ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 51, 23 November 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE STUDENT PRINCE." Metro-Goldwyn’s great attraction, “The Student Prince,” will open its Wellington season of one week to-ulght, with tull orchestra’ matinee to-morrow at 2.30. In “The Student Prince,” Ramon Novarro and Norina Shearer are the stars, and Ernst Lubltsch was the director. With such a combination, it would seem, the ultimate had been reached in the possibilities of the drama of the screen. Ramon Novarro, in the role Riehard Mansfield played, is to the screen what Mansfield was to the stage, It is declared. This is proved by the way in which he enacts the role. Norma Shearer as Kathie to Novarro’s Karl Heinrich shows a new side to her talent, a greater gift of characterisation than anyone dreamed of. Lubltsch, the director, chose wisely when he chose these two as the foundation of his great cast. The wonderfully sweet love story of the prince and the girl In the inn, their love, the happy days in Heidelberg and the tragedy that follows, are worked out as the same simple story of the stage play Huge castles, great ceremonies, pomp, and spectacle are the backgrounds of the play. Jean Hershalt, as Dr. Juttner, the tutor, portrays his role in a remarkable manner, and Bobby Mack, as the comical Kellermann, is a revelation, it is declared. Gustav Von Scyffertitz, Edythe Chapman, George K. Arthur, Lionel Belmore, Philippe De Lacy are in the cast. Perhaps they, too, were inspired by memories of Mansfield and the great ones of the stage who played in the great romance long before the screen was thought of. The original music score will be used by the orchestra, in conjunction with the Wurlitzer organ, under the direction of Emanuel Aarons. Box plans are available at the Bristol, Begg's, and Aitken's Book Arcade. REGENT THEATRE. Shistl's Wonderettes will commence their long-looked-for season at the Regent Theatre, commencing at the matinee this afternoon at 2.15. Titer performance is described as astounding and this is the first time that a turn of tills kind has been presented in the Dominion. King George has commanded the Wonderettes to appear at Buckingham Palace on no fewer than five occasions during their season at the Palace Theatre in London. It is certainly out of the ordinary to see au Early Georgian lady of degree being solemnly carried into a garden in a sedan chair, supported on the shoulders of two strong man servants, who suddenly abandon their duty, elongate their bodies like some queer characters, stepping out from the pages of “Alice in Wonderland,” jump around generally enjoying themselves, but this Is what it. is stated happens. They incontinently dash off from the stage and the resourceful fare in the sedan magically transforms her cab into a modern motorcar and drives off, hooting and waving a handkerchief out of the window. On the screen Charles Rogers, Mary Brian and Chester Conklin appear in “Varsity.” No moving picture in the past has succeeded in portraying American college life with any such fidelity as “Varsity,” it is stated. The change from the usual slapstick variety of college picture to this lovclv and dignified story with a college background, in which Charles (Buddy) Rogers proves his right to the starring honours, with which Paramount has presented him in this film, should be welcome. It is a tale of thp love of a father for his sou. The father, Chester Conklin, is the janitor of one of the buildings at Princeton University and a campus character. The son, who is unaware of his parentage, is a student at the university. The son is beset by dangers from which the father, with heroic self-efface-ment, rescues him. The son completes his college, course with honours, and a lovely girl, played by Mary Brian, becomes his wife. . “Varsity” is built on the vital human emotions, the love of a father for his son. The background Is one of beauty and dignity, the scenes having been taken on the campus of Princeton University. The box plans are open to-day at the theatre and Bristol. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Comedy dramas of a domestic type are by no means new, but the complicated situations that arise in Universal’s Jewel production, “Phyllis of the. Pollies,” starring Alice Day and Matt Moore, provide some uovel incidents in the everlasting issue between husband and wife and the other fellow, particularly when a member of the "Follies” is dragged into the affair to make a foursome. This picture is to be screened at tlie Paramount Theatre commencing to-night. It is an excellent object lesson to those people who take a delight in interferiug in other people’s romances, and it is portrayed in a delightful manner, it Is stated. It is replete with complications, and such that are bound to provoke ripples of merriment. In fact the story is so well told that one wonders what the eventual outcome will be and how some almost impossible situations are going to be explained. With a background of wealthy homes and lavish hotels of New York, it provides a feast for the eye. Alice Day and Matt Moore play the prominent roles, while they are supported .by Lllyan Tashman and Edmund Burns. An excellent Universal supporting programme is set down for screening, with new and delightful musical numbers bv the Paramount Orchestra under the direction of Mr. R. K. Caulton. The box plans are at the Bristol and Utility (next to the theatre). KING’S THEATRE. “The Barker" was directed by George Fitzmnurlee. In his latest production for First National Pictures, the eminent director has found metal worthy ot his steel. For he excels in artistic effects gained from situation as well as scene, from character as well as incident. In the intimate moments of this story of carnival life he has been especially happy, it is stated. He has gained innumerable effects from the simplest touches of artistry, which becomes tn his hands a matter of genius. Milton Sills and Dorothy Mackaill are costarred in the picture, which Is to be screened to-night at the King’s Theatre. Betty Compson, Douglas Fairbanks, Junr., Sylvia Ashton. George Cooper, John Irwin, S. S. Simon and others complete the cast. This First National special contains all the ingredients that make for a delightful film. It deals with an unusual phase of life, that of the itinerant show people in a carnival troupe. Their intimate associations breed loves and hates, jealousies and examples of sacrifice. Over all Is spread the tinsel gauze of the romantic life, sordid in its actual details, fascinating in Its passing aspects. Excellent supports are promised with King's Orchestra a feature of the programme. The box plan is at the Bristol. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Road House” will open to-night at the Queen's Theatre. This Fox Films production is filled with excitement from the first reel to the last, and Is excellently handled under the direction of Richard Rosson, It is stated. Characterisations in the picture are exceptionally well done by Marla Alba and Warren Burke, two new screen personalities, and Lionel Barrymore, who has the part of the father of the prodigal son. Miss Alba in the role of Sally Carroll, the girl who lures the boy Into a life of dissipation, is one of the most fascinating of the younger players to be seen on the screen In recent months, and one who possesses splendid dramatic ability. The second attraction is “The News Parade,” an outstanding and original attraction dramatising the thrills, adventure and romance in the life of a newsreel cameraman. The picture has for a background tropical Havanna. snow-girt Lake Placid, bustling New York, sunny Palm Beach and the southern seas. Among the celebrities included in the picture are Gene Tunney, heavyweight champion; Gene Sarazen, golf champion; and Harvey Firestone, rubber magnate. Sally Phipps and Nick. Stuart lead a popular cast. The box plan is at the Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. To-night at His Majesty’s Theatre the ever-popular “League of Notions” revue company will put across the footlights a brilliant new programme, the second series of notions, full of bright musical numbers, clever acting, effective humour, and sparkling ballets. Syd. Beck. the chief fun-maker with the company, scored a personal triumph oh his first appearance, ami his natural, easy wit. makes a strong appeal to his audiences. He has a very able second In Ernie Paulasto. one of a clever dancing duo. Comedy is to be the essence of the new programme. Further inverting song selections will be triven bv Mike Connors and Quecnie Paul In their characteristic way. and vocal numbers are to be supplied by William Beresford, Valerie Rougal, Gladys Shaw, and other members of the company. One of the chief attractions is Linn Smith s lazz Band, which, besides contributing i-izz specialties and blending popular harmonies, will accompany several of the sinzers New dance creations will be introduced by the Exquisite Six, and the staging and (rocking is said to be on, a lavish scale. The box plans are nt the Bristol where big booking is being recorded for this week.

STRAND THEATRK. “Drums of Love.” D. W. Griffith's latest production, starring Mary Pliilbiu, r iouel Barrymore, and Don Alvarado, is the current feature at the Strand Theatre Though the story is essentially a romance of a great and tragic love, Griffon bv his splendid Insight into the emotions 'has made it a realistic drama with none'of the sordidness or drabness gener•illv associated with realism. Instead "Drums of Love" is one of the most colniirful and entertaining films ever made bv Griffith. It has all the beauty of -Broken Blossoms," all its poignancy and moods, witii the addition of dash and verve In making the picture Griffith de-.-ired’most of all to emphasise the great invo theme of Francesca da Rimini upon which the photoplay is based, and also to ißterjwt into ths screen verslw enough

colour to make its appeal universal—ln other words, he wanted romantic realism. Griffith has patterned his present photoplav on the successful formula which made “The Birth of a Nation” the great picture it was. “Drums of Love" has the same ingredients of spectacular splashes of action, with the addition of emotional passages that are fated to be named among the finest examples of acting on the screen. There is a strong supporting programme.

“THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON.” The excellence of the performance of Sir J. M. Barrie’s delightful play, “The Admirable Crichton,” produced by Miss Constance Tlteel at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last night in aid of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Fund, certainly merited a larger audience than the fifty people who attended. The charming story of the old Earl of Imam, who believes in the equality of mankind in theory, only to have his ideas forcibly driven home to him when he and his aristocratic daughters are wrecked on a tropical island, was capitally told by a band of amateurs. On the island it is the butler, Crichton, who proves the natural leader, and he has assumed complete sway over his island kingdom, nnd Is about to wed the Lady Mary, Lasenby, when a British man-o’-war arrives, and the parties resume their natural positions in England. The character of the pompous and eccentric old lord was cleverly portrayed by Mr. Vernon Oswin, who proved himself an experienced and most capable actor. Mr. F. H. Hayward did well in the role of the butler, who was obsequeious in service, but a veritable king amongst men ou the desert island. Miss Mary Hart made a charming Lady Mary Lasenby, and cleverly portrayed her fight between artificial and natural instincts. One of the best bits of characterisation in the play was the Countess of Brocklehurst, of Mrs. Cowleshnw, who portrayed the outspoken old noblewoman to the life. Miss Doris I. Hussey also did well as Tweeney, the slatternly "odils and ends” maid, who turned up trumps on the island. Other characters which were capably portrayed were Lady Catherine Lasenby (Miss A alerle Robertson), Lady Agatha Lasenby (Miss Olga Neilson). Fisher (Miss Ida Gustofson). Lord Brocklehurst (Mr. Fred Games), the Hon. Ernest Woolley (Mr. Eric North), and the naval officer (Mr. Clarke). Miss Constance Thecl proved herself a capable producer, the mounting and scenery being particularly well done. The only blemish on a most enjoyable performance were the long waits between ths nets, which caused the performance to drag on until 11.10. A small orchestra of piano, violin, and ’cello helped materially to brighten the tedium of the long intervals. Mr. Hector Llardet gave good service as stage manager and scenic artist, his scenes on the island calling up hearty applause. FASCINATING STORY OF THE HORSE. One of the most fascinating exhibits in the “Old Loudon Town Faire,” it Is stated, will consist of a prehistoric horse. Prior to the stone age the horse was a very small animal, no larger than a fox, and had no mane and no tail. In the stone age the horse grew as large as an ass. with a short mane and stump tail. All trace ot the horse Is then lost, until the ancient Babylonians used him for desert trips In Arabia. Mr. David T. Meekin one of the best-known side-show men in Australia, heard of a horse In the outback of Victoria which resembled the prehistoric horse, and with one of the veterinary surgeons of Sydney, made his way to the place, found the horse to be quite genuine, and secured it for a large sum of money. Mr. Meekin has decided to show this wonder as an education for horse-breeders and veterinary surgeons The mare is six years old, standing 151 hands in height. The most peculiar thing is the breeding, the sire being that undefeated champion King Oferley; the dam. Syhanbra, was Imported from America some years ago. Visitors to the show will be able to see for themselves the species of horses that lived on this earth 50,000 years ago. KTLBIRNIE KINEMA. A most attractive programme will be presented at the Kilbirnle Kinema. tonight. The chief film is "Bigger than Barnums.” featuring Ralph Lewis, with Viola Dana, George O’Hara, and Ralph Ince also in the east. The film is a strikingly realistic story of circus life. The ring scenes were taken at the winter quarters of one of the biggest circuses in America. The second feature. “Three Sinners,” featuring Pola Negri, is a dramatic story of a woman's ruined life brought about .through a husband’s indifference. Reservations may be had at the theatre confectionery or by telephoning the theatre. 14—202.