ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Those who saw it will scarcely have forgotten 'tlie wonderful screen attraction "Beau Geste.” The reply to that story is “Beau Sabreur,” which has been filmed by Paramount .Studios. Besides. being an answer to “Beau Geste," it Is Just as thril ing from start to finish. It affords n welcome change from the average picture programme “Beau Sabruer tells tlie stoiy of a voting I’reneh officer who has disgraced the name of Ins family by being sentenced to a term of imprisonment, his offence being the taking ot extra leate because of n girl- Be vows he will never look at another woman for the rest of his life, lint will give his remaining days to the service of his country, these excellent intentions hold good until he meets a prel’.v novelist in Hie desert while prosecuting a mission for his country. Allpowerful love makes him revise Ins previ ons decision, but he has a hard struggle before he succumbs to tlie heart appeal. It is a splendid tale of tile Foreign Legion nnil the Sahara Desert, ami a thrilling tale of Touaregs. It teatnres Gnr.v Cooper, Evelyn Brent, Aoah Beep, and' Wm. Powell, stars who are popular because of their wonderful acting, and there are some most dramatic scenes in which they appear. There is a specially written musical score tor tlie pictuie, ami this was excellently played by the Began.. Orchestra. Seats may lie booked at the Bristol or by telephoning tlie theatre. STRAND THEATRE. Dolores del Rio has proved herself in Hie past to be one of tlie greatest actresses for the pictures anil she more than lixes up to her reputation in “Ramona, the United Artists production which opened id. tlie Strand Theatre last night. “Ramona, which is classed as one of the great Amorican classics and comes from the pen ot Henel limit Jackson. "Ramona is a tale of early California—Hie days ot tlie Mission Indians—their trials and tribulations, and “Ramona” came into being durin- flint period. Ramona is the adopted da’iighter of tlie Senora Moreno, a reiigous. fanatic who ruled iier vast rancho in feudal grandeur. Front girlhood she has been in love with the Senora s son Feline and lie with her. Then comes Alexandre, an Indian, to tlie ranch, and lie and Ramona fall in love and despite many’ difficulties marry. To them conies perfect happiness and a baby girl- Then comes tra-edv in the form ot a band ot outlaws, who destroy the Indian village. Alessandro and Ramona escape with their baby, which dies. Tragedy follows tragedy when Alessandro is shot doyvn and Ramona in the depths of despair, loses her mcmCry and becomes n wandering outcast. .Meanwhile, Hie old Senora dies and Felipe, with a smouldering love tor Ramona, seeks her high and low, to find iier at last in an adobe Indian hut, where she has lain for days unconscious. Felipe tries to restore her memory, and at last succeeds, tlie pair once more falling tn love, this time to marry and find perfect happiness. Warner Baxter plays Alessandro yvlth a romantic dash and realism, wlille Roland Drew, as Don Felipe, gives a splendid performance. The direction bv Edwin Careyve is faultless. As Ramona, Dolores del Rio is simply brilliant and her performance could not be surpassed. A well-varied supporting programme is also screened, and appropriate music supplied by the orchestra under Miss Dennchy. DE LUXE THEATRE. Ivan Mosjoukine, now recognised as one of the world’s greatest film stars, has tlie lending role in “The Prince ut Adventurers,” the Universal extravaganza, which commenced before a very big audience ior the first time at the De Luxe lheatre last night. There are seventy' principal artists in tlie east,, tlie production being classed as one of the most gigantic films ever serened. “The world’s most lavish spectacle,” as it has been called, is one long riot of glowing colour which fascinates It is a romance of Russia and Venice in tiie eighteenth century, and has over 3000 people employed in some of the scenes. The picture has marvellous decorative qualities, colourful scenes, and lavish Hair, and striking court scenes, and adventures upon adventures. In the picture, too, are traditions of chivalry—a flashing blade drawn in defence of a helpless woman, a blow struck for a forlorn hope, a fight against odds, and a laugh m the face of despair. It is reported that some of the costumes used cost £10,(10(1 alone. Besides Ivan .Mosjoukine there are such great Russian players in the cast as Diana Kavenne, Suzanne Bianchetti, Jenny Jugo, Paul Guide, M. Klein-Rogge, Alga Day, and Rina de Ilguoro. In addition to the big attraction there is a Gazette, showing the latest happenings of importance in various parts of Hie world. At the mighty Wurlitzer organ Mr. Emanuel Aarons gives a beautiful rendering of the famous “Barcarolle.” WILLIAM HEUGIIAN. Prior to his departure for Australia and the. in continuation of his world-tour, the noted actor-singer, William lleuglian, will give a final concert in tlie Town Hall on Thursday, llith inst. The tour on which he is now engaged is under the auspices of the “Overseas League," whicU lias headquarters in London, and a very largo membership throughout the world. His Majesty the King is Patron of the League. lleuglian was trained liy the same celebrated master who trained John McCormack, babatini of Milan, and like McCormack made Ins first operatic appearances at Italian Opera Houses and at Covent Garden. Subsequently-, he struck out for himself on an entirely new path, that of bringing to universal notice the beauty and charm of folk-songs, especially the folk-song ot Scotland. Heughan has, however, not overlooked in his great repertoire the classical masterpieces ot' all nations. Xue onee celebrated operatie singer, Herman Devries, now critic for the "Chicago Amorican ” recognised Iletijrlian’s ecjiuil masterv in that difficult field when he wrote: “Iftcr I heard him sing Schubert’s ‘Death and the Maiden’ and Moussorgskie’s Song of the Flea,’ I knew I was in the presence of a fine artist. Gladys Sayer, piamste, and Maud Bell, ’cellist, are assisting artists Jliss Bell was trained in pre-war Berlin by the famous Belgian cellist, Marix Loevensohn, and at the Brussels Conservatoire. Miss Sayer is also a graduate of the Brussels Conservatoire, and has studied under several famous uianistes. His final concert in Wellington will be followed by visits to several of the principal cities in the North Island. Box plans for the concert in ‘Wellington open at the Bristol on Monday, 13th inst. KING’S THEATRE. Starring Madge Bellamy and John Mack Brown. "Soft Living” is the Fox production at the King’s Theatre tins week. Nancv Woods, young secretary to a famous divorce attorney, finally decides that she too, Is capable of getting the luxuries of life, and so sets her cap at Stockney Webb a lumber millionaire. Iler plan succeeds admirably—at the start. Webb finds out that lie is being duped for the sake of alimonv. and the honeymoon proceeds. After a series of humorous adventures on the train, he takes her to his lodge, out in the big timber country. Lorna Estabrook, divorcee, of seven husbands, here takes a hand in tlie proceedings, and the woes of the bride are increased. Sequences of subtle and hilarious comedy' lead up to the climax, when Nancy breaks down and confesses iier love for tlie handsome millowner. Good supports include an amusin'* comedy. “Starvation Blues,” and Hie usTial Fox features. Excellent orchestral music is provided. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Lovers of stories of the groat outdoors should not miss seeing "'The Shepherd of the Hills.” which opened at tlie Paramount Theatre last night. Tlie story is based on Harold Bell Wright’s great novel »f outdoor life. The story concerns tlie lives of tlie Matthews family—Old Matt, Young Matt, and Aunt Mollie. There is also a young girl, nick-named “Sammy” Lane who is loved by Young Matt, s'lmmv, however, has only a sisterly love for lii'in and is engaged to Ollie Stewart. There is also the bully of the community. Wash Gibbs. Into the community’ comes luivid Howitt, who later becomes known ■is Ihe “Shepherd of the Hills.” He is sheltered by the Matthews family and (here learns' the story of Little Peter, a semi-wild lad. who. as it turns out. was ihe son of Matt's daughter, who was betrayed bv an artist from tlie city. The artist is dead, lint David Howitt knows that Ihe story told him concerns his own soil and Hint his pride had kept the boy from marrying tlie Matlbcws girl. As Jf'itt hail sworn to kill the artist’s father. Howitt does not. confess to him. Howitt makes himself Indispensable to tlie community lind is looked up to by- everyone. There'is n serious drought, mid tlie shepherd manages to send outside for financial aid. and he himself purchases food that will see the community through until' the rain comes. He also frustrates the evil intentions of Wash Gibbs. After manv stirring adventures, peace comes to Hie little community. Sammy tells yonng M.itt lliat she loves him. and tlie shepherd confesses to Old Matt, and is forgiven Tre film ends in a spirit of happiness. An all-star cast is seen' in tlie film the lending parts being taken by Aloe B. Francis (the shenliord). Molly O’Dav (Sammy). John Bolos (young Matt)- Matthew Betz (Wash Gibbs) and Romaine Fielding (Old Matt). In support are n comedv. “Sundown Limited.” and a Gazette. The Paramount Orchestra led bv Mr. R. R. Oaniton. renders Hie ovo'rtnro from “Norma” (Tidllni'l. and ns tin entr'acte nlavs Horatio Nicholls’s success. “The Slionhor' l of Hie Hills,” which runs through tlie film.

= SHORTT’S THEATRE. = The front line trendies of shell-torn : France during the most crucial period of = the World War introduces Ilin-Tin-Tin ..to : the screen in a new environment inn "A : Dog of the Regiment,” his latest Warner- : Master Picture starring vehicle, which : heads the double feature programme at ■ Shortt’s Theatre. Rin-Tin-Tin appears as : a Red Cross dog behind the German lines. : The story opens in Germany in peace : times. A few years elapse and the priu- : clpals are thrown into the heated upheaval : of the World War. Romance vies witli ■ loyalty in ■ this remarkable ’ story, which : sees at one of its most critical points the : aviator sentenced to death, while the nurse, : his sweetheart, is torn between devotion ; to him and to her country. Itln-Tln-Tin • portrays his most heroic role in "A Dog : of the Regiment.” Tom Gallery, Dorothy Gulliver, and John Peters are in the cast. : “One Punch O’Day,” a lively comedy- : drama, starring Billy Sullivan, supported • by Jack Henriek and Charlotte Merriam, is the second feature. Good supports are also screened. "NORMA.” This evening's performance will be one of the outstanding events of the present season. The opera to be produced is Bellini's "Norma,” which is brimful of melody, from the.opening bar of the overture to the Jinal chord as the curtain descends.' In Australia "Norma” was acclaimed the best of the various operas produced by the Fuller-Gonsalez Company. Signora Syl vestri makes a perfect study of the character of "Norma,” and those who sec her in this great role are not likely to forget her wonderful' interpretation of it. The principal tenor role.. that of Pollione, will be interpreted by Signor Arturo, Tatnburinl. a dramatic artist of exceptional' power. This-will be Signor Tambttrini's first appearance in 'Wellington. . Signora Algozzino Interprets the part of Adalgisa; and gives a splendid portrayal of the role. . Signor Fumagalli is seen in “Norma” as Oroveso, the. Arch-Druid, and carries off his part with great distinction, The scenic settings are particularly lavish, and the whole performance of- -great merit. Tills opera is of the greatest interest to members of the Druids’ lodges, as.well as the general public. QUEEN'S THEATRE. “Love Me and the World is Mine” heads the Queen's Theatre. programme for this week. Norman Kerry and Mary I’hilbin take the leading parts, and Betty Compson and H. B. Walthall are thq. main supporting stars. Hanesl is an orphan, living with her wealthy uncle and aunt, In a small Austrian village. The Austrian Army holds its annual manoeuvres at . the- township, and her beauty impresses a young lieutenant. Her uncle dies and she comes to Vienna to a cousin named Mitzel. A chance meeting betn-een the officer and the country girl results in the severance of diplomatic relations between the girls, but a wealthy old bachelor, who sees Hanesl wasting away amongst companions of Mitzel, takes her to *tiie home of Ills mother, and he proposes and the girl accepts. War then‘ breaks out and this great Universal production comes to a dramatic climax, and an equally dramatic close. A comedv and an Empire news bulletin complete the programme. ..The Queen's orchestra, which has recently been enlarged, renders ~the accompanying music, and Mr. W. G. Stevenson contributes a cornet solo. NEW, PRINCESS THEATRE. "Man Power,” starring Richard Dix and Mary Brian, (leads the current programme at the New Princess Theatre. . Dix- is seen in the role of Tom Roberts, a city man on holiday, who stops at a large provincial town. ' , Here he meets the daughter of a steel-manufacturer, and de J cldes to stay on in the place. Obtaining employment in. the steel works as a mechanic, Roberts soon discovers that the general manager is making the sale of a fine tractor impossible, but the new- hand's experiments prove that a. slight adjustment means the difference between success and failure.' A fitting climax is reached when the hitherto useless tractors are the means of blocking a great crack in the wall of a nearby ' dam. ; Janet Gaynor, supported by. Glenn Tryon and Ben Bard, gives a splendid portrayal of a stenographer in search of . work'in the second feature,. "Two Girls' Wanted.” She has many amusing adventures before she finds a ' place really to her liking. The supports include an interesting Fox News film. ' , , . ; '• ENGLISH OPERA. To-night in. the Concert Chamber will be heard for the first, time in Wellington the concert version of. “The Rebel Maid,” a comic (opera composed ’by Montague Phillips, the. .well-known English composer. This work will be rendered by the popular Orpheus Musical Society under ■ the conductorship of Mr. Lcn Barnes. Several of 'Wellington’s best- ■ known singers will take the leading part:--- ! Mrs. Alice Harris as Lady Mary with Mr. I Ray Kemp as; Derek. Mrs. 'Fred Press I

as Abigail; and Dorothy and Mr. Will i Hancock as Percy, while Mr. John Pearson has tiie important task of singing the ! solos a..otted to Lord Milverton and Bun- | kle. Miss Hazel Rowe, L.T.0., is the ! accompanist.- The plan is at the Bristol. | ■ JOHN BISHOP. j The-booking .for the pianoforte recital on Wednesday evening next Indicates a gratifying interest in the-first appearance of the Choral Union's conductor as a solo pianist. An English critic says: “He showed technique (Of a very high order, the whole performance carried the' hallmark of merit.” The programme to be presented-is a most varied one,- and will include “Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Handel air.”- In addition to the did Masters, John Bishop will play, a selection -of works by the modern composers. The box plan may be inspected at the Bristol, where two-shilling, tickets may ; be obtained on Monday morning.. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. “Feel My Pulse,” a Paramount picture featuring Bebe Daniels with Richard Arlen and William Powell, will be the star attraction at the Kilbirnie-Theatre to-night. The story by Howard. Emmett Rogers concerns the acitivities of a girl near invalid in her own mind. Certain 'situations, however, help her regain her health. In addition to this attraction, Is a First National starring Geta GoudaL in'“Fighting Lore," a story of Italy’s struggle to keep peace among fierce Arab tribes ’ and amongst these tierce Desert roamers is found lore and romance. is full of excitement, drama and thrills. ■ The supporting programme Includes a Topical Budget and a news-reel. . i COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ CHOIR. 1 On Saturday next in the Concert Chamber the Commercial Travellers’ Choir are holding their second concert of the season. .The soloists are Mrs. J. F. Woodward I soprano). Mr. Desmond Lavin (vio- 1 lin), Mr. Roy Dellow (bass) and Mr. J 1 P. Shuley (tenor). In addition to these 1 artists the choir have some very fine 1 numbers in the course of preparation. The ' outstanding item will be Dudley Buck’s 1 Cantata, "Chorus of Spirits and Hours." ! This is said to be an exceptionally good number and has not been performed here 1 for a number of years. Other items in- 1 eluded arg. de Rille's “Martyrs of the 1 Arena.” Parry’s “Monks’ War Song.” and 1 by. snecial request '; Maunde'r’s “Border Ballad” will. be (repeated. An advertisement appears in/this issue. THE GREAT GREEK GAMES.' The second lecture in the short course on “Some Aspects of. Greek IJlfe” will be given bv Professor J. Ranklne Brown in the W.E.A. Rooms, new Trades Hail Building, 126 Vivian Street, to-night at S • o’clock. The': subject .will be "The' Great Olympic. Games of Ancient Greece,” and a number of. fine lantern slides will be shown.- This course is open- to all and should prove of special interest to athletes and the general public .in view of the.attention that is being directed to the Olympic Games at Amsterdam this week. A small fee is charged for .admission. . . ORGAN RECITAL. ’ The city organist (Mr. Bernard F. Page) will- give an - organ recital at the Town i Hall to-morrow. The programme will J include the following:—Pastorale. Bnche: ; Clinral do Malelngroau: Lied des Chrvsan- < Hinnies. Bonnot: Choral (No. 2) in I) . Minor and Mnior. by .Mendelssohn: Pro- • '•ide. Op. 20 (No. 1).. Cantlleno On. 29 (No. 1 oy. gnifcrzando' de Concert No. 29, No. 3, i by Pierno t ■■ . . ... — i I 1 < j