AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 289, 7 December 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. A comedy of a bashful young man who is induced to pretend a previous love affair with a famous motion-picture star, only to have that star come into town and involve him in a love tangle that makes him a hero in the eyes of his neighbours, is now showing at the Plaza Theatre, and is entitled "Ex-Bad Boy." A junior partner of a company is induced by his senior to pay court •to his daughter, since a most undesirable fellow is claiming her attention, Being bashful, the young partner makes little headway with his suit. But, thevfather spreads it about that his young partner has had a passionate love affair with a motion-picture star. This causes the daughter to alter her first impressions. When the actress arrives in town, accompanied by a very jealous sweetheart, then the fun begins. Chester has an encounter -with the other man, and, though actually afraid of him, succeeds in winning and thus becoming "the apple of the eye" of the girl who at first repulsed him. The ex-bad 'boy is played by Robert Armstrong, Jean Arthur plays opposite him, and Lola Lane i 3 the actress. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Maugham Barnett, city organist, gave a well-chosen selection or organ works at a recital in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. Included.in the excellent programme were compositions by Tschaikowsky, Bach, Schubert, Wesley and Benedict. WESTERN CHORAL UNION. The Western Choral Union presented Handel's "Messiah" for their second con. cert of the 1931 season last Thursday, before a crowded house in St. Andrew's Hall, New Lynn. The oratorio was exceedingly well done under the baton of Mr. Thomas Mortimer. The small orchestra performed their part in good style, and the only 'cellist, Lionel Johns, a lad of 12 years, shone brilliantly, especially in the Pastoral Symphony. | Miss Doris Bransgrove's rendering of the ' soprano solos delighted all, and she was j recalled. The tenor, Mr. Leslie Belsher,: carried off his solos- with marked ability, and Miss Winifred Johnson delighted her ( audience with her pleasant contralto. Mr. John Bree's well-modulated bass, ! was especially fine in the air "Why do the Nations so furiously Rage Together," and he was recalled. Mrs. Mary Barrett, the choir's able pianist, was supported by Mr. Cyril Towsey. The proceeds of the concert went to supplement . the funds of the Western Social Service, of which the Mayor of New Lynn, Mr. George Lawson, is chairman, Mr. Lawson is also patron of the Western Choral Union.