AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 286, 3 December 1930, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The story of the fanjous London criminal "Raffles," the "amatev- .acksman," whose character is brilliantly portrayed by Ronald Colman, will close its seaman at the Regent Theatre to-morrow evening. In "Africa Speaks," which will have its first' screening on Friday, the eerie silences and the weird noises of the African jungle are brought to the talkie screen for the first time. This film m not the work of an imaginative photo- - rapher stationed at Hollywood, but the official record of the Colorado African Expedition, which penetrated the depths of darkest Africa to photograph the teemiii"- life with which that vast region abounds. One sees large herds of elephants, lumbering through the jungle, the Ifi tribe of pygmies with their barbaric modes of life, flocks of horn-bill storks in flight, a swarm of destructive locusts which leaves a trail of ravaged vegetation in its wake, the lake of beautiful flamingoes and other strange scenes of the Congo jungle. One thrilling episode shows a native of- the Masai tribe being attacked by a lion, and his death cry comes right from the African fastnesses to the audiences of crowded cities. Not since "Chang" has such a thrilling picture of nature been brought before the public. ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

The delightful comedy "Spring Is Here" will "be screened for the last time at the St. James' Theatre to-morrow evening. In a story which abounds with comical situations the drolleries of a combination of youth and middle age go together to ensure that the audience will be kept in a riot of laughter. _ Famous for her clever comic characterisation ill "Golddiggers of Broadway," Winnie Li°Mner will again entertain Auckland audiences in "Hold Everything," which will be seen for the first time on Friday at the St. James' Theatre. In this well-known musical comedy, which was recently presented here in stage form by the Clem Dawe Company, Miss Lightner will have as partner Joe E. Brown, the actor who in less than a year has become one of the leading players of farcical roles in the screen world. With those two talented players, Warner Brothers have made the most of the comic element in the story, which tells in amusing fashion of the rivalry between two boxers and their coteries of supporters. A prominent part is played by Georges Carpentier, the famous ex-heavy weight boxer and vaudeville star. The romantic element is introduced by Miss Sally O'Neill, a newcomer to the screen, who wins the hearts of both boxers and their seconds, thereby adding further complexities to the situation.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Not Damaged," a drama of toodern youth, will conclude a season at the Majestiq Theatre to-inorrow evening, and will be succeeded on Friday by "General Crack," George Preedy's famous historical romance, with John Barrymore in the title role. Barrymore, who is one of the most famous actors on the London and American stage, as well as on the screen, brings all his talents of voice and gesture to bear in the role of "General Crack," the mad Prince Christian, who lived in the early half of the eighteenth century, and reached the height of his power during the reign of Leopold II." of Austria. He was the son of the Duke of Kurland and a gypsy princess. Lust for power and cruelty, combined with unbridled passion which 6wept him from one love to another, made him a character, at once feared and admired. He became a dashing soldier of fortune, espousing whatever cause paid him the highest price. Much of the picture is in technieolour, and the capable supporting cast includes the alluring Spanish actress Armida, as Fidelia, the gipsy waif; Lowell Sherman, who gives a polished portrayal as the Emperor Leopold, Marion Nixon, Hobart Bosworth and Jacqueline Logan. ' NATIONAL THEATRE. Witty dialogue and farcical humour characterise "Strictly Unconventional," Somerset Maugham's domestic comedy, which will close a season at the National Theatre to-morrow evening. Friday's new programme will be headed by "The Rogue Song," a Cossack romance filmed entirely in technieolour, with Lawrence Tibbett, the famous, baritone of the Metropolitan Opera House, -\New York, in the leading role. In addition to the virile eongs which the principal sings there are rollicking love ditties and robust choruses sung by. a chorus of talented male singers. STRAND THEATRE. The exciting drama "Runaway Bride" is attracting large houses to the Strand Theatre, where it will be presented again this evening. Mary Astor and 'Lloyd Hughes play the leading roles in this picture, which tells of the hasty decision of a.young woman to elope with her fiance, their implication in a jewel robbery and a double. murder, and the rescue of the girl by a wealthy young bachelor. There is a good supporting programme, including some interesting news reels and an "Our Gang" comedy. "MALOLO NIGHT."

There was a large attendance at the "Malolo Night" entertainment of Maori music which was given in the Lewis Eady Hall last evening for the benefit of the American tourists at present in Auckland. Maori solo items were sung by Mrs. Kaihau, Mrs. King and Mr. R. Eskrigge, and a varied programme of hakas and dances was rendered, including an exposition of the poi dance by the Walter Smith troupe of entertainers. BLIND INSTITUTE CONCERT. A concert in aid of the cancer campaign fund was given by members of the Blind Institute in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening. The programme included part songs by the school choir and selections by the school band. Solo items were given by Mr. S. Gordon, Mr. T. Taylor, Miss M. Bray, Miss L. Martin, Miss C. Whiteford and Miss E. Hawkins. .

CIVIC THEATRE. The story of a woman who fought her way from a shabby dressmaker's ehop to power as the greatest modiste on Fifth Avenue, is revealed in "On Your Back," which will have its final screening at the Civic Theatre to-morrow evening. Friday's new attraction will be an amusing comedy, "Love Among the Millionaires," in which the vivacious Clara Bow will be seen in the leading role. In a part which allows her innumerable opportunities to reveal her talent ae a singer, Mies Bow sings and acts with the whole-heartedness and vigour for which she is noted. ' She- ha 3 the part of an •attractive waitress-entertainer in a railroad junction restaurant, who is the admiration of all the men whose acquaintance she makes. Skeete Gallagher, as a railway detective, vies with Stuart Erwin, a telegraph operator, for her favours, but the girl remains impervious to their blandishments until the arrival of a railroad president masquerading as a brakeman, puts a new complexion on her life. A strong supporting programme accompanies this mirth-provoking comedy.. . LONDON THEATRE. "Hungarian Rhapsody," the screen version of Liszt's musical masterpiece, concludes its season at the London Theatre this evening. The new (programme to-morrow will be headed by two features, "The Eomance of Maoriland," a comprehensive and excellentlyphotographed New Zealand scenic, and "The Vagabond King," a colourful musical romance of medieval France. Dennis King and Jeannette Macdonald are featured in this picture, which has been filmed entirely in technicolour. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES. William Powell will be seen as a daring gambler who -becomes implicated in a love romance in "Street of Chance," now screening at the Tivoli Theatre. The second feature is "Young Eagles," a story of the Air' Force, starring Buddy Rogers. "Street of Chance" is als_p being shown at the Rialto Theatre, and is accompanied by "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," in which Clive Brook, as the famous detective, is given a most elusive crime to solve.' BENEFIT CONCERT. A grand benefit concert will be given by the Auckland Transport Club in the Town Hall Concert Chamber this evening. Items will be given by the Tramways • Male Choir, which will be assisted by leading local artists.