ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 55, 28 November 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. The haunting loveliness of an old song, the fragrance of a lender romance and a love story of a Prince and peasant girl caught in the grip of royal traditions are offered in* ‘The Student Prince," the new Metro-Goldwyu-Mayer picture now showing at. the De Luxe Theatre. As a musical comedy “The Student Prince” captured the heart of the world, and now its screen version comes as a glowing and glamorous story of youthful love and devotion. Ramon Novarro, the star ot "Beu Hur,” reaches the very pinnacle of histrionic exnr'ession as the unhappy scion of a royal nouse who finds the human companionship lie craves among the students of Heidelberg University, but, after one short year, Is forced back to the pomp and ceremony of court routine. Norma Shearer, whom Picture-goers will remember for her work n “The Waning Sex, and 1 lie Latest from Paris," makes an adorable Ratine, the peasant girl, who has one brief nlmnse Of romance, .lean Ilersholt as Dr Juttner, the kindly tutor plays a character role worthy ot special mention, rood supports are also screened and the usual excellent musical programme is supplied.

CANADIAN COWBOY BAND What is reported to be a vaudeville act extraordinary, Fred Mayfield's Canadian Cowboy Band, is engaged to commence a one week's season at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday. These artists are visiting New Zealand after having recently completed a triumphant tour of the biggest theatres throughout Canada and the United States. The Cowboy Band is. comnosed of nine musicians, who play, in all, no fewer than 37 different instruments, len ding saxophones, steel guitars, rumnets, banjos, clarinets, celeste, oboe, trombone, mandolin, and piano. A conspicuous feature of the presentation is said to be tlie costuming and settings. Ihe Cowboys affect the full “rig-ut" characteristic of their original occupation, "bile the backgrounds portray their Western ranches. The pictorial section of the bill is occupied by Universal’s comedy-drama, "How to Handle Women. which stats Glenn Tryon and Marion Nixon.

REGENT THEATRE. Schistl's Wonderettes, the amazing performance of little folk invented by an ingenious Swiss, is the big attraction at the Regent Theatre this week. In a regal setting, the Wonderettes pranee on to the sta°e dancing in most fantastic fashion. A daintv milkmaid tripped on to the stage, and a Hock Of chickens leap from her milk-pails. A sedan chair comes sedately on to the stage, and before ones verv eyes the bearers develop into huge giants and desert their fair charge, but after roundly upbraiding her bearers, in the twinkling of an eye she converts the sedan chair into a modern motor-car, and sails off the stage under her own power. But perhaps the crowning act of all is that in which a huge rooster appears, and after crowing defiantly lays a huge egg out ot which pops a very much alive pig, which gambols about with frolicsome glee. The principal film on the programme is “’Varsity,” featuring Charles Rogers, Chester Conklin, and Mary Brian. A gazette, cartoon, and comedy are also screened. and excellent music is supplied by the orchestra, under Mr. Ivan Fosello.

"JUST MARRIED.” Another of Anne Nichols's plays has come to the screen. The famous author of the equally famous “Abie’s Irish Rose,” which ran for more than five years In Nev-’ York City, breaking all world records, has contributed another of her sparkling plavs to the screen. The new picture Is "Just Married,” adapted from Miss Nichols's stage farce of the same title, will commence at the Regent Theatre on Friday. "Just Married” is described as a rollicking farce with most of its action taking place on board a trans-Atlantic liner. Eight principals figure in the plot and they become enmeshed in a net of complications from which there seems to be no possibility of extricating them. It is without question one of the most amusing films to be shown in many months, and one which, in addition to its humour, has suspense that rivets one's attention on the screen throughout the length of the picture. Ruth Taylor and James Hall are co-starred in "Just Married.” Miss Taylor will be remembered for her performance as Lorelei in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondos,” while Hall is one of Hollywood's most popular lending men. Others featured are Lila Lee, William Austin. Ivy Harris, ami Harrison Ford. The picture was directed for Paramount by Frank Strayer. On Hie same bill Zane Grey's great piny. "The Water Hole.” will be shown, with Jack Holt and Nancy Carrol in the stellar roles. Box plans are now open. STRAND THEATRE. “Drums of Love,” D. W. Griffiths's latest production, with Mary Philbln, Lionel Barrymore and Don Alvarado in the featured roles, is the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. Lovely as is the composition and photography, the tragic story is perhaps its chief point of greatness. The story Is based on the historical incident of Paolo and Francesca and follows that beautiful romance faithfully except in a few excusable instances. The theme is one of a great brother love fused by family tradition and respect into a seemingly indissoluble tie. A girl (Mary Philbin), the daughter of a feudal baron, marries the elder of the brothers, Don Cabos (Lionel Barrymore), who is a grotesque, misshapen giant. While her husband is away quelling a distant mutiny, circumstances and loneliness force the young wife into the arms of the younger brother (Don Alvarado). One of the most dramatic scenes occurs when Barrymore, made acquainted with his wife's and brother’s dishonour, confronts them in his chamber and begs his brother to lie and tell him there is nothing wrong. Good supports are screened and appropriate music is supplied by the orchestra. HUTT BOWLING CLUB’S CONCERT. With his usual acumen and assiduity Mr. E. J. Hill has arranged an interesting programme for the annual concert of the Hutt Bowling and Tennis Club, to lie held at the King George Theatre (Lower Hutt) on -Monday next. Two very special features will l>e the Savage Club's orchestra (under Mr. Frank Thomas), which will plav the Slavlsche Rhapsodic” (Friedmann), ami h fantasia from "The Gondoliers.” whilst an excellent quartet, Mrs. Amy Woodward Miss Mona Carrick, Messrs. 15. J. Hill and Harrison Cook, are lo sing the beautiful madrigal from "The Mikado," and jtlrfo Mrs. Woodward and Messrs. Hill anilCook. will sing "The Magic Wove Scarf” from “The Mountain Sylph.” Mr. Fred G Rourke will sing, “Dear Love. Remember Me.” and “The Flower Dance.” Mrs. Wilfred Andrews will sing, ‘'Hail, Caledonia" and “Not Understood.” Mrs. Woodward will sing “The Wren.” and “I Heard You Singing.” and Mr. Harrison Cook will sing “Vulcan’s Song.” Violin solos will be played by Mr. Leon de Mauny. and eomlc relief will be supplied by Mr. Albert Russell and Mr. Doug. Stark. Tlie accompanists will be Madame de Mauny and Mr. Frank Thomas. The concert is given tn aid of the club funds.

KING’S THEATRE. The Barker,” starring .Milton Sills supported by Dorothy Mackail, Bettv Conips°n, and Douglas Fairbanks, jun. I®. , e . feature now screening at the Rings Theatre. This is the story of the typical American street carnival, as it ran in the • old days.” Tinies have not. changed greatly at that, tor the “racket" is still being played by a few travelling organisations. at pleasure parks, and beach resorts in that country. The old games have been replaced by new. The percentage is still to the proprietor—if there is anv percentage. In the carnival racket the customer is always wrong. It is such a small tent show or carnival as this that Kenvou Nicholson depicted In his plav. “The Bar-x-r;- Broadway bit'which Birst National has made into a motion picture production. Well-varied supports are also screened, and delightful music is supplied by the orchestra.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. Fox Films' "Road House," which is the current feature at the Queen’s Theatre Is a fast-moving, well-told story of a prodigal son who strays from the straight and narrow through parental misunderstandings into the arms of a fascinating girl who is the lure for a gang of thieves Cast in the featured roles are Maria Alba who possesses a distinct and vivacious personality, Warren Burke, a true juvenile find, and Lionel Barrymore in the dramatic character of the boy's father give splendid performances. The action of the story moves swiftly from the hoy's home to road houses and shady quarters of the city, finally leading to the climaxin court where the boy is charged with murder. "The News Parade." starring Nick Stuart and Sally Phipps, is the second feature. Appropriate music Is supplied by the orchestra. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. An unusual scries of laughable complications form the theme of the Universal Jewel production, "Phyllis of the Follies." which is now screening nt the Paramount Theatre. It concerns the love affairs of a wealthy man-ahout-town. of New York, who lias an unhappy knack of Interesting himself in chorus girls of tilt* "gold-dig-ger" breed, who. with the help of the wealthy man's own lawyer. Invariably bleed him for “breach of promis'd” money. This happens so often that bis lawyer persuades him to philander with married women, but was quite unprepared for the turn of events which made his own wife the first intended victim. Alice Day is a chorus girl, while Matt Moore plays the role of the lawyer, with Lylinn Tashinan as bls wife. Edmund Burns is the character who finds lovemaking an expensive pastime. The cast is well chosen, and each plays his or her pari to perfection, “I’hyllis of

(he Follies” is a comedy of unending complications. In support are a Gazette, comedy, and cartoon, while delightful music is supplied by tlie orchestra.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEA I LL. Good as was the opening programme ot Queenif Paul and Mike Connor s Revue Company at His Majesty s 1 heatre, their second one now being presented at. tnc theatre is even more entertaining. b.vu. Beck tlie company's principal comedian, ts u’whole host In himself, and scores lieavilv in Hie many clever sketches. Quecnie P-iul and Mike Connors introduce Get out and Get Under the Moon” and “Broken Hearted." and revive those popular numbers. “Bridget O'Flynn” and “Harvest Moon.” Linn .Smith and his jazz band provide bright music and the remainder ot the company give good support to their principals.

KILBIIt.NIE KINEMA. "Finnegan’s Ball” and “Daredevil’s Reward” are the features to commence screening at the Kilbirnie Kinema to-night. “Finnegan’s Ball" is an hilarious comedy of two Irish families in New York. Featured roles are played by Blanche McHaffev, Mack Swain. Charley McHugh, Aggie' Herring and Cullen Landers. Tom Mix is the star of “Daredevil’s Reward,” a fast-moving Western drama full of thrilling incidents. The box plan is at the confectioner’s next to the theatre (phone 14-202). °YA ORCHESTRA AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Music lovers are assured of a very enjoyable evening on Friday at the Grand Opera House. The 2YA Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. George Ellwood, will render the music. ADELPHI CABARET. The welcome back to Manuel Hyman, "the dancing violinist.” is to be celebrated at the Adelphi Cabaret to-night, when Mr. Hyman will treat patrons Jo some special'll umbers. Manuel Hyman will also appear at the cabaret every afternoon this week, concluding on Saturday afternoon. The final meeting for the year of the City Council will be held on December 13.

“There is a good deal of talk about the beauties of Lake Waikaremoana,” stated Mr. 'V. Forsythe at the Hawke’s Bay Automobile Association’s meeting (says the “Herald”), “but I have heard of visitors who have come away disappointed. because they could see nothing of the lake when travelling along the roadway from the outlet towards Lake House. Many people have not the time to go right over to the lake, but if gaps were made at intervals in the bush that at nresent obscures the view from the road, I Hunk the position would be met.”

Much amusement was created in New Plymouth the other evening (according to the “News”), when a smartly dressed •md well-known young man. for a wager, walked barefooted from the Post Office, along the main street, for a considerable distance.