AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 4, 6 January 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. Comedy is the keynote of the eurretrfc programme at tlie Plaza Theatre. Harry "Green, a well-known American comedian, is seen in "The Kibitzer" (the "know* all") as Ike Lazarus, a city tobacconist, who dispenses "wisdom" on a variety of topics, but invariably with unfortu* nate results. The picture shows, in a series of highly amusing scenes, some of the consequences of Ike's friends following his counsels. Mary Brian and Neil Hamilton are the most prominent in the supporting cast. In "The Sap From Syracuse," the second feature, Jack Oakie is seen as a young country boy who thinks the world is his to conquer. On his way to Europe he is mistaken for a prominent engineer who is travelling incognito, and with this misconception as the basis for the story a very humorous picture is madeFriday's new programme will be headed by "Dixiana," which has been hailed by critics as the finest musical romance yet brought to the audible screen. The action of the story is set amid the glamour and fashionable life of Louisiana. Spectacular scenes are presented of the New Orleans Mardi Gras of IS4O, the famous Cayetano : s Circus Theatre, which was the social rendezvous of the times, and the gambling saloons, where fashion and fortune "vied. All the brilliance of this era in America's histoiry has been recorded faithfully in story, music, settings, costumes and atmospheric characteristics. Bebe Daniels, star of the screen version of "Rio Rita," appears as a circus entertainer, while Everett famous operatic baritone, plays the male lead. There are eleven fine musical numbers, including "Dixiana," "Love Is Like a Song," "A Tear, A Kiss, A Smile," "I Am Your Baby Now," "Mr.' and Mrs. Sippi," and many others. Prominent supporting players are Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Joseph Cawthorn. Jobyna Howland, George Herman, a. clever contortionist, and BiU Robinson, tap dancer. " THE BELLE OF NEW YORK.'' The evergreen charm and the simple .yet entrancing lyrics of "The Belle of New York," faithfully interpreted by the talented artists of the J. C. Williamson Company for a short season ending on Thursday evening, are delighting large numbers of Aucklanders at His Majesty's Theatre. There will be a matinee performance to-morrow. It may not be generally known that many of the characters in "The Belle of New York" were taken from life, having their prototypes in celebrities of the day. For example, Ichabod Bronson represented J. D. Rockefeller. Bronson, jun., was the millionaire's sou, and Cora. Angelique was , the much divorced actress, Lilian Russell.' The belle herself —a pretty, demure Salvationist, was the daughter of General Booth, then leading the operations of the Army in Pell Street, the Chinatown of New York. Miss Romola Hansen makes a charming belle, and is heard in the well-known song, "Follow On." The strong comedv element is in the capable hands of Leslie Holland, as Ichabod Bronson, and Jim Gerald, who plays Blinky Bill with a. keen appreciation of the part. In the romantic juvenile role, Sydney Burehell gives an excellent performance, and is aided by -a rich voice of quality. ROXY THEATRE. ... The popular Ken Maynard is seen at his best in '/Sons of the Saddle," a. stirring Western drama which heads the current programme at the Roxy Theatre. The story centres round the struggle between Maynard, who is cast as the foreman of a large ranch, and a party of outlaws, who are intent on wreaking revenge on the ranch owner for his part in running their leader out .of the country. Maynard's best friend becomes involved with the "gang" and a situation that is full of difficulties develops. The way in which he succeeds in outwitting the cattle thieves and in bringing his friend to his senses makes an enthralling picture. A -note of romance runs through the film. The chief feminine role is taken by Doris Hill. The second picture on the programme is "Spurs," in which Hoot Gibson is seen as a dashing. cavalier of the plains. Some remarkable riding is a feature of the production. LUNA PARK. The many novelties at Luna Park are proving a source of great attraction to thousands of patrons each day. The management have invited the children of the Auckland Hospital to be their guests at a (special matinee to-morrow afternoon. The public is invited to attend.