ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 82, 31 December 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

regent theatre. “Rose Marie,’’ the Him version ot the famous musical comedy, is now at the Regent Theatre. In addition to telling the enchanting story all over again—with all the realism the screen makes possible—the fragrant romance of Rose Marie, tile relentless hatred of the outlaws, the stirring deeds of the North-West Mounted, and the mental and physical conflicts of the hunted Jim Kenyon—the entire production is set against a baekgrolttnd of Nature's supreme loveliness that lias never before been equalled on the screen. Joan Crawford plavs the role of Rose Marie. Tins beautiful and talented young actress assumes the personality and naive tomboyishness of the daughter of the Canadian woods with wonderful artistry. Opposite her, James Murray gives a most convincing performance in the role of Jim Kenyon. The incidental music, played by the orchestra, under tile direction of Mr. A. Frost, synchronised witli the picture well. The Stage Band, under Lester Sinclair, is more popular than ever, ‘’The Song of the Prune,” sung by Lester Sinclair, being their most popular number. Two newcomers In this portion of the programme were Zenda and Mack, who pleased witli an Apache dance. Miss Zenda later did a really line classical aerobatic dance, which brought down tlie house. The ballet also provided a whirlwind acrobatic turn, which was loudly applauded. "Sonny Boy,” “Timbuctoo,” and “Gimme My Hat. I'm Going Home" were the still popular Stella Lamon t numbers. A comedy and a gazette completed the programme, which was seen by a capacity house on Saturday night. Owing to the popularity of "Little Red Riding Hood, ’ this pantomime is being continued in the afternoons this week with considerable alterations. “JACK AND JILL.” An entirely new pantomime, “Jack and Jill,” which is especially for the kiddies, will be presented a tthe Regent Theatre to-morrow afternoon. Lester Sinclair will essay his original part of the Dame as played by him at the Pavilion Theatre, London. Stella Lamond will introduce her Sunny Boy song secna, which has caused a furore nightly, and tlie Eleven Rascals will introduce a new series of whirlwind aerobatics and tumbling. New scenery and dresses have been specially prepared for this production, which will be staged at the matinees only in conjunction with the romantic drama "Rose Marie.” “A JAZZ HOLIDAY.” The management of the Regent announce for Friday the first appearance in Wellington of Maurice Diamond's Sydney Regent Ballet, direct from huge successes at the Regent Theatre, Sydney. “A Jazz Holiday" is the title of the presentation, which is described as a whirlwind of dance, with gorgeous stage settings, wedded to the latest popular musical successes. Fred Hodges and Ivy Towe, the wonder dancers, head the list of the artists. Stella Lamond is being retained for a further short season, whilst Maurice Guttridge, A.R.C.M., L.K.A.M., will be the master of ceremonies. ’On the screen Lillian Gish appears in her dynamic screen triumph. "The Enemy.” Plans are open from to-day at the theatre and Bristol. DE LUXE THEATRE. With a wonderful cast, including Margarita Fischer, Mona Ray, Virginia Gray, and Gertrude Astor on the feminine side, and Arthur Carew, Janies Lowe, and Francis Forde on the male side, “Uncle Tom's Cabin" is drawing crowded houses to the De Luxe Theatre. The story of Uncle Tom and the slaves of America is by no means a new one, and almost everybody remembers Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous tale written for the purpose of exposing the evils which exlsled tinder a condition of slavery. The film faithfully follows the story from its opening chapter to the days of the great liberation. The scenes at the slave market, the escape of Eliza across the broken ice of the Mississippi, the following greyhounds close behind her, and the death of Uncle Tom, and the passing of little Eva are faithfully represented according to the story told bj' Mrs. Stowe. The audience Is carried back in fancy to the days of a past century, when black men were sold like -chattels, when the wife was separated from her husband, the child from its parents, the girl from her lover, and when the body of the slave was the property of the purchaser to do with as he liked. The only other picture on the programme is a Gazette, containing many topical incidents. On the musical side of the programme the usual attention to detail is apparent, a feature being the negro melodies and spirituals, such wellknown tunes as “Way Down Upon tlie Swannee River,” “Poor Old Joe,” and “The Old Folks at Home,” being played by the Orchestra De Luxe, and by Mr. Emanuel Aarons on the Wurlltzer organ. Two gramophone records were also utilised to give “colour” to the story told by the film. The programme will be repeated twice dally during the week. “THE TRAIL OF ’98.” With the filming of the perilous boat scenes in the rapids of the Yukon River for the "Trail of ’98,” which will commence screening at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next, the strangest life-saving service in the world was launched. Instead of lolling on tlie beaches awaiting cries of distress from a drowning person, the life guards arranged an aerial patrol suspended some 50 feet above the great cauldron by means of steel cables stretched from one bank of the river to the other. Platforms attached to the cables enabled the life guards to make quick transportation from one spot to another, according to the location of the people below. Quick work was necessary to protect the people taking part in the scenes. Through a number of boats having to be purposely wrecked and one driven into a whirlpool, only the very strongest and bravest swimmers and divers obtainable in Alaska, tlie Yukon, and the north-western United States were used. Ropes, nets, and life preservers formed part of the life-saving equipment at a spot so dangerous In the clays of the Klondike gold rush that the North-west Mounted Police had to forbid navigation of tlie waters unless the boats were guided by accredited pilots. 15,000 extras and a cast of 35 well-known players make “The Trail of ’08” the biggest casting achievement ever attained in motion pictures. Three thousand of the extras had to be assembled in Colorado for the stupendous Chilcoot Pass sequence, wherethey lived for nearly three months in 40 Pullman cars on a specially-built side railroad. The cars were electrically heated, as were also additional cars for dining, hospital, post office, recreation, cutting, and projection rooms, etc. At this point 1000 dogs were also added, with harness, professional veterinary attention, and 12 keepers to feed and house the dogs. Several dogs died of pneumonia during the making of “The Trail of ’98,” as a blizzard occurred every second day, reducing the temperature to an average of 30 degrees below zero for the three months.

STRAND THEATRE. “Two lovers,” with Ronald Colman and Vilma Banky as its leading players,, is screening at the Strand Theatre. “Leatherface,” by Baroness Orczy, one of the most popular novels of this generation, furnished the story. Its tale is that of the triumph of love over adversity. Laid against the ever-stirring background of war, “Two Lovers!’ tells the story of Mark Van Rycke. son of the patrician burgomaster of Ghent, and of his secret adventures as “Leatherface,” mysterious and faithful aid to William, Prince of Orange, who seeks to lead the enslaved country of Flanders to freedom from the oppressing hands of the Spaniards. Wild night rides, hair-raising duels (of wit as well as of sword), reveal Ronald Colman, as “Leatherface,” in a role more colourful and varied than any other he has ever attempted. Vilma Banky is Lenora, “The Flower of Spain,” niece of the Duke of Azar, oppressor of the Flemish and commandant of the Spanish. His Royal kinsman weds her to Mark in a gorgeous ceremony. rich in the medieval ceremony of Flanders, a bride of State. Loathing him as her enemv and forced mate, she comes to respect him—for he refuses his marriage privileges. Just when she begins to love him. Lenora makes a discovery about Mark that causes her to hate him. Good supports will also be screened, and appropriate music supplied by the orchestra) HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The new programme by the Connors and Paul "League of Notions” Revue Company, met with entire approval from large audiences at the afternoon and evening performances on Saturday, when the seventh series of “Notions” was served up. That clever comedian, Syd. Beck, is in his element in the riot of fun, and he brought down the house in an hilarious sketch with Mike Connors. He also made a great hit with “Husbands and Wives for Sale,” In which his make up as a bustle-skirted lady of the Victorian era was extremely amusing. Bright sketches are a feature of the new programme, and of these, “Wandering Wives,” “Theßallway Station,” and “The Harem’ 'called up unbounded merriment on Saturday. Mike Connors and Queenie Paul were in great demand with their duets, and were recalled for “That’s My Weakness Now,” “Birdget O’Flynn, and “Get Out and Get Under the Moon. That popular vocalist, William Beresford, was in excellent voice, and his numbers. "Lighterman Tom” and “Sweet Wonderful You,” were vocal treats. One of the hits of the programme is the song and dance bv Phvllis Baker and Gerald. Connolly, “Absolutely, Positively.” which is full of rapid action. Linn Smith’s jazz band was as popular as ever, and wore warmly applauded for their “Russian Lullaby. In which Tut Coltman was hoard to advantage on the cornet. “That s My II cakness Now’’ was another acceptable number bv the band. The Exquisite Six Ba let did some sprightly dancing in ravishing cost nines. This most attract ve programme will run throughout the week, with special holiday matinees to-morrow and on ed--•"<lay.

"THE GIRL FRIEND.” Seating, capacity at the Grand Opera House was again at a premium on Saturday night, when the J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company delighted the audience with their London success, “The Girl Friend.” With Miss Annie Croft in the leading role, the gay story of the girl who loses her purse in the train moved along to the accompaniment of bright ballets, catcliv melodies, brilliant frocking. and beautiful scenery. Miss Croft made decided lilts with her numbers, “I Travel the Road,” “I’m in Love.” and “Mountain Greener.” That accomplished comedian, Mr. Gus Bluett, was the soul of the piece as Richard Dennison, the bibulous young rake whose libations nre responsible for all the pother. Excellent comedy work is also done by Miss Billie Lockwood, Mr. Leo Franklin, and Mr. Jack Dunne. Sprightly dancing is a feature of the merry show. “HIT THE DECK.” On Thursday evening British sailors will take possession of the Grand Opera House, when “Hit the Deck,” a musical comedy which strikes out on a new course, will be given its Dominion premiere. “Hit the Deck” has already won a good name abroad. It was adapted from Hubert Osborn’s play "Shore Leave,” which was also turned into a successful film. The music is by Vincent Youniann, who was responsible for “No, No, Nanette.” At the inception of the play, naval men, including marines, are enjoying themselves at the coffee house of Looloo Martin, at Plymouth. Looloo falls in love with Bill Smith, who is ordered away to China. Becoming passing rich by tlie disposal of a valuable heirloom, Looloo follows Bill to China. Manly fellow, he refuses to marry her because of her wealth, and is lost sight of for some time. Eventually Looloo returns to her coffee house. Bill Smith again heaves into view, the problem of the disposition of her wealth, is satisfactorily solved, and other difficulties overcome. There is a dance on the quarterdeck of 11.M.5. Inscrutable, which provides a very fine spectacle. Even this Is excelled by the brilliance of the scene at the China seaport town. Annie Croft is Looloo and the full strength of the company, with the fascinating chorus and ballet appear. A special feature is May Beatty’s singing of the song riot “Hallelujah.” Box plans are now open at the Bristol. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. “The Cat and the Canary,” the universal super-mystery drama, with an all-star cast, will open at the Kilblrnie Kincma this evening. Weird shadows and sounds, a maniac at large on a country estate, a murder and a melange of conflicting suspicions, are a few of the elements of this production. Laura La Plante, the attractive blonde, plays the leading role, and is assisted by Creighton Halo, Forrest Stanley, Tulley Marshall, Gertrude Astor, and Arthur Edmond Carew. A good supporting programme will be shown, consisting of a Paramount newsreel, a Paramount Gazette, and a comedy. The Kilbirnle Orchestra supplies appropriate musical items. The box plan Is available at the confectionery shop next to the theatre, or reservations may be procured by ringing ’phone 14—202. PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

“Love at Midnight,” now being screened at the Paramount Theatre, is a story of the sacrifice of a wife in order to sb eld her husband from an unjust accusation. There are some tense and dramatic scenes on the deck of a French battleship. The fate and future of one woman and three men are involved in the drama. The wife of the captain of the French warship Lafayette is on board when the ship is ordered to sea, and through a misunderstanding is taken to sea in the vessel. Complications arise, ending in a charge of murder, with which the captain is charged. An eleventh hour explanation removes the main dltnculties, and there is a cheerful ending. Billie Love takes the principal part with marked success, and Is ably ®bpported by Donald Reed. Paul Lukas, Nicholas bousanin, Gustave Portos, and Nicholas Bela. There is an- excellent supporting pro gramme, including an interesting budget of world-happenings, and a comedj. The orchestra, under Mr. R. Caulton, contributes -Toselll’s “Serenata” and excellent incidental music. A tabloid pantomime, a version of “Babes in the Wood,” is given at the after* noon session for the benefit of patrons during the holidays. KING’S THEATRE. “Sailors Don’t Care,” now at the King’s Theatre. Is a British film version of a story by “Seamark,” and tho f u ‘’L i n r^i a Jh with the more serious side of the British Navy’s part in the Great War, particu larly in reference to Q-ship work, Jhe more humorous and breezy side of the Navy’s life has not been overlooked. The scenes are laid ashore and afloat, and depict the sailor’s life on the ship, and his recreation moments between nines of strenuous training. The leading part is taken by Estelle Brody, who acts as the housemaid, and the sweetheart of two jack tars. Sir William Graham, in whose service she is, rejoins the Navy as a sailor upon the outbreak of war, and serves in the ship of which his son is second in command. Action in the picture begins to move fast when the sailors are detailed for special work in the Q-boats, and additional interest is given to the picture through the operations of enemy secret service agents. There Is a graphic encounter between a U-boat and a Q-ship, in which the latter is victorious, and the U-boat, which is carrying important dispatches, is sunk. The supporting programme is excellent. There is an enjoyable gazette and an exceptionally interesting Nature picture. The King’s Orchestra supplies appropriate music. QUEEN’S. THEATRE. Haunting the dark coves of lower Manhattan, slipping by way of the river in and out of the huge warehouses that line the waterfront, taking rope and ship materials and selling it to skippers of outgoing ships—that is the life of The River Pirate,” as told on the screen in the language of the criminal in the production of that name, based on the story by Charles Francis Coe. “The River Pirate,” now at the Queen’s Theatre, Is a revelation of the new side of criminal activity and wins new honours for Victor McLaglen in the title role. Lois Moran and Nick Stuart have the leading romantic roles, with Earle Foxe and Donald Crisp in important parts. It heads a big two star bill, which is now screening at the Queen’s Theatre daily at 2.30 and nightly at 8. Tlie other feature is the Fox Western thriller, “The Devil Horse,” which stars Rex. the equine wonder, with a large supporting cast. It deals with the pioneers and their battles wdth the marauding redskins of hostile tribes, and the story of a "devil horse” credited with supernatural strength and feared by all the Indians. There are good supports.