ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 84, 7 January 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Following the striking success of other Cinema Art Films productions, the news that “Faust” was to be released locally at once commanded attention, and last night, at the Paramount Theatre, it was seen that this also must be ranked with “Variety” and “The Waltz Dream,” as something new in films, the incorporation of a newer production technique und of a finer art sense than picturegoers have been accustomed to expect. Undoubtedly “Faust” is a super-picture in the true sense, of the term. It encompasses more imagination, vital and suggestive, more virile acting an.i fin.- i<..-,u-■ .in Imini.i ordinary film production; it is more shrewdiyl p.iinnvil. ami Its sure emotional strokes are the mark of a producer of insight and a keen psychologist. The picture deals with essentials. It is unusual, for instance, to see a film on such a scale with a east of only six people, and of there only three who matter in the producer’s eyes. Drawn from the play of Goethe, which, of course, furnished (lie libretto for Gounod’s opera. “Faust,” in its present form, is the epic of a soul. Challenged by Gabriel. Me;''"s ■ ■■ ■ to induce the philosopher, Faust, to renounce his'part in heaven, for the power and glory of (be earth. In a city racked by pestilence, mid torn witk pity for the helpless, Faust consents to one day of potver, at the end of which, with youth again his own, and the most beautiful woman in Italy in his arms, he seals the bond which he has signed with his own blood. Satiated with pleasure, he wishes to return to his native place, and there meets Marguerite, to her undoing. But he cloarses his sin in the pyre which is built about her for tho murder of hot’ baby, and the two enter heaven through love. The cast is a fine one, headed by Emil Jannings, whose Mephisto is an extraordinary piece of work. Camilla Horn is Marguerite, and Gosta Ekmami is Faust. Remarkable pains have been taken for tho presentation of this feature at Uie Paramount Theatre. A special music.il score has been compiled by Air. H. Gladstone Hill, tho well-known conductor, and is presented ably by the Paramount’s orchestra of 10 performers, and, in addition, there is n colourful prologue arranged by Air. Colin Crane, anti featuring Air. Crane (Mephisto), Airs. Alice Harris (Alarguerite) and Air. E< AV. Robbins (Faust). There are three scenes, and many familiar numbers from Gounod’s opera are introduced. Liberal use of the music of the opera is also made by the orchestra, ano particularly effective are the “Transformation Scene” and the finale, with its wonderfully melodious trio. Supports include a gazette, and a Jack AVhite comedy, “Plumb Dumb.’ The programme will be repeated daily for the next six days, and there is a matinee at 2.30 in addition to the evening performance. The box plan is at the theatre, and open from 10 a.m., and the theatre 'phone number is 21—842. REGENT THEATRE. A British story, a British production, and British players, though a Paramount release. “Tho Flag Lieutenant” is seemingly a counterblast to tho many false ideas and ideals put forward in American films. Be this as it may, the old play, so well done here years ago by J. C. Williamson’s Company, with Thos. Kingston and G. R. Titheradge in the cast, makes a capital picture, with a sound plot that calls for vigorous acting. One feature is that tho leading role is enacted by Aliss Dorothy .Seacombe, an ex-Sydney actress, who has been seen in New Zealand on several icensions. Another is that H.AI.S. Tiger was loaned by the Admiralty as the background to many of the scenes' in "The Flag Lieutenant.” The story concerns the intimate affairs of Lieutenant Dick Lascelles (in love with tho Admiral’s daughter), and those of Major Thesiger, of the Royal Marines (who is in love with the wealthy Mrs. Cameron, but is too shy to say so). These gallant officers are detailed to render assistance to a threatened military post, which is finally saved through an act of great 'heroism on the part of Lieut. Lascelles, though the scheme is that of Thesiger’s (who has been woumled ami has lost his memory). The latter is hailed as tho real hero, Lascelles refusing to disclose his part in tho affair. It is Mrs. Cameron who learns the_ truth, and sees that each man gets his dne, whilst she gets Thesiger. ITrnßy Edwards is Lascelles, and Mr. F. Raynham figures as Afajor Thesiger. In keeping with the naval flavour of ihe picture is the lively Hornpipe Ballet, prettily danced by the pupils of Aliss Kathleen O’Brien, whilst further atmosphere is lent the picture by Air. Roy Kemp's singing of "Go to Sea,” and the orchestral music presented by Air. Al. A. Dixon. Tho picture, which was witnessed by Their Majesties, the King and Queen, at a command screening, and seen by the members of tho House of Commons, and several times by the Prince of Wales, is under the patronage of tho Governor-General, who will attend the performance on Monday night. Considerable interest is being taken in tho picture by the Navy Longue. Another interesting picture' of the programme is one depicting the life story of the Prince of Wales. EMPRESS THEATRE. - "Tho Alagic Flame.” the major feature in tho new bill at the Empress Theatre, is a very fine picture. It tells a story that is full of thrills and abounds in tense dramatic scones _ that gripped tho largo audience last night ami held them in breathless expectancy to the very end. "The Alagic Flame,” which stars Vilma'Banky and Ronald Colman, is the amazing story of Bianca, tightrope walker and aerial performer, with her lover Tito, the clown in a travelling circus. Count Casati, libertine and heir to the throne of Illyria, bears a striking resemblance to Tito when the latter is free from his clownish makeup. How Casati forces his unwelcome attentions on Bianca and later meets his death in a grim struggle with Tito, who is hailed a few minutes later as King of Illyria; how Bianca who believes that Tito has been murdered by Casati, is arrested when waiting to assassinate the king; how, aided and abetted by the chancellor, she is admitted to the royal apartments to make another attempt on the king’s life; and how finally she and Tito are reunited and return to the circus ring—these are but a few of the tense scenes in this fine picture. ' Vilma Banky achieves another great success as Bianca, and Ronald Colman gives yet another proof of his wonderful versatility in his splendid characterisations of Tito, (he king of clowns, and of Count Casati and King of Illyria. "The Hiii’ie Flame,” which is one of tho best pictures seen nt the Empress Theatre, is supported by a very fino film. “Our Prince,” n review of scenes in the life, of . the Prince of Wales from his investiture in 1911 to the present dav. A smartly humorous story, “The Nickle Hopper.” is pictured bv r Mabel Normand, there is an interesting budget in the Pathe Gazette, and other features in nn excellent programme which will bo screened again to-night and next week. DE LUXE THEATRE. The sci'ceniug of Ben-Hur continues to attract crowded audiences at the Do Luxe Theatre. Directed by the celebrated actor, Mr. Fred Niblo, this great picture is one that appeals to lovers of magnificent acting, grand spectacular effects, and of a historical lovo story. Tho sea battle with the pirates, tho horrors of the ga.leys, and tho great chariot race nt Antioch, aro thrilling examples of up-to-date motion picture artistry. In the chariot race there aro twelve teams with four horses each, and tho applause was prolonged at the scene depicting the contestants dashing around the arena. The cast is an outstanding one, Ramon Novarro being unequalled as tho hero. Francis X. Bushman, as Messaht. acted tho Roman patrician Io the life, while May McAvoy in (he part of Esther, is a ch.irming actress. Other characters are equally well portrayed. Prior Io the picture Air. W. Goudie sang “The Slur ri Bethlehem.” and was loifilly annlamied. He was accompanied on the Wiylitzer organ by Mr. Aarons. There were special items by the orchestra, and on flic organ, al) well played. A Publicity Department film of tho wonders of Rotorua ami Wnirakei was also screened Tho same programme will be repeated to-day, and next week, there being two performances a dav. Box plans are o’lon a f the Bristol, ami at Aitken’s, whilo reserves may be .made by telephone to the theatre.

WIRTH’S CIRCUS. The sawdust nug with all its attendant glamour is always popular with both young and old. Wirth Brothers’ Circus, which is located in Webb Street at tho south end of Cuba Street, is no exception to tho rule, the shdw which is being presented maintaining the high standard always set by this company. The animals are exceptionally hue, their training rejecting the greatest credit on those in charge of them. Horses, lions, elephants, dogs, and bears all do their bit with the utmost ease. The lions directed by Captain Smith perform marvellous feats, whilu Aidlie. Hoyer dances in the lions’ den. The six elephants, guided by Aliss Eileen Alay, are almost human in' their intelligence. i’allenberg’s three bears skate, cycle, push scooters and do other equally wonderful tricks. Miss Gladys and her white Arab steeds are excellent. Miss Doris and her four white horses present another popular turn. Miss Aladelino and Air. Alfred Clarke do some clever acrobatic stunts on bareback horses, aud Miss Doris, assisted by a magnificent steed, presents an unique statue act. Chico and Grace are clever 1 acrobats, ami tho Equestrian Clarkes aro first-rate trapeze artists. The head balancing of Hilary Long is really good, while the juggling of tho Zanettos is positively uncanny. Chester Dieck’s trick cycling ranks among the most amazing ever seen here. Rodman, tho strong man, is a marvel. Ho and his three assistants present an act. which will seldom bo excelled. The clowns, one elongated, oue medium in height, aud one a mero pigmy, are features of tho show. There will be a matinee to-day. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The new programme to be presented by the Band Box Revue Company at His Alajcsty’s Theatre this afternoon ami to-night, is billed as a clever, jolly imd exhilarating entertainment. “Love, Honour and Obey," which occupies tho second half, is a bright musical comedy and is to be treated in an original manner by the Gayle Wyer Company. Charles Norman has one of his best roles to date, and all the members have prominent parts. Besides the incidental numbers given by Charles Norman and Billy Bovis, a number of catchy airs aro included among tho musical items. Some new ballets will bo presented by the Syncop’ated- Steppers. "Band Box Brevities” is tho title of tho first part, and as the title indicates, will be a conglomeration of sketches, songs, dances and musical items. As both comedians, Charles Normqn and Sam Ward, have big comedy parts, the audience should be constantly kept in a simmer of laughter, and the programme should please all. KING’S THEATRE. W. C. Fields, the well-known comedian, has the leading role in "Running Wild,” the chief picture on the programme of the King’s Theatre this week. Mary Brian is also in the cast. Fields appears as Elmer Finch, a brow-beaten clerk, who is henpecked by his wife and always made to teel his inferiority. He has a stepson who bullies him, a wife who nags him, and a dog that bites him, while to add to his trouble his daughter wants to marry tho son of his employer. In order to give Elmer a chance, he is sent to collect a longoverdue account, and is promised a rise in salary if he succeeds. However, when he finds who the client is bo is afraid and runs away. Then ho gets in touch with a hypnotist, and under his influence becomes another man. _He returns to his home, where he finds his stepson giving a party, and as he does not approve of the quests or the party, gives the boy a beating. He then hurries to the office and interrupts a directors’ meeting, and does similar daring acts.’ He thus secures work for a higher salary in an executive position in the firm. When this knowledge strikes homo he really finds his own worth and with it his self-confidence. An unsual picture acted entirely- by South Sea natives is on the programme as well, and this picture, "Aloana,” is a true record of life in tiie islands. The film depicts life on the island of Savaii, where the habits and work of these natives has gone on’from the first with no interference from white people. The King’s orchestra, conducted by Air. A. H. Jerome, provides a delightful musical programme incidental to the screening of the pictures.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. ‘•Singed 7 ’ is the chief attraction at the Queen’s Theatre this week. It is a drama of the New West, and its old passions, a romance of the Oklahoma oilfields. Blanche Sweet has the leading role, and AVarner Baxter plays opposite her in this William Fox production. Dolly Wall was a dance-hall girl, who followed tho oil-bom. She met Royce Wingate, and fell in love with the riotous vouth. Then she decides to reform hnn, and has him enter an oil. syndicate. The scheme is successful. AVingato is a wei Ithy man, and he sets out to figure in the New York social world. Here he becomes infatuated with a lovelv debutante, and what happens after that makes a thrilling picture, one which keeps the house ir suspense as to the next act. Tho supporting programme consists of a lox news-reel and a comedy. The Queen’s Quartet, under Aliss Phyllis Hanify. play the accompanying musical fare. The box plans are at (he Bristol.

ADELPHI CABARET. Manuel Hyman and his famous exhibition orchestra will be heard at the Adehflii Cabaret this afternoon and tonight. Allot that the cabaret will close down for the remainder of the summer. Since record attendances are expected at these sessions, patrons should ring telephone 28—294, and book their tables at once. ’