AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 226, 23 September 1932, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Lacking ■ the time or money to go for a trip through Central Africa, the nest beet thing is to go to the Majestic ■where Mr. and . Mrs. Martin Johneonii talking picture, "Congorilla," opened last evening. All the most interesting sight* of their two years' exploration in th< heart of Africa are crowded into an excit< ing hour and a half, during which briel time strange animals are niet, and, still stranger people sit round camp fires in native villages, and join the wedding feast of a pigmy warrior and his bride. Shooting , with a camera instead of a rifle, the modern explorer gets much more closely into touch with wild lite than did the older generation, who hunted to kill. Modern science thinks far more of recording the habits of wild animals than of turn ing them into rugs and gruesome trophies. The museum of the future will possibly be a picture -theatre —at least, it will be less like a Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are pioneers in the newmethods of hunting. So, guided by the natives of the regions through which the safari passes the explorers make .pictures and sound records of many strange beasta and people. On the shores of Lake Nakuru, millions of flamingoes obscure the sky, drift down rivers, the banks of which are lined with crocodiles. Wide plains are crossed, whore herds of antelope and giraffe are seen. In the Ituri Forest the party sojourns for seven months among the pigmies, who are all eagerness to make their visitors welcome. They are quite the pleasanteet people of all, these quaint, child-like folk, whose biggest warrior is only an inch over four feet ihigh. But he has a chest like a drum, a face like one of the gargoyles on the Supreme Court building, a voice like a bull frog's croak, and all the cunning of bushlore at his finger tips. Even the mighty elephant falls victim to the craft of the pigmies, who demonstrate to the visitors the traps they set for him in the jungle paths. After leaving the .pigmies the safari penetrates the mountain fastnesses where the gorilla rules, and there the camera catches intimate glimpses of the great ape at home, while the sound apparatus records his snarling voice and the tremendous drumming of his fists on his chest, bhe challenge to battle. Two of the apes, either one of whom would tear a professional wrestler in two, stage a battle right under the eye of the camera, and later the hunters are able to capture two of the younger apes, which are brought back to civilisation. The gazette on the same programme contains some excellent sports features, notably the Davis Cup match between Borotra and Vines, and the swimming and diving contests at the Olympic Games. The comedy is a "Scrappy" cartoon, just as funny as any previous episodes of the series. . NATIONAL THEATRE. An enjoyable programme was presented to patrons of the National Theatre last evening, when the »ew season's entertainment was introduced. "Des.try Rides Again," featuring Tom Mix; "No Privacy, a typical Lloyd Hamilton comedy; a welldone athletic "short," "Over the Fence, ■starring Babe Ruth, the famous baseball player; "Hollywood Kids," a Thalian production, and "The Flying Horse, an Oswald the Rabbit cartoon, complete a most entertaining programme. In the main picture; "Degtry Rides Again, Tom Mix is as fearless and daring as ever in his horsemanship. The picture, which is actually Mix's initial production since his? serious illness last year, although his second film to be screened locally, shows the star as Destry, part-owner in a stage coach company, and known as the hardest rider and fastest shooter in the country. Loved by law-abiding citizens and feared by outlaws and crooks, Destry makes many enemies among the latter. On the election for sheriff, for which he is a candidate, he is cleverly "framed by his opponents, being arrested and charged with attempted murder. He is sentenced to prison, but in Court he swears himself to vengeance. Tlianks to the influence of his sweetheart's father, he is pardoned and released. How Tom avenges himself and subsequently "cleans up" the town provides several thrilling sequences. There are some amusing scenes when the news of his release reaches the ears of his enemies, and the rather hasty departure of several "stalwart" citizens from the town brings broad smiles to the faces of the audience. TO-NIGHT'S CHANGES. Four changes of programme will be made this evening at city theatres. These include: The Civic, where the sparkling comedy, "Million Dollar Legs, is the attraction; the St. James', where Marion Nixon will be seen in "Reb'ecca of Sunnybrook Farm"; the Regent, where 'Alias the Doctor" (Richard Barthelmess and Marian Marsh) will be featured; and the Plaza, where "No Greater Love,' a fine tale of devotion between an endearing child and a lovable old man, will be pre* sented. The Majestic and National changed programmestlast evening, and the Strand, Roxy and TWoli on Wednesday. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. Roushworth's Skating Rink, Khyber Pass Road, has decided to present selections from its jazz band every night in the future, owing to.the greatly-increased demand for music with skating. CONCERT AT WAIMAUKU. A benefit concert, organised by the Waimauku Rugby Football Club for Mr. Ernest Coster, who lost a leg in a motor car accident, was held in the Waimauku Hall on Tuesday evening. Miss Lillian Braithwaite's concert party supplied musical items, humour and songs. The contributors were:—Misses L. Braithwaite, JM. Johnston. N. Newman, M. Jackson, E. •tnd D Weble, M. Andrews, Mrs. Bishop, and Messrs. G. Kirk. W. Runsam and M. Thompson. Music for tho dance which followed was supplied by Halton s Orchestra. A sum of £17 was taken at the door. NEVILLE CARLSEN REVUE CO. The Neville Carlsen Revue Company presented a programme last night in the Peerless Theatre, Kqhiraarama, in aid of the Tamaki Relief Workers' Association. The following contributed:—Mme. V. Paskell, Mesdames J. Holt and N. Carlsen, Misses D Lawson, W. Katterns, N. Ash down, D. Lockwood, J. Tucker, J. Watts, J. Breere, J. Trainer, J. Boyd, Messrs. L. Porter, J. O'Kane, G. Carlsen, F. R. Shaw, K. Smith, W. Audain, J. Holt, J. Driver and N. Carlsen'. Mrs. Holt was the accompanist. AMATEUR COMPETITIONS. In an attempt to revive the Auckland amateur competitions, which vjere a few years ago a regular feature of the city's theatrical life, Mr. Neville Carlsen has secured permission to hold competitions, starting next Monday, in the West End nnd_Empress Theatres. Classes will be judged in musical, vocal qnd elocutionary talent. All prizes will be guaranteed by the Amalgamated Theatres, Limited. Entries will be accepted for the next few days.