ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 89, 13 January 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPRESS THEATRE. So successful has been "The. Magic Elaine” at the Empress Theatre this I week that the management has decided to show the picture for a second week at the theatre. In this drama of love, .Ronald Colman and Vilma Banky are starred. From the first hundred feet of film, where the gay and care-free atmosphere of the romantic little Italian circus 19 established, to the last fadeout. where Mr. Colman and Miss Banky, their struggles forgotten, are back in the atmosphere they love, the picture is a blend of high comedy and grim tragedy. A hair-raising balloon ascension and parachute jump by Vilma Banky clutches the audience at the start of the picture and holds them through a double murder by Count Oasati and an amazing rough and tumble fight between Colman (as Tito, the clown) and the Count, which ends in the death of the latter, when he falls a thousand feet from the window of his hotel room into the sea below. Ab Tito, following the death of the count, attempts to escape from the hotel in the count's clonk, ho is apparently apprehended bv secret police. Thinking he is facing the guillotine, he finds instead that the old king has died, and that he. the clown, must, to save his life, take the place of the prince who has been killed. From then on the romantic adventures takes an entirely new trend, and tho camera follows Tito into the strange and startling happenings. “Our Prince,” which depicts many interesting details in the life of the Prince.ot Wales, will also be shown, together with "Eve s Review,” which shows the latest dance craze, and a sporting film. REGENT THEATRE. Two great st-itis will be seen at the Regent Theatre in the programme commencing to-day. Bebe Daniels is the star of “Swim, Girl, Swim,” and Thomas Meighan appears in “We're All Gamblers." In ..‘ Swim, Girl, Swim,’ Be.be Daniels is stated to be .seen at her vivacious Dost in a long series of comical situa-' tions. Tho most hilarious portion of the film is centred on a long-distance swim, iu which one of the contestants is no less a person than Gertrude Ederle. famous as the first woman to swim the English Channel. One who is responsible lor much of the merriment is William Austin, well known for his "idiot” roles. In “We’re All Gamblers” the popular Thomas Meighan is seen back in the type of role that first made him such a firm favourite. The story is a virile one of a man who, sinking to the depths, regains his honour after a mighty fight against uneven odds. The film, has earned the commendation of critics generally, and will be a direct contrast to the first attraction. The usual will also be screened. The box plan is at the theatre (telephone 11 —144) and the Bristol. e 0 PARAMOUNT THEATRE. George Fitzmaurice's production for First National pictures, “The lender Hour,” is the attraction at the Paramount Theatre' commencing to-day. Despite the. suggestion of gentleness in tho title, the story is stated to be one that teems with drama, with suspense, and even with thrill?, and the tender hour I of love which finally comes to beleaguretl souls after storm and stress compensates for the tense emotion evoked during the course of the drama. In this picture Fitzmaurice had tremendous incidents upon which to develop the pro duction that has resulted. Love in its grosser as well as in its most beautiful forms; drama which comes close to the border of melodrama; some humour to I relieve the strain of continuous suspense and scenes which are brilliant with pageantry. With such artists as beautiful Billie Dove, Ben Lyon (both of whom are featured). Alee B. Francis. Montagu Love, and others to portray these characters. his materials were ready to hand. A further offering calculated to enrich an already strong programme is a sketch entitled “The Diva (er).” ,in which Cohn Crane is assisted by Miss .Maude Tarrant. H. Gladstone Hill offers a musical melange of exceptional beauty, which will be interpreted by his orchestra, and “Triumphal” (Suppe) will be offered for the overture. Box plan is at the theatre daily from 10 a.m. KING’S THEATRE. “The Flag Lieutenant,” . with complete presentation, as during its brilliantly successful season at the Regent Theatre, will commence a further week in Wellington with this afternoon s initial presentation at the King’s Theatre at 2.50 p.m. It will bo screened daily at 2.30 and nightly at 8 p.m. for one week only. “The Flag Lieutenant” has rhe distinction of being the r.ost suc- . cessful of all British productions yet screened in Wellington, breaking all records at the Regent Theatre and necessitating an extended season. “The Flag Lieutenant” is considered Britain's big gest film achievement to -late, and has a story possessed of universal appeal —romantic adventures, thrilling and remarkably spectacular. The British Ad-. miralty gave their assistance in no grudging manner. Battleships, destroyers, seaplanes, seamen, marines—all were placed

’at the disposal of Astra National. The keen and eager spirit which exists in the whole of the Navy personnel, animated ofticers and men, with the result that this production is named aa Britain’s greatest. Henry lid wards, Bred Raynham, Fewlass Llewellyn, and Dorothy Seaconi be head a talented cast or players. Many thousands are seen in support. A delightful atmospheric prologue is an important part of the special presentation aocompaning this production’s screening. A hornpipe ballet, together with a baritone solo by Mr. Ray Kemp, form an entertaining prelude. An additional attraction on the, programme is the film entitled “H.R.H. It is an interesting story of the Prince of Wales life from bovhood to manhood. A special score of incidental music accompanies “The Flag Lieutenant. The box plan is available at the Bristol until 5 p.m. daily, and at the theatre from 6 p.m. The theatre telephone (22 —212) may be used for reservations. i QUEEN’S THEATRE. A further illustration of the policy pt the Queen’s Theatre management is shown this week in the presentation oi the two-feature bill which will commence to-night at that popular .house. That quality and quantity in pictorial fare brings the best results has been well exemplified in the past. The first production on this programme is Norman Kerry’s latest picture for Universal The Irresistible Lover,” generally predicted to be the fastest moving and most sophisticated farce-comedy of the season. “The Irresistible Loyer” is the story oi a handsome and wealthy young bachelor who cannot get enough of women until he meets one who cares nothing for his wealth or high social standing. In fact, she considers it his main drawback. How he eventually overcomes her. objections and the objections of her family provides a delightful situation. The supporting east was carefully chosen by Director Beaudine from a long list of favourite screen plavers. and includes among many others, Gertrude Astor, Lois Moran, and Myrtle Stedman. The second attraction is “Galloping Fury.” starring k’oot Gibson and cast of luminaries. It was adapted from what is described as Peter B. Kyne’s firfst romance. '.liny Toreador.” and in picture form is said to be one of the fastest, most adventurous, thrilling, and romantic Western comedydramas yet to reach the screen. The Queen's Quartet will he heard. The box plan is available at the Bristol. DE LUXE THEATRE. “Mockery,” Lon Chaney’s new starring vehicle for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. which will commence at the De Luxe Theatre to-night, is a dramatic mystery play of the Russian revolution. Chanev plays the role of a strange, liermit-hke peasant who worships a girl of the upper class, and is content to be her slave it only hec an serve her. Then by a strange turn of fate, she is placed absolutely m his power. The bloodshed and horror of the revolution rages about them. The peasant becomes a leader, and, drunk with his power, he nil but destroys the thing he had loved. His love changes to brutality, and then the unexpected happens in a most dramatic climax, and tho peasant pays with his life for a disaster he could not avert. Barbara Bedford is leading lady, and Ricardo Cortez a young officer whom she loves. Benjamin Christensen directed the Picture. Good supports are to be shoun, and the usual excellent musical proeramrje nlayed both by Mr. Aarons at -lie Wurlitzer organ and by the orchestra. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Starring Lon Chaney. “Mr. Wu” is the feature heading the big programme which commences screening at'the New Princess Theatre to-day. The new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, adapted from the Oriental mystery novel by Louise Jordan Miln. is a dramatic story ot China, in which Chaney plays Wu, the sinister mandarin, working out a strange revenge on an English family and Renee Acloree plays his daughter. lhe cast includes Louise Dresser and Gertrude Olmstead. The second feature is The Lily" starring Belle Bennett, supported by' lan Keith, Reata Hoyt, and Richard Tucker. It is a drama of love and sacrifice, wherein a girl sacrifices her happiness for that of her younger sister. Good supports are also promised, “ROSE MARIE.” "Rose Marie.” the entrancing musical play, which has broken all Australian records, and bids fair to repeat the performance in New Zealand, will come to the Grand Opera, House on January 27. It will be presented by the firm ot J. O. Williamson, which has been instrumental in bringing to New shores so many high-class productions. both musical and dramatic, interpreted by one of the most efficient companies ever scut across the Tasman. "Rose Marie is produced bv the firm’s most experienced craftsman, Mr. George Highland, and will be interpreted by an all-star combination, including such well knows favourites as Harriet Bennet (Rose Marie), Stephanie Deste (Wanda), Yvonne Banyard (Lady Jane). Frederick Bentley (Hard-Boiled Herman), Reginald Dandy (Jim Kenvon, Rose Marie’s lover). James Hughes (Sergeant Malone). Mabel Lambeth (Ethel Brander), George Bryant (Black Eagle),

Lou Vernon (Emile La Flamme). and Noel Allan (Edward Hawley). The chorus and special teams of dancers form strong contingents, and the orchestra, which will be under the conductorshin of Mr. Neville Ravel. of London, has also been specially selected for the production. One of the most spectacular features or the musical comedy is the last scene in the final act. This is the Totem Pole Lodge, in the Canadian Rockie, where one of the most original ballet effects ever seen is presented. Between torty and fifty girl’ dressed in striking totem costumes, sii.g the song. "Totem lomTom,” under the leadership of Wanda (Miss Stephanie Deste). The box plans are at the Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Gayle Wyer and his popular BandBox Revue Company continue to maw merry at His Majesty’s Theatre. and their current presentation is one of tiieir very best. The first half is Ailed with a. clever concoction of sketch, dance, and song, in which all the members of the company score heavily. Charles Norman, the principal comedian, being especially popular. In the second halt “Love, Honour and Obey is presented. A clever revue, packed with sparkling dialogue and catchy songs, it keeps tne audience in. right merry mood. WIRTHS’ CIRCUS. Ever since Its first visit to New Zealand, well over twenty years ago. Wirths circus has made a popular appeal to people of all ages, but the entertainment provided bv this combination at Webb Street last night far outclasses any previous presentation by Wirths. Patrons who have attended Wirths’ cirrus for. many years past consider that the passing of the years sees a marked improvement m the hoveltv and skilfulness of the various acts. Nightly the circus continues to. attract large crowds, and again last night a capacity house was thrilled by the amazing turns of the. performers in the sawdust ring. The circus will be continued again to-night. The zoo section is open from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.