ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 256, 28 July 1927, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Few comedies have come to the screen during tho past twelve months that can compare iu plot interest or swiftness with "A Kiss in a Taxi,” Bebe Daniels’ new Paramount starring picture, now showing at the Regent Theatre. In it the vivacious comedienne plays Giuctte, a bewitching waitress of Montmartre. All patrons seek to kiss her, but she is untouchable, answering each advance with a fresh shower of. glassware. Chester Conklin, as .Maraval, treasurer of the Artists’ Society, has one of the best opportunities of his career. Miss Bathie Stuart and her four Maori maidens again provide the vaudeville turn, with an entirely new collection of songs aud dances, while capital music is supplied by the orchestra. “EVENING CLOTHES.” 'l'lio transformation of a rustic into a. polished ruan-about-tow-u is witnessed in “Evening Clothes,” which will open tomorrow at tho Regent Theatre. This unusual metamorphosis is depicted by Adolphe Menjcu, who is cast cs Lucien, a gentleman French farmer, who marries a city girl, unappreciative of the beauties of country lifo. Virginia Valli, tho vivacious brunette beauty, plays the part of the bride. Realising that his wife can never care for the things that have always been his chief interest in life, Lucien lets her go on their marriage day, and goes himself to Paris, Foiling that my remaking himself he may finally win her back. He becomes the idol 'of society. But all his, sanguine plans fail, a(nd he finds himself pov-erty-stricken. - The spectacle of Menjou without a cent, still keeping up appearances by means of a dress-suit that has been left to him by his creditors, is full of subtle humour. Things work out all light: in thh eud, but the unusual twist is there. “Evening, Clothes” is said to bo a picture that has a perfect blend of intensity and humour. Noah Beery assumes the humorous role of Lazarrc, head over heels in love with Fox Trot (Louise Brooks). The vaudeville portion of the entertainment will consist of two acts. Jeanette Gerrard and the Regent Ballet, under tho direction of Sadie Fawcett. Miss Gerrard comes with a great reputation, aud her little novelty surprise act is certain of a good reception. The ballet will bo seen in two distinct dance scenes. Billy Hart will bo heard in vocal numbers with Miss Fawcett. Box plans are now open at tho theatre (Tel. 44—144) and the Bristol, from 10 a.m. daily. CELEBRITY VAUDEVILLE. The box plan will open at the Bristol this morning for tho J. C. Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville Company which will commence its Wellington season with a matinee performance on Saturday. In the great galaxy of stars is included Joseph Belme-nt’s Canary Opera, said to bo the most unique and remarkable act of its kind in the world. It was a sensation with tho Ziegfeld Follies, and is a sheer delight to ■young and old. Belmont has trained about twenty little songsters to whistle singly and in chorus when and where bo tells them, and to follow, note for note, ■ vocal and instrumental music. Then there is Dick Henderson. He is billed as England’s funniest comedian, and comes direct fiom Royal Command performances. He has an irresistible style, and is sure of a tremendous welcome iu Wellington. Rich and Adair will present another act that is a wonderful novelty and a triumph of acting combined. Phil Rich’s partner is described as very beautiful. An act that will charm and delight everyone is that of Marie Lawton, tho little lady with the harp and the mellow voice- Les Zenga Freres, direct from Paris, presents “Something Different in Dancing.” and show full well how they became the idols of the gay city. The mighty Spanish trapeze artist, Valencia, causes thrill upon thrill. The Lee Sisters. “Up _in the Air,” have a remarkable offering aud Colin Crane, eminent baritone, sings songs that please all. Stella Lamonde, vivacious soubretie, sings popular numbers in sparkling style. Remarkable interest is being taken in the canary and ioko contests being conducted in connection with the Canary Opera and Dick Henderson.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “Three Hours,” a First National production, starring Corinne Griffiths, supported by John Bowers and Hobart Bosworth/ is the current feature at the Paramount Theatre. “Three Hours, which is a film adaptation of May Udginton’s story, was directed by James Hood, and deals with a young wife, who through circumstantial evidence and the ire of an insanely jealous husband, is banished from her home and forced into poverty through her husband’s unrelentmg influence. The supports are film depicting incidents in the life of Chopin, during which the orchestra plays special Chopin music,, a comedy, topical budget, and Canadian scenic, with delightful incidental music by the orchestra. “AN AFFAIR OF THE FOLLIES.” With realism, humanness, touches of alternating comedy and pathos, “An Affair of tho Follies”, to be screened at the Paramount Theatre to-morrow, should be a distinct screen hit. Billie Dove is cast as a Follies dancer who marries a tifty-dollar-per-week clerk and relinquishes her career for lifo in a cottage—or a fiat. Lloyd Hughes appears as the husband. Lewis Stone is a wealthy broker who admires the heroine and tries to win her love. The play retains a situation which caused the original short story to make its name. Three men, the principals, lunch at adjoining tables in a chop house daily for months, without learning oue anothers’ names. An. introduction might have averted the dramatic tanglo of their lives, but. it is not brought about until too late. Intimate scenes of tho Follies and of other phases, claixirate or simple, of New York hie, lend realism as well as beauty. The box plan is at tho theatre box ofiice, which is open from 10 a.in. daily. Telephone . 21—812. DE LUXE THEATRE. ‘ How the blind rage of jealousy can stamp out reason and truth is powerfully shown in one of the great emotional climaxes of “Tho Fourth Commandment," the Universal production now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Belle Bennett, who is featured, rises to a supreme moment of jealous rage and leaves husband and son. The cast includes Juno Marlowe. Robert Agnew, Frank Elliott, Mary Carr, Henry Victor, and Kathleen Myers. The usual excellent 1 musical programme is provided by Mr. Aarons at tho Wurlitzer organ and by tho orchestra. “TIN HATS.’’ We are now able to ,seo and laugh at the funny side of the war, and never, it is Suid. has this been presented on the screen with more delightful and hilarious effectiveness than in “Tin Hals," the Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, which will commence screening at the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow. “Tin Hats” is a riotous yarn of three soldiers of the Allied Army of Occupation, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in Germany immediately after the Armistice has been signed, and in command of a village. Beautiful Claire' Windsor is starred. The programme will include Mr. Aarons in fresh numbers at the Wurlitzer organ, and delightful music by the Do Luxe orchestra. The box plans are now open at the Bristol, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre, 23-080. KING’S THEATRE. “The Taxi Dancer,” a story told with human understanding, of tho life of a “taxi-driver.” is tho feature now showing at the King’s Theatre. One is given glimpses of the hectic night life of New 'York, and the film is packed with incidents. both dramatic and amusing. Beautiful Joan Crawford; champion dancer of screendom, is starred, supported by Owen 'lOOlO An excellent supporting rrogrammo includes a comedy, “Felix the Cat” cartoon, Rathe News, and New Zealand scenic, with excellent music by the orchestra. “THE AUCTIONEER.”'’ “The Auctioneer,” the quaint, appealing story of the life of Simon Lev), which put David Warfield among the foremost dramatic actors when nresentd on tho New York stage by David Bel;' 5 - co, will commence screening at the King’s Theatre to-morrow. In adapting this plan to the screen/Fox Films are said to have kept to the snirit of the original. George Sidnev, well known for his delircation of Jewish characters, both on the stage and the screen, playa

the title role. Marion Nixon has been cast as Ruth Levi, his adopted daughter, and Doris Lloyd plays the part of his wife. Others in the cast are AA 7 ard Crane and Gareth' Hughes. EMPRESS THEATRE. An unusual treat is promised Empress Theatre patrons next week, when Syd Chaplin and Pauline Frederick will be seen in their latest features, “Oh I AA'liat a Nurse!” and "Devil’s Island." “Oh! AVhat a Nurse!” was written by Robert E. Sherwood, tho motion picture critic and editor of “Life,” in Collaboration with Bertram Bloch. They have evolved a rollicking story, with Syd Chaplin always in the thick of the ridiculous mixups with bootleggers, a runaway heiress, and a scheming -matchmaker. It’s all Chaplin, this picture, and therefore should bo all humorous. Patsy Ruth Miller plavs the runaway heiress. Stirring heart interest and. an intense suspense throughout the unfolding of tho story are the attributes of Pauline Frederick’s new Chadwick screen drama, “Devil’s Island.” The story concerns tho struggle of Jeanette, wife, ot a “Devil’s Island” convict, to win freedom and fame for the son that is born to live a prisoner. The dauntless courage of tho mother in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles is a revelation of mother love that finds its outlet in a manner new to the screen. Marion Nixon is also a member ot an exceptionally fine cast. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. • ’’Let’s Go" is the revue now bem g presented at His Majesty s Theatre by the Robert Roberts Bon . Bon Company - The new revue is rich in musical numbers, the biggest hits being Alabama mil laby,” "An Old Bouquet. Hungry for Beautiful Girls,” and Sailor s heart " The chief fun-makers are Nick Morton, AVill Gilbert. William Innes, and George Edwards. The first half of the programme is a pot-pourri of , son ?’ dance and comedy, which abounds in good things. "A Night in Hawaii, m which S and Kaili arouse the greatest enthusiasm with the.r sing ing find playing, is perhaps the best sketch, but for popularity Count Shgo and "Tim,. Charity Bazaar’ arc close on its heels. MISS MAE KINGSLEY. The last opjwtunitics of seeing Miss Mao Kingsley’s demonstration of glassblowing will be offered at the AV inter Show (shed 45) to-day, since that talented lady will sail by the Ulimaroa tomorrow for Brisbane and the Royal National Exhibition there. Many and varied are the glass articles made before the spectators’ gaze, while two .model steam engines made of glass are to bo scon working under their own nower continuously. A pretty glass dress, made of spun glass, is also on view. Miss Kingsley is assisted by Mr. W. E. AA’estwood. QUEFN’S THEATRE. „ . , "Down the stretch.” the Universal Jewel production directed by Kmg Baggot. now showing at the Oueen s Thea; tre. Is adapted from "The Money Rider. tho last story to be written by Gerald Beaumont before Ins death. It is the tale of the romance behind the scenes at a race track. A strong cast headed by Robert Agnew and Marian Nixon make this picture one of the outstanding successes to be shown here this year. In supportX are a gazette, scenic, and comely. with capital music by the orchestra.