ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 186, 9 May 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton’s latest comedy. “Now We're In the Air,” is the current feature at the Regent Theatre. Mistaken identity is the theme. It does not end with the comedians being mistaken for flyers, but Louise Brooks, the charming and beautiful leading woman, figures in the mistakes. She plays the parts of twin sisters, one German and one French. Beery loves the German girl, and Hatton Ray the French, and the problem of telling them apart is a difficult one, and leads to some amazing situations. A well-varied supporting programme is also screened, and delightful music is supplied by the drehestra. “THE MERRY WIDOW.” Seldom does a picture create such widespread interest as has “The Merry Widow,” the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, to be presented at the Regent. Theatre on Friday. The title suggests picturesque romance, and in the hands of the gifted director, Erich von Stroheim ideally Milted to stage such a thing, the production lias exceeded the fondest expectations held for it. The title role, in which Miss Murray is featured, furnishes this piquant actress with the best role of her career, and that she should give “The Merry Widow” the charm and vivacity it needs. John Gilbert, one of the most popular men on the screen today, has the part of Prince Danilo. Other members of the cast, including Roy d'Arcy, a new von Stroheim discovery who plays the villainous Crown Prince, Tully Marshall. George Fawcett, Josephine Crowell, and Dale Fuller are said to acquit themselves nobly in their respective roles. “The Merry Widow” was filmed at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. The picture is based on the internationally famous stage play of the same name as written by Victor Leon, Leo Stein, and Franz Lenar. It was adapted to the screen by Erich von Stroheim and Benjamin Glazer. The grand coronation scene has been filmed entirely in techntcolour, and the musical score will be played with the picture. Chief among the supports will be “Miss New Zealand in Movieland,” the first film to show the arrival of Dale Austen in Hollywood, and her subsequent experiences meeting the stars, going through her first test before the camera, and taking part in a film. Extraordinary preliminary booking is being reported. Seats may be reserved at the theatre (’phne 44—144) or the Bristol. DE LUXE THEATRE. “The Circus,” Charlie Chaplin’s latest and perhaps funniest comedy, is the big feature now screening at the De Luxe Theatre. Against a background of sawdust, clowns, tigers, acrobats, elephants, and 'lions, the famous comediain has made a comedy which will rank with the most amusing ever made. Chaplin is seen as a member of the unemployed, who gets a job as handyman in a circus, where he is called upon to do all manner of things, including wire-walking. A capable supporting cast includes Merna Kennedy, Betty Morrissey, Harry Crocker, Allan Garcia and Henry Bergman. Good supports are also shown and fine usual excellent musical programme is supplied, both by Mr Aarons at the Wurlltzer organ and by the orchestra.

“FLESH AND THE DEVIL.,” The big feature commencing at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday is “Flesh and the Devil.” 'ln this vivid drama of Continental social life a powerful romance revolves around Greta Garbo ns Felicitns Von Eltz, and John Gilbert as Leo Von Harden, until thev are swept to the edge of disaster. Then the beautiful, but tempestuous young wife attempts to overcome the scruples of her husband’s friend by proposing elopement. He consents only to find at the last minute that she will nbt give up the luxury of her home provided for her by her husband. “Is it necessary, Leo?” she asks. The husband unexpectedly returns, and the unscrupulous wife completes her perfidy by falsely claiming the protection of her husband. From this point onwards the story sweeps through long moments of poignant drama until the climax is reached. In addition to Greta Garbo and John Gilbert, who have ' the principal roles, Lars Hanson appears in ‘■Flesh and the Devil” as the husband, Ulrich Von Eltz.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Beautiful Billie Dove gets her first chance to display her talents as a comedienne in First National’s “American Beauty,” which is her latest starring production, and which is the current feature at the Paramount Theatre. Although “American Beauty” has many serious moments and touches of pathos, it is handled mainly in a vein of whimsical comedy. Supporting the star are Lloyd Hughes, Walter McGrail, Margaret Livingston, Lucien Prlvnl, Al St. John, Alice White, and Yal d’Avril. The supporting programme consists of a Gazette and comedy, while delightful musical numbers are supplied by the orchestra. “THE GORILLA.” Comera and lighting effects prove themselves effective substitutes for screams, shrieks, pistol shots and other vocal results of a woozy mystery play, according to Alfred A. Santell, director of “The Gorilla.” to be screened at the Paramount on Friday. Santell is well-known for his direction of Richard Bathelmess’ stirring picture, “The Patent Leather Kid.” “The Gorilla” is an adaptation of the immensely successful mystery-comedy by Ralph Spence, famous humourist. Those who have seen the picturisation of “The Gorilla” agree with Director Santell that photography is capable of producing the same eerie effects produced by sounds. Charlie Murray and Fred Kelsey take the parts of Mulligan and Garity, the two flat foot detectives, who hear all, see all and know nothing. These two characters run through' the entire length of the picture. “The Gorilla” himself is one of the most realistic and awe-lnspir-ing animals anyone has ever met in a dimj dark, deserted house, it is stated. The balance of the all-star cast includes Tully Marshall, Alice Day, Claude Gillingwater, Walter Pldgeon, Brooks Benedict, Gaston Glass, Aggie Herring and Syd. Crossly. KING’S THEATRE. “The Chinese. Parrot,” Earl Derr Biggers’ novel, which has enthralled millions of readers of the “Saturday Evening Post,” has been filmed by Universal under the direction of Paul Leni, and is now screening at the King’s Theatre. Adapted for the screen by J. Grubb Alexander, the picture is full of thrills, suspense, and action, with a logical plot and a highly appealing love theme. The all-star ensemble of players includes such noted players as Marian Nixon, Hobart Bosworth, Edmund Burns, Sojin, Captain Albert Conti, Slim Summerville, Anna May Wong, George Kuwa. In support are the latest of the popular “Collegians” series, a gazette and comedy, with musical numbers by the orchestra. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Two big features, “The Rainmaker” 'and “Time to Love,” are now screening at tile Queen's Theatre. “The Rainmaker” was adapted from the Red Book Magazine story, “Heavenbent,” by Gerald Beaumont. It is a strong love-drama. Ernest Torrence, William Collier, jun., and Georgia Hale are featured. Raymond Griffith is starred, supported by William Powell, and Vera Veronica in “Time to Love,” an hilarious comedy. Capital music is also supplied. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The programme now being presented at His Majesty’s Theatre by the Follies Company is, perhaps, the best they have ' presented in their present season. “In the Future” is an hilarious sketch dealing with the year 2028, when woman has usurped man’s place in the world and the home. “A Musical Broach of Promise Case” is a modern version of “Trial by Jury,” with the dialogue set to song. Miss Lulla Fanning, the company’s clever and sprightly soubrette, is to the fore in many entertaining numbers. Decima and Eddie McLean and the. pretty “Dainties” ballet mid orchestra all help to make the night pass quickly. STRAND THEATRE. “Sorrell and Son.” ■ tlie United Artists’ screen version of Warwick Deeping’s bestselling storv. is now in its fourth week at the Strand Theatre. From the moment that Captain Stephen Sorrell, a war-hero, returns to civil life to find his wife unfaithful to him. and the task of rearing and educating (heir young son all on his shoulders is the powerful climax, the story lioids the audience's interest as few do. 11. B. Warner is starred, supported hv Arina Q. Nilsson, Alice Joyce, Carmel Myers, Nils Astlier, and Mickey Mcßan. Good supports arc also screened, and appropriate music is supplied by the orchestra.

MAURICE MOSCOVITCH. There are four acts in "The Kinger,” the sensational Edgar Wallace drama, to be. presented at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night by the famous actor, Maurice Moseovitch, and bis talented company. Act I depicts the police superintendent's room at Scotland Yard, Act II Meister’s house in Flanders Lane, Act HI Flanders Lane Police Station, while in Act IV, for the denouement, the audience is taken back again to the gloomy precincts of Scotland Yard. Moseovitch has received tho highest praise for his acting in "The Kinger,” and the company supporting him is a strong one, Including such well-known and talented performers as Nat Madison, Mary MacGregor, Hertha Riccardo. Reginald Newson. Guy Hastings, Herbert Leigh, Carleton Stuart, Richard Webster, George Blunt, Kioro King, and others. A notable engagement is that of the famous London actor, Pntric Curweti, who will make his first appearance Ln New Zealand as Dr. Lomond, divisional police surgeon, as played by him in the English production. ’ Tho Ringer" will be produced for a limited number of nights, .and then will give place to "The Terror," another exciting drama by Edgar Wallace. The box plans will open to-morrow morning at the BrlstoL

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. In view of the success of Saturday’s performance, and in response to numerous requests, the Theatrical Sick and Benefit Society will repeat its entertainment to-night at the Grand Opera House. A vaudeville programme of a high order will be presenting. Leading vaudeville acts from "J. C. Williamson and Fullers’ Theatre will comprise a programme of a kind seldom seen here. Dave Meredeth and his Melody Five will feature the latest dance music. Cnrr the Great, the strong man, is one of the finest acts on the vaudeville stage. Nora Green, contralto, will be heard in popular numbers. Sander, the weird violinist, has amused thousands with his playing. Wilkinson, burlesque comedian; Llardet, magician, m mysteries old and new; Vermont, in a Day in Birdland; Margaret O’Connor and partner, featuring the latest Parisian and New York dance hits; and Doug. Stark, Scottish humorist, are also on the bill, and Maori Variety Entertainers and Love Trio will be heard- in melody and instrumental items. Roworth, specialty dancer and spoon manipulator, will be seen . innovelty turns. Frank Andrews, entertainer at the piano, will be heard in new items. Billy Hart, the radio favourite, will also appear. The orchestra will be under the conductorsbip of Andrew Williams. The performance is timed to commence at 7.50. The box plan is at the Bristol, and day sales are at the Grand Opera Confectionery.

COMMERCIAL. TRAVELLERS’ CHOIR. The opening l bf the 1928; season of the Commercial Travellers’ Male Voice Choir will take place at the Concert Chamber, when the choir will present a programme, unequalled in tho past by th e society. The programme is an entirely new one, and includes some of the fiac . s L_ b „ elec Ji? l p® is ranged for male voice choirs. There is every indication that the choir, under the baton of Mr. 11. Temple White, will maintain its reputation for, welbbalanced and finished part singing. Th® programme 'has been varied by the inclusion of net and vocal solos. The box plan is now open at the Bristol.

•• TRIANGLE KINEMA. Wild mßlves hiving had little or no contact with white men, are seen in the fi°m, “The 'Wonderland .of North-West Australia,” which will make its first appearance in New Zealand at the Blue Triangle Kinema, Boulcott Avenue, tonight. The film is the record of the 'roceiit Douglas WyUe Expedition to the remote parts of North-West Australia, and some thrilling and spectacular scenes depicting native and wild life, are fcee m it is said. Possibly unique in the annals of motion’ picture photography is the scene showing hundreds of ferocious Tiger sharks attacking a wounded whale. Boiling whirlpools large enough to take down a fair-sized dinghy were frequently met, and on many occasions the lugger and occupants narrowly escaped destruction. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol.

DAWN ASSHETON AND LASZLO SCHWARTZ. Of all the artists now touring the world, none brings to the lovers of good music programmes so full of colour as Dawn Assheton, England’s premier coloratura soprano and folksong singer, and Laszlo Schwartz, the eminent Hungarian violinist-composer, who will appear at the Concert Chamber to-night at 8 p.m. Not only are these programmes novel because Miss Assheton presents songs of every' musical land in the picturesque costumes from those countries, but also because she is knowu as one of the greatest mimics in the musical world. The range of three octaves helps her to sing the most difficult operatic coloratura arias from “Traviata.” "The Barber of Seville,” "Mignon,” etc, with ease and brilliancy, it is said. In the following group the famous English singer presents songs of India, Persia, Burma, in costumes that complete the illusion created by the plaintive songs of the East. These are contrasted with the quaint humorous songs of China and Japan, bringing to the hearer a musical picture entirely new. Nor is the interest lessened in the Hungarian aud Slavonic songs sung in colourful peasant costume, one of which has been described as "a riot of colour.” Some of these beautiful melodies inspired Liszt to compose his worldfamed Hungarian rhapsodies. Laszlo Schwartz adds much to the novel character of the programme, with bis own compositions, spirited Hungarian and Slavonic- folk music, and a few of his latest songs composed for Dawn Assheton.

NURSERY RHYMES PARADE. A phenomenal crowd appeared at the Town Mall once more last night to seo the Rev. T. F. Taylor us “Old King Cole” leading the procession of Nursery Rhymes and the different tableaux in the pageant. The pageant began with "Sing a Song of Sixpence,” showing the story, and Mr. Joe Knowsley’s pupils dancing as the blackbirds. Tableaux followed depicting the “Finding of « Moses,” “The Lamp,” and “King Henry IV making his son a Knight of the Garter,” a fine piece of colour and pageantry. A musical programme was given. This afternoon the Baby Show will be held, and there is no doubt there will be a large gathering of babies, for the prizes offered are well worth competing for. Girls and boys. 1 to 6 months, G to 12 months, and 1 to 2 years, twins, and best colouring in girls, 3 to 5 years, and best Charlie Chaplin in boys are the classes. In addition- the mother sitting in the “lucky chair" at 3.45 p.m. will get a special prize. Mothers and children will have an added pleasure in a delightful little pageant, for the Princess Yolanda and ail lier retinue will pay a visit, to the Town Hall., The Princess will distribute prizes won at the show, probably about 3.30 o’clock, so those who want a good view should get themselves placed in good time. The visit of Princess Yolanda when the Baby Show is on should prove one of the most popular and unique attractions of its .kind presented at the Town Hall.