ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 175, 20 April 1929, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. j Clara Bow, that seductive' and dynamic ' litlc red-headed star, has a part which gives her every opportunity to use her personality to its fullest extent in “The Fleet’s In," her latest starring vehicle for Paramount, which commenced screening at the De Luxe Theatre last night. Supporting her are popular Janies Hall and Jack Oakie, a newcomer to the screen, who promises to, go a long way. To meet the fleet, returning from a cruise, the Roseland Dance Hall management sends down its band and dance hall girls to secure as much business as possible. The girls are headed by Peachy Deane (Clara Bow), who becomes the centre of a rivalry between Eddie Briggs (James Hall) and Doyle (Jack Oakie), the two most redoubtable sheiks of the fleet. Peachy spurns the cocky Eddie at the dance hall that night, and gives her dances to Doyle.' Later ill the' evening a prize dance is given and Peachy and Eddie win the prize. Still this does not win Peachy over so he fakes a fight in order to become her hero. Peachy now begins to like him, and allows him to take her home, Eddie gets fresh, however, and gets severely put in his place. Returning to his ship he realises that he is in love with Peachy, but gets his leave stopped. Ashore again Eddie finds that Peachy is wearing Doyle’s ring and proceeds to start a free fight with Doyle. He is arrested, but at the trial, Peachy takes all the blame

for the fight and the pair make it up together. An exceptionally good supporting programme includes a gazette, Bathe Pictorial, amusing “Inkwell” cartoon, hilarious comedy and an Australian film showing the big Iron and steel works at Newcastle. The musical Items by the orchestra under Mr. Aarons include selections from "La Boheme” (Puccini) and "Merrymakers’ Dance” from “Nell Gwyn” (Edward German). “CLEAR THE DECKS.” -The ever-popular Reginald Denny brings back to us one of his old Inimical farce comedles'in “Clear the Decks,” a Universal production, which is to be screened at the De Luxe Theatre commencing on Friday next. Those who remember, such laughprovoking pictures as “California Straight Ahead,” “What Happened to Jones,” and “Skinner’s Dress Suit,” will be interested to learn that in “Clear the Decks” Denny has once more reverted to his old style and favourite comedy roles in a picture that’ Is chock full of funny situations, funny action, and funny titles. It has been said by those who have been privileged to see “Clear the Decks” that it is one of the cleverest and most humorous productions Denny has ever made since he has appeared on the screen, and definitely establishes this popular, star as the most outstanding comedian appearing in pictures. Denny is supported by an exceptional cast, all without exception talented in comedy portrayals. The girl in the case is Olive Hasbrouck, who makes a delightful “object of affection” for Denny. Lucien Littlefield and Otis -Harlan, both comedians in their own right, provide plenty of comedy peculiar to their particular characterisations. Others In the cast are Colette Merton, Brooks Benedict, Robert Anderson, and Elinor Leslie.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The fourth Fox Movietone programme was presented at the Paramount Theatre last evening to a crowded house, and the new -talking, singing, and sound pictures held the attention of the big house very closely. Many special features figured on the new programme. The Roxy Theatre orchestra of 110 players delighted everyone with the colourful synchronised score they submitted, and another musical treat was the Roxy Theatre Male Choir of forty voices, who gave a truly magnificent rendering of the beautiful theme song, “Neapolitan- Nights,” as an adjunct to the star picture. The latest Fox Movietone News was chockful of recent events of the world in sight and sound. One of the finest numbers .on the new programme was the singing of "Largo Al Factotum,” from “The Barber of Seville," by Richard Bonelli, the noted baritone of the Chicago Grand Opera House. Another eharming sound film was Randolph’s Royal Hawaiians, who were heard in some haunting songs of the South Seas. The house roared again at the Fox alltalking comedy, “The Family Picnic,” in which the action and dialogue was simply

delicious." The star production on the new programme was “Fazil," a Fox screen version of the famous play, “L’lnsouniise,” by the eminent French playwright, Pierre Frondale, which created an Internationa] sensation on its first appearance on the legitimate stage. Much of the action centres in Venice and on the Arabian desert. Magnificent sets, including a huge ballroom and reproductions of the famous canals, figure in this lavish production. Greta Nissen and Charles Farrell play the leading romantic roles in this dramatic story of an Arabian prince who successfully woos and wins a haughty European lady. The swift love-making of the Arabian sweeps the French beauty off her feet, but after the wedding she refuses to conform to the Arabian customs concerning women. However, the young wife discovers that she cannot live without her Arabian prince, and follows him to his native palace. When she discovers that a harem is part of the palace equipment, there are serious ructions. Many thrilling scenes follow, but eventually the pair find lasting happiness in a startling manner. Farrell’s impersonation of the Sheik is at once amusing and arresting, while Miss Nissen has never appeared more beautiful or more gorgeously gowned. The sands of the desert will never grow cold so long as there are love scenes such as those In “Fazil.” Mae Busch, Taylor Brooke, Josephine Borio, Vadem Uraneff, John Boles, and John T. Murray also appear on /the strong cast. The incidental music by the Roxy Theatre orchestra of 110 players greatly enhances tbe effect of the colourful romance. This big list of attractions will be screened dally at 2.30 and at 8 o’clock. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Few revue companies which have appeared at His Majesty’s Theatre during recent years have given more general satisfaction than Frank O’Brian’s “Revellers,” and each week sees the audiences grow larger and more enthusiastic as they realise the excellent entertainment Mr. O’Brian sponsors. The new programme is an excellent one. It commences with a bright hunting scena, with all hands in scarlet at the ’meet.” A gay “Tan-Tivvy” dance, and a "Tally-Ho” chorus, leads to Mr. O’Brian’s recital of how he rode to hounds, but developed the Prince of Wales’s habit at the first ditch. After the demure Marie Ward had sung about her “Little Boy Blue,” Frank O’Brian and his Janice frivolled cleverly as children. “The Parsons of Puddle” introduced Bert Lees, Frank O'Brian, and Joo Hudson as three woe- begone curates, who still have a dance left in them beneath the dignity born of broadcloth. One of the laughing hits of the evening was “The Circus,” which has a star attraction in a man-eating lion, which meets his equal in "the nuisance,” the rouseabout, played very comically by Mr. O'Brian. The wrestling match (all in), in fast and slow motion, was very tunny, and Mr. Lees sang "Laugh, Clown, Laugh" effectively. Other comic sketches were "My Wife's Lover” and '’One Good Turn Deserves Another.” A notable feature of the "Revellers” is Tiny Douglas’s ’Varsity Boys’ Jazz Band, one of the best of its class seen in revue. Hits made by this capable band last evening Included a musical version of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” with Mr. O’Brian as narrator, "Oh, You Have No Idea" (sung by Jim Downes), and a clever jazz fantasia, on airs from Gounod's "Faust.” Janice Hart and Marie Ward (with the ballet) made a good deal .of the pretty song scena, “Mary,” and Miss Hart threw the weight of her remarkable voice into “Ain’t that a Glorious Feeling J" and made a hit, with Mr. O'Brian, in "He is my Boy Friend,” after which the talented pair brought down tlie house with their nimble step-dancing. For “One Fine Day” (Puccini), Miss Mabel Morgan wits given a very complete Japanese setting that was very pleasing to the eye. Mr. Gordon Norville's best effort was “Hello, Swanee," to which he appended a clever contortlouistlc dance. He also sang "Good Night, Pretty Lady.” The ballet is especially good, and contributed not a little to tbe success of many of the • sougs. There will be a matinee performance this afternoon. -

KIDBIRNIE K INEMA. Intimate glimpses into the life of a clown behind the scenes are blended into vivid and gripping drama in Lon Chaney s latest picture, “Laugh Clown Laugh, ’ which screens at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. Chaney turns comedian for the first time in his screen career, in ••Laugh Clown Laugh.” As the tragic clown made fampus ou the stage by Lionel Barrymore, he does a complete comedy vaudeville act, which is conirasted in later scenes with the poignant tragedy of his sacrifice for the wom:4n he loves. Excellent supporting films will be screened, including "Do Gentlemen Snore?” (comedy), lates»t gazette, and a .splendid scenic by the New Zealand Publicity Department. During the screening of the feature film an appropriate musical programme will be played. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give an organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening. The- programme has been arranged as follows: —Choral-Prelude by Bach; Sonata No, 6 by Mendelssohn; Meditation (No. 3) in C Sharp Minor by Ropartz; Psychological Poem by Reblkoff; Pavane pour une Infante Defunte by Ravel; (Prelude, Cantilene, Scherzando de Concert) Op. 29 by Pierne.

Tlie annual golf and cricket ball will be held in the Marton Town Hall on Friday next. Tickets are obtainable from the secretary, Ur. K. G. Biss, Marton, details as to prices being given in an advertisement in this issue.

. REGENT THEATRE. z Lilian Gish, one of the most popula of screen favourites and a great dramati actress, is the star in one of the tw big features presented at the Regent The atre last night. She appears in "Th Wind,” with Lars Hanson, and is at he best in the role of a woman in will Texas country, fighting to save her owi soul in a territory where souls are easil; lost. A delicate Southern girl, she enter; this land of cyclones and sand storms She experiences starvation, and there is I tragic incident in which she shoots tin man who tries Ho take advantage of hei terror in the storm, and buries him, think ing him dead. She did not sec him risi and stagger away. Later happiness cornel to her, lint only after her endurance lias been sorely tried. Tlie other feature is t .story of the plains, “Morgan’s Last Raid,’ in which Tim McCoy is the hero of s stirring adventure with more than a spice of romance. There is the hard camp life horse-play, and battles are fought in grim bitterness. The story is based on history during the- Civil War. It is a fine and thrilling picture, and holds one’s attention right through.’ The story of the famous Morgan raiders is well worth seeing. There Is a Regent review of the news of the world in pictures, a very interesting selection, and a specially-selected musical programme, in keeping with the fast-mov-ing pictures, is played by the Regent Operatic Orchestra. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. STRAND THEATRE. “Beggars of Life,” the leading feature on this week’s programme at the’ Strand Theatre, is now in its second week. That is a guarantee of its quality. Louise Brooks, naturally cold and insolent by turns, has the leading role, one which suits her temperament admirably. On the male side, Richard Arlen, now famous for hie great work as the star of “Wings,” plays opposite her, as a young hobo, while Wallace Beery is cast as a bright, human vagabond, the leader of a gang of tramps. Nancy (Louise Brooks), an orphan, accidentally kills her guardian and flees, dressed as a boy, and aided by Jim (Richard Arlin). They fall in with Oklahoma Red’s band. A reward is. offered for Nancy’s capture, and she is identified by Red’s rival for the leadership of the gang. After an amazing series of adventures, Red turns up with a bundle of girl’s clothing, and then follow thrills in profusion. The second item on the programme, “Never Say Die,” is the amusing story of a young man who had three months to live, and married so that his friends might inherit his fortune. However, the girl is beautiful, and he refused to die. Then they tried to kill him, ana what followed must be seen to be appreciated. He married in haste and fell In love nt leisure. Douglas McLean and Lilian Rich play the principal parts. Excitement has not been forgotten amid the 'und of comedy in the picture. A pleasing iccompaniment is played by the orchestra.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. Who killed Eustace Edc? That is tin question that, is in the mind of all win see “The Ware Case,” the new Britisl First National feature at the Queen's The atre. “The Ware Case” is a real mnrdei mystery which grips tlie interest fron start to finish. To tell the whole storj would be to spoil the pleasure in store foi those who intend going to see the lum, anc it is worth seeing for the beautiful English scenery alone. The story opens with the finding of the drowned body of Eustace Ede, brother of the beautiful Lady Ware, who that morning had quarrelled with the dead man. Through Eustace's death Lady Ware inherited a fortune, by means of which she was able to settle her husband’s debts,- Then comes tlie blow. At the inquest on Ede it was found that he had been murdered. Suspicion fell on numerous people, and finally on —. There is a murder trial, a period of suspense, and an acquittal. And then the unexpected happens. The end of the film is absolutely unexpected and original. The leading • part Is taken by Stewart Rome, England’s leading klncma actor, whose work Is finished to a degree. »The feminine lead is in the hands of Miss Betty Carter, a dramatic actress of no mean ability. All the minor parts are excellently handled. Also on the bill is a further instalment of Edgar Rice Burroughs’s exciting tale,'"Tarzan the Mighty.” Thor:’ is a good graphic; depicting the latest doings in the world, and a comedy that has the audience in one long laugh from start to finish. The musie of the Queen’s Quality Orchestra is a feature of the entertainment, which will be continued to-day, to-night, and throughout next week.

KING’S THEATRE. “London Love” is the star feature of the particularly attractive programpie now screening at the King’s Theatre! Fay Compton, who has specialised hitherto in dramatic roles, is seen in a part very different from any she has previously played. The story, which is full of interest, tells of Sally, a little seamstress in the tailor shop of an Bast Bad Jew, who assists her to rise to fame as a film star in order to gain money with which to defend her sweetheart, a young sailor, who had been accused of murdering her rtep-niothcr. The dramatic trial scene at the Old Bailey is one of the wonderful shots included in the film, while an interesting link with the past Is the opening scene of the film, which shows Whitehall decorated for the coronation of King Edward the Seventh. “London Love” is exceedingly well staged and well acted. Fay Comuton gives a wonderful display of versatility in the role of Sally, the girl of the East End, and witli her is Moore Marriott, who makes a line character study of the old Jew. Supporting features are of the usual high standard, and some excellent selections were played by the King's Orchestra. SIR HARRY LAUDER. The tour which has been arranged by E. J. Carroll for Sir Harry Lauder and his new company of international vaudeville stars is of necessity a very brief one, and an announcement is made in this Issue of the aiates ou which the company will appear in the various towns, together with the box plan arrangements,' so as to enable patrons to make early application for reserved seats. Sir Harry Lauder aud his company are now playing a season in Auckland, and His Majesty's Theatre is reported to be filled nightly to capacity, and on several occasions hundreds have been turned away. It is said that Sir Harry is In great form, and Ills new numbers in song, sketch, and story have met with enormous success. The supporting company was specially selected by E. J. Carroll, and includes “Tiki’’ Carpenter, The Surprise Packet; Miss Beryl Wentworth, singer of catchy chorus songs; Rupert Hazel and Elsie Day, the Harmonylarity Duo; the Fredo Bros., comedy acrobatic violinists; Don Julian. Continental cartoonist and lightning sketch artist, together with a flue orchestra, under the conductorship of Haydn Beck. A private telegram from Auckland reports tremendous enthusiasm was shown at a welcome to Sir Harry Lauder by St. Andrew’s Society. Sir Harry Lauder is stated to be playing to crowded houses in His Majesty’s Theatre, the audiences proclaiming him as better than when last here. The supporting company is described as very strong. “THE COUNTRY GIRL.” A highly creditble performance is that of "The Country Girl," presented again at the Opera House lust night by. Madame Eugenie Dennis and Mr. Edwin Dennis, A.R.C.M. A high standard is reached with both the singing and daucing, wnihthe froeking and settings are tasteful. Mrs. Ellison Porter lias the part of Marjory Joy, and her voice is heard to advantage in “She’s Acting," "Coo,” and in a duet, “Boy aud Girl," with Mr. Walter Smith, who is cast as Geoffrey Chailoner, the hero of the piece. Mr. Smith’s vocal items include "Tlie Sailor Man,” and "My Little Girl." Nan, a village mailleu, is well portrayed by Miss Ivy Fowler, of Christchurch, whose singing and dancing met with a good reception. Of outstanding merit is the singing of Miss Ena Rapley as the Princess of Bhong, particularly in “Elijah of Bhong,” aud “Under the Deadur.” The comic element is supplied by Mr. Albert Harper, who met with great success. Others in tlie cast are Miss Madge Freeman. Mrs. Irwin Hanning. .Miss Mary Dillon, Miss’ Vere Barry, Messrs. Tom Voyee, Arthur Brady, Cedric Gardiner, Eric North, Cecil Fletcher, Jack Neale, Gordon Ramsay, and Llew Sweeney. The performance will be presented for the last time to)nlght.

IZARD FAREWELL CONCERT TO-NIGHT. The delightful artists Misses Constance and Margaret Izard will make their farewell appearance at the Town Hall Concert Chamber this evening under the management of the Stanley Concert Direction. The Wellington season has been distinguished by the tremendous warmth of the reception accorded to these talented ladies. This evening a really popular programme will be given, including works by Handel, Siegl, Daquin, Tenaglia, and a number of Spanish dances by Joaquin Nin, with most uncommon rhythms which are most highly captivating. Several of rlie most popular unaccompanied duets for violin and ’cello will be given, including several numbers arranged by themselves or arranged especially for them. It is impossible for any return visit to be made owing to the fact that the Misses Izard have to leave for Malaya at an early date to fulfil engagements.