ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 180, 27 April 1929, Page 29

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. The big audience present at the De Luxe Theatre last night laughed heartily al the doings o£ the popular Reginald Denny, who created a hurricane of mirth in "Clear the Decks," the star attraction. In "Clear the Decks" Denny, who has Just returned to civilisation after a trip into Africa, falls desperately in love at lirst sight with a pretty girl (Olive Hasbrouekj, who is the first white woman he has seen tor a long time. She snubs him the moment he tries to get acquainted with her. He overhears her say that she is sailing that afternoon and he determines immediately to board the same boat. He did not hear the name correctly and he visits all the steamship offices trying to book a passage on a boat with a similarly sounding name. Finally he discovers that the name is Keo Wee, but learns that all the passages have been taken. At the last moment, however, Denny mangaes to get the berth of a friend and sails under the name of Trumbell. Because of his strange actions on board the Kee Wee Denny is mistaken for a detective by two jewel thieves, who cooperate with an officer of the boat. The thieves plan to rob the girl of Denny's dreams of her pearl necklace, and while she is at dinner they enter her room with the maid’s aid. Denny is suspected of the robbery and accused by the girl, but he accuses the mate of the ship, upon whom the jewels are located, Denny then explains who he really is, and tells the ship's officer that the reason he acted strangely was because of his love for the girl. Denuy is supported by an exceptional east. There are some excellent supports. Emanuel Aarons at the mighty Wurlitzer organ adds further interest to the entertainment. “LEGION OF THE CONDEMNED.” William Wellman, the man who gave to piotion pictures the first realistic air pictures ever made, “Wines.” which was produced by Paramount, made the statement following the completion of that picture, that never again would he attempt to produce another aviation picture. J". Monk Saunders, the author of “Wings,” heard the remark, and casually told Wellman that he had in mind another story along similar lines which would be to “Wings” what "Beau Sabreur" is to “Beau Geste.” Wellman unconsciously was interested, and by the time Saunders was through with his narrative, he was raised to a high pitch of excitement over the possibilities of the picture. For three weeks he besieged B. P. Schulberg, associate producer of Paramount, for permission to make the picture. Schulberg, like other executives in motion pictures, knew Wellman had the germ of a great idea which was backed up by his experience with “Wings," and after considering the matter gave the word to Wellman to start. Once more 'Wellman was in command of the air. The finished product is entitled "The Legion of the Condemned,” and will open at the De Luxe Theatre for a week s run on Friday next. What is this drawing power of the air? It may be solved to some extent in Wellman's case, for during tli£ war he was a. member of the famous Lafayette Escadrille, one of the most famous organisations ever to be born of the war.

KING’S THEATRE. “Thoroughbreds," the Carl Laemmle Universal production screening at the King’s Theatre this week, is a racing story in which romance, comedy, pathos, and action are deftly interwoven. Johnny .Spencer, a youthful jockey who has obviously a future in front of him, is induced by a crooked organisation to "throw" an important race. Completely infatuated by a beautiful adventuress, he does so, but his pulling in is so obvious that he is found out and his license to ride revoked. At length, however, through the unfailing efforts of his former sweetheart, Lucy, whom he has deserted, Spencer is given another chance. He rides the greatest race of his life, coming in in front of the field to save his sweetheart’s mother from the loss of her fortune. Marian Nixon has the star role and Richard IValling plays opposite her. Included in the supporting cast are Mary Nolan, Otis Harlan, and other well-known actors. The second feature, also made by Universal, is “The Girl On the Barge,” taken from one of Rupert Hughes’s most popular novelettes. Jean Hersholt is the star and Sally O’Neil has the title role, with Malcolm MacGregor sharing the love interest. The love story has a tremendously dramatic climax. Good supports complete an excellent programme and appropriate incidental music is provided by the orches-

QUEEN’S THEATRE. Stories that have anything to do with the seas and the ships that travel over them always seem to have a special appeal to the public, and the newest Fox film along these lines is “Captain Lash,” which made its initial appearance at Queen’s Theatre last night- It stars Victor McLaglen and Claire Windsor in a picture which is unique of its kind. McLaglen is in the title role, fifth engineer of an ocean liner, W’ho believes in getting the maximum out of his stokers. Claire Windsor, as Cora Nevins, is a lady of unusual charms, who joins the vessel at Sydney, and she is involved in an attempt to secure some priceless jewels from any passenger. Under her persuasion Captain Lash becomes the tool of a band of international crooks, and the vessel is in Singapore before he realises that he has been a dupe. Meanwhile he passes through some exciting episodes in which he demonstrates that he has a useful pair of fists, and knows how to use them, but he also • realises that a pair of fists will get him nowhere in withstanding the guiles of a beautiful woman. He finally decides that he will stick to his little brunette in Singapore. There are some thrilling scenes. The programme is supported with a world’s news film, and a further chapter of the exciting events contained in “Tarzan the Mighty.” The music incidental to the pictures and also the entr’acte is played by the Queen’s orchestra. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Frank O’Brian continues to develop new comedy spots as the season of the “Revellers" progresses at His Majesty’s Theatre. “Khaki” was an extremely amusing sketch, which commenced with the declaration of war, ended with the Armistice, and was simply choked up with Mlnncnwerfers of laughter. Mr. O’Brian, as the little eity-bred weed, who joins up, and becomes the chief butt ,of the sergeant's ire, was a scream. The sketch smacks of a decade ago, but it was done so well that it wetot w’ith the audience like a rocket. A spicy introduction was the parade of the Girl Guides under Miss Janice Hart, who revived Geo. Cohan’s war-time hit, “Over There," with great success. Miss Hart, whose big voice is rich in thrilling tones, also made a hit in “My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now," with the jazz band, and was also successful in her song. “An Old Guitar.” in which the ballet disported themselves picturesquely in a gay variety of Spanish shawls. Marie Ward sang “Mine, All Mine.” and Bert Lee was moderately amusing only in “Marry the Girl.” Iris Grumbley, who did not look a bit like her name, sang :“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier. Sailor,” with a ballet trimming, and with Gordon Neville sang the love duet, “A Kiss Before the Dawn.” As usual. Tiny Douglas's ’Varsity Boys jazz band played with spirit, and displayed an extended variety of tone colour in their selections, which included a fantasia of Irish airs that appealed. Ernie Brooks, One of the saxophonists, got his chance as a stepper, and so agile was bis performance that on the two occasions on which he stepped out of the band to display his musical feet lie was encored. Among the sketches,’ “The Marriage Exchange" was racy with good jokes and marital allusions. As the gink in charge of the "Exchange," Frank O’Brian was at his best. There will be a matinee performance this afternoon. SIR HARRY LAUDER. An accident is the real reason of the present visit of Sir Harry Lauder to New Zealand. While playing lead in the production of a British film Sir Harry was unfortunate in having several ribs fractured which led to complications, and when convalescent his physician ordered him a long sea voyage and temporary retirement from the stage. Accompanied by his niece. Miss Greta Lauder, Sir Harry sailed from Southampton, and was farewelled by his close friend and director of many tours, .Air. E. J. Carroll, and there was then no suggestion of business between them. Sir Harry had reckoned without his host of admirers, for no sooner had he landed in Wellington than he was inundated with requests for just a few professional appearances, and wherever he went they followed him in the form of wires, letters, and deputations. Feeling again fit and well, and for peace sake he finally agreed, and cabled Mr. E. J. Carroll asking if it was possible to arrange a brief tour ere he returned to England. The answer to that cable was, “Yes, certainly, my pleasure,” and so it is that seekers of genuine entertainment will have an opportunity of seeing and hearing the world’s greatest entertainer. With an entirely new company of international stars, Sir Harry will appear in Wellington at the Grand Opera House for a season of six nights, commencing on Saturday, May IS, and the box plans of reserved seats will bo available at the Bristol from Wednesday, May 15. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. “Fashions for Women.” Esther Ralston’s initial starring production, will have its tin.ll screenings at the Kilbirnle Kitieuia to-day at a “full programme” matinee at 2.15 p.m. and the night session 8 o’clock. Einar Hanson and Raymond Hatton have featured roles. In addition, a stirring romance of early Australian bushraugiug davs will be presented, starring Tim MrCov and Dale Austen.(Miss New Zealand, 1927). Reserves at Theatre Confectionery,, mt ting tha theatre, 'phogq 14—202,.

f REGENT THEATRE. “West of Zanzibar," the big Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer story of a terrible revenge worked out in the wilds of the Congo jungle, which was introduced to the Wellington public at the Regent Theatre last night, is without question one of the most powerful dramas which have been produced for the screen. That wonderful character actor, Lon Chaney, has never before crowded so much interest, mystery, stark realism, and romance into a picture ns he does into the role of “Dead Legs Flint,” former stage magician, who, in a light with a man who stole the love of his wife, sets out to trail him through the wilds of Africa, where bis quarry has taken refuge as an ivory trader. Lionel Barrymore plays Crane, the villain in the story, while beautiful Mary Nolan appears as the heroine, daughter of the revengecrazed magician. Set in a surrounding of terror, this dramatic story of a grim revenge, which, like a Frankenstein, devours its creator, shows weird and fantastic rites of voodoo devil-worshippers in the heart of the African jungle, and the strange spell of a sinister, paralysed “white voodoo,” who, with tricks and Illusions, rules tribes of superstitious and savage natives. The settings are most spectacular, including the lagoon and tropical jungle, with its parrots, cockatoos, monkeys, gorillas, and crocodiles. The big house laughed heartily at the comedy of a picnic party who arc driven out of their camp on the seashore by a baby typhoon and millions of mosquitoes, only to strike worst terrors on a derelict haunted pirate ship. Seals and giant crabs appear on the cast of this really clever comedy. The latest Regent News gave views of striking athletic displays by English college girls, Venice in an ice grip, and erupting volcanoes in Hawaii and Japan. That New Zealand ean produce scenes every whit as interesting as those of older countries is proved by the excellent Government Publicity film shown, which gives glimpses of motor cycling racing at Takapuna, motor speed races on the Murlwai beach, dirt-track racing in Wellington, the laying of the foundation stone of the new hostel at Tongariro National Park, and the crayfish industry. The new programme, which will be shown twice to-day and throughout next week, is rounded off by most acceptable music by the Regent Operatic Orchestra. FREE GRAMOPHONE RECITAL. Those who have attended the previous gramophone recitals given by Ernest Dawson, Ltd., will welcome the news that another delightful programme has been arranged for Wednesday next at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. The latest recordings by the world’s leading artists will be presented, Krelsler, GalliCurci. Chaliapin, Heifetz, Peter Dawson and Backhaus being among the most prominent of the performers. The added attraction of vocal numbers by Mr. Harison Cook will, no doubt, entice a large number to this recital. Mr. Dawson announces that the results of the elections will be announced during the concert. Seats may be reserved free of charge at Ernest Dawson, Ltd., Music Rooms, 10 Manners Street.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The fourth Fox movietone programme at the Paramount Theatre commenced its second week’s screening at the Paramount Theatre last night. Charles Farrell and Greta Nissen are the stars of “Fazil,” the main film, screen version of the famous plav “L’lnsoumise,” by Prince Frandial. Farrell is east as Fazil, an Arab prince, Greta Nissen as Fablenne, a pretty and unconventional girl of the smart world of Paris. They meet by chance in Venice, where Prince Fazil falls in love with her and sweeps her off her feet. They marry, live happily for a while in Paris, and then in conies the parting wedge of European civilisation. He objects when she renews acquaintances with one of her former suitors. wishing to cloister her like an Arabian wife. She resents his dominant interference, pointing out that this is France, not Arabia, and that social customs differ on the Continent. It is an illustration of the clash in viewpoint between the Orient and the Occident. Their antagonistic standpoints reach a climax and Fazil leaves her. But they still love each other, and she seeks him out In his native city, only to find that he has lapsed further into desire to forget. He takes her back into Orinetalism and acquired a harem in his desire to forget. He takes her back into his house and then the conflict between East and West is brought home even more strangely. With coinsiUerable care for the probabilities, the story is developed to the point where Fazil finally acknowledges his love for the girl, but in a way that is startlingly different from any she expected. Much of the action centres in Venice and on the Arabian desert. Magnificent settings, including a huge ballroom and reproductions of the famous Venetian canals, figure in this production. Supporting the stars are Mae Busch, Taylor Brooke, Josephine Bario, Vadem Uraneff, and John Boles. The Roxy Theatre orchestra of 110 players present a musical score, and the male choir of forty voices from the same theatre render the theme song, “Neapolitan Nights.”. The latest Fox movietone news is full of interesting events. Another is the singing of “Largo Al Factotum,” from “The Barber of Seville,” by Richard Bonelli, and another sound film is Randolph’s Royal Hawaiians, who are heard in some haunting songs of the South Seas. “The Family Picnic,” a talking comedy, completes the programme. BURLESQUE AND MELODY. Burlesque and melody, dancing and topicalities—in fact, all the ingredients of a tip-top extravaganza, go to make up the riotous “G.G.”, which will bo presented by the students of Victoria University College at the Town Hall on Saturday, May 4, Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7. What the Public Service Commissioner reported, how “G.G.” got back to the.land, how the Red Army get a new general, will be among the many things told in three convulsive escapades. The production promises to be one continuous laugh. It is said that two of the many songs, “Forty Thousand Farmers Can’t Be Wrong” and “The Song of the Meow” are alone equal to the usual entertainment. Every step has been taken to make this a great revival of the capping carnival spirit and the producers, Mr. Vryn Evans and Miss Mary Cooley, are confident that they have a book that is well above the ordinary and talent much above the average to entertain all. Here is a farce written in Wellington and seeking the support of Wellingtonians. The box plan opens on Monday at the Bristol. “THE PATSY.” At the Grand Opera House, commencing on Friday next, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management will present for the first time to playgoers of Wellington Barry Conner’s delightful and very successful play, “The Patsy,” which has been described as the world’s successor to “Peg o’ My Heart,” and which has just terminated a run of over 30 weeks in Sydney. “The. Patsy” is the rage of England and New York, and no fewer than ten companies are at present appearing in it in America. The J. C. Williamson management was so greatly impressed with the possibilities of “The Patsy” that they purchased the English rights of it, and it is now being staged with remarkable success under their direction in London. After witnessing a production of “The Patsy” in New York, Sir George Tallis, managing director for J. C. Williamson, Ltd., immediately engaged a company there for its Australian and New Zealand representations. The author recommended Miss Irene Homer for the part ot the heroine, and jt is said that she plays the part as though she were really the queer, lovable, quaint little Patsy. Mr. A. S. Byron was specially engaged for the character of Patsy’s father, and in it this noted New York actor has achieved an outstanding success. Mr. Brandon Peters is a ■well-known young American actor who has scored a triumph in the role of Tony Anderson. Playgoers wiill be glad to welcome back to New Zealand Miss Eileen Sparks, who did fine work in the Maurice Moscovitch and Guy Bates Post companies. Mr. Sam Wreu and Miss Vera .Gerald are two other artists who have assisted to make “The Patsy” the most successful play ever staged in Australia. The play was produced by Mr. George D. Parker. The box plans will be opened on Wednesday at the Bristol. STRAND THEATRE. Of particularly outstanding merit are the two features which are being screened in the new bill at the Strand Theatre. This theatre is noted for the high standard of all its preseutations, and this week is more than keeping up to its reputation. The audience is given two films, one British and one American, both of them being well worth pride of place on any programme. The main film is •'Gigolo,” a First National production, telling of life in a small American town and in Europe. The star part is played by the popular star Rod la Rocque, who is seen in a role that suits him to the last degree. The story tells of a young man who, wounded in warfare, has his face remade, the result of which is he is unrecognisable. He returns to Paris to find IBs mother has been swindled and is penniless. As an easy way out of bis financial distress he becomes* a "gigolo,” that is, a professional dancing partner. But there are other adventures tor him, and a meeting with bis former sweetheart. There is drama aplenty. Jobyua Ralston is charming as tlic girl, while Louise Dresser also is in the cast. “Somehow Good,” the second feature, is a creditable achievement. It is a British F.N. production, and finds Fay Compton. the eminent English actress, and Stewart Rome, playing opposite each other. The story is unusual, dealing with a man who. losing his memory, and after being separated from her for a number of years, meets her and again proposes marriage. Knowing who he is, the wife, reanxious ta * xecapturq- • tnej

happiness so suddenly terminated years before. The busband’s eventual return of memory is a dramatic moment. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give his usual weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow night, and the programme has been arranged as followsPastorale, by Scarlatti-Page; Toccata. Adagio, and Fugue in C Major, by Bach: Berceuse, by Faulkes: Priere. Op. 37 (No. 3), by Jengen; Andante (from String quartet), by Debussy; Arcadian-— Idyll, “Serenade,” “Musette,” “Solitude, by Lem are: Good Friday Music (from Act III) ’‘Parsifal,” by Wagner. CHAMBER MUSIC. An effort to present a series of four chamber concerts is in preparation by a body of Wellington instrumentalists, under the title of Tlip W cllington (.’hauiber Music Players. The first concert (as advertised in lliis issue* will iivhi'*“ ilelssohn’s Trio in C Minor, Beethoven s Quartet in G Major, and a pia a • quartet by G. R. Strauss in C Minor. I lie performers will be Evelyn de Mauny, Leon de Mauny, Desmond Lavin, Frank Crowther, and Claude Tanner. In later concerts Mr. John Bishop and Mr. Alfred Truda will take part. Season tickets are available as indicated in an advertisement.