ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 296, 13 September 1927, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. John Barrymore, in The Beloved Rogue,” his first United Artists’ production, is now to be seen afc the Regent Theatre. “The Beloved Rogue” is replete with surprises and thrills, the greatest ot them being provided by Barrymore himself. Ho shines with particular brilliance hi that portion of the film dealing with Francois Villon’s escapades as King ot Fools on AU Fool's Day. From beginning to end. ”The Beloved Rogue’ is essentially a medium of satisfying entertainment. Its story is one of romance and adventure comedy and tragedy, well done. In this happy combination or influences and Barrymore’s pulse-quicken-ing portrayal of Francois Villon, is found the essence of the success. In support are a news, comedy, and scenic w .ith music by the orchestra. The vaudeville turn is provided by Mr. Colin Crane, the Australian character baritone, who delights with his splendid voice. “SORROWS OF SATAN.” The story of the love of a woman, loyal and persistent, that burns through the lures and enticements that beset man in this world, eventually drawing him back to the real values of life, is told in “Sorrows of Satan.” the Paramount attraction which will commence screening at the Regent Theatre on Friday. Transferring Marie Corelli's novel to the screen called for a decided departure from old methods. Again D. W. Griffiths has brought to the art which owes him so much a technique that marks another milestone in the advancement of photography, Adolphe Menjou, suave and sophisticated, is the star. He is supported by such well known players as Ricardo Cortez, Carol Dempster, and Lya de Putti. “THE GHOST TRAIN.” The members of “The Ghost Train” company, who will open the New Zealand season of this now famous comedydrama. at the Grand Opera House tomorrow night, arrived by the R.M.S. Tahiti yesterday, after one of the most successful tours ever experienced in Australia by a touring combination. “The Ghost Train’s” season there could have been considerably prolonged, but this would have interfered seriously with the Dominion itinerary, so J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in conjunction with Mr. E. J. Carroll, under whose joint auspices the tour is being made, have rigidly adhered to such dates as would enable the principal cities and towns to see this production. “The Ghost Train” is said to have a double attraction to theatregoers. It not only is a thrilling play but also possesses many humorous interludes. That it is a favourite with the public has been abundantly proved in London and Australia, for it bids fair to become a record-breaker. The passing of the ghost train is described as one of the most thrilling incidents ever staged, and the presentation of this dramatic scene necessitates the employment of a special staff 1 , several having been brought from London for tho play. The leading lady of the company is the famous stage and screen star, Miss Betty Ross-Clarke, who lias a most difficult role. Mr. Hugh Wright, the producer of the play, also portrays one of the principal characters -that of the stationmaster of the lonely station where the exciting incidents occur. Mr. Basil Radford, another London favourite, plays the part of a fatuous youth, and with Miss Laura Smithson, he provides some clever comedy • situations. Mr. Mayne Lynton, well known in New Zealand, Mr. Roger Barry, Mr. Leslie Gordon. Hr. Edgar Warwick. Mr. Reginald Roberts, Miss Joan Bailey, and others, are said to be in congenial parts. The box plans are now open at the Bristol. There will be a matinee performance on Saturday.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. As popular as ever arc Clem Dawe and Tiis Midnight Frolics company, and as good as ever is their current presentation at His Majesty’s Theatre. Clem Dawe is, as usual, the heart and soul of a really good show, and perforins his inimitable absurdities to the great delight of liis audience. He shines in the many good sketches, among the best of which arc “Too Many Wives,” “Too Late, “Cook,” ‘Seventh Day.” “Think Before You Speak,” and “The Toy Shop.” Dainty Phvllis Amery sings “Sunday,’ besides supplying her delightful dance numbers. Alee Regan retains all his popularity, and the jazz band please with various selections. The Musical Trio (Clem Dawe, Alec Regan, and Ronald Stafford), are one of the big hits of the show, while the remainder of The company do their share.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE One of the most famous of the classics of romantic literature, “Camille, the younger Alexandre Dumas’ immortal story, has been adapted to the motion picture screen in modern form, with Miss Talmadge in the title role, and is the current feature at the Paramount Theatre. While no liberties are taken with tho pathetic romance of the youthful “Ajniand” and his ‘Lady c.f the Camellias.” as originally conceived. Miss Talmadge has given the story its setting in present day Paris, and the picture is in other respects a product cf the present age. With bobbed hair and a wardrobe expressing the last word of Parisian style creators, the characterisation ot “Camille” is the star’s visualisation of the famous siren as she would appear in current times. Gilbert Roland. Lilyan Tashinan, Rose Lioni, Harvey Clark, and Alec Francis support the star. The supports are a topical budget and comedy, with splendid incidental music by the orchestra. “DAMAGED GOODS.”z ' ‘Damaged Goods,” Eugene Brien’s masterpiece, will be shown at the Britannia Theatre, commencing on Friday “Damaged Goods” has for its purpose something more important than mere entertainment, and that point is to leave a strong impression of moral duty with the spectator. There is also a condemnation at the modern order which makes it almost necessary at times for people to do the wrong thing, when they prefer the better way. It. is u graphic pronouncement on the system which encourages people to disguise Uy scrupulous prudery the real truth of the terrible “red plague •hat threatens to undermine the civilised races. Although a dramatic theme runs through the picture, jt has been called a propaganda film by the medical authorities of the larger cities of the wond, and tho message it carries creates, a new aspect of the possibilities cf arresting the spread of a dire disease. The box plan for all screenings is now open at the theatre, telephone 40—618. DE LUXE THEATRE. The Mystery and lure and exotic charm of China, the glittering splendour of its hidden palaces and forbidden gardens, the little romances that spring in the Yellow Land as in every other country, the stark drama of life and love and vengeance that go on unheeding the outside world, live once again in- “Mr. Wu,” Lon Chaney’s new starring picture, which is the current feature at the De Luxe Theatre. Chaney is seen as the Mandarin Wu, Renee Adoree as little Nang Ping, and Louise Dresser, Ralph Forbes, Gertrude Olmsted, and Anna May Wong are supporting players A Pathe news and comedy are in support, with the usual excellent musical programme. KING’S THEATRE. All the ingredients that go to make up a ribcracking farce comedy plentifully interlarded with fast action, thrills, suspense, and an appealing love theme, are embodied in “Fast and Furious,” Begin aid Denny’s latest Universal-Jewel picture, which is the current feature at the King’s Theatre. ‘‘Fast and Furious” is the screen version of an original short story by the star himself. The picture certainly does not belie its name. The action is fast and the fun is furious. The irrepressible Denny comes to grips with a situation that calls for an exhibition of nerve, finesse, and adroitness, and he conies out. on top with his customary sangfroid. Playing the leading feminine role opposite Denny is Barbara Worth. “The Fighting Spirit,” No . 6 of “The Collegians,” tho entertaining college life scries, is screened, and good supports shown. Music is supplied by the orchestra. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Casey at the Bat,” Wallace Beery’s latest comedy for Paramount, is the feature which heads the programme at the Queen’s Theatre. Beery is cast as Casey, the big hitter of a small town baseball team, whoso prowess makes him the idol of New York The picture is one quick succession of laughs. Ford Sterling Zasu Pitts, and “Spec” O’Donnell support the star. “The Traffic Cop,” starring ‘Lefty’ Flynn, is one of that athletic star’s thrilling comedy-dramas, is the second feature. ‘The Fighting Spirit,” No. 6 of the popular “Collegians” series, fea tures George Lewis.