ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 87, 11 January 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. Now at the second to last night of its record season, Metro-Goidwyu-Aluyer’s “Beu-Hur” is proving that its drawing power is as strong as ever, for last night the theatre was crowded. “BenHur” has the strength of a great drama, the thrill of a talo ot' adventure, the colour of a spectacle, aud the beauty of the old masters. No oEo quality has been skimped at the expense of tho others, and it stands as a welding of tho arts of tho writer of tales, tho painter, tho designer, and tho player. The season will finish with to-morrow night’s screening, and those who have not yet seen "Ben-Hur” should seize tho last chance of doing so. Tho box plans at tho Bristol and at Aitken's have been heavily booked. “MOCKERY.” Noteworth tor its acting, strange plot, aud unique settings, “Mockery,’ 1 a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, with Lon Chaney in tho leading role, is expected to arouse great interest when it is shown at th? Do Luxe Theatre in Friday. In this production the master of make-up and characterisation takes the part of an ignorant Russian peasant in whom the ravages of revolutionary war have bred fear and suspicion. But fate brings a young Countess to bis side disguised as a peasant, and her beautyallied with promises of plenty of food induces him to throw in his lot with hers. Naturally enough, however, his love is not reciprocated by tho cultured girl. When they reach safety in the White Russian city of Novokursk she finds him employment, and gives her love to a young White Array Officer. Then the peasant’s jealousy gradually turns to smouldering fury—and the hour of his triumph is signalised by a surprise attack of tho Red forces. Supporting the star are Richardo Cortez. Barbara Bedford, Alack Swain, aud Charles Puffy.-, REGENT THEATRE. “The Flag Lieutenant,” the great British production, made with the cooperation of tho British Admiralty, heads the programme now screening at the Regent Theatre. It is a romance of the Navy, and tells of the friendship of a reckless young naval officer and a major of Marines. Henry Edwards and Doorthy Seaeombe are starred, supported by Lilian Oldland, I‘ unless Llewellyn, and Lionel D’Arragon. In keeping with the naval flavour of the picture is 1 the lively Hornpipe Ballet, prettily danced by pupils of Aliss Kathleen O’Brien, while further atmosphere is lent the picture by Air. Ray Kemp’s singing of “Go to Sea.” Another'interesting picture in the programme is one depicting the life story of the Prince cf Wales, while delightful incidental music is supplied by the orchestra. TWO FEATURES FOR REGENT THEATRE. An unprecedented screen event will take place at the Regent Theatre on Friday, when two of th e most popular stars on the screen to-day will appear on the one programme in a double feature bill comprising two notable production. Bebe Daniels, more vivacious and charnitng than ever, will be seen in “Swim Girl, Swim,” and Thomas Aleighan in “We’re All Gamblers." “Swim Girl. Swim” is described as an hilarious comedy-drama, with a. screamingly humorous "cross channel” attempt as its highlight. There is laughter in every toot of the film, which is also notable through the fact that featured with Aliss Daniels is Gertrude Ederle, famous as tho first woman to swim the English Channel. William Austin, the comedian whose “silly idiot” roles are so well known, has a typical part. The picture was produced on some of the more Interesting beach resorts of America. The other attraction. “We're All Gamblers,” takes Thomas Meighan back to the style of role that fiist established him as a universal favourite. The story is that of a man who lights for honour against Hie mightiest odds—and wins through. The film has been hailed as one of the star’s greatest efforts. This programme should afford excellent faro The plan is available at the theatre ('phone 44—144) and the Bristol. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ■ "Faust,a U.F.A. screen version of Goethe’s immortal drama, features Emil .Tannings, Camilla Hern and Gosta Ekmann, heads the current programme at the Paramount Theatre. Alenhisto makes a wager with the Archangel that he can win the soul of any man. and is bidden to try his wiles on Faust. For a while he is successful and Faust, turned into a young man, becomes a veritable Don Juan. A great love, however, followed by the sacrifice of his life for love, wins his soul back from Satan. A special stage presentation is given by Colin Crane, assisted by Mrs. Harris and E, W. Robbins, and a special musical scene is provided by the orchestra. “THE TENDER HOUR.’ “The Tender Hour,” George Fitzmaurie’es initial production for First National, is to be shown at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. With Billie Dove anti Ben Lyon heading the cast of prominent players, “The Tender Hour” is stated to be one of the director’s most spectacular efforts. The story is laid in Paris and Russia before the war, and the picture is rich in colourful scenes. John AlcCorniick, general manager of West Coast production for First National, has given Fitzmaurice everything possible in rich settings and costumes, and the director, long noted for his, picturesque and colourful work, lias surpassed all his previous efforts in “The Tender Hour.” The picture is based on an original story by Carey Wilson. A prologue will be presented by Air, Colin Crane, assisted by Miss Alaudo Farrant, entitled "The Viva (er).” A gazette and a comedy will be screened, and tho large orchestra will provide tho music. The box plan is at the theatre. EMPRESS THEATRE. “The Magic Flame,” a powerful and dramatic love story, heads the big programme at the Empress r| ‘l;earre. The action of the story occurs in a A.-editor-ranean country, Baretti’s circus furnishing the background aeainst which Vifma Banky and Ronald Colman make love. It is when Colman, the Clown, has tiumphed over Colman, the Count, that the locale is switched lo the Royal Court, with the Clown accented on all hands as King of Illvria. When Vilma Banky arrives at, the court to avOmre tho murder of her lover, the Clown, she does not, suspect the true identity of the monarch. It is with the disentanglement of this tense situation that I he' plot thereafter is concerned. Alabel Normand and Theodore van Eltrz are starred in "The Nickel Hopper.” an hilarious comedy, while "Our Prince.” depicting incidents in the life of tho Pence of Wales, a gazette, and another of the Parisian Cabaret series are also shown. ' . , „„ Commencing at the Empress Theatreon Friday, Syd. Chaplin will be seen in "The Missing Link,” which is reported to be his funniest comedy to date. "ROSE MARIE.” For the Wellington season of the record-breaking musical comedy, “Rose Marie,” which will bo staged at the Grand Opera House on January 27, plans f or one price will be opened at the Bristol this morning. Country orders, accompanied by cash, will be dealt with in the order in which they are received. “Rose Marie” has broken all records in ■\ustralia, and. judging by tho packed houses in Auckland, where enthusiastic audiences nightly cheer principals, chorus, and dancers to the echo, another record will bo made in New It has been said of “Bose Marie that it strikes an absolutely new note. in n usical comedies. One London critic described it ns "the play of the conturv. and worthv to rank with the world-fnnions creations of (he great masters of mime and music. The cast of characters is one of the strongest every presented by the firm. ■ It' includes artists of world-wide repute as actors and actresses, singers, and dancers, viz.. Harriet Bonnett in the name part, that of tlie nassionate Rose Alaric. the Frcneh-Cnnadian girl who loves with all the passion of a trnu daughter of nature: Stephanie Deste. who has won universal recognition for her verv realistic acting and her dancing as Wanda the Indian half-breed girl, who stops •

at nothing to gain her desires; Reginald Danny, who takes the part of Jim Kenyon; Frederick Bentley, tho diminutive comedian, who has mad.e tho character of Hard-Boiled Harman one of Die outstanding personages in (bo play; and Yvonne Banvard, who has the comedy part of Lady Jane. KING’S THEATRE. “Running Wild,” a Paramount comedy, starring W. C. Fields and Mary Brian, heads the big double feature programme now showing at the King s Theatre. The former stage comedian has never appeared to better advantage than he does in this true-to-llfe characterisation of a timid soul who changes ilis entire outlook on life when a stage hypnotist convinces him that lie has become a “roaring lion." “Moana, a true story of the love and life ot a native man of Savaii, in British Samoa, and his betrothed, is the second feature. It has all the glamour and charm ot the South Seas, and is a dramatic tale besides. Delightful incidental music is supplied by the orchestra.

WIRTH’S CIRCUS. All the glamour of the sawdust ring, with its popular appeal for both young and old awaits patrons of Wirth s Circus in Webb Street, which continues to attract large crowds nightly. The spectacular purade of animals used in the various acts on the programme first takes the attention and from then until the last act there is a succession ot thrills for the audience. Horses, lions, elephants, dogs and boars all do their bit with the utmost ease, and the lions directed bv Captain Smith perform marvellous acts, while Mademoiselle .Hoyer dances in the lions’ dens. The six elephants, guided by Miss Eueen hlay, are almost human in their intelligence, and Panncberg’s hears skate, ride cycles and scooters, and do other equally wonderful tricks. Miss Gladys and her white Arab stcods are excellent, while Miss Doris and her four white horses present another popular turn. Miss Madeline and Mr. Alfred Clarke do some clever acrobatic work on bareback horses, while Miss Doris does a unique statue act on a magnificent upstanding steed. Chester Dieck, an Indian trick cyclist, performs unusual balancing feats on wlieels anil Mr. Hilary Long, a headbalancer, does extraordinary acts hud turns while standing on his head. j ?b,co end Grace are clever acrobats and the equestrian Clarkes are first-rate trapeze artists. Reclam performs amazing feats of strength. The jugglitie of the Zan-i-ttos is very clever, whilcthe clowns are a feature of the show. . Another performance will >'■' given to-night. Tne zoo seetjon is open from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. dally.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE Gaylo Wyer and his popular Band Box Revue Company continue to n?ako nlerry at His Majesty’s .Theatre, and their current presentation is one ot their very best. The first half is filled with a goodlv concoction of sketch, dance and song, and in all the members of the company score heavily. Especially good is Charles Norman as a comic inebriate. The second half is filled with “Love, Honour and Obey,” a sparkling musical comedy which keeps the audience in roars of laughter. The musical numbers include "Oh Baby, “What Does it Matter?” and-" Down bv the River.” Mt. Frank Crowther’s orchestra contribute to the success of the entertainment.

. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Singed,” now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, is a dynamic talc of a woman who sacrifices everything for the man she loves. He. in turn, vain, selfish, ambitious for what the world terms “Success,” lead her through a mental Gethshemene before he comes to lis senses and the marriage altar. It is adapted from tho storv by Adele Rogers St. Johns, and is a nowerful and lieartsti'rring drama. Blanche Sweet, and Warner Baxter are starivd. Good supports are shown, and capital incidental music is stipnlied.