AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. "Gloriously British" is the tribute paid to the film version of the Galsworthy [day, "Escape," which will conclude a successful season in a few days at the Plaza Theatre. Some of the most celebrated players in English drama were associated with the production of this film, which gives a convincing and intensely interesting study of an English gentleman who falls a victim to circumstance, and attempts an escape from Dartmoor prison. The world famous Sir Gerald du Maurier gives a brilliant portrayal as Captain Denant, the refined clubman and war hero, whose defence of a girl against the accusations of an abusive detective results in his conviction for manslaughter. The altercation between the two men leads to a scuffle, and the police officer is killed through striking his head on an iron railing as he falls. The gentleman's imprisonment, his daring escape, the harbouring of him by women of every class, and his ultimate recapture Ere all episodes in the thrilling narrative. The supporting artists include Miss Edna Best, Miss Madeleine Carroll, Miss Mabel Poulton, Miss Marie Ney, Austin Trevor, Horace Hodges and lan Hunter. There are some unforgettable scenes of the English moors, and of an old cathedral town, where the fugitive seeks refuge. The story opens with a picturesque foxhunting prologue. Basil Dean directed the production at Elstree. "HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. There are so many delightful features in the pantomime "The House That Jack Built," which will open a short season in Auckland at His Majesty's Theatre on March 31, that they can hardly all bo taken in at one performance. A very pretty scene is that in which six ornate illuminated swings are hung from the front of the stage and the principal boy and girl and four members of the chorus swing far out over the stalls to appropriate song and music, while the colour of the lighting on the swings changes continually. The toyshop ballet is also one of the outstanding features of the presentation and reflects great credit on the ballet mistress. An unusual effect is obtained by an aeroplane which flies out of the" darkness and above the heads of those in the stabs, and a very attractive number is the wedding of the Turnip and the Carrot, their attendants being clever imitations of well-known vegetables. The pantomime is very fortunate in its comedians. Jim Gerald plays the part of Dame Barleycorn, and it is stated that his performance is the best pantomime the Australian stage has known. Mr. Roy Rene is another clever comedian well known to New Zealand audiences. Miss Amy Rochelle is the principal boy and Miss Nell Taylor the principal girl. The box plans will be opened at Lewis Eady's on Friday morning. MUNICIPAL BAND. A most enjoyable concert, comprising a programme of unusual musical excellence, was given by the Auckland Muni, cipal Band on Saturday evening at the Town Hall. The band, under the baton of Mr. George Buckley, was in fine form. The two outstanding numbers were a collection of airs from Wagner's "Rienzi" and excerpts from Tschaikowsky's "Pathetique Symphony" and of these the band gave splendid renderings. Alford's march "Vendette" and Suppe's "Pique Dame" overture were the opening numbers, and a very fine rendering of Eilenberg's "The Mill in the Black Forest" was given. "Tales from Vienna Woods" (Strauss) won hearty applause from the audience, who enjoyed its rhythmic melody. Other selections played Avere the "Coppelia" Ballet Suite, Steck's Intermezzo, "Flirtation" and the march "Crusader." Miss Phyllis Gribbin and Mr. Ralph Eskrigge were the soloists for the evening, and both gave enjoyable renderings of their numbers, Elgar's "Like to the Damask Rose" was Miss Gribbin's first number, which was encored enthusiastically. Her second item, "Moorings" (Wilfrid Sanderson) was well suited to her contralto voice. Mr. Eskrigge revealed his fine qualities in "E Lucevan le Stelle" and followed his success in this number by a fine rendering of "Thank God for a Garden." Two instrumental solos were included on the programme. Mr. H. C. McLennan gave a flute solo, "Lucia Fantasia" and Mr. F. Bowes a cornet solo, "Emmett's Lullaby." Mr. L. Whittaker played the accompaniments for the songs. REFORM LEAGUE CONCERT. A well-varied concert programme, arranged by Madame Grace Griffiths, was given in the Lewis Eady Hall on Saturday evening under the auspices of the Eden branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League. The opening address was made by Mr. T. Mclndoe, president of the branch. The first item consisted of two songs by Mis 3 Sarah Stacpoole. Miss M. Home was heard in two elocutionary selections, and Mr. Burry, a tenor, in two song numbers. Other items on the programme were: — Chinese and Hungarian dances by Miss Peggy Holmes; songs by Miss Cecelia Prfngle and Mrs. H. Armstrong Keven; violin solos, Mr. N. Walker; tenor solo, Mr. H. Jessop; musical monologue, Mr. A. L. Griffiths, and a vocal trio by Mrs. Keven, Miss Pringle and Miss 0. Stephenson. The accompaniments were excellently played by Madame Griffiths.