AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 187, 9 August 1930, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Ben Travers, prince of English humorists, has written a number of highly successful books and plays, chief among these being "Kookery Nook," the talking screen version of -which is having a successful long season at St. James' Theatre. There is not a dull moment in the film, for Mr. Travers is a past master in the art of creating the most amazing situations, and his stories keep one in shrieks of laughter. "Kookery Nook" is no exception to the rule. That engagingly English atmosphere, purity of language and simplicity of humour and dialogue ■which distinguish all Mr. Travers' farces have been incorporated in this all-talk-ing film. Miss Mary Brough, Mr. Tom Walls and Mr. Ralph Lynn make the very most of the principal parts, rolling off the tip of their extremely facile tongues all that is brightest and most humorous in the playwright's inimitable dialogue. Next Friday '"Sally," another outstanding musical comedy, will be presented. REGENT THEATRE. War in a subdued key—without martial airs, mock heroics and profanity —is the subject of "Journey's End," at the Regent Theatre. Real too, are the characters —that splendid fellow, Captain Stanhope, portrayed by Colin Clive, loaned from London stage production by arrangement with Maurice Browne, Limited. There is "Uncle Osborne, laying down his glowing pipe to go out on a raid knowing he will be dead before it is cold—a role entrusted to lan MacLaren. Raleigh is a lad to admire—hero-worshipper eager for adventure and getting it. David Manners plays Raleigi. Anthony Bushell portrays Hibbcrt, afraid of it all. Billy Be van is the fat lieutenant who finds war "bloomin' awful without pepper." Charles Gerrard is the long-suffering cook, Mason. Other roles are played by Warner Klinger, Jack Pitcairn, Thomas Whiteley and Robert A'Dair. James Whale who could do nothing less than the correct thing by "Journey's End," for he has directed several stage productions of it, directed the picture. The recording is remarkably clear and the voices all British. STRAND THEATRE. Entertainment of an unusually high standard is contained in the teehnicolour production "Paramount, on Parade," at the Strand Theatre. The presentation is. in the form of a series of spectacular, humorous and dramatic sketches, which are replete with tableaux, dances and excellent song numbers. Some of the best-known artists of the "talkie" screen appear in the picture. One of the most interesting interludes, is,, "Murder Will Out," a clever travesty on detective mystery stories>.in which William Powell appears as Philo Vance, Clive Brook as Sherlock Hplnies and Warner Oland as Dr. Fu Manchu. "The Rainbow Revels," in which Maurice Chevalier and a company of beautiful girls appear, is another number of outstanding merit. Other features of the production are "Dream "The Toreador," "Love Time" and "Showgirls on Parade." NATIONAL THEATRE. Greta Garbo, the Swedish actress, comes back into her own in the talking version of Eugene O'Neil's great drama, "Anna Christie," which is now at the National Theatre.. In the title role of this powerful film Miss Garbo gives a notable character study of a girl who is the victim of environment and ultimately finds her soul cleansed by the sea. Miss Garbo's voice and accent suit the role admirably, and the change from the vicious whisky-drinking drab to , the. vivacious' helpmate on her father's sea-going coal barge is finely drawn. Brilliant character studies are given by George Marion, Marie Dressier and Charles Bickford. There is a good supporting programme.' ROXY THEATRE., All of the fun, romance and daring horsemanship that is to be found in the U.S. cavalry is seen in "Troopers Three," a Tiffany all-talking picture at the Roxy Theatre. Rex Lease, Roscoe Karns, Slim Summerville and Dorothy Gulliver head the cast. The story tells of three young men who thought they were entering a training camp, but found they had enlisted in the cavalry for three years. What happened was a-plenty! There was a girl, of course —the daughter of a first sergeant. Her dad was hard-boiled, but she was softhearted. And so the fun is fast and furious. There are screamingly humorous situations that keep the audience in a titter of merriment. "The Time, the Place and the Girl," the screen version of the famous comedy success, is the second attraction.' Grant Withers plays the part of a young .college man who boldly enters the cruel world of Wall Street, and while he imagines he is on his way to fortune- is really in danger of becoming obscure. Betty Compson takes an important part in the story. REGENT (EPSOM). ."Jazz Heaven," the star attraction at the Regent Theatre (Epsom) is a talksinging and dancing film featuring Sally O'Neill and John Mack Brown. Lilting melodies, infectious comedy and gorgeous costumes make the picture a joy to the ear and the eye. There is a tender love romance interwoven that abounds with heart interest. , Brown is youthful, handsome and has an engaging personality. He is a typical song and dance artist. The second attraction is "Street Girl," a drama of the Hungarian quarter of New York. Betty Compson has, the principal part. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A double feature programme is, announced to be screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. Charles Brabin, who achieved outstanding results with the screen transition of Thornton Wilder's somewhat difficult novel, "The '•; Bridge of San Luis Rey," has done it again, this time with the entirely different work of "The Ship from Shanghai."Conrad Nagel and Louis Wolheim are the stars. The action takes place aboard a smal/ saving schooner on the Pacific Ocean. A second attraction on I the same programme is "The Melody ' Man," starring William Collver and i John St. Polis. LYRIG DE LUXE. At the Lyric De Luxe, Symonds Street, "Dangerous Paradise" will be screened to-night. Nancy Carroll, Richard Arlen and Warner Oland are the leading members of the cast. 'The story is full of action and thrills. There will be an excellent supporting programme. ROYAL CHOIR. The Royal Auckland Choir will give a concert in-the Town 11 next Thursday. The soloists are Mipa Caldow, the Moore sisters and Eric Bell. The Mount Albert Grammar School Choir will assist. LEYS INSTITUTE ORCHESTRA. The Leys Institute Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Harold Baxter, will give its second concert at the Unity Hall next Wednesday. An announcement appears in another column.