ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 212, 4 June 1929, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE ‘Who killed Mlml Bellamy.'’’ This is the all-engrossing question in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer talkie picture, ‘ Ihe Inal cf Miami Bellamy,” which is now in its second week at the Regent Theatre. The story is one that gives you a peep behind the scenes of the modern murder trial and puts you in close contact with all of the leading characters. As Sue Ives, the woman on trial, Leatrice Joy brings s superb characterisation Into the production. George Barraud, who plays opposite her as the loyal husband, Is admirably cast, and Kenneth Thompson, as the second defendant, makes remarkable progress in a very difficult role. After a mass of damaging testimony has 'been offered against the accused pair, indicted for the slaying of Miami Bellamy, wife of the man on trial, a surprise witness comes forward, and the jury returns a verdict of not guilty. The murder is still a mystery, but a confession that strikes the audience like a thunderbolt clears the crime. In the supporting cast, one of the greatest ever assembled for a screen production, are Betty Bronson, Margaret Seddon, Margaret Livingstone, Edward Nugent, Cosmo Kyrle Bellow, Jacquelln Gadsdon, Charles B. Middleton, Charles H. Malles, William Tooker, Jack Raymond, Polly Ann Young, Dan Mason, Kalla Pasha, Polly Moran, and Robert Dudley. The supporting sound films include solos by Victor Lopez, the famous jazz pianist, items by Miss Ella Shields, and songs by James Regan. The synchronised music is excellent throughout. “THE JAZZ SINGER.” “The Jazz Singer,” the second Regent “talkie,” which will appear on Friday next, is considered to be the picture which really put the talking pictures on the map throughout the world. Everywhere it has been screened it has set a new mark for attendances. In Sydney, where it opened In December last, it Is still being screened three times daily to crowded houses, and it is estimated that over 500,000 persons have paid for admission there alone. On tho 16th of last month It created there a record of more performances than any other picture has done In Australia or New Zealand. Al Jolson, the star, has created a world-wide reputation for his famous Interpretation of his many songs, and Is to-day the highest salaried single artist in the world. “The Jazz Singer” is really the story of his own life. Those who have seen and heard this wonderful story have nothing but praise for it, nil being carried away by his heart-appealing rendition of the outcast lad who makes his way to international fame as a jazz singer, -the sales of his records throughout the worm are enormous and all royalties he receives from these he devotes to charity. Although the screening at the Regent will be the New Zealand premiere, so much has been heard of this remarkable picture that already the advent is .creating an enormous amount of interest among picture-lovers.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “Four Devils” heads the sixth Fox Movietone programme which is now in its second week’s screening at the Paramount Theatre. Janet Gaynor, Nancy Drexel. Charles Morton, Barry Norton and J. Harrell McDonald have the featured roles in this drama' of the sawdust ring. It tells of two brothers and two sisters who are being trained by a circus proprietor anil whose lot is anything but a happy one. Charles, the leader of the troupe, and Marion, the star acrobat fall in love with each other, but trouble soon looms on the h° n ' zon. On their opening night in Paris a wealthy siren makes love to Charles, anil within a few days he falls a complete victim to her charms. He neglects his work and through being out of practice nearly meets with disaster in his famous death dive.” However, on their final night sue sits in a box at the circus and tries to catch Charles’s attention prior to the nig leap. Instead, she catches the eye ot Marion who loses her nerve and falls co the ground. She is not seriously hurt and Charles, new her devoted lover once more, helps to nurse her back to heaitu nnd happiness. The Roxy Theatre orchestra provides the synchronised music, including the theme song "Marian. ine supporting features are the latest lox Movietone News, novelty items by Winnie Lightner, the American comedienne, ana "The First Lesson,” an amusing talking comedy. “THE WRECKER.” The final performances of "The Wrecker" at tho Grand Opera House yesterday afternoon and evening were attended by crowded audiences.

DE LUXE THEATRE. “We have symphonies of music, of classical movement, of colour, but it remained for the genius, Dr. Paul lejos, the noted Hungarian motion picture director, to produce a symphony of jazz interpreted by movement. This is what he has done in Universal's special, “Lonesome, featuring Glenn Tryon with Barbara Kent, which is now at the De Luxe Theatre. With an emotional sensitiveness to the mental reaction to movement, Fejos has made of the amusement pier sequence at Coney Island a series of “lap dissolves, trick shots, and properly-timed scenes, which have the same mental effect on the spectator as jazz music does on an audlence. “Lonesome” is the story of a. Kiri and a boy, both alone among the workers of New York. Like millions of pcopl.e who live and move among the teeming crowds, they are lonesome for real friendship and love. The photoplay narrates how their efforts to forget lonesomeness led them to each other. This production is Tryon s first serious role. It is in decided contrast to his comedies and marks hlnras an actor of much dramatic power. ‘ Lonesome” is from a story by Mann Page and was made under the supervision or Carl Laemmle, junior. Good supports are also screened, and the usual excellent musical programme is supplied.

“THE RINGER.” . In commenting on tho film production, “The Riuger,” to be shown soon at the De Luxe Theatre, the famous author, Edgar Wallace, remarked: —“I dislike the practice of describing every picture as ‘the greatest on earth,' and I refuse to indulge in such ‘flam.’ I prefer to take the more sober note, and to say that, in the series of pictures adapted from my plays and stories, the main purpose has been, and is, to abandon the old methods, that were successful in America ten years ago, to produce a series of box-office attractious, and to create a real British film industry that will not be dependent either on the charity of the exhibitor or the tolerance of the public. As far as The Ringer’ Is concerned, the stage play was adapted from my story, ‘The Gaunt Stranger,’ which achieved great popularity. Ihe equally favourable reception of the play itself is a matter of common knowledge, which I need not stress. The film version, which is being shown to-day. is, I feel, a good story—which is the prime requisite in a product built chiefly for entertainment—and has in its cast an actor, Leslie Faber, whom I regard as the greatest in England. I believe this picture corresponds alike with the public demand and the interests of the theatres—and at that I leave it!” “The Ringer”—an amateur hunter of criminals, who has broken the law in pursuit of his obsession—is wanted by the police, but baffles their efforts to secure him, and vanishes. Conflicting reports come as to his fate —one that he has died abroad: another that he is returning to England to avenge his sister, who has taken her life as the result of her betrayal by a solicitor friend named Meister. The solicitor is a sinister figure in league with thieves and enveloped by suspicions which cannot be proved. Another figure, Inspec tor Bliss, also moves mysteriously on the scene. The police call the cool, benevolentlooking and whimsical criminologist, Dr Lomond, into consultation, when he returns from abroad. Every step is taken to trace “The Ringer.” but he remains elusive. Which Is tbt> “wanted" man? Annette Benson, Leslie Faber, and Nigel Barrie head a brilliant cast of players. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Another bright and breezy programme is being presented at His Majesty s Theatre this week by Frank O Brian and his clever Revellers Company. As usual, rue popular red-headed comedian raises S®* eß of mirth in the many clever sketches which include “Look in the Mirror. inc Last Shot,” “Cock-a-doodle, , Dutslile and Inside the Soup Kitchen, and The Toy Emporium.” Jnnlce Hart makes her usual hit in “Me and the Man in the Moon and “I Have a Plano.” The Varsity Boys Jazz Band provide bright musical items, the ballet form an attractive background to manv of the numbers, while the remainder of the company give good support to their principals. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. “Sunrise,” tho amazing William Fox production, will be repeated at the KHbirnle Kinema to-night. The film tells the simple tale of a peasant who heeds the charms of a city vampire and becomes a puppet in her hands, and later how lie throws off her evil fascination and returns to his home and his wiife. A gazette and comedy are also screened, and appropriate music is supplied by the or- , chestra.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. “The Silent House,” a British screen version of the famous mystery play, featuring Mabel Poulton, Gibb McLaughlin, ■ and Arthur Pusey, is the current feature at the Majestic Theatre. The story begins in China, where Richard Wlnsford robs Dr. Chan Fu’s joss of its jewellery. Chau Fu follows him to London and finally kills him. In his hypnotic power he has Winsford's partner's daughter, whom he calls T’Mala. Before Winsford’s death he left a half-written note for his nephew and heir, George Winsford, which tells that some of the jewels have been turned into bonds, and that both the latter and the priceless “star” are hidden, but it does not say where. Chan Fu pretends to be young Winsford’s friend, and the law informs them that the bonds must be found and redeemed within twenty-four hours. Theu follows a series o£ thrilling and mysterious incidents, when Chan Fu tortures his victims, and later commits suicide, and Winsford collects both T’Mala and the bonds as his prize. The supporting programme includes a gazette, "Jewels of Venus,” a film of marine life, “Songs of Scotland,” and a Lupino Lane comedy. An entertaining dance playlet is alsp presented and excellent music is supplied by the orchestra, under Mr. G. Ellwood.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. George O’Brien wore the uniform of the United States Navy in the world war. but in his current picture, “True Heaven,” now screening at the Queen's Theatre, he wears the' uniforms of Great Britain and Germany. In the early sequences of the picture O’Brien is seen as Lieutenant Philip Gresson, of the British Army, while later he is compelled to don the uniform of the German Army to carry through a secret assignment from the intelligence department which takes him within enemy lines. His capture evolves a dramatic situation. Lois Moran is co-fcatured with O’Brien in the picture, portraying the role of Judith, a girl of mystery. A romance between the two develops before the surprising fact develops that she is In the intelligence service of Germany. The screen version is based on a story, "Judith,” by C. E. Montague, which appeared in a national magazine. Donald MacKenzle, Phillips Smalley, Hedwig Relcher, and other well-known players are in the casr. James Tinling directed the picture and Conrad Wells was chief cameraman. A further instalment of the serial, “Tarzan the Mighty," heads the supports, and appropriate music is supplied by the orchestra. .. ' ' “TESHA.” The management of the Queen’s Theatre have announced the presentation next Friday of “Tesha,” said to be a decidedly startling and most unusual film production. “Tesha” was recently produced by British International Pictures at their Elstree Studios. The story concerns Tesha, a Russian ballet danseuse, who loves children and is torn between the eternal conflict of sacrificing her art for the joys of motherhood. The picture and its powerful theme has been delicately treated, it is stated, and while It may arouse controversy, it nevertheless is a triumph for British screen craft. Maria Corda, as Tesha, and Jameson Thomas, as the husband, give remarkable interpretatlons in their respective parts. Tesha represents drama, but of a different school. This theme, so frank, so' controversial, is treated by the director and his artists with remarkable restraint and delicacy. The management points out that in view of the theme, “Tesha” will be Presented to adult audiences only. Marla Corda is soon in the role of the Russian danseuse. who marries a shell-shoeked Englishman. At the end of five years they are still childless, and it is around this that the story of Tesha. her husband, and her husband’s friend, is woven. Tesha is a Kinema Art special attraction. KING’S THEATRE. America’s care-free, unchaperoned youth, super-sophisticated, and scornful of propriety is colourfully pictured in Why be Good?" the current feature at the Kings Theatre, in which Colleen Moore plays the stellar role. ' , . The story of this comedy-drama is of the type that first carried Miss Moore to the heights of popularity, although the plot Is decidedly original, and tlyy charact'Tlsatlons of the most up-to-date variety. Miss Moore appears as a typical example iff the modern girl, her costumes and personality being the last word, and her speech full of flippant wise-cracks. Although the story of “Why be Good?" is essentially humorous, there are moments of serious drama interspersed with the frivolous episodes, the question propounded In the title being answered in a dramatic climax that is said to equal the finest work Miss Moore has ever contributed to the screen. Neil Hamilton, in the chief supporting role, Is seen as Miss Moore’s leading man for the first time, while others

playing Important roles are Bodß Rosing, Edward Martlndel, and Louis- b. “Whv be Good?” was directed by William A. Seiter for First National Pictures the story having been written especially as a vehicle for Miss Moore by Carey Wll son. Good supports are also screened and nP_ propriate music is supplied by the or chestra.