ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 91, 11 January 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

“ROUND THE WORLD.” The new- programme to be presented at the Regent Theatre to-day and to-night is perhaps the most varied and colossal that the Williamson management have yet set before a Wellington audience. Apart from the two screen attractions in “Beau Broadway” and “The Skyscraper,” there will be a new stage band presentation, “Round the World,” and the dances of many countries from the graceful Hawaiian to the languorous Spanish will be presented in a succession of sparkling numbers. After , e gangway is pulled aboard “S.S. Regent the first stop is Spain, where Freddie Hodges and a ballet of senoritas glide to the fascinating, music of old Castile. A neat little clog dance by Peggy Rockley. and Nancy Browne brightens the story in Holland, and a, Hawaiian dance sdena by Willie Thompson and a Chinese interlude by Ivy Towe, Nancy Bourne, and Julie Thompson, fit in like the proverbial glove. Russia and bonnie Scotland are not forgotten, and one of the brightest gems is said to be a Jewish Charleston of Palestine by Olga Satinova and Jessie Best. The Regent Syncopaters introduce some of the up-to-the-minute quick-fire jazz numbers, whilst Stella Lamond will introduce several new numbers, which are a vogue in New York. On the screen a double feature bill is announced, firstly, “Beau ,Broadway,” with that inimitable pair, Lew Cody and'Aileen Pringle, a story of tangled love affairs in a modern sporting world, amidst glittering lights, handsome men and beautiful women, with Lew Cody as a fight promoter and Aileen Pringle as his elusive lady love, all set against a cosmopolitan background, and said to be the sporting romance of years. The second feature is a special P.D.C. production entitled “The Skyscraper," with William Boyd in the stellar role, and Allan Hale. This comedy team are exceptional in a plot that is mostly farcical, but has the elements of a most thrilling drama. The skyscraper settings in New York strike a novel as well as a daring note. Altogether the bill of fare is recognised as perhaps the biggest arid most varied yet presented by the management of this distinctive and popular house of entertainment. The box plans at the theatre and Bristol give every indication of another big season. DE LUXE THEATRE. “The Trail of ’98,” which has been attracting record houses at the De Luxe Theatre, will commence its second week’s screening with the matinee at 2.30 this afternoon and with the evening performance at 8 o’clock. The success of “The Trail of ’08” is, without exaggeration, of an unprecedented character. At the Tivoli Theatre, London, this wonder film broke the previous records made by “Ben Hur.” It was thought impossible to exceed or even approach the “Ben Hur” figures, which at the time constituted a record for the British Isles. Every possible superlative was used by- the English papers in an endeavour to describe the production, and all were unanimous in describing the film “as the greatest achievement in film history.” The London “Dally Sketch” had to say that “the world's film industry has produced.nothing so tremendous or so satisfying as ‘The Trail of ’9B.’ It should run much, longer than ‘Ben Hur.’” The London “Daily Telegraph” said: "No motion picture play has a better right to be called an epic than ‘The Trail of ’9B.’ ” and the “Daily Sketch” described the film by saying “an amazing and wonderful film which, for vastness of conception is remarkable.” Dolores Del Rio, Ralph Forbes and Karl Dane are the principal actors in a huge cast, and the manner in which they have portrayed their respective roles leave's nothing to be desired. The love scenes in the picture are entranciugly beautiful, while the vast panoramas leave one breathless with admiration. Special .mention should be made of the rendering of the New York musical score by the De Luxe orchestra. The new song theme which runs through the score, “My Honeymoon Waltz,” is a very effective number. Bookings for “The Trail of ’9B” may be made at the Bristol, Begg’s, or Aitken’s. STRAND THEATRE. “Hindle Wakes,” a British film from Stanley Houghton’s famous play of Lancashire life, is one of the two attractions at the Strand Theatre. It features Norman McKinnel,-:Estelle Brody, John Stuart, Peggy Carlisle and Gladys Jennings. "Hindle Wakes” is a fine drama played on the human note against a background of industrial life and in the novel’atmosphere of the “wakes” week. Hindle— -a forest of factory chimney-stacks above dreary, desolate streets. Imagine Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom with a dancing crowd of 6347— the biggest yet screened. Two voung girls, mill-workers both of-them,-let loose for a whole week, among the pleasures -of gay ■ Blackpool. The second feature is. another British (Stoll) production, “The Golden Butterfly,” in which Lila-Damita and Jack Trevor play the principal parts. Lila Damlta made her first acquaintance wltli films as a dancer in a French picture at the age of six. Later, she did so well that she was given her big chance In “The Golden Butterfly,” which is from the novel by I’. G. Wodehouse. A picture of the stage, it deals with a jtoung girl who won success as a dancer at the cost of her lover’ She meets with an accident which cuts short her career, and how she. finds her way back to love Is charmingly told.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Now screening at the Paramount Theatre is Roses of Picardy,” a war film that is different. It is based on R. 11. Mottram’s stories, "The Spanish Farm,” and "SlxtyI;our, Ninety-Four.” Just as Mottrani's Spanish Farm” is, in the words of John Galsworthy,- ‘unlike any war book that I, at least, have met with,” so the film is unlike any war film that has yet been made. It' is not cast in the conventional mould of war melodrama, but is more concerned with the effect of war upon the character and emotions of individuals Involved. Whilst the atmosphere and back ground of war have been created with realism, the play is essentially one ■of intimate drama, and, in fact; only two episodes of. .fighting are shown in the film. The first is a night attack, in which the young Lieutenant .Skene has his baptisni of fire. In this episode the creeping barrage is vividly depicted. The other fighting scenes are connected with the grim defence of Hondelbecq in the great German push, of 1918. ' Haig’s famous' "Back to the Wall” message is shown on the screen. The scenes of this defence were filmed in a specially-built “town" at Nice, representing the biggest “set” ret constructed for a British film. The Armistice scenes in the film are unconventional enough to create comment, as are also the final scene and climax of the film, which is probably one~ofthe most impressive finales yet seen on the screen. This scene lays a graphicemphasis on the theme "There are those who will never forget.” The principal players in the film are Lillian Hall-Davis, John Stuart, Humbertson Wright. Marie Ault. Jameson Thomas, and Bromley Davenport. Maurice Elvey, the producer of “Mademoiselle from Annentieres,” and "Kindle Wakes,” directed it. An excellent support.ing programme includes an International newsreel, comedy and cartoon. The Orchestra Paramount, under the direction of Mr. R. R. Caulton, will present a suitable music setting. Box plans are available at the Bristol, Begg’s, and Utility (next to Theatre). HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. To-night will see the staging of an outstandingly brilliant programme by the "League of Notions” Revue at His Majesty’s Theatre. In a pot-pourri of farcical sketches, clever dances, and appealing musical numbers, they show themselves as the finest exponents of this type of entertainment. An added attraction to the company is the “League of Notions” Symphonists, incorporating the Linn Smith Jazz Band. Eleven performers of exceptional ability are heard in a popular presentation of classical works, jazz and melody. This week they will present a fine selection from Wagner’s mighty opera. “Tannhauser” and the appealing “Waters of Minnetonka,” For the lighter side of the programme. there is the fascinating jazz number. “Nothin’,” and "The Golden Gate.” Miss Queenie Paul will feature “Jeanine.” the' song creating such a furore of enthusiastic comment at present. “Chiquita” is the very picturesque song scena to be presented. and it will be staged with the lavishness characteristic of all “League of Notions'! productions. "Ton Little Miles from Home” Is being repeated by popular request. and "The Sweethearts’ Parade” Is a song presentation with William Beresford as the soloist. 'Orrie and ’Orb provide comedy relief as members of the shock troops. In the "Moulin Rouge Cafe” little Leila Andrews and Bert Rayne do an Apache dance that is astonishingly clover. Chief amongst, the sketches to be presented are “The Burglar and the Lady.” "The Street Singers.” “Eno's the Great,” “The Burglars' Union.” and “The Four o’clock Train.” the latter a very mysterious mystery sketch. Gladvs Shaw. Phyllis Bnkcr. and Gerald Connelly all put over excellent musical nutniters with the assistance of the ballot of eight, which is generally conceded tlie finest and best-trained ballet to visit this town. The scenery and frocking Is highly elaborate, and the whole production promises to be one of exceptional merit. Box plans are nt the Bristol. “THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS.” With a matinee to-morrow afternoon, to be followed by a performance again in the evening. Clem Dawe and his “Midnight Frolics” will comence a short season nt the Grand Opera House under J. C. Williamson Company management. The funmaking is principally in the hands of Clem Dawe, undoubtedly one of the most popular comedians'seen in. the colonics for many years. A critic of (lie "Mail.” Brisbane, •says: “The'Midnight Frolics are presenting a bill eminently in keeping with their great reputation. There was also a delightful

variety in the offerings, which included humour galore, catchy songs, clever dancing, artistic sketches, remarkable violin playing, a breezy jazz band, and other attractions calculated to please the most fastidious of vaudeville and revue patrons. The stage settings, too, are of quite a unique and brilliant type, and the lighting effects, costumes, and other accessories, go toward the completition of a really wonderful entertainment, which the large audience evidently highly appreciated.” Clem Dawe is assisted by other humorists, Eric Edgley, and Les and Dorothy White. A special feature of the entertainment is the Frolics jazz band of twelve players. Other popular artists with the company are Phyllis Amery, Gregory Ivanoff, Oscar Beck, William Perryman, Lillian Crisp, and Gertie Cremer. The box plan is now open at the Bristol . QUEEN’S THEATRE. In "Plastered in Paris,” which has been transferred to the Queen's Theatre after a highly successful Paramount engagement, Sammy Cohen and Jack Pennick are the principal fun-makers. While they are in Paris-, Sammy, who suffers from kleptomania,' steals the papers of two recruits, and our heroes find themselves destined to five years in the desert with the Foreign Legion. They are captured by the Riffs and have many adventures, necessity forcing them to disguise themselves as harem girls. They rescue the daughter of their commandant and also a girl with whom Sammy is in love. As a reward for their 'services they are granted their discharge, and-although Sammy proves unlucky in love he recovers from his distressing kleptomania. Included in tlie cast are Lola Salvi (the Italian beauty prize-winner), Hugh Allan, Marion Byron, Michael Visaroff, and Albert Conti. “The Farmer's Daughter,” the second attraction, Is a feature comedy-drama with rural backgrounds and a hilarious story in which a slick city confidence man, who boasts that "the squawk of a sucker is the sweetest music in my ear,” does the squawking by the time "The Farmer’s Daughter” gets through with him. She is the little town of Cloverdale, nestling in the mountains' and handy to the sea. A village “where the birth of a heifer was a ryal event.” Marjorie. Beetle, popular comedienne, heads a popular cast of players. The box plan is available at the Bristol. KING’S THEATRE. Said to be Charlie Murray's most outstanding comedy, "Do Your Duty” commences a week’s season at the King's Thhatro to-night. A fine cast surrounds Charlie Murray in his latest First National starring picture. The leading feminine role is played by petite Doris Dawson, a newcomer to the screen, who first leaped into fame with Richard Barthelmess in “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” She also played the leading feminine role with Harry Langdon in “Heart Trouble.” Her role In “Do Your Duty” rightly established her as one of the screen's leading lights. Charles Delaney plays the leading juvenile role. Delaney, a handsome young Irishman, has been seen in support of many of the screen’s best known stars. Laura La Plante, Mary Pliilbln, Alice White, and others. He recently completed an Important role in J. P. McEvoy's "Show Girl,” starring Alice White. Aggie Herring, one of the screen's most famous character actresses, portrays Murray’s wife in the film, while others who have prominent parts are Ed. Brady, as the leader of the crook gang: Yola d'Avril, as his sweetheart: Lucien Littlefield,, as a Scotch tailor; and Charles McHugh, as a bank robber. A First National supporting programme of quality will be presented, in addition to music embellishment of high order by the King's Select Orchestra. The box plan is available at the Bristol. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Spectacular backgrounds, mass movements of whites and Indians, struggles between trappers and the red men, with Fred Thomson and his wonder horse, Silver King, at tlicir best, are depicted in “Kit Carson.” Paramount's plcturlsatlon of tlie early West, which is now screening at the Kllbirnie Kinema. Two pleasing love stories arc threaded into the drama, and continue throughout the picture. The cast includes Dorothy Janis, Raoul Paoli, and William Court wriglit. Chester Conklin creates laughter and thrills in the other attraction, “The Big Noise,” a Paramount production. “HIT THE DECK.” Tlie J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company concluded a highly successful Wellington season at tlie Grand Opera House last evening with the performance of “Hit tlie Deck.” Miss Annie Croft and the other members of tlie company, who have made themselves extremely popular during the season, were given a most enthusiastic farewell. .