AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1934, Page 20

AMUSEMENTS.

"BELOVED" AT ST. JAMES'. John Boles has a genius for looking the

part, and never has he been given a better J opportunity of proving it than in '"Beloved," * the new picture at Ht. James' Theatre, j j The events of the film cover a long .span of years, beginning in Vienna in 1838 and j cmiiiiK in modern America. There is music and delightful singing; love in youth and ! age, ii whole life time of it, and drama that is intensely moving, tender and full of human interest. Opposite -Tohn Boles J is the charming actress Gloria Stuart, who. • as a Southern beauty, becomes involved in the struggles and sacrifices which help '< him to realise a great ambition. The ! story tells of a .musician who had his first ] taste of music as a baby and grew up. ' amid classical melodies. In young man- ] hood he makes his appearan.ee in the ] United States, and there the audience lius ( rather a startliug first glimpse of the actor. ■ While riding in a Victoria he encounters a young colonial and in the heat of the •' moment he leaps from the carriage for a > sudden trial of strength. It is but an incident, but wins for him the admiration - of a tfirl who happens to sec it. Moving quickly on, the story shows how the : musician becomes a private tutor in an > aristocratic home: how lie conquers tho i heart of his pupil, and how he goes on : active service in the Civil "War, when all ' social divisions toftcrand are swept away. : Afterwards there is the inevitable struggle ' of life for the musician and a charming ' wife, with only meagre fees to keep the ' home. Yet talent has often flourished in ■ such surroundings-, and so it is here. A .sou grows to manhood and in his turn experiences the perils of war and marries. Then comes the third generation, and with it the rebirth of the talents of the - grandfather. But it is jazz now, and the melodies which delight modern ears are clothed in a form that brings only disappointment to the one who inspired them. It is a fine character study of the grandfather, revealing hidden powers in .Tohn Boles- One wonders after seeing him in this picture whether he is greater as a singer or actor. And he has been fortunate indeed in having the beautiful , Gloria Stuart to share his triumph. In the line supporting programme are in- i eluded entertaining and instructive bridge , hints by Ely Culbertson iu ''Transatlantic , Bridge Tricks"; a delightful cartoon of , Oswald the Rabbit, and an informative • newsreel explained by Graham MeNamce, in which arc scenes from New Zealand's thermal wonderland. ROXY AND TIVOLI. Those robust, romantic, rough-necks, Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglcn, who made "Scz you!" and "Sea me!" as j famous as- "Come up and see me sometime!" will be seen in their newest picture. "No More Women," now showing at tho Rosy and Tivoli Theatres. "No More Women," as far as the title is concerned, should not bo taken seriously. When these two fighting lovers say "No More Women," they mean "no more than we can handle at one time." This time they are deep-sea divers, ace-men on rival j salvage tugs. Lowe is satisfied to tight McLaglen as opposition diver until he sees the pretty owner of the tug on which McLaglen works. Then he joins the tug, and Sally Blane, the owner, has her hands full "kidding" two of them in place of one. Lowe is thrown into gaol charged with murder after a fight, in which Mc.Lagleii disappears. However, when McLaglen reappears he ie released to help salvage a 2,000,000-dollar sunken treasure. At the bottom of the ecu the two rowdy pals encounter rival divers, and then follows one of the most exciting climaxes ever to come out of Hollywood. Zaeu Pitts, ordinarily the most meek and mild of film players, verged on to the primitive during the film ot a scene from "Sing and Like It," the other picture at the two theatres. The comedy sequence called for Nat Pendleton in a tough moment, to clout little Pert Kclton on the side of the head—and naturally both were a bit timid about the action, as Nat, an ex-heavy-weight wrestler, could quite easily inflict serious damage. Pendleton "pulled" his punches so effectively that many "retakes" were necessary. Finally, Miss Pitts, on the sidelines, lost patience with the take and retake schedule. "Get it over with, Nat haul off and let her have one on the chin, was her advice. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. Bright comedy in one film and thrilling action of the wild West in another comprise the entertainment which opened last night jointly at the National and Prince Edward -Theatres. The films are "Three-Cornered Moon" and Ihe "Thundering Herd," talkie version ot Zane Grey's classic. •'Three-Cornered Moon" has a fascinating little story behind its freshness and charm. Ihe play, which brought fame and financial success to its author, was written by Gertrude Tonkonogy, member of a family brought to the verge of destitution by the depression. It ie this family—it must be this family—which "Three-Cornered Moon" represents. The Rimplegars are the most unaffected people in the world. There is the mother, adorably foolish, who speculates in Wall Street, but does not know what a margin is, even when she is closed out. Mary Boland plays the mother, and you arc introduced to her in the kitchen. She is struggling with a. Polish cook, who speaks no English, and she is wearing a gorgeous negligee from which ostrich plumes sweep. Claudette j Colbert is the daughter, Elizabeth Rimple"■nr a shade more practical than the rest of the family, but still capable of loving Ronald, that hopeless novelist, too proud to work, but not too proud to live on the Rimplegars. The eons, all personalities, but all alike in being true Rimplegare, are Kenneth, the law student, played admirably by Wallace Ford; E<l, the youngest, whom Tom Brown presents excellently; and Douglas, who has brought from Harvard nothing but the correct accent for Little Theatre performances. Richard Arlfn is Dr. Alan Stevens, admirable foil for the exuberance of the Rimplegars. • LITTLE THEATRE PLAY TO-NIGHT.

The amusing Irish play "Is .Life Worth 3 Living?" by Lennox Robinson, of the 3 famous Abbey Theatre Players, Dublin, J should "secure a most sympathetic hearing 1 from local play-goere, when it is presented thie evening in the Town .Hall Concert Chamber, by Mr. Frederic E. McCalluiii, producer, for the Auckland Little Theatre Society. It will be staged until Thursday ' night. 1 ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. 1 One of the fastest-moving of recent 1 English films, "Aunt Sally." in which 5 popular Cicely Courtneidge has the starl rin" role,- is the chief entertainment 5 booked for to-night at the Alexandra Cinema, Green Lane. "Hi, Nellie! is also showing. ! KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. > Several good musical sequences are in- ', eluded in the amusing "Hips, Hips, ' Hooray" film, in which Wheeler and 5 Wooleey will entertain to-night's patrons ! of the • King's Theatre, Northcotc. '• Dorothy Lee and Thelina Todd are featured in the cast. EDEN DALE CINEMA. Joe E. Brown' romps with his usual style of breezy comedy through the length of "Son of a'Sailor," which shares the ■ bill to-night at the Edendale Cinema ' jointly with "Hold Your Man," a com- • bined • Clark . Gable-Jean Harlow costarring romance. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Polished acting by Herbert Marshall, Elizabeth Allan, Mary Boland and Lionel Atwill makes a brilliant piece of film fare in "Solitaire Man," which is screening to-night at the New De Luxe Theatre, together with "Long-Lost Father," a John BariTmore romantic drama. GLEN EDEN CINEMA. Dealing with a highly emotional theme —that of a convent sister in Spain who is called upon to release to the world and ■ the call of young love the child whom she 1 has raised by adoption for nearly 20 years —•"Cradle Song" will reveal tho Continen- '■ tat star Dorothea Wieek at her best at 'the Glen Eden Cinema this evening. This I beautiful star, as Joanna, the sister, gives f a wonderful acting performance. Sir Guy 1 Standing, as the likeable old doctor, Evelyn ' Vcnable, as the young girl in love, and 1 Kent Taylor, as the young man in the • case, provide the featured players.

CIVICS TWO FILMS. Picture-goers will have a veritable feast at the Civic this week for there arc two big features and both, though different from each, other in a. refreshing way, are excellent. The first picture, "Kigbt Girls in a Boat,"' is a poigtvaut romance of a girls' school, the hie inside the walls and the tragic adventure of Christa Storm, who broke bound?, schemed to get outside to meet her lover, and the fate that befell her. The part is played by Dorothy Wilson, who at times is delightfully like Kuth Chattcrton, and she handles what might be a somewhat sentimental role with pleasing restraint and charm. Kay Johnson takes the part of the physical instructress whose only idea is to see that the girls do hard exercises and keep lit. Indeed some of the scenes of the girls' vowing, drilling and swimming would justify the picture in itself it justification were required. The second picture, "Bolero, is really outstanding, but by reason of its different qualities it does not dwindle the first feature. •'Bolero'' has for a theme tune that wonderful piece of the same name by Ravel, the modern French composer, and for this reason musicians will find the picture doubly interesting. With its savage rhythm and unusual harmonics the music of the dance beats relentlessly into the brain till the pressure seems insupportable.. But the picture is not a musical one altogether; there is good drama iu the plot and there are George Haft and Carole Lombard in the main roles, l'roni a miner in drab surroundings George Mart climbs rp the ladder of lame on the favour of women and through his genius for the dance. This is the first opportunity screen audiences have had of seeing George liatt in a dancing role, and so rhythmical and poised is he that he will be eagerly awaited in similar roles again. There is something Valentinoesque, if one may coin a new adjective, about Raft that is halfway to ensuring his success. As his partner, Carole Lombard gives a particularly line performance. A dance, a quivering thing of circular movement, is done by Sally Kami, and is an outstanding contributing feature.

" I ADORE YOU " AT STRAND

Lavish musical spectacle built round all engaging story and studded_ with the presence of some ot England's prettiest stage girls makes "I Adore You/' which opened last night atuho Strand Theatre, a first-rate entertainment. The plot, centres round Norman Young, wealthy young dilettante (Harold French), who is jnadly in love with Margot Graluiine (played by herself), star of the Colossal Film Company. His attentions arc embarrassing, despite the fact that lie doe's not, as the saying is, "know air when he gets it." In his bright way Norman decides to buy the studios lock, stock and barrel in order to secure the contract-bound Margot, and he goes to the studios by appointment. In the meantime, Colossal want a man to play a millionaire, and a certain De Quincy Young is sent to play the part, anil to secure the job is "dressed to kill, arriving in a super-Rolls, having obtained a "lift" from the chauffeur. His arrival is seen by Mr. Koenig, managing director of Colossal, who thinks he is the wealthy Norman Young, so the peiiedo millionaire is feted around the studios. After many adventures and much fun. the real Young makes himsclt known, buys the studios, gives the staff a fortnight's vacation iu honour of the fact that all misunderstandings between Margot and himself have been cleared away, and that after their wedding they are off on their honeymoon.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Following the stories of a group of people assembled iu a London bus at the time ot a fatal accident, "Friday the Thirteenth, now at the State Theatre, Onehunga, together with Will Rogers' amusing "David Harum." stars Jessie Matthews and Edmund Gwenn.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Undoubtedly one of the most memorable pictures to have come out of Hollywood for many years, because of its sweet sentimentality and cleanness, "Little Women" should prove a great success at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, where it is showing to-night. The popular and talented Katharine Hepburn depicts the loved and lovable character of Jo as no other screen artist could. Joan Bennett. Frances Dee and Jean Parker also do well as the other three girls in tho romance. Spring Byington. a stage star. is good as Marmee, and the other roles arc similarly rilled in highly suitable manner, ADELPHI THEATRE. A story based on actual incidents known to* have occurred at social events in New Y'ork forms the basis of "Coming Out Party," in which Gene Raymond will be. featured with Frances Dee at the Adelphi Theatre to-night, in conjunction with "Sleepers East." WEST END THEATRE. John Boles, emotional star and popular screen .ginger, plays leading man to the beautiful young newcomer, Rosemary Ames, in the lattcr's first film, "I Believed In You," which is announced for screening this evening at the West End Theatre, Ponsonby. Also showing is "Coming Out Party," with Gene Raymond and Fiances Dee. NEW REGENT, EPSOMLouisa May Alcott's romantic story written some 70 or 80 years ago, is just as fresh to-day and holds just as much charm for modern folk, as is amply demonstrated by the sweeping success of the film version, starring Katharine Hepburn as the irrepressible Jo, in "Little Women." The film shows to-night at the NewRegent Theatre, Epsom. EMPRESS THEATRE. Straight from its Queen Street season. the hospital romance "Bedside" will be screened at the Empress Theatre to-night in support of the clever musical comedy; romance, "Fra Diavolo." featuring Laurel and Hardy, Dennis King and Tiielmi Todd. The story, dealing with the adventures of two comic villains in a bandits' lair, incorporates many fine sinking and romantic ocenes. MAREO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. The third concert of the Marco Symphony Orchestra's 1934 season will be piesented in the Town Hall on Thursday, July 12, under the baton of Mr. Erie Marco. Mr. Vincent Asnoy will lend the violins. Ravel's "Bolero, LitolfV's "Robespierre" and Tschaikowsky's "Pathctique" are featured on the programme. Two more recitals will be given by the organisation this year. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE CONCERT. A most promising programme has been . arranged for the concert to be given by the St. John Ambulance Orchestra in the ambulance hall, Rutland Street, on Wednesday evening next. A string orchestra of 40 players will be heard. LONDON THEATRE. Romance is the chief feature of "Where Is That Lady?" the English picture now being screened at the London Theatre. Owen Nares is the star, and Mart a Eggert provides the feminine element. O. B. Clarence contributes to the comedy. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Noel Coward's brilliance is. plentifully exemplified in the? film "Design For Living," which will be featured to-night !at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. Kredrie j March and Gary Cooper portray the two main male roles, with Miriam Hopkins as the unusual girl who could not make up her mind as to which man was the better and so decided to have both. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Highly polished screen drama is embodied in the film "Another Language," from the successful stage play of Broadway, and the West End of London. Tho production will be shown at the Kingsland Talkies to-night. Robert Montgomery and Helen Hayes are starred. "If I Were Free," also adapted from a famous play (John Van Druten's "Behold We Live"), and starring Clivo Brook and Irene Dunne, will be screened with "Another Language." GREY LYNN CINEMA. In addition to the usual Saturday newsreel session (7.30-8 p.m.), the Grey Lynn Cinema will to-night present its patrons with a dual fare' comprising the comedy drama "Tugboat Annie" (Dressier-Beery), and the English film, "His Grace Gives ' Notice."

"FLYING DOWN TO RIO."

What is best described as a happy, pleasant musical comedy with the latest j in looks and technique, opened the season ] at the Plaza Theatre last evening. "Flying , Down to Rio" has been looked forward ] to for months by picture "fans," and the real article is not disappointing. To find a new angle for the staging oi an up-to-date show tho producers deserted the sea ; and hind. They took to the air, and this ] film presents a plot which, in its unfolding, discloses unique settings which set a new ; standard for future imitators. One is . almost overwhelmed by the dozens of , pretty girls Hollywood provides. The music , keeps toes tapping from first to last in . varying tempos. The aeroplanes filmed in flight make a spectacular show by the variety of models displayed. An occasional song, but not too many, makes a well- , balanced break in the action of the film. Dolores Del Rio is the obvious feminine| lead, and her return' to Auckland audiences in a modern role is a feature ot the entertainment. The firo of the jha/.ih.m temperament is suitably interpreted by tliis star as she wavers in her affection between her fiance. Paul Raulien, and an American jazz band leader, played by the blond Gene Raymond. The male lead romped and dallied through his part in the best musical-comedy style in the most natural way. and sustained the interest by Ilia alternations of romance and despair. He was amusingly seconded by l< red Astairc. who puts some pep into everybody who sees him dunce and tool. With the'favourite. Ginger Rogers, and even with the "distant" star, he steps lively on occasions, in both ballroom and solo dancing efforts. A new feature introduced is the Carioca, the very latest in bizarre and barbaric, though certainly fascinatii.g •lancing. Astaire takes part in a clever burlesque of this style, and witn Holmes Del Rio he entertains with a Mexican tnngo The scenic beauty of the famous city" and harbour of Rio de Janiero is exploited in the film, and towards the end there are some thrilling shots of the ballets on aeroplane *. ings, divan? and zooming over the crowd on terra firnia. Brightness and novelty are the keynotes ot "Flying Down to Rio." An easy plot develops in an atmosphere of laughter and tunefulness from beginning to end. In the supporting programme the Him shows a Pathe Gazette and a Fox Movietone News in addition to a shorter musical comedy featuring Ruth Etting, the famous American radio singer. GAIETY THEATRE. John Boles ns an actor of the first water is seen in "Only Yesterday," the fine emotional drama chosen as a vehicle for debut in films of lovely Margaret Sullavah. The picture screens to-night at tho Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. The fourth and possibly the best of Eddie Cantor's annual musical comedies, "Roman Scandals," cannot fail to prove popular to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. The songs in the film are sung by Ruth letting, Gloria Stuart, and, ot course, by Eddie himself. NEW EMPIRE THEATRE. Lionel Barrymore and Miriam Hopkins are the two chief players in the fine human drama ljlm : "The. Strangers Return," which is screening with 'It I Were Free" at the New Empire Theatre to-night. Clive Brook and Irene Dunne are starred in the latter picture. RIALTO THEATRE. The glamorous Marlene Dietrich had the English star Brian Aherne as her leading man in her last film, "The Song of Songs," which is to be shown at the Hialto Theatre, Newmarket, this evening. Lionel Atwill also has a gftod role, while Alison Skipworth has a sympathetic part in the same production. The Riallo also offers its patrons Will Rogers' highly amusing portrayal of the famous book character, David Harum, in the film ot that title. The story by Edward N'oyoj Westcott is well known to hundreds ot Aucklanders. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. In addition to Joe E. Brown's hilarious comedy, "You Said a Mouthful." the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellorslie, will this evening screen the excellent romantic drama. "Storm at Daybreak." featuring Kay' Francis. The plot is laid in tho Baikfins at the outbreak of the Great War. NEW CAPITOL THEATRE. j Ann Hai-tling, Nils Aether and Robert Montgomery are the chief figures in the cast, of "The Riptht to Romance, which is co-featured with "King For a Night (Chester Morris and Helen Twclvetrccs) at the New Capitol Theatre to-night-VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. Possibly as fine a performance as he has vet given in a modern film. George Arliss work in "The Working Man" is sure to please the audience at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, to-night. Bctte Davis. Hardie Albright and Theodore Newton are also featured. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The film which definitely restores Joan Crawford to great public esteem after a minor eclipse ("Dancing Lady ) will be presented this evening at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. Clark Gable is her leading man in this musical production. "Torch Singer," a Claudette Colbert vehicle, will also be shown. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Auckland Municipal Band will give an attractive recital in the Town Hall tomorrow evening. Miss Kay Christie (cootralto) will bo hoard in two numbers. The band will' render selections by leading composers. Solos and ducts will be included. A fine programme will be given in the Zoological Park in the afternoon.

RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. To be screened in aid of local charities under the personal supervision of the Mayoress of Newmarket, Mrs. S. Donaldson. "Tho House Opposite" (Hur-rv Kendall) and "Bad Companions" (Maureen O'Sullivan) will comprise the fare offering for to-morrow evening at tlic Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. A special "hard-up" carnival will be held in Rouehworth's Skating Rink this evening, when four prizes will be awarded for dress and one for an impersonation ot a typical hard-up farmer. Details are advertised. Next Saturday an interprovincial hockey match between Auckland and Wellington will be held at the rink. DANCING. Peter Pan, cabaret band in new numbers; dance demonstration. Dixieland, Clyde Howley's New Internationals. Civic Wintergarden, demonstration of the "Bolero" and "Carioca" dances. Society of Arts Hall, Eden Rugby Football Club's dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall. Technical Old Boys' Rugby Football Club's dance. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, Bob Adams' orchestra. Masonic Hall, Newton, Operatic Quintet orchestra. Labour Hall, Karangahape Road, Frank Staeey's band. My-T-Fine Dance Hall, Newmarket, Chevalier orchestra. , Crystal Palace ballroom, Waitemata Swimming Club's dance. St. Mary's Hall, Ellcrslie, gala old-time dance. Akarana Yacht Clubhouse, weekly dance. O'Neill Street Hall, Blue Revels band; cards and dancing. Orange Hall, Newton, Rio Grande Oldtime Dance Club. St. Columba Hall, Surrey Crescent, cards and dancing. Point Chevalier Sailing Clubhouse, Oriental night. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's orchestra. Gaiety Hall, Wednesday, Dave Wilson's fortnightly dance. Dominion Hall, Ivia Ora old-time dance. Liverpool Street Hall, Old Mill Dance Club. Zcalandia Hall, Balmoral, Holt's orchestra. New Savoy Cafe, Newton, British Legion social and dunce.

"MOULIN ROUGE."

Of all the Reds which have troubled parents and puritans down the ages, and have titillated the philistine hosts of the earth, none has retained its piquaint popularity like the old Red Mill of Paris. And tftough but a borrowed image for stage purposes in America, the picture "Moulin Kongo," presented for the first time at tho Regent Theatre last night, has the piquancy of its notorious namesake in that it provides beautiful and bizarre settings, haunting music, bursts of drama, romance and humour—all in a joyous, devil-may-care atmosphere. To a cleft manipulation of the entertainment features in stage spectacle and story of the kind which has had such a great vogue in recent years, the "Moulin Rouge" ot the Regent adds an intriguing dual-part interest to intensify fun and drama, and is electrified by the contrasting personalities of Constance Bennett. Franchot Tone, Tullio Carminati and Helen Wcstiey. Comedy, drama and romance arc irresistibly conjured up by the artistry of this quartet, with Constance Bennett bewitching the house as well as her colleagues by her fascinating management of the dual role. Catchy songs, notably "Coffee in the Morning," "Song of Surrender" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," form one of tho many features which, with half a dozen unusual incidental characters and large-scale spectacles of stage magnificence, contribute to the allround gaiety of the production. It marks one of Constance Bennett's greatest achievements. A most unusual and striking item of the supporting programme is "Trees"- —a selection of notable poems and songs portraying trees as they appeal in their beauty, shade and dignity to ten tie moods and minds, to the accompaniment of ar organ obligato by Jesse Crawford. A Micky Mouse cartoon, "Playful Pluto." jumps the audience into screaming comedy, which 5k a really inspired force in places, and another mood is catered for ill a pictorial cruise by ketch into the beauti.nl waters of comparatively unknown places in the British Isles. The Paramount aiv.l Cinesound gazette reels, too, arc especially interesting and newsy, the former this week featuring a novel effect in the booming out of the hour of 8 o'clock by B:g Ben. Tt is a notably pleasant programme throughout. "ROBIN HOOD" PAGEANT. The Rev. George Coats is organiser of the forthcoming pageant-drama based on the legend of Robin Hood, to be staged in the Auckland Town Hall on August 7, 8 and f>. All tTie famous characters— Robin Hood himself, Richard Cocur de Lion, Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Stately and Maid Marian—will be represented. Musical and stage effects are receiving special attention. PIRATE SHIPPE, MILFORD. Miss Sara Stacpoole (soprano) will be featured on tlie orchestral programme to be presented at the Pirate Shippe Cabaret, Milford, 'to-morrow afternoon. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. The inimitable Marie Dressier-Polly Moran comedy combination is again the chief element of entertainment in the timely picture, "Prosperity," which is. featured on to-night's bill of fare at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. STATE THEATRE. A bright and romantic English film, with plenty of comedy, and featuring Hollywood's Constance Cummings, is screening currently at the State Theatre under the title of "Heads, We Go!" Also showing is the powerful dramatic picture, "The Mayor of Hell," with James Cagney starring.

"THE LADY IS WILLING."

Under a variety of disguises Leslie Howard plays the role of a private detective with startling methods of procedure and a lover with a most unconventional style of wooing in "The Lady Is Willing." a British comcdy-fnrcc ■which opened at the Majestic Theatre lust evening. He is supported by an excellent cast and the dialogue, of which there is much, never flags for lack of a witty phrase. Sir Cedric Hardwicke plays the role of (riistav Dupont, promoter of fraudulent companies and object of the detective's professional attentions, while Binnie Barnes appears as his wife Helene; in whom the detective is interested from motives private as ••veil as professional. Together with three friends, Pignolet, a country bankei - , Mcnard, a schoolmaster, and Welton, a retired pugilist running a gymnasium, the detective (Albert Latour) is ruined by the collapse of one of Dupont's fraudulent companies, in which the four have invested all their savings. With the object of recouping their losses, they kidnap Helene Dupont, while at the same time Latour, disguised as a famous doctor, offers Dupont a fabulous price for a section of land owned by the wife, and believed to contain mineral springs of medicinal value. This move is at first intended merely to make Dupont the more anxious to ransom his wife in order to get the transfer of the property, as he is not sufficiently fond of her to do so otherwise, but when the wife escapes from the castle where she has been held prisoner, the quick-witted detective enlists her sympathy to carry through the transfer at his fictitious valuation. In tiie end. the cheater is thoroughly cheated, and a divorce is imminent. Some items of move than ordinary interest are shown in the supporting programme, the Universal vaudeville film containing some excellent acts, of which one of the best is a series of daring feats on roller skates. A film record of the ascent of Mount Victoria, in the Lake Louise district in the Canadian Rockies, shows some magnificent mountain scenery, while comedy is provided by a Paul Terry-toon, "Pigskin Capers."

AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Comedy will be the tiling to-night at the Avondalo Municipal Theatre, where Charles Laugh ton's superb "Private Lite of Homy VIII./' is billed with "Love, Honour and Oh, Baby!" a typical Slim Summerville-Zasu Pitts farce.

MUSIC AND DRAMA RECITAL. Students of Miss Koran Whineray. A.L.C.M., will present a mid-year recital of music and drama* including two oneact plays, in the, Lewis Eady Hall next Wednesday. Proceeds are to be devoted to the winter relief fund.