering ballets in spectacular night club scenes and lilting song numbers are contrasted with-the gangster world ruling the-night clubs from the background. The play revolves around the love of the night club girl and the officer. Police raids, gangster battles, and other incidents make up the exciting story. The cast includes Sally Starr and Robert Agnew as youthful cabaret entertainers; John Miljanj' of "Unholy Night" and "Speedway," as the gangster 1 chief. On the same programme is "While the City Sleeps," a .film of thrills and excitement. > "''

. .-THEATRE. A brilliant spectacle' is provided by "Paramount'-on Parade," a glittering film, starring all the famous artists of the Paramount Studio, which opened a season at the Civic Theatre on Thursday night. Each and every star te cast in some role" or other,, with'Maurice'Chevalier, the inimitable entertainer of the films, in the lead. Bright songs, snappy dances and clever dialogue give the film an extraordinary interest, and it certainly provides great entertainment. The supporting programme is short of necessity as the main'attraction is long, but what there is is good. The Civic Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Howard Moody, plays several numbers. ~ TIVOLI THEATRE. Dennis King and Jeanette Mac Donald are cast together in the' glittering dramaopera, 'Vagabond King," which will be screened at the Tivoli .Theatre this evening. The story of Francois Villon, the vagabond poet of France, is wonderfull well told and makes an interesting story. Filmed in technicolour, scenes ef great brilliancy are woven in. The singing of the two stars and of the great chorus is also a noticeable feature. The supporting programme is good. CRYSTAL PALACE. Douglas Fairbanks' and Mary Pickford, starring together for the first time, supply the comedy in the famous play, "The Taming of the Shrew," adapted from the original for screen • purposes. The play provides wonderful entertainment and ie full of laughs. Mary Pickford is at .her best as.the untamable Katherine and Douglas Fairbanks carries but his task of taming -the shrew in amusing fashion. "Swellhead" ,is the second feature on the programme and is fully worthy to accompany the main" attraction. . - : ROXY THEATRE. As the vivacious French girl of the tropics, LenoreUlric gives a polished performance ,jn her second all-talking picture, "South Sea Rose," which is one of the attractions at the Roxy Theatre to-night. The story deals with treachery and conflict and is full of comedy. As Rosealie,/the charmer of a South Sea island, Miss Ulric gives a performance comparable to anything she has given before. She reveals a decided flair.lor singing and dancing. In. the supporting cast are a number of wellfkhown screen artists. A fine supporting picture, "Swellhead," is the second feature on the programme. It is an. exciting story featuring Johnny Walker. . GREY LYNN THEATRE. "The Jazz Age" and "The, Man I Love" will be presented in the doublefeature ,'programme at the Grey Lynn Theatre to-pight. The former, a bright and gay film, entertains well, and the latter, starring Richard" Arien and Mary Brian, is the story of an unusual drama where two women fight for one man. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. The double-feature programme which will be shown at the Alexandra Theatre to-ninht includes "The Taming of the Shrew" and "The Song of Love." Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks are cast togethsr in the former, a fine comedy, and Belle Baker has the lead in the latter. . , WEST END THEATRE. Walter Hust'on and' Claudette Colbert are cast in' the leading roles of the drama "The Lady Lies," which will be screened at the West End tonight. The story has been woven into an interesting picture fully worth seeing. A-programme of varied supports- ! hoe also Deen arranged. . '

"ANNA CHRISTIE." "Anna Christie," which commenced a season at the Regent Theatre yesterday, is remarkable for its standard of acting and for bringing to the audible screen Greta Garbo, this being the Swedish tragedienne's first talking picture. Her speech has a slight accent, which is essential to her role as a' Swedish girl brought to the United States and reared out back, where she first learns the bitter taste of life. Anna Christie is introduced as the daughter'of Chris, a barge captain Avorking from New York to Boston. He is a confirmed drunkard, but has built certain ideals around his only .child. He has not seen her foils years, and then.meets her in the bar of an East Side hotel in" New York. The girl is ill and needs'rest, and has come to him thinking he has a shore job and will be able to accommodate her until she becomes strong again. Chris is proud of his girl, and makes her cosy on Ids coal barge, and she, for the first time in her hectic life, finds peace. This is shattered when, out of a fog, a shipwrecked bailor, Matt Burke, is hauled ,6n board. Between the two —and to the father's consternation—romance develops. This is eventually shattered by Ann's confession of her past. The aftermath is 'strong jn dramatic values,, the end being reconciliation between the girl, the father and Burke. Greta Garbo acts with amazing ability for her first talkie role. Throughout the latter sequences, she reveals a personality that was missing in her silent picture days. She has made a great reputation for herself in this film. In the first half of the picture the honours go to Marie Dressier. Her characterisation of a drunken woman of the waterside is amazing. Nothing better has been seen in the movies. Her performance took the large audience by storm, and the applauso she received showed public appreciation of her interpretation of the part. George F. Marion, as i the father, and Charles Bickford, as Matt; were also excellent., In fact, the whole cast could not "have been better chosen. The supporting featurettes were all good. Marie Kurcnko, a Chicago grand opera singer, gave' two numbers that were greatly appreciated—"Song from D'inorah" and "Song of India." Other interesting items., were screened, the whole programme being one of the best presented for some time. .

TUDOR THEATRE. The sparkling society comedy, "The Lady Lies," starring Walter Huston and Claudette Colbert, is the feature of this evening's programme at the Tudor Theatre,-Remuera. The talkie supports include,a cartoon and the usual extras. On Monday and Tuesday a double bitf will be presented, the "Carnation Kid" and "Caught in the Fog." The former is a Paramount special with Douglas MacLean and Frances Lee in the principal part?. "Lost in the Fog" is*a snappy story with Conrad Nagel and May McAvoy playing the chief characters. It takes place on a millionaire's yacht in Florida. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Ruth Chatterton will appear in "Sarah and Son." AMBASSADOR THEATRE. .Gary Cooper is one of the firs/ film heroes to go nameless throughout • a motion picture. In Paramount's all-talk-ing outdoor production, "The Virginian," which shows at the Ambassador Theatre, to-night, he is never once called by name. He is simply known as "The Virginian." In not giving "The Virginian" a name, the film, follows Owen Wister'e novel and the stage play by. Wister and Kirk La Shelle, from which it is, adapted. '..'.. CAPITOL THEATRE. Irene Bprdoni in "-Paris" supplies tlio laughs in the programme to be presented at the Capitol Theatre to-night. The story, which concerns the gay life of Paris as contrasted with that of the Puritans of America, contains laugh after laugh, and the inimitable antics of the leading lady are responsible for many of them. The supporting programme is good. , RIALTO THEATRE; "; f The picture version of the great war book. "The Case of Sergeant Grischa," will be shown at the Riajjto Theatre tonight, to-gether with,"Hot For Paris." The former is an intense drama, and deals with the struggle for tlie life of a Russian, prisoner among the Germans, Victor McLaglen and El Brendel are assisted by a great cast in providing the laughs in the latter film, a gay'story of life in Paris.' '

, REGENT THEATRE (EPSOM). At tlie Regent Theatre, Epsom, tonight, a double-feature programme will bo presented, including "Their Own Desire" and "Not So Dumb." Norma Shearer gives a poliehed performance as the leading player in the former, and Marion Davies supplies the laughs in the latter, an uproarious comedy. TE PAPAPA TALKIES. A talking picture programme will be presented at the Te Papapa picture hall to-night, when the maiii attraction will be "The Carnation Kid" starring Douglas McLean. It ia a thrjlling story of a typewriter salesman who is mistaken by gangsters for the man they have hired to shoot the district attorney. A talkie cartoon, a comedy and other featurettes will also be screened, EMPRESS THEATRE. . Marion Davies, described as the screen's funniest actress, plays the lead in "Not so Dumb," a hilarious comedydrama which will be screened at the Empress Theatre this evening. Special features are announced for the supporting programmes, including a Mickey the Mouse cartoon and a Charlie Chase comedy. The programme is undoubtedly devoted to mirth, and patrons are assured of welcome entertainment, DE LUXE THEATRE. A double-feature programme will be presented at the De Luxe Theatre "tonight. "Harmony at- Home" and "Song of Love" are the two pictures which go to make up an enjoyable entertainment. The former is an all-talking picture and the latter, stars Belle 'Baker, the queen of song, "in a number of spectacular singing and dancing numbers. GRAMMAR SCHOOL CONCERT. A grand concert will be given by pupils of the Auckland Grammar School at the.Town Hall next Thursday night. An orchestra of 40 is the'largest school Orchestra in the Dominion. There will be a chorus of 100 voices and a band of 25 members. The Dramatic Club will give scenes from Dickens, Many other items are, announced, and the school is looking forward to a successful evening. : • ~ ■' .; SUNDAY PICTURES. "Win That Girl" will 'be, screened at the Regent Theatre to-morrow night in conjunction with a charity * concert. Whitford Waugh's Orchestra will play. Proceeds go to unemployed musicians. "Grass" will-be the picture screened by the Auckland City-Mission at the Plaza. At the Majestic, Theatre there will-be an address and a picture programme, the main feature of which will be "Tragedy of Youth." This is conducted under the auspices of the Rationalist I Association. ' . ' .

. ' STRAND THEATRE. Tbe "Marriage Playground," a picture containing all the elements which go to make excellent entertainment —pathos, romance, comedy, and drama —is the feature of a varied and delightful programme introduced at the Strand Theatre last evening. Based on Edith Wharton's novel, "The Children," the story moves quickly, and has the audience in continual emotional response. It deals with the revolt of the younger generation against. the divorce-crazed, high-life, sensation-seeking .behaviour of their parents. The central figures in the story are -Mary Brian, the eldest of seven children, Frederic March,- who, at the end of the story, marries Mary, and 1 Huntley Gordon and Lilian Tashman, a much divorced cpuple, who are married and divorced in turn to several individuals, and finally come together again, and remarry. In their numerous marriages seven children; are born, but the "brood" are practically deserted by their divorce-mad parents, and. wander aimlessly about the, fashionable'resorts of Europe. It is at Lido that" Frederic March meets-them, and he is at once attracted to Mary, and for the time being forgets his fiance, Seena Owen, whom he has left in Switzerland. Seena forces Frederic to return to her, and Mary, in despair, and hopelessly in love with him, kidnaps'the six children and takes them to Switzerland. The meeting between Mary, Seena, and' Frederic is dramatic,-but Frederic then realises that it is-Mary he loves, and all ends just as good stories should with Frederic marrying Mary and taking charge of her half dozen brothers and sisters. The programme of supports is patricularly good, one really humorous contribution being "His Honor the Mayor," featuring Charlie Murray. "The Ballet" is also good, showing a fine set of girls in excellent dancing numbers.

MUNICIPAL MUSIC. ■ Two performances will be given by the Municipal Band to-morrow, the first in the Zoological Park and the second in the Town Hall in the evening. The programme at the Zoo includes bright marches, hymn tunes, selections, "Reminiscences of Sullivan" and "Reminiscences of Scotland," waltz, "Southern Nights,"' overture, "The Sapphire Necklace," Weber's "Invitation a la yalse" and other interesting items. At the Town Hall in the evening the programme will include a Japanese number "Ke-sa-Ko," overture, "If I Were King," selection, "The Grand Duchess," a delightful suite by Landon Ronald, "The Garden of Allah," and instrumental , solos- by Messrs. Davies and MoLennan. The city organist, Mr. Mau<j<haii Barnett, will give a recital in. the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday afternoon) when he will play works by Handel, Bach and Widor, an andantino • by Sibelius and Grieg's "In the Halls of the Mountain King." ; , COMMUNITY SINGING. "Sing Me To Sleep" may be-a very good song, tout it'is not the-motto of the' Community Singing Committee controlling.the weekly sings at the Town Hall The heartiness of-these gatherings is quite a feature. It is one of the few assemblies of Aucklanders where —-what might be termed—a friendly or family atmosphere prevails. I The--, song leader-for Wednesday text will be Mr. Vernon Drew, popularly known as "the live-wire optimist," The value of the gatherings was evidenced yesterday at the community singing committee when letters and contributions were received from listeners In even as far afield as Port Awanui and New Plymouth, - "' •' ' [ DANCING The Dixieland Cabaret, will be en'fete this evening. The Dixieland Band will, play all the latest dance hits. To-night is announced as "Ashes of Roses" night. The Apache Club will bo in session at the Kitchener -Hail ito-night.- Hfu-ry Bolton's Apache Orchestra will play all the latest dance numbers. The hall has been specially decorated for the occasion. The Click Clack Internationals will supply, the music at the cabaret this evening. Dancing will be indulged in till midnight. Saturdays are sot apart exclusively for jazz. The Parisian' Dancing Studio will hold a dance this evening in their ballroom, Upper Queen 1 Street. Mr. Dan Callinan will conduct the Studio Orchestra,. The Ngaroma Dance Club will hold their usual weekly dance this evening, music being played by Bob Adams and his Ngaroma Band. A dance will held in the Akarana Boat Club's Hall this evening. Special transport is advertised. After the pictures at the Pioturedrome, Milford, this evening two hours' jazz will be held. The Ventura Dance Club will be in season this evening at St. Sepulchre's Hall.. The Versatile Pirates will provide the music. The dance bands of the city have organised a ball, to be held in Scots Hall on Tuesday night: The dance will bo conducted on the non-stop principle;. One hundred musicians will take part, so that the function should be unique. At the Druids' Old Time Cabaret a dance will be held to-night. The famous Revellers will play. On Tuesday week there will bo a fancy dress carmvah The Vagabonds' Dance Band will play at the Rio Rita Dance Club, Crystal Palace Hall, Mount Eden Road, next Wednesday. At the Orange Hall, Newton, to-night, a poster dance will be held, Special prizes are announced. ■ ■ • The Gaiety Dance Club has a special announcement in the advertising columns in reference to their Masonic Hall dance and the gift of free aeroplane flights. The best music will be played at the old-time dance to be held in the Municipal Hall, Newmarket, this evening. The Grey Lynn Labour party will hold their usual. weekly dance at the O'Neill Street Hall this evening. Paltridge's orchestra will play the music