ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 224, 18 June 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. The long-awaited presentation of “’£he Jazz Singer," based on Samson ttaphaelson’s comedy-drama, which continues to be a potent attraction on the l e S lti “ l L£ stage, has taken place, and the fllm, with Al Jolson In the starring role, is the current feature at the Regent Theatre. Of the production of "The Jazz Singer it is said that the Waruers have lavished so much thought, care and attention that they look upon the completed work as their supreme achievement. For nearly six mouths the picture was in active preparation, ibe story of the rise of the son of the cal jtor who deserted his home to become a jazz singer and at last was torn between the desire of his father that he succeed him in the synagogue and his own desire to shine on Broadway Is well known. Alan Crosland, who directed the picture, Is said to have treated the story in the spirit in which it was conceived. That Jolson is the logical exponent of the story of the picture is clear from the fact that the story of his own life parallels it in many places Chief in Jolson’s support is May McAvoy as leading woman in the role of Mary Dale. Warner Oland has the role of the elderly cantor. Among others in the numerous cast are Otto Lederer, Eugenie Besserer, Cantor Josef Rosenblatt, Anders Randolf, William Demarest, Bobby Gordon. Richard Tucker, and Nat Carr. The supporting sound films include a vaudeville turn by Daphne Pollard, operatic numbers by the famous tenor, Allen Prior, a gazette, and clever copiedy, “Miss Information. 'The synchronised music is also excellent. "Alias Jimmy Valentine,” in which William Haines appears in his first big talking dramatic role, will be presented shortly at the Regent Theatre. The star breaks i away for the first time from the breezy farce parts that have made him famous, and reveals himself as a dramatic actor or intelligence and ability, it is stated. In addition to Leila Hyams, the feminine lead, there are Karl Dane of “Big Parade fame, Tully Marshall, the noted character actor, and Lionel Barrymore, the stage and screen star, in the fine cast. Haines plays the young master cracksman who goes to rob a small'town bank, but stays to start life afresh. He gets a job in the bank and finally becomes a cashier. Incidentally, he falls in love with the presidents daughter. His only enemy, Detective Doyle (Barrymore), arrives in town.- and exposes Haines, but his employer refuses to believe the accusations of Haines past. A most dramatic climax takes place. DE LUXE THEATRE. Adapted from the play “Two Away,” "The Cohens and the Kellys is the current feature at the De Luxe Theatre. ■ None of the delectable humour of the play has been lost iu Universal’s film version which is now at the De Luxe Theatre. The plot has been preserved and the choicest lines of the play have been incorporated In the form of sub-titles. W|th an allstar cast the picture features Charlie Murray, who started in the movies 16 years ago, George Sidney, an actor of unusual ability and a lifetime of experience, and Vera Gordon, the famous mother of “Humoresque,” who has been on the stage since she was 12. Kato Price, another veteran, has an Important role. With this cast and a gripping story, Harry Pollard, the director, has turned out one of the big hits of the year. Much praise is due Pollard for tfie adaptation which he did himself. The romantic interest in the story Is contributed by Jason Robards and Olive Hasbrouck, about whose love affair the action revolves. They seem perfectly cast. Nat Carr, noted as a clever comedian, shows his versatility by playing the role of villain. Two boy actors who should be a sensation as a result of their work in “The Cohens and Kellys," are Bobby Gordon and Mickey- Bennett. In support are a Gazette, Pathe Review, cartoon, and comedy, while the usuil excellent music is supplied.

“THE LAST WARNING.” The picture' at the head of the bill for the next change of programme at the De Luxe Theatre is “The Lust Warning,” a mystery picture. To those who remember the thrills of that outstanding success; “The Cat and the Canary,” "The Last Warning” surpasses anything screened for thrills and mystery, it is stated. The story takes place in a haunted theatre, the eerie things begin to happen when a producer rents a theatre which has been vacant for five years. The management defies anyone to solve the mystery until the very end of the picture. Secret passageways, ghostly warnings, breathless silence, ghost warnings, baffling shadows, etc., contribute to the creation of the atmosphere. A special cast Is engaged and includes Laura La Plante, Montague Love, Margaret Livingstone, Bert Roach, Roy D’Arcy, and Mack Swain. The Orchestra De Luxe, under the baton of Mr. Emanuel Aarons, will play appropriate music. The box plans are now open at the Bristol and Aitken’s Book Arcade. PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

The popularity of the talking film is increasing every day, and the current programme at the Paramount Theatre is particularly strong. The big feature is “The Hit of the Show,” with Gertrude Olmstead, Joe E. Brown, Gertrude Astor, and Daphue Polland, and other stars. “Twisty,” a, stage comedian and character actor, has spent some of the best- years of his life in trying to reach the lights of Broadway, placing his faith in his one pal, a little ivory elephant charm. One day he meets a young woman apparently in trouble, falls in love with her, and takes, her to his boardinghouse,' the landlady taking her on trust. During a party, “Twisty" catches the eye of. a stage manager, who gets him a part in the show he is putting on. “Twisty” in turn secures a part for the girl, Kathlyn, who makes such a hit that her share is enlarged at the expense of “Twisty’s.” He is pleased at her success. Meanwhile there is rivalry from the leadlug man in gaining Kathiyn’s affection, a fight occurs in the dressing-room, the leading jnan is knocked out, and “Twisty” dons his costume and make-up and fills the role, and makes a great hit. Meanwhile Kathiyn’s old lover reappears on the scene, and there is a happy reunion. “Twisty” suffers from heart trouble, and gradually fades away, but he is allowed to retain to the last his belief that he has won Kathlyn. The supports, which include “The British Fleet at Sea,” a Fox movietone comedy, “Furnace Trouble,’’ Richard, Bonelli, an operatic star, performing cxelusiveiy for Fox movietone, and Ruby Hector, a specialty dancer, make a programme of considerable merit. All are talking pictures. The inusle is excellent. The box plans are at the Bristol, or seats may be reserved at the theatre, 'phone 21— 842.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. , Cola, bleak wastes o£ the Far North in midwinter provide the setting for “The Sin Sister,” the Fox Ellin which heads the double feature programme now screening at the Queen’s Theatre. A party of six travellers, three men and three women, is left strahded in a deserted cabin without food or weapons. “The Sin Sister” Is the story of bow the mask of civilisation is torn aside under the maddening, nervous tension, revealing the persons as they really are. Joseph T. Horn, a rich man, turns in cowardly fashion to religion; Ethelyn, his daughter, becomes slovenly and selfish; I’eter a rather bored social lion, becomes a man for the first time; Sister Burton, an evangelist, becomes an atheist, and Pearl, a common entertainer, becomes charmingly feminine and selfsacrificing. The principal parts are handled by Nancy Carroll, Lawrence Gray, Josephine Dunn, Myrtle Stedman, Anders Itandolf, and David Callis. Virginia Lo Cortun is the star of “Bare Knees," the second feature. Appropriate music is supplied by the orchestra. SILVER BAND CONCERT. There was a full house when au excellent programme was presented at the De Luxe Theatre on Sunday night by the Wellington City Silver Baud, Miss Helen Gard'ncr, after two years in England, made a welcome reappearance. The benefit of study and experience was shown in her singing of “As Through the Street” (“La Bobeme”). The large audience gave Miss Gard’ner a hearty welcome and enjoyed her items, which Included “Some Day” ("Vagabond King") and “Just a Memory’.’ The latter is a song which is likely to become popular; it was very prettily sung. Mr. Herbert F. Wood can always depend upon an appreciative audience. After "When Love Comes Stealing,” he gave two more items in response to recalls, and the audience still wanted more. Mr. Norman Aitken made everyone amused with the "H’artist’s Model.” Mrs. H.. G. Reeves, a splendid banjoist, contributed "Plantation Melodies” and “Popular Choruses,” which wore very much to the taste of the audience. The band made a good showing in their pieces. Mr, C. A. Forrest, the conductor, has tliem under delicate control, the light and shade being admirably studied with good effect. This was especially noticeable in the Fantasia, “Popular Melodies,” which was loudly applauded, in fact, the audience gave the band’s items a most hearty reception from beginning to end of the programme. Mr. Frank Crowther at the piano gave his usual expert 1 assistance to the artistes. Mr. R. H. . Nltnmo, president of the band, addressed a few words to the audience, outlining I the aims and objects of the management j in undertaking a series of concerts. I BECK BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT. i The excellent array of talent announced I to appear at the Grand Opera House next Saturday on the occasion of the benilet entertainment being tendered to Mr. W. Beck, will doubtless command liberal pat- ‘ ronage. The object Is a most worthy one. - Mr. Beck has been an inmate of the hos- ! pltal for a considerable period. A feature I of next Saturday's programme will be n 1 dramatic sketch, "The Difference.” by Mr. Clement-May, the well-known elocutionist, and Mr. Norman Aitken. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol,

MAJESTIC THEATRE. “Three Week-ends," Clara Bow s latest Starring vehicle for Paramount, is the current feature at the Majestic Theatre. The storv concerns Gladys' O'Brien, who dances in a cabaret chorus. Her parents are poor and she swears that when she marries it will be for money. Then she meets James Gordon, an insurance salesman, who is trying to sell a big policy to Turner, a wealthy Broadway idler. Gordon passes .as a wealthy man, and he and Gladys fall in love witli each other. Turner sees Gladys at a night club, and invites her to his country home for the week-end. but she brings the rest of tlie chorus along with her Gordon also turns up, and when Turner gets “fresh” with Gladys he knocks him out. On their way home Gordon tells Gladys that he is poor and shows her the flat lie has leased for them—right under the one she lives In. By the next week-end Gladys knows that she loves Gordon, even if lie is poor, but she hast lost trace of him as he has been sacked tor hitting Turner After a few more adventures all ends well. This week’s stags presentatiou is “The Heart of U Flower.” The curtain rises on a huge sunflower, in the centre of wh|ch stands a man (Mr. Dan Foley), who sings a lilting refrain. Four little sunflowers clustered round the large one suddenly come to Ute and pirouette around the stage nimbly and in well-trained fashion. The solo dancer is Miss ISobclle Brook, whose dance was loudly applauded last night. The act was staged by Mr. Yorke Grav. The supports include a cartoon, comedy, New Zealand topical, and Gazette; while excellent music is supplied by the orchestra under Mr. George Ellwood. KING’S THEATREAu extremely exhilarating comedy of a wealthy young man who turned detective for his health is “Toni,” the British production which heads the double-feature programme' now • being screened at the Klug’s Theatre. Featured in the leading role was the famous musical comedy star Jack Buchanau, who was ably supported by Dorothy Boyd, who is also a promising vouhg English star. Mabel I’oulton is the star of “Troublesome Wives,” the second feature. Mabel Poulton can ba wistful, mischievous, gay, fascinating, but “Troublesome Wives” reveals her as dramatic, quick-witted, courageous, handy at trigger or steering wheel, and ready to stand up to a gang of spies with the sangfroid of any "daro-devil heroine” of American films. With Mabel I’oulton aro other well-known British screen players. Appropriate music is also supplied by the orchestra. ■■