ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 116, 9 February 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Possessing exceptional dramatic power and appeal, “The Forbidden Woman, a De Mille production, which was screened at the Regent Theatre last night, Is an unusual story of love and intrigue on tne desert wastes of Morocco. Jetta Goudai once again portrays the spy. It was her interpretation of a British secret service agent in “Three Faces East” that first won the attention of America. Now she is again playing the spy in ‘‘The Woman,” which Paul L. Sein directed. Victor Varconi and Joseph Schildkraut, P’aying tho brothers, are Miss Goudai s leads, the former being seen as a French colonel and the latter as an internationally famous violinist. The story, which sweeps from the arid wastes of Morocco to the bright lights of Paris and then back to. Morocco, for its surprising finale, is played out against a background of intrigue and espionage. Brother-love is the central theme of this captivating story. Clara Bcranger adapted “The Forbidden Woman,, from Elmer Harris’s story, “Brothers. Another notable member of the east is Ivan Libedeff, a comparative newcomer to tne films, whose role as an Arabian sheik promises to advance him far in the esteem of theatregoers. The activities of a reporter and his dog, battling the unseen forces of the underworld to trail a criminal to his lair and win a girl, form the basis Of one of the most remarkable newspaper stories in a long time, “Shadows of the bight, which is also screened. A man, a girl. and a dog share the honours, for besides Lawrence Gray and Louise Lorraine, the play .presents Flash, a dog, who recently made his debut in "Under the Black Eagle. The. dog, with almost human intelligence, rescues his master from crooks, chews through his bonds, brings the police thundering into a dive to his rescue in another sequence, and, in a thrilling chase, secures a crook’s automobile license plate that proves the clue that is his undoing. Lawrence Gray plays the reporter, and goes on the trial of ••’Killer” Feagan. Louise Lorraine is his sweetheart, a cabaret dancer, and Warner Richmond, noted for his work as the baseball manager in “Slide, Kelly, Slide,” plays the villain, giving a clever and well-balanced performance of a difficult role. Tom McGuise appears as a city editor, and Tom Dugan and Eddie Sturgis are convincing and. sometimes cohnical as the two chief gangsters. Polly Moran is responsible for much broad comedy. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer News is also screened. When Mr. Alec Regan, the popular singer of popular songs, who is well known to Wellington audiences, made- his appearance last night, he was greeted enthusiastically by the big house. His numbers, which were applauded again and again, Included, “Just Like a Melody, “Fifty Million Frenchmen,” and “Sonny Boy.” DE LUXE THEATRE. Ever to the front in the picture entertainment world, De Luxe Theatre last night staged one of the most outstanding features released in the Dominion In “The Luck of the Navy.” The English stage play of the same name has been splendidly adapted to the screen, as in the first place the period covered by the action has been extended to the earlier centuries when England achieved fame on the seas and laid the foundations of the British Navy as it exists to-day. How England was saved from Invasion is told in a brief episode of the Armada, and there is the Nelsonian epic which'played such an important part in the career of Napoleon. Henry Victor is the hero in the naval action which was staged by H.M.S. Tempest, and this is one of the most thrilling incidents in the film, for he Is seen fearlessly directing operations from a shell-torn bridge, shells are flying everywhere, and the landing of 40 men specially sent from the gunnery school at Chatham is typical of the “stuff that our Navy is made of.” The picture was one which particularly appealed to Princess Mary, and was seen at Home by several members of the Royal Family. Miss Evelyn Laye, a popular English actress, stars with Henry Victor, who is the “devil may care’.’ naval lieutenant. The spy story which runs through the piece, the attempt to steal valuable plans from the dockyard, the declaration of war and naval actions, and the final defeat of .tho gang of spies, make the picture one which grips the attention throughout. Some British Dominions’ films, news gazette, and comedy give support to a very attractive programme, and the incidental music specially selected for the star feature Is bright and well glvefi. The director, Mr. E. Aarons, earned much praise for the high standard attained. PARAMOUNT' THEATRE.

Those who like their mystery seasoned with laughter, and who prefer a cold chill tapped by a 'smile, /will be well satisfied with “The Haunted/House,” the First National com'edy-mystery film, which opened at the Paramount Theatre last night. The story concerns an eccentric old man of wealth, apparently dying, who sends for his four possible ■ heirs. Billy, Tully, Nancy, and Mrs. Rackham. He gives them various instructions' and sealed letters, and also tells them on no account to enter an old house which is supposed to be haunted. Of course, they are anxious to learn the secret, and all go to the haunted house, where valuable bonds are presumably hidden. In the house many wild and thrilling experiences are encountered. Mr. Rackham (Chester Conklin), Is the unwilling companion of his shrewish wife, when she delves into the mysteries of the lonely old dwelling. A mad doctor appears, as do a sleep-walking girl, a mysterious caretaker, and a beautiful nurse. There are strange lights and whistles, secret panels open to disclose masked figures, and, in fact, everything mysterious' and thrilling that equid possibly happen does happen. Chester Conklin and Flora Finch provide the comedy, and Thelma Todd, Eve Southern, and Barbara Bedford the love element and much of-the mystery. “Calford in the Movies,” the fourth • of the third series of “Collegians,” is another attraction. George Lewis, Dorothy Gulliver, Eddie Phillips, and Churchill Ross have the featured roles. In what Is one of the best of this entertaining series. An interesting gazette is also, screened, while the music of the orchestra, under Mr. R. R. Caultdni is of a very high standard.

. KING’S THEATRE. , ■A further advance was,made towards the production of the local film last night, when another fine “three-unit programme ’ was screened at the King’s Theatre. This consisted of the results of last weeks tests on the stage of some of the aspirants for screen honours. The audience were provided with voting papers, and requested to vote for the players who, in their opinion, were best qualified to enact the leading roles in the actual “Wellington Film Production.-’ On this week’s voting, the hero, heroine, villain, comedian, and comedienne will be selected. As soon as the required players are chosen, It is understood that operations in connection with the production will be commenced immediately. The comedy, “Crazy Mazie,” was the star picture of the evening, in which appeared the famous English actress, Lilian Harvey. Timothy . Tltmus, a director of the Scala Theatre, has married a widow, the daugh-. ter of whom, Mazie, is expected home from Madrid, where she is supposed to have been attending school. Instead she has become a dancer, going under the name of Lola. As Mazie, .she is shy and unsophisticated, but as Lola, she carries on a flirtation with both her step-father and hjs friend, Bobbie Brown. Bobbie becomes engaged to Mazie, but cannot forget the charming and fascinating Lola, who fools them both. Finally, Lola can no longer keep her secret, and, convinced of Bobbie’s fidelity, surrenders her affection to him. Together with a third series of the Collegians, entitled "Calford in the Movies,’’ a topical budget, and fitting orchestral music, it was a splendid evening’s entertaimpent.

HIS MAJESTY’S. Continued popularity is being enjoyed by the "League of Notions” Company, which presented the thirteenth of its series at His Majesty’s Theatre last night. A high standard of entertainment has been maintained by the company, and the programme this change is no exception. “Sonny Boy’ was a feature of last night’s show, every member of the company taking part. Syd. Beck, whose .foolery is irresistible, was the big element in a laughter programme, and ably seconding him were the Paulasto brothers. Mike Connors and Queenie Paul joined in some more popular songs, and in addition to the original items of Syd. Beck vocal numbers were given also by Audrey Lewis, William Beresford, and Gladys Shaw. A speciality dance was introduced by Phyllis Baker and Gerald ConnellV, while sketches, both humorous and striking, were presented. The Exquisite Six ballet, one of the best on the circuit, offered a number of new creations. Last, but not least, Linn Smith’s Jazz Band delighted with riotous melody. The programme will be continued next week. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. A splendid double-star programme opened at the Kilblrnie Kinema last night. Gllda Gray is the star of a midnight show in "Cabaret,” who is hounded by a gang leader and loved by a detective. The production reaches its climax when Andy, Gllda’s brother, shoots the crook in selfdefence and is accused of murder. Tom Moore is the detective, Jack Egan appears as Andy Trask, while Chester Conklin supplies the comedy relief in the role of Jerry Trask. “A Gentleman of Paris,” starring Adolphe Menjou, Is a story about a rich Marquise who possesses a perfect valet; a young fiancee whom lie hopes to marry, and many young ladies whom lie should have married. Shirley O'Hara, Arlette Marchal. and Lorraine Eddy are also in the cast. The Kilblrnie Symphony Orchestra supplies appropriate music throughout the programme. 1 STRAND THEATRE. The captivating Marie Prevost play# the

screening at the Strand Theatre. The story Is the old one of the woman-hater who is won over by the woman he hates, but It is told in a light and intriguing fashion which gives ample opportunity to the actress who made such a great comedy success of “Up in Mabel's Room.” The scene for the first meeting of Cynthia Stockton, the heroine, and Stanley Warrington, author and woman-hater, is set at the roadside, where there is a battle of wills which is won by neither, Warrington refusing to make room for her car to pass, and Cynthia, rather than give in, appropriates a milkman’s auto-truck, abandoning her own ear. The situation becomes very involved when the girl, on the eve of her wedding, finds that her prospective husband is the lover of her sister. She escapes one hour before the ceremony, and niaks off in her own car, which, obliging, stalls when she reaches Warrington’s bouse. Entering through a window, Cynthia makes herself comfortable in that gentleman’s night attire and is discovered by a horrified Warrington just before her father’s arrival, and further complications set in when, after hearing that hisf daughter has married Warrington, the delighted parent decides to stay the night. At length all matters are cleared up. and there is the Inevitable ending. The film Is full of laughable incidents, and Is very elaborately produced. ' The role of Stanley Warrington is played by Harrison'*Ford, and Robert Edeson gives a most artistic portrayal of the lovable father. Other names are Franklin Pangborn, Constance- Howard, Richard Crawford, and George Kuwa. This production was well supported by a Pathe gazette, topical budget, cartoon, and comedy, and some Interesting shots of Canadian snow scenes, while the orchestral selections were a feature of the programme.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. The high standard of .entertainment for which the Queen’s Theatre is noted is well maintained In the new programme screened to a large audience last night. The principal film, “The Phantom City,” starring Ken Maynard, deviates from the usual Western story, In that the mystery element has been Introduced. The story starts with several men talking In a deserted town, amid the straggly and forlorn looking buildings and torn-up streets of the old mining location. All of these characters are of a mysterious mein. They have, apparently, no business there —but there they are. Soon after, Tim Kelly appears. Later, a girl appears, and more complications arise. The mystery angle is neatly worked out and defies solving until the denouement. Maynard appears to excellent advantage, and gives a great performance, injecting some hair-raising stunt riding. “The Phantom City” is a highly entertaining picture throughout. It maintains its suspense and continuity with perfect logic. An excellent all-star cast, including Eugenia Gilbert, making a pleasing heroine, James Mason, the “heavy,” and Blue Washington, the coloured comic, are Maynard’s bodyguard. The supporting film, “The Night Patrol,” is from the original story by Frank Howard, and features Richard Talmadge. As can only be the case, fun and thrills were plentifully intermingled. Associated with the celebrated "stunt-man” are Mary Carr, Gladys Hulette, Grace Darmond, and Victor Dillingham. Excellent music is supplied by the orchestra, under the baton of Mr. P. T. Cullen. SHORTT’S THEATRE. At Short’ts Theatre this change, a thrilling romance of the China coast, “The Crimson City,” is starred featuring Myrna Loy and John Miljan. It is a story of sinister yellowmen and seductive slave girls and of a human derelict who finds regeneration in love and then has to fight for his very existence against the formidable ruler of the Crimson City. Throughout the story Myrna Loy is wonderful as the alluring temptress of the House of a Thousand Daggers. “The Crimson City” vividly pictures the adventures of Gregory Kent, an Englishman wrongfully accused of embezzlement, who flees to China, knd there, Im, “The House of a Thousand Daggers,” Intercedes for Nan Toy,” a slave girl, who is being tortured by her brutal Oriental master. Kent, thrown from the dive, seeks the sea, meaning to end Ills life. Nan Toy follows, helps him to a hiding place, and nurses him to health. Here her master finds her and takes her back. But the story hinges on the fact that a former sweetheart of Kent, with her father, is visiting Brand, a wealthy oil man, who himself loves the white g!0. A solicitor comes from England with proof that Kent Is guiltless—and then follow the complications, which, thrilllngly involve all the actors In the lurid drama. Myrna Loy, as Nan Toy, Is a figure of exotic loveliness. She i plays the part with the mystery and pathos of which she alone is capable. Archie Mayo directed. The cast Includes John Miljan, Leila Hyams, Matthew Betz, Anders Randolf, Sojin, Anna May Wong, and Richard Tucker. A second big attraction, a real thrilling drama of the wild west, Is “Buffalo BUI, Junior.” There are also a Pathe Gazette and a comedy.

. VANBRUGH-BOUCICAULT SEASON. That Irene Vanbrugh, who is to make her reappearance here on February 18 with Dion Boucicault and a new English company in “All the King’s Horses,” is just as popular in London as she is in Australia and New Zealand may be gathered from the following paragraph which appeared in the “Morning Post" on the occasion of her return to England after an absence of three years in the. Colonies. “Three years is not a long time for most people to be away—it is, indeed, too short a period for many—but it is too long for Miss Vanburgh, and I trust, now that she has returned to us that she will settle down in London and not go gallivanting about the remoter parts of the earth again. If Afrikanders, New Zealanders and Australians wish to see her act, they must come Home and see her. The parent nation cannot always be lavishing rich gifts on the children nations; it must be allowed to keep something for itself. For my part, I say that Africa and Australia and Canada and New Zealand can have all we possess, provided that they let us keep Irene Vanbrugh. What an actress she is! How easily and deliciously she takes the stage and holds it! She is a born comedienne.” Mr. Dion Boucicault has delighted us in a largo number of wonderful characterisations and he, as well as Miss Vanburgh, is said too, to be in his element In “All the King’s Horses.” Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault will be supported by a very strong combination of English coniedj’ and dramatic artists, including Annie Saker, J. B. Rowe, Rowena Ronald, Beatrice Fischer, Ronald Ward, Reg, Wykeham, Pressy Preston. Esmond Jones and Allan Chapman. “All the King’s Horses”/ will be played for five nights, and will be followed by one of Frederick Lonsdale’s finest plays, “On Approval,” for three nights, and then “Miss Nell o' New Orleans” for another three nights. The box plans for these eleven nights will be opened on Thursday at the Bristol. WELLINGTON PLAYERS. The Wellington Players are making their second appearance with another triple bill. The great Russian dramatist Tchekov will figure in the programme, for the Players are giving his one-act play, “The Bear.” The Players have some new recruits this time who will be Interesting to watch and several of those who made a first appearance last September will again appear: it may be said once more they are a band of student-players who aim to learn something of the drama and to perform playa pf aR kind* .«W& MA •