AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 66, 19 March 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The story of tlie pretty Parisian milliner who later, as Madame Du Barry, won the favours of King Louis XV., forms the basis of "Du Barry, Woman of Passion," the screen version of the Belasco stage play, which will have its premiere at the Regent Theatre to-mor-row. Norma Talmadge, who will be remembered for her portrayal as "Camille," fills the title role, while William Farnum, veteran actor of silent films, is seen as King Louis XV. Jeannette, who is in love with Cosse de Brissac (Conrad Nagel),® a dashing young soldier, leaves him for the brilliance of the Parisian salons, to which she is introduced by the effete Comte Du Barry. The king sees her and bribes the count, who is her husband in name only, to leave the country. Jeannette still yearns for the love of de Brissac, and the kind, infuriated, arranges a fete, at which the principal event is to be the execution of the young soldier, who has become the leader of the revolutionary and desperate _ populace. The remaining scenes are of intense dramatic strength. Lavish period costumes and beautiful 18th century settings are features of the production. "The Better Wife," a moving drama of a poor girl's efforts to prove worthy of her husband's superior social position, will close its season at the Regent Theatre this evening. Ruth Chatterton and C'live Brook, both highly talented players, fill the leading roles.

PLAZA THEATRE. The pursuit of an cscapcd convict provides a highly dramatic theme for "Escape," the screen version of Galsworthy's famous play, which is drawing crowded houses to the Plaza Theatre. A cast of celebrated English players is headed by Sir Gerald du Maurier, as Captain Denant. Tlia captain, while attending a fox-hunt of the Fitzwilliam hounds, is awakened to a passionate sympathy for the fugutive, and later takes pity on a girl who accosts Lira in Hyde Park. A detective tries to arrest her, Dennant strikes him down, and the man dies. Sentenced to five years imprisonment, Denant escapes from Dartmoor gaol, and the man-hunt that follows gives du Maurier an opportunity for a fine performance. In the study with a fellow-convict, in the guise of Gordon Ilarker, then with Edna Best, as the lady who protects the man in her bedroom; with Madeleine Carroll, as another protector, and Marie Ney as her reluctant sister, du Maurier has splendid support. The fox-hunt is an instance of masterly photography, and many close-up views of the fox are included. At the "kill" there is a remarkable grouping of the mouths of the hounds. Views of beautiful English countrysides are a feature of the picture. Their stone walls, the old-time architecture, and the sounds of the church bells bring pleasant memories. In the supporting programme is a comedy, "Broken Wedding Bells," showing Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, a cartoon, a novelty and news items.

NATIONAL THEATRE. "French Leave," to-morrow's new attraction at the National Theatre, is said to be even more amusing than "Splinters," the wartime comedy which enjoyed a long run in Auckland a few months ago. The story, which was writcn by Captain Reginald Berkeley, relates a comedy of love behind the lines, and there are 110 harrowing- battle scenes. The difficulties of a young officer whose wife grows lonely and goes to the front to join him is used with amusing eftect as the basis of a very funny story. Posing as a French maid at a country inn, the girl infatuates tlie general, his officers, and even the orderlies, while her unfortunate husband dares not confess the truth for fear of the wrath of the general. Further complications arise when she is charged with being a German spy, and the following episodes are amusing in the extreme. Madeleine Carroll, who was seen to advantage in "Young Woodley" and "The W Plan," is charming as Juliette. Sydney Howard, the solemn-faced comedian of "Splinters," is hilariously funny as the orderly, and the cast of officers lives up to the best army traditions. "Queen High," the screen version of the popular musical comedy, will have its final screening at the National Theatre this evening. An amusing theme centres round the predicament of a business man who bets on a game of poker, loses the wager, and is compelled to act as butler to his jealous partner. ROXY THEATRE. In "A Devil With Women," the current attraction at the Boxy Theatre, Victor McLaglen enhances the reputation which he gaiafed in "What Price Glory" and "The Cock-Eyed World." He plays the part of a dare-devil soldier of fortune who needs little encouragement when perilous adventures or pretty women are concerned. As captain of the guard in a little Central American republic he arrests Tom Standish (Humphrey Bogart), a handsome Englishman, who attempts to smuggle machine guns to the revolutionists. McLaglan next comes in contact with the revolutionary leader, supported by a band' of pretty f senoritas, and the following episodes provide plenty of excitement and thrills. Mona Rico, Luana Alcaniz and Michael Vavitch head the supporting cast. A comedy, a news reel and other novelties complete the programme.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Africa Speaks," the amazing sound film record of wild life in the Dark Continent, heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Scenes of elephants, rliinoceri, giraffes, gazelles and _ flamingoes in their native haunts are included, and the film closes with a thrilling portrayal of a lion hunt by natives. "True to the Navy," a comedy starring Clara Bow, is the supporting picture.