ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 83, 2 January 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. Next to the Bible it is said that the most widely-translated book is "Unde Toni's Cabin.” The famous novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, the Him version of which is now being screened at the De Luxe Theatre, lias been printed in 27 languages, in addition to nine dialects of the East Indian and Polynesian natives. "Uncle Toni’s Cabin," the big Universal film, which is drawing large crowds to the De Luxe Theatre, must undoubtedly be regarded ns one of the finest films yet shown in Wellington It would be futile to go into details of the picture which lias been filmed with a regard to detail and perfection of east, that defy comparison with most pictures of the present day. The great all-star east lias been so .splendidly selected and distributed that each member of it is worthy of praise. The big scenes of Eliza crossing the ice, the death of little Eva, the stupendous scenic shots of "Da Belle Riviere,” the immortal river boat; the Shelby, St. Clare and Degree homes; the tavern scenes, and the other numerous' settings, are integral parts of this incredibly big production. Of- drama there is a plentitude. The roles of Margarita Fischer as Eliza, George Siegniann as Simon Degree, James Lowe as Uncle Tom. Virginia Grey as Little Eva. Arthur Edmund Carew' as George Harris, and the other experienced players are acted with an amazing realism and fidelity to the characters of tlie novel. The comedy touches which are painted in with deft strokes of a masterly brush are capably handled by Mona Kay as Topsy, Lucien Littlefield as Lawyer Marks and Alleen Manning as Aunt Ophelia. A prominent feature of tlie presentation of "Uncle Toni’s Cabin” is the music-<of the De Luxe orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Emanuel Aarons. The overture is "Old Folks at Home" (as played by all nations), and the Wurlitzer solo is “Theme Melodies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin” (arranged by Emanuel Aarons). “THE TRAIL OF ’98.” Starring Kalpli Forbes, Delores del Rio and Karl Dane, with Harry Carey and Tully Marshall also prominent in the cast. .“The Trail of ’9B” will be screened at flic De Luxe Theatre on Friday. The worth of the picture may be judged-from what some newspapers have said of it. Following are some extracts; —The London "Daily Mirror”; “Biting, driving snow, a gigantic avalanche, crushing hundreds of Klondyke gold-seekers to death, swirling rapids, swamping their frail boats —these are only a few of the stupendous scenes ill “The Trail of 88, which is. bigger even than ‘Hen Hur. The London “Daily Telegraph": “In this majestic visualisation of the mad stampede of gold-hungry human beings to Alaska, thirty years ago. . . the tlienm dominates all. And with what supreme art it lias been made concrete. . . this wonderful film is almost unbelievable.” The “Motion Picture World” says to exhibitors: "Stories of the gold stampede up Dawson way 'have been filmed before, but never on the scale as depicted here. ... A big picture, easily of roadshow size and big because of its spectacular sequences—this is oui- opinion of “The Trail of ’98.” The "Daily Film Renter”: “ ‘The Trail of ’9B’ is a spectacle full of thrill and adventure. I venture to think (adds the critic) tliat this story which covers the whole period of the gold rush from first news to tlie destruction of Dawson City, will prove a tremendous draw.” The "Sunday Graphic”: “It is the most remarkable film of its kind I have ever seen.” “News of tlie World”: "Gold! KJondyke! Gold! This epitomises the theme of ‘The Trail of ‘9B,’ the magnificent adaptation of Robert AV. Service’s story. Produced on a majestic scale, comparable only to ‘Ben Hur,’ the vast panoramas leave one breathless with admiration, and its achievements in realism have rarely, if ever, been surpassed.” “Tlie Referee”: “A screen melodrama which had tlie grip of spectacle, rough-cut character, and true-love romance—‘The Trail of ’9B,’ deserves to be an immense and popular success.” “Sunday Despatch”: “AVe.shall never lie able to compete with films like ‘The Trail of ’9B’.' . For two solid hours we are held by this mighty spectacle. Not for one instant does tlie picture pall. Tlie direction is brilliant. Tills great screen spectacle must not be missed.” In accordance with a promise made by Director Clarence Brown to Robert W. Service, international poet and novelist, an interesting event recently took place. Brown, acquainted with Service in purchasing the screen rights of "The Trail of ’9B” for Metro-Goldtvyn-Mayer, promised to let him have the first copy of the picture before it was shown commercially in any theatre in the world. Working twenty-one hours out of the twenty-four for three days. Brown completed the editing and titling, which coincided with the departure of Norma Shearer anti Irving G. Thallierg on a trip to France, where Service is now making his home. The first print of the film left by air mail from Los Angeles for New York City. With good connections the film container was handed to Thallierg as lie walked up the gangway of the Mauretania. The arrival of Miss Shearer and Mr. Thallierg at Nice allowed them to personally present the print to the- novelist, in his home along, tlie Riviera. After screening the film, he was reported to have been most enthusiastic about the results achieved. REGENT THEATRE. An excellent programme is provided at. the Regent Theatre this week where? “Rose Marie” is being presented in addition to a delightful vaudeville section known as “Oriental Nights.” All the charm of the stage romance—the haunting beauty of the Canadian woods—the stirring clash of tlie North-West Mounted with outlaws camouflaged as trappers—and the thrilling rivalry of many men for the hand of Rose Marie—all have been artistically incorporated in this picture, which has been taken from one of the greatest legitimate stage successes of recent years. In addition there are numerous hair-raising thrills—the breaking of the ice gorge when Etienne sets out with Rose Marie on their honeymoon—the relentless pursuit of the outlaws by the police—and the escape of Jim Kenyon. The scenes in fact have backgrounds of bewitching beauty. From a purely pictorial view “Rose Marie” is probably the most beautiful motion , picture ever made. Then there is the added delight of hearing the origiual melodies. A fine cast of estabIshed favourites has been assembled, headed bv beautiful and talented Joan Crawford "in the title role, and including James Murray, House. Peters, Polly Moran, Lionel Belmore, Creiglitpn Hale and Harry Gribbon. “Oriental Nights” has a very good jazz band, a ballet of graceful dancers, and a wonderful beam of nine juvenile acrobats. Miss Stella Lainond, who is a great favourite, sings “Sonny Boy” and “Timbuctoo,” while Lester Sinclair sings “The Song of the Prune.” a very humorous number Indeed. Zenda and Mack do an apache dance. Yesterday afternoon the children’s pantomime. "Jack and Jill,” was staged and proved a great , success. The production will be presented at. the matinees only in conjunction with “Rose Marie.” “A JAZZ HOLIDAY.” Friday next is to mark another step in the remarkable series o£ outstanding entertainments presented at the Regent Theatre. Ever seeking the new and original, ever progressing from one big show to something still bigger, tlie management announce that, with file co-operation of Maurice Diamond, the well-known American producer, who was responsible for the ballets .in “Sunny" and “4’llo Student Prince,” they have organised a unit that will surpass anything hitherto seen in any picture theatre in the Dominion. A beauty ballet of eight has been specially imported’from Sydney, and will be seen in conjunction with Freddie Hodges and Ivy Towe, acrobatic and character dancers. The work of this duo is a revelation in the terpischorean art for speed, grace, and posing, it is stated. The male member is one of the best solo dancers ever brought to this country. Staged as only the Regent Theatre can stage such productions, "A Jazz Holiday” is intended to prove an even greater attraction than the recent Stage Band presentation. On the screen Lillian Gish will appear In Metro-Gold-wyn’s special “The Enemy," said to be the most thrilling picture in screen history, directed by Fred Nlblo, the director of “Ben Hur.” STRAND THEATRE. “Two Lovers,” now in its third week at the Strand Theatre, has beeu taken from the well-known story of “Leatherface,” written by the celebrated Baroness Orczy. In tlie picture those two popular stars, Ronald Colman and Vllma Banky, appear together for the last time. They give a very fine portrayal of two diflicult roles, which call for considerable ability. The story, which is a most fascinating one, is laid about 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 “Leathertace." mysterious and faithful aid to AA’illiam 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 lias ever attempted. A’ilma Banky is Lenora. Just when she begins to love him. Lenora makes a discovery about Mark that causes her to hate him. There is an excellent orchestra and good supports. GROCK. The unusual opportunity of seeing Crock, the world-famous clown, will be offered to those who live far from the scenes of his triumphs, the vaudeville stages of Europe, when "What. For,” his first moving picture, is screened. It is described ns a wistful story in which the famous low comedian is seen as a member of bis own profession. "AA'liat For” will be screened at the Strand Theatre in the near future. “THE GIRL FRIEND.” That popular London success, "Tlie Girl Friend," continues to attract large and

appreciative audierices to tlie Grand Opera House. There is every reason for tlie warm reception the talented ‘ work of tlie J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company receives. AVith Miss Annie Croft in the leading role, the gay story of the girl who loses her purse in the train moves along to the accompaniment of bright ballets, catchy* melodics, brilliant frocking, and beautiful scenery. Miss Croft makes decided hits with her numbers, “1 Travel the Road/ “I'm In Love." and “Mountain Greenery. That accomplished comedian, Mr. Gus Bluett, is tlie soul of the piece as Richard Dennison, tlie bibulous young rake whose libations are responsible for all the pother. Excellent comedy work is also done by Miss Billie Lockwood. Mr. Leo Iranklin, and Mr. Jack Dunne. Sprightly dancing is a feature of tlie merry show. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. A good show is being presented at His Majesty’s tills week by the Mike Connors and Queenie Paul's "League of Notions” Revue Company, which is enjoying such a successful season in Wellington. Syd Beck, the versatile comedian, appears in a number of most amusing sketches, while lie also docs excellent work on his own. “Wandering Wives,” “Husbands and Wives for Sale,” “The Railway Station" and "The Harem” are some of the aniusing sketches in which tiie comedian lakes part. Mike Connors and Queenie Paul score witli their duets, which include "Bridget O’Flynn," "That’s My Weakness Now,” and “Get Out and Get Under tile Moon." Linn Smith's Jazz Baud plays some up-to-date and popular jazz numbers, while William Beresford, Phyllis Baker. Gerald Connolly, and the Haulasto Brothers also contribute to the success of the, programme. KING’S THEATRE. “Sailors Don’t Care.” the main attraction at tlie King’s Theatre, is a most amusing and exciting film, featuring Estelle Brody and au all-star east. A fine British version of a story by "Seamark,” “Sailors Don't Care" is not a war film in the ordinary sense of the term, but is rather a comedy of naval life on tlie lower deck, with which a romantic element has been introduced by tlie rivalry of two shipmates for tlie one parlourmaid. Apart from an espionage plot, acts of war are confined in tlie film to the single incident of an exeting Q-ship and U-boat encounter, ending in the sinking of the latter. The Admiralty afforded facilities for filming scones aboard H.M.S. Champion, light cruiser, and the Q-boat of tlie film is Mandrake, which did similar service in the war. A cast of popular British favourites are in the loading roles. Estelle Brody is tlie parlourmaid In question, the apple of discord for tlie two sailors, ably played by John Stuart and Alf. Goddard. The picture is full of Interest from beginning to end. There arc some good supports, and a splendid orchestra, which is ably conducted by Mr. A. H. Jdromc. QUEEN’S THEATRE. A dramatic thriller, “Tlie River Pirate,” is the attraction at the Queen’s Theatre this week. As a soldier and as a pirate, Victor McLaglen is believed to have contributed his two best screen roles to date. Some months ago as the inimitable "Captain Flagg” in “AA’hat Price Glory.” McLaglen gave an outstanding portrayal. McLaglen has an equally colourful role film as “Sailor Frank” in “The River Pirate.” Lois Moran plays the loading feminine role, with Nick Stuart, handsome young juvenile, as MeLaglcn’s partner in crime. “The River Pirate” is the story of crime and criminals on the waterfront, and is full of excitement from beginning to end. The supporting attraction is “The Devil Horse,” featuring “Rex,” the wonder, horse, and tlie popular Buck Jones. It is a thrilling story of high adventure in Indian days, and is, like “Tlie River Pirate.” a Fox film. The Queen’s orchestra adds further interest to the popular entertainment. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “Love at Midnight,” tlie star attraction now at the Paramount Theatre, is a most impressive story of the great sacrifice of a wife in order to shield her husband from an unjust accusation. In the picture there are some tense scenes on the deck of a French battleship. In this drama, in which the well-known Billie Dove plays the leading role, the fate of three men and one woman are involved. The French warship Lafayette is suddenly ordered to sea, when the wife of the captain is on board. Through a misunderstanding the wife is taken to sea, with the result that several complications arise which eventually end in a charge of murder. There is a cheerful ending, however, for an explanation at the eleventh hour puts matters right for those concerned. Besides Billie Dove, others in the cast of “Love at Midnight” are Donald Reed. Paul, Lukas. Nicholas Sousanin, Gustave Portos, and Nicholas Bela. There is an excellent supporting programme. At the afternoon sessions a splendid tabloid pantomime, “The Babes in tlie AA’oods,” produced by Mrs. Eileen Wilson. is offered. Peggy Welch and other splendid little dancers do good work in the pantomime, which is a credit to its producer. ADELPHI CABARET. The first gala night of the New Year will be held at the Adelphi Cabaret tonight. when special features will be presented. It is expected that a large number of out of town visitors will be at the Adelphi to-night, and a highly enjoyable time is promised. 1 ■ KILBIRNIE KIN'EMA. Sammy Cohen and Ted McNamara, who scored as laugh-makers in “The Gay Retreat.” are again combined in tlie comic featured roles of “Why Sailors Go Wrong.” the Fox Films comedy romance to be screened at tlie Kilbirnie Klneina tonight. Sally Phipps and Nick Stuart make a charming couple In the featured roles, while Jack Pennick and Carl Miller are prominent in the supporting cast. Many spills are experienced in the’supporting attraction. "Clearing the Trail.” starring Hoot. Gibson, is a dramatic story of cattle-rustlers, on Sunset Range, gunplay and brotherly love. The box plan is available at the confectionery next to tlie theatre, or reservations may be procured by ringing telephone 14—202.