AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 305, 26 December 1930, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE NEW MOON." The spectacular musical comedy success, "The- New Moon," which has enjoyed long runs in Britain, America and Australia, had its Auckland premiere before a crowded house at His Majesty's Theatre this afternoon. A galaxy of talented singers, including Romola Hansen, Sidney . Burchell and Herbert Browne, appear in this picturesque production, which portrays the adventures of Robert Misson, an aristocratic French revolutionary who is exiled to New' Orleans by King Louis XVI. There he falls in love with Marianne, daughter of a wealthy merchant, and escapes with her in her father's ship, "The New Moon," The scene in which the ship is attacked by pirates is only one of the spectacular presentations in this tuneful comedy. The three popular Gilbert and Sullivan artists Leo. Darnton, Bernard Manning and John Ralston are also in the cast. Much interest is being taken in the reappearance here of Jim Gerald, who, it is said, has scored a great success in "The New Moon." Booking arrangements are advertised. NATIONAL THEATRE. All the presentations of a modern circus form a novel background to the amusing comedy-drama "Rain or Shine," which had its premiere at tie National Theatre on Wednesday evening. Joe Cook, the noted American comedian, plays the part of Smiley, the circus manager, to whom "Old Man" Raincy, the late owner, haa left the custody of the circus and hia daughter, Mary. But the finances of .the company fall td a very low level owing to the heavy downpours of, rain which greet the circus at every town it visits, and Smiley is further troubled by a flirtation between Mary and "Bud" Conway, a college boy who joins the circus "for a lai'k." Financial matters become worse when the circus moves on to Shrewsbury, and when Conway 'endeavours to help the circus out by persuading his wealthy father to back it, Smiley, torn between pride and jealousy, does his best to ruin the scheme. Mary instantly dismisses him, but the circus gets out of hand, and when Smiley is taken back he decides to put on a "one man" Bhow by dismissing all the performers except Conway and one or two others. Strangely enough, his plan succeeds, but the circus tent catches fire, and Smiley only rescues Mary in the nick of time. The story ends happily with Mary's decision to stick to Smiley and the circus for life. A number of well-known performers, including Louise Fazenda, William Collier, jun., and Joan Peers, appear in this film, which has been ably produced, and provides ideal holiday entertainment. There is an excellent supporting programme. At each matinee a pantomime by juvenile porformers is presented, as a special attraction for children. The management has chosen "Cinderella" as most suitable, and the entertainment has been arranged by Misses Marjorio Turner and Beryl Nettleton.

TO-NIGHT'S -CHANGES. New programmes are being sere sued at 6even city theatres to-day. Two British productions, "Not So Quiet on the Western Front," an amusing Cockney parody, and "Loose Ends," a society comedy, head the Civic Theatre program e, which also includes a "Sinbad the Sailor" pantomime at each matinee. Ruth Chatterton heads a notable cast in "The Lady of Scandal," an adaptation of Lonsdale's brilliant comedy "The High Road," at the Majestic Theatre. The Regent Theatre attraction is the musical comedy "Whoopee," which has been lavishly produced in technicolour by Florenz Ziegfeld and Samuel Goldwyn, with Eddie Cantor at the head of a great cast of performers. "Holiday," which has its premiere at the St. James' Theatre, is the first of the 1931 special attractions, and tells of the rivalry of two Bisters for the favour of the man they love. Ann Harding and Mary Astor are the leading players. "The King of Jazz," with Paul Whiteman and his famous band, is a, lavishly produced screen revue, and should draW large crowds to the Strand Theatre. At the Plaza Theatre Nancy Carroll plays her first serious role in "The Devil's Holiday," a story of the regeneration of a New York "gold digger" through a romance with a young wheat farmer. "The Squealer," a mystery play, with Jack Holt in the leading role, and "Amateur London," an amusing comedy, are being screened at the Roxy Theatre. Sherriff's famous war drama, "Journey's End," heads the London Theatre programme, which also includes "High Society Blues" and other comedies.

LUNA PARK. The latest attractions at Coney Island, New York, have been reproduced at Luna Park, the popular. amusement urea. Superba and Zenobia, two 'noted performers, make their appearance for the first time in New Zealand. Old-time and jazz music ie played by Martinengo's Band.