AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 50, 28 February 1931, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

THE REGENT.

Jeanette Mac Donald and Jack Buchanan score a decided and instantaneous success in their musical comedy hit "Monte Carlo," released for the lirst time to a large and highly appreciative audience last evening at the Regent Theatre. There are the proverbial hundred and one reasons why this reception was well merited. The production is not only a highly diverting comedy with an interesting romance developing all the way ..on the basis of the eternal triangle, but throughout the picture musical numbers, enchantingly sung by the principals, with haunting melodies and choruses go to make a most enjoyable offering. Into the picture have also been introduced several novel "stunts" which are carried out with rare effect. Jeanette Mac Donald takes the part of a beautiful and charming, but pitifully impoverished countess who, after escaping at the very steps of the altar from a marriage which would have proved of the utmost convenience to her depleted nances, rushes off to Monte Carlo in search of fortune, taking only her favourite maid with her. At Monte Carlo she enmeshes in her charms a Count who has all the fascination and attraction of the Countess in the social scale, but is embarrassingly wealthy. She is haughty, however, and disdains acquaintance with him; but the Count is determined and in order to gain the object of his desires he becomes a hairdresser, the artist engaged by the Countess being readily susceptible to handsome remuneration for his complicity. During the process of the lovemaking and liairdressing there are many mirth-provoking situations, and as the Count is of the disposition that goes through life singing, there is a varied run of pleasing musical numbers. The acting of the principals is decidedly clever and the dialogue witty and attractive. The climax comes with a theatre scene in which the plot, developed on the stage, is a reproduction of the "real life" situation between the Countess and the "hairdresser," with the result that the lady's eyes are opened to the real social position of her bai-ber. At the last moment, too, the formerly jilted lover drifts in with rare effect in the completion of the comedy. The picture is exceptionally well staged, and with the many novelties, and the wonderful singing of Jeanette Mac Donald and Jack Buchanan, is one of the finest attractions to date. The supporting films are interesting and pleasingly varied.' The programme can be recommended for enjoyable entertainment.

ROXY THEATRE. William Boyd, who lias won wide popularity for his- work in virile roles, is seen as a young cavalry officer in "His First Command," the current attraction at the Pvoxy Theatre. He plays the part of an indolent and wealthy young mail, who is sent west by his father to prove his worth. Joining the United States cavalry in order to be near a beautiful girl, who has attracted him—the colonel's daughter—the young city youth soon earns a reputation for daring and gallantry, and the love of the girl is finally the cause of his regeneration. - Apart from the refreshing romantic interest, the film includes some thrilling cavalry scenes, requiring exceptional skill on the part of the horsemen. Dorothy Sebastian makes a charming heroine. " The supporting picture is "The Sophomore," a college comedy, featuring Eddie Quillan and Sally O'Neill. LONDON THEATRE. "The Last of Mrs. Gheyney," a comedy drama by Frederick Lonsdale, whose Aldwycli Theatre farces have proved So popular in Auckland, is the main attraction at the London Theatre. Norma Shearer, the talented actress of "The Divorcee," gives a finished portrayal as a young woman who is threatened with blackmail by an unscrupulous man. The battle of wits which ensues, between the two people, both, of whom are guests at a fashionable house party-, produces excellent entertainment. Comedy is the keynote of the remainder of the programme. "Half Marriage" is a farcical comedy of modern life and there is also an Our Gang comedy. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES. "Rain or Shine," which heads the programme at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres, has the versatile artists, performing animals, varied sideshows and the general glamour of a great modern circus as a background. The picture centres round the efforts of the heroine (Joan Peers) to keep the show going in all weather, in face of the opposition of members of the company. Joe Cook, noted stage comedian, appears in turn as a clown, a singer, a dancer, and a tight-rope walker. William Collier, jun., heads the supporting cast'. There is an interesting supporting -programme.

ORPHEUS THEATRE. "Journey's End," the celebrated war drama by R. C. Shorriff, will have its screen presentation at the Orpheus Theatre, Otahuliu, this evening. The author portrays the effect of war-strain 011 five Englishmen, each of different temperament. Colin Clive, star of the original stage cast, gives a brilliant portrayal as Stanhope, the courageous voung officer who buoys up his shattered nerves with drink. There is a capable supporting cast. "Ladies Love Brutes," starring George Bancroft, will be the attraction on Wednesday. VICTORIA THEATRE. "The Flirting Widow," a socie'ty comedy, featuring Dorothy Mackaill and Basil Rathbone, both English players, will be shown at the Victoria Theatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Last of the Duanes," a Western drama, starring George O'Brien, heads the current programme at the Britannia Theatre. "Soup to Nuts," a vaudeville comedy, will also be shown. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. "Sally,'' a bright musical comedy, featuring Marilyn Miller, and "What Men Want," a society drama, will be screened at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, this evening. ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. "The Big Pond," starring Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert, heads the current programme at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn. The pictures will be followed by dancing. WEST END THEATRE. "Dixiana," a lavish musical drama of New Orleans in 1840, will be screened at the West End Theatre this evening. Bebe Daniels, Everett Marshall, Robert Woolsey, and Bert Wheeler are the principal players. There is an interesting supporting programme. GREY LYNN CINEMA. "The Show of Shows," a brilliant musical revue, starring Winnie Lightner and John Barry more, heads the current programme at the GreyfLynn CiDema. EMPIRE THEATRE. Edward Everett Horton, the famous comedian, is funnier-than ever in "The Aviator," the present attraction at the Empire Theatre. Patsy Ruth Miller makes a charming heroine.

NATIONAL THEATRE.

Delightful comedy is the keynote of "Let's° Go Native," which had its premiere at the National Theatre last evening. The story starts with the eviction of a beautiful girl fiom her home in New York by an uncompromising landlord, and much fun is provided by the bunglings of the furniture mover, s. Her society sweetheart, played by James Hall, is unable to assist her as his father has disinherited him on learning of his infatuation for the girl, whose part is wonderfully portiayed by Jeanette Mac Donald. The situation is uncomfortable, to say the least, as the worthy wealthy parent has intentions that his son shall become affianced to a svelte society girl, who, however, prefeio to retain her choice in such matteis. Then Jeanette learns that to repay hei debts she must take a trip to Buenos Ayres with a troupe of show girls. Things are still more complicated when William Austin, an Englishman, and his cab-driver, Jack Oakie, after a seiies of really funny adventures, crash into the police headquarters. They tJee, and to save their, skins are forced to take on jobs as trimmers on a liner for Buenos Ayres. With them comes their pal Hall, the disinherited one, who cannot Stay away from his beloved, and Kay Francis, the girl of his father's intentions.- On the trio a half-submerged derelict all but wrecks the liner, and the party takes to a raft. Next morning they iind themselves off a lovely tropical island, and 011 going fine it inhabited by a band of "native girls with the faintest trace of Brooklyn accent in their English. They are ruled over hv a king, Skeets Gallaghei, whose wit is fresh and original. Though happy with his lot, he sells the island, which is rich in pearls and oil, to the heroine, who in turn later sells it to the father of her fiance, Charles Sellon, when he arrives with a rescue ship. One million dollars is the price, and the contract is no sooner than a terrific earthquake comes, and the island is tossed about like a jelly. Everybody flees for the ship, and when they are all aboard, the father softens towards the girl, for he has made a wonderful bargain. He is gazing proudly at his island when it suddenly sways, then slowly sinks under the sea. Jack Oakie, who has been the life of the whole party ashore and afloat, finds that he has lost his heart to Kay Francis, and everything ends happily. The picture is excellently supported by a number of interesting and instructive displays of New York, while two short comedies provide abundant humour. #

LYRIC THEATRE. Bright music and rapid action are the features of the .screen version of the musical comedy, "Rio Rita," which will be eh own at the Lyric Theatre this evening for the first time. Scenic beauty from the south-western States of America makes a delightful background to the picture. The scenes, to a large extent, are filmed in teclinicolour. Bebe Daniels and John Boles head the strong cast. SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. "Rio Rita" is the attraction at the Sandringliam Cinema to-day. The colour scenes in the sub-tropical States of America and the music of the wellknown musical comedy make the picture a special treat. With Bebe Daniels and John Boles in the principal parts, the action is of a high standard. Comedy is supplied by Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. CRYSTAL PALACE- THEATRE. "Half Shot at Sunrise" is the amusing picture at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The pair of screen comedians, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, appear as quick-witted and unscrupulous soldiers, and their antics provide a long, series of laughs. Dorothy Lee and Leni Stengel give interest to the supporting roles. Another comedy, "What Men Want," is included in the same programme. REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. "Danger Lights," now screening at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, is a thrilling railroad drama, which deals with the Struggle of a. divisional superintendent to keep the service going at all costs. The late Louis Wolheim, who will be remembered for his fine work in "All Quiet on the Western Front," is the leading player. Robert Armstrong and Jean Arthur fill the romantic roles. "Women Everywhere," the supporting picture, is an amusing comedy, featuring Clyde Cook. ALEXANDRA AND DE LUXE.

Tho brilliant Lonsdale comedy, "On Approval," will be screened at the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, and the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, this evening. The picture' deals with the complications of two ill-assorted couples who spend the week-end in a country house on the Scottish moors. Tom Walls, Yvonne Arnaud, Winifred Shotter. and the other talented English players of •'Rookery Nook," are included in the cast. CAPITOL THEATRE. - The regeneration of a selfish society girl, who is convicted of manslaughter through caieless driving, forms the highly dramatic theme of "Manslaughter" the current attraction at the Capitol Theatre. Claudette Colbert, who was seen in "The Big Pond," fills the leading role, while Richard Marsh is seen as the fearless young State Prosecutor. "On Your Back," a society drama starring Irene Rich, is the supporting picture. EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Grand Parade," a drama of a minstrel troupe, .heads this evening's programme at the Empress Theatre. Helen Twelvetrees plays the role of a girl who is adopted by the leading musician, and her life story provides an interesting theme. "Pardon My Gun," a Western comedy, will also be shown. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. "Common Clay," the story of a girl who strives to live down her tragic past in the face of intolerance, will be screened at the Ambassador Theatre this evening. Constance Bennett, who was seen in "Son of the Gods," and Lewis Ayres, star of "All Quiet on the Western Front." lill the leading roles. TUDOR THEATRE. "Loose Ends,' 5 a brilliant comedy of English society, featuring Owen Nares, heads the current attraction at the Tudor Theatre. "Not So Quiet on the Western Front," a war-time farce, will also be shown. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The story of a young polo player who aims at high society and falls heavily forms the theme for "The Social Lion," the present feature at the Prince Edward Theatre. Jack Oakic fills the title role A society drama, "The Gamblers," will also be shown. "THE' MAN FROM TORONTO." A repeat performance of the drama "The Man from Toronto," which was successfully performed by members of the St. Cutlibert's Old Pupils' Association some time ago, will be given in the. Town Hall concert chamber this evening, in aid of the earthquake relief funds. The cast includes many of Auckland's best-known amateur dramatic artists. The play was enthusiastically received by crowded houses at its last perform- i ances: I

PLAZA THEATRE. The problems of a society heiress who marries a temperamental and inconstant violinist form the highly dramatic theme for "A Notorious Affair/' which had its premiere before a large audience at the Plaza Theatre last evening The talented and beautiful Bri'lie Dove gives the finest portrayal of her career as the rich young wife, who raises her husband from obscurity to fame, only to see him fall an easy victim to the wiles of an alluring countess. The story of her efforts to win back his affections and to restore his fame as a great musician provides ample scope for both player and producer. Basil Ratlrbone, the English a in. or who will be remembered for his polished portrayals in "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney" and "The Lady of Scandal," capably interprets the part of the vacillating musician. Kay Johnson scores a further success as the scheming countess, while Montague Love is seen in a newrole as the heroine's over-indulgent father. The refined atmosphere of English social iife is in keeping with the high tone of the production. The supporting film, "Top Speed," is an hilarious comedy, featuring Joe E. Brown, the inimitable farceur of "Sally" and "Song of the West."

PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. "The Devil's Holiday," a drama of the American wheat belt, starring Nancy Carroll and Phillips Holmes, will be screened at the Picturedrome, Milford. this evenijg. The programme will be followed by dancing. MUSICIANS' CONCERT. "Sea Horses," starring Jack Holt and William Powell, heads the programme to be given by the Musicians' Union at St. James' Theatre to-morrow evening. Orchestral and solo items are also included. MUNICIPAL BAND. A well varied programme will be played ljy the Municipal Band at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon, and the last of the Sunday evening outdoor concerts will be given at Albert Park in the evening. The band will commence their Saturday night concerts in the Town Hall on March 7, and will continue on alternate Saturday and Sunday evenings. ORGAN RECITAL. . The organ recitals in the Town Hall will be resumed to-morrow afternoon. The city organist, Mr.. Maughan Barnett, will play Handel's "Samson" overture, Mendelssohn's First Sonata, an effective work based on the Westminster chimes, by Vierne, and three movements from Gounod's "Faust" ballet music. CONCERT AT HOSPITAL. Mr. Neville Carlsen and his concert party visited ward 2S at the Auckland Hospital on Thursday evening. A programme consisting of the following items was presented:—Miss Jesmoiid Hiscott, song; Miss I. Peltola, dance; Miss D. Jensen, song; Miss Hilda Davie?, elocutionary: Messrs. George and Neville C'arlsen at the piano in concerted numbers. SUNDAY PICTURES. "Matrimony" will be screened at the Prince Edward Theatre to-morrow evening under the auspices of the Labour party. Mr. Lloyd Ross will give an address on "The New Vienna." "The Awakening," starring Vilma Bankv and Louis Wolheiin, will be shown at the Eialto Theatre to-morrow evening. Proceeds are in aid of New.market charities.

"Smile, Brother, Smile" will be screened at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow evening, under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. Mr. E. F. V\ ay will give an address on "Earthquake Sermons." DANCING. There will be a carnival dance at the Dixieland Cabaret this evening. The Dixieland Band will plav the latest selections. - There will be a dance at the Peter Pan Cabaret this evening. Dance music will be provided by the "cabaret-band. The Bio Rita Dance Club will hold a dance at the Crystal Palace Ballroom this evening. The Vagabonds' Band will be in attendance. The Grey Lynn Labour party will give an old-time dance at the Masonic Hall, Newton, this evening. Music will be provided by Paltridge's Orchestra.

A dance will be held at the Blockhouse Bay Hall this evening. There will be many novelty attractions.

There will be an old-time dance at the Click Clack Cabaret this evening. Flannels are optional. Music will Sic provided by Morrow's Orchestra.

There will be a dance at the Pirate Sliippe Cabaret, Milford, this evening. Bartley's Band will be in attendance.

Flannels are optional at the Parisian Studio dance this evening. There will be many novelty attractions.

There will be a dance in the Druids' Old-time Cabaret, Newton, this evening. The famous Revellers will be in attendance. A dance will be held at the Picturedrome, Milford, this evening, following the picture programme. The Rex Palace de Danse will hold a dance at its hall in Karangaliape Road this evening. There will be many novelties. The Navarro Club will hold a dance at the Manchester Unity Hall this evening. There will be many novelty attractions. There will be a dance at the Trader Hall this evening. The Bandits Banwill be in attendance. An old-time dance will be held in the Oran°e Hall, Newton Road, this evenins. ° There will be many novelty attractions. The Balmoral Cabaret will open its season at the Zealaiulia Hall, Balmoral, next Saturday. L. Jones' Band will uc in attendance. The Apache. Dance Club will reopen at its hall in Kitchener Street next Saturday evening. There will be many novelties, and gome delightful lighting effect.-:. The Apache Orchestra will play the latest dance music.