ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 86, 10 January 1928, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Made with the full co-operation of the British Admiralty, "The Elag Lieutenant, now showing at the Regent Theatre, is perhaps the greatest English picture yet produced. Dick Lascelles, flag lieutenaut, R.N., is in love with Cybil Wynne, daughter of his admiral. His friend, Major Thesiger, Royal Marines, is enamoured of Mrs, Cameron, a wealthy widow, but is too shy to declare his affection. Both men are detailed to the assistance of a military outpost which has been suddenly attacked. The fort is finally saved through the heroism of. Lascelles, who, unknown to anyone, carries out a scheme > • lof Thesiger's, who is wounded in the attempt, losing his memory. Thesiger is hailed as the real hero, and Dick refuses to disclose his part in the affair, swearing to secrecy the naval doctor, who was the only other man aware of it. From this point the plot develops in a most interesting manner. Henry Edwards and Dorothy Seacombe are the stars. In support there is a film showing incidents in the life of the Prince of Wales, and pupils of Miss Kathleen O’Brien supply a hornpipe ballet. Excellent incidental music is also provided. Last night’s performance was attended by His Excellency the Governor-General anu partyTWO FEATURES FOR REGENT THEATRE. The biggest double feature yet presented will be featured at the Regent Theatre on Friday next, when popular Bebe Daniels will appear in her latest “Swim, Girl, Swim,” and Thomas Meighan, favourite hero, will be seen in the drama, “We’re all Gamblers. . »wim, Girl, Swim,” Is a modern fctory in wheih an attempt to swim the Channel plays a big part, and the picture is made doubly interesting by the inclusion in the cast lof Gertrude Ederle, famous as the • first woman to swim the English Channel. In “We’re All Gamblers,” Thomas Meighan has the kind of role that suits him perfectly. Dramatic scenes of a mans fight for honour, leading up to a great climax, mark this attraction. > EMPRESS THEATRE. From start to finish, the Samuel Goldwyn picture, “The Magic Flame, now showing at. the Empress Theatre, is an enthralling' drama of great beauty and high romance. The story of the picture opens in an Italian circus, playing the towns along the Mediterranean, where - Bianca' (Vilma Banky), the tight-rope walker and parachute artist, is in love with Tito, the clown (Ronald Colman). Prince Vittonio, of Illyria, travelling incognito, sees and falls m love with the beautiful Bianca. He entices her to his rooms, and in a struggle is killed. Tito, the cause of his death, bears a great resemblance to the prince, and this fact he makes use of in a manner which has a most interesting effect on the plot. The lover*:- finally return happily to their "turn” m the little circus. Mabel Normand and Theodore von Eltz are starred in “The Nickel Hopper," an hilarious comedy. Good supports are shown. PARAMOUNT, THEATRE. Starring Emil Jannings, Camilla Horn, and Gosta. Ektnann, “Faust, the great UFA sefeen version of Goethe s immortal drama, heads the programme now screening at the Paramount Theatre. The fanciful nature of the story makes possible an artistic • treatment not always possible in a modern story, and as a spectacle “Faust" ranks high. The story has been altered to gain action. Mephisto makes a wager with the Archangel that he can win the soul of any man, and is bidden to try his wiles on, Faust. A special stage presentation is given by Coliir, Crane, assisted by Mrs. Harris and E. W. Robbins as Marguerite and Faust respectively. A special musical score is excellently played by Mr. Gladstone Hill and the Paramount orchestra. DE LUXE THEATRE. “Ben Hiir,” the tremendous picture presented by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is now in its second week at the' De Luxe Theatre. As a motion picture, General Lew Wallace's novel and its remarkable descriptions have been given the dimensions of life and reality. A lost age is recreated with a fidelity that seems incredible, and would be but for the evidence' of countless legions of warriors, the swarming hordes eddying around historic shrines, the mute appeal of the architectural majesty of Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch and the inspiring sweep of war vessels across the blue Mediterranean. As to the acting, t°° much praise cannot be awarded Ramon ■Novarro for his fine portrayal of the heroic Hebrew youth who loved, suffered, fought and won. Francis X. Bushman's splendid muscular frame and handsome features fit him eminently for the role of the proud, dominating Mes-, gala. Other outstanding performances x are those of May McAvoy, as Esther; Nigel de Bruli'er as Simonides; Claire McDowell in an affecting mother role; Carmel Myers as Iras; and Kathleen Key as Tirzah. “ROSE MARIE.” . The plans for the “Rose Marie” season will open at the Bristol to-morrow morning. "Rose Marie,” ,the most successful musical play ever produced In Australia, which will commence a season in, Wei-, lington on Januray 27, depends for its success mainly upon its beautiful music Zand unbolting brightness. There are colour, activity, wonderful dresses, and bewildering dances in this latest presentation of the enterprising firm of .1. C Williamson, it is reported. There is flin aplenty, and in this connection Mr. Frederick Bentley (Hard-boiled Herman) and Miss Yvonner Banvard (Lady Jane) are responsible for some very clever comedy work. Mr. Bentley comes with an international reputation, gained by playing many and varied roles, and to quote the Melbourne “Argus’ ” report of the performance, “Mr. Bennet had merely to press the invisible electric button of mirth, and the packed house shook its sides in quick response.” With Miss Harriet Bennet as Rose Marie and Mr. Reginald Dandy as the lover, Jim Kenyon, there will be found two sterling artists who have proved their worth, and in the many musical interludes they show themselves to. be possessed of striking personalities , and very pleasing, welltrained voices. Miss Bennet is admirably suited to the character of the handsome- and vivacious French-Canadian girl, petite, alluring, pathetic at times, and always engaging. Miss Stephanie Deste, ns Wanda, the half-caste Indian girl, also scores a great success. ins MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Gayle Wyer and his Band-Box Revue Company are still as popular as over at His Majesty’s Theatre, and this week’s programme is one of their very best. '"The Wrong Flat" is served up in excellent style, an amusing prologue being given by Charles Norman, as' a comic inebriate in the song "I’m Tired." Vera Benson, Heather Jones, and Ena Garden are all seen and heard.ln advantage. "Love, • Honour, and Obey." fills the second half, and provides excellent fare, keeping the house in continual roars of laughter. KING’S THEATRE. W. C. Fields and Mary Brian are starred in “Running Wild,” the Paramount comedy which Beads the double feature programme nun at the _ King’s ’ Theatre. Fields is cast as a timid soul, always the under-dog, who is converted into an aggressive, forceful personality while under-a hypnotic spell. He runs amuck, while under the delusion that he is a lion. "Moana" is the second feature. Telling a true story of love and life in British Samoa,' it has all the glamour, the seductive charm of the South Seas, and a thrilling dramatic tale besides. Delightful incidental music is supplied by the orchestra. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Starring Blanche Sweet and Warner Baxter, "Singed,” is the current feature nt the Queen’s Theatre. “Singed” is the story of a woman who could not undo her past, and a colourful background carries the .spectator from an Oklahoma oilboom town to a wildcat oil well in California and on to San Francisco, where the greater part of the action takes place in luxurious surroundings. Miss Sweet plays the part of a dance-hall girl who becomes wealthy through an oil guslier, and Warner Baxter the part of "her man,” erstwhile derrick man, for whom she “goes straight.” Good supports are shown and capital Incidental music supplied. WIRTHS’ CIRCUS. The big combination known as Wirth Brothers’ circus has been visiting New Zealand at intervals for the past twentyseven years, and the show now located in Webb Street is the equal, if not the superior, of any that has .Previously appeared in this city. The circus has been visited by crowds every night, and last evening it again drew a very large audience & Where all the performers did so well’it is difficult to single out anyone in particular, but in the juggling and balancing Zanettos. the Indian cyclist marvel Chester Dieck, and Mr. Hilary Long, the master of head balancing, the circus has artists of great ability. The equestriennes. Miss Madeline, Miss. Gladys, and Miss Doris, performed amazingly with their steeds, while the Redam company of acrobats gave a most artistic display. The Clarkes were up to date in the exhibition, on horseback. Of the

animals the elephants were the etar performers. the battle scene in which the sagacious creatures finally carry their wounded officer (Miss Eileen May) off the field being one long to be remembered. Pallenberg's trained bears was another splendid item, and the performing lions were unique. A first-class evenings entertainment was well rounded off by the antics of the clowns. Chico. Mello. I eter. and Duff. The performance will be Tenanted to-"lg’it. and there will bo a matinee on Wednesday. The zoo attached tv th© circus is well worth, a visit.