ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 264, 3 August 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Show Boat," Universal’s adaptation of Edna Ferber’s popular novel, has proved such a 'success in Wellington that it is bejng staged for yet another week at the De Luxe Theatre “Shbw Boat” is a wonderful picture and is one that will be spoken of when many others are forgotten. The story is original, the cast is splendid, and the Mississippi River scenes perfect. •‘Show Boat” stars Laura La Piaute, who is shown in a new role —that of a dramatic actress of no mean ability. She is supported by Joseph Schildkraut. An outstanding figure lu the cast is Emily Fitzroy; whose character study of Parthenia Hawke, the ruler of the “Show Boat.” will long be remembered. The beautiful Alma Reubens also has a good part. As a prologue the original artists from Ziegfeld production of “Show Boat” in New York give items from the piece, the most notable being Jules Bledsoe’s rendering of the now famous “OP Man River.” This number was all too short. Throughout the film one is treated to various numbers —“Make Believe,” “Why Do I Love You.” “OF Man River" and “Can’t Help Loving That Man,” which are all catchy and are particularly well sung. The orchestral accompaniment, which goes with the film, is everything that can be desired. “Show Boat” tells the story of Magnolia Hawke, reared on the “Show Boat," a floating theatre which plies its way up and down the Mississippi. Against her mother’s wishes she joins the troupe of actors employed by her father, and when grown up falls in love with Gaylord Ravenal (Joseph Schildkraut), who is a born gambler, and who is hated by Mrs. Hawke. Magnolia elopes with Gaylord and after her father’s death sells her Interest in the “Show Boat” to her mother. She and Gaylord soon lose their money— Gaylord cannot give up his gambling—and finally they are .faced with poverty. Magnolia puts their child into a content. When Mrs. Hawke hears of their plight she convinces Gaylord that be is no good and makes him leave Magnolia, who, after ii while returns to the stage. She has a hard time at first, but soon becomes the rage of the country by her rendering of the old river song. Years later she retires from the stage and goes back to live on the old “Show Boat,” where one day Gaylord returns to her. Thus' do the words of her song come true —“Fish got to swim, birds got to fly, I’ve got to love one man till I die. Can’t help loving that man of mine.” Before the. fllrn starts Mr. Emanuel Aarons plays the “Show Boat melodies on the Wurlltzer organ, and the De Luxe Orchestra Is heard in popular negro melodies. There are matinees daily. FEATURE “FOX MOVIETONE FOLLIES OF 1929.” The “Breakaway,” the featured step In the forthcoming extravaganza, the ‘Fox Movietone FoUies of 1929,” is to be presented at the De Luxe Theatre shortly. Combining an easily learned but fascinating series of steps, the “Breakaway is scheduled to bo all the rage wherever an orchestra, a radio, or a phonograph Is found, say dance experts who have seen the film. Through a clever twist in the story, every position of the new step is thoroughly illustrated on the screen; see the picture and a few minutes practice at home. Is all that should be required to master this dance. To match the dance an irresistible new tune, also entitled The Breakaway,” is among the six outstanding song hits of the production, and this is expected to score as much popularity as the dance itself. Con Cqnrad, Sidney Mitchell, and Archie Gottler, the famous Broadway trio of composers who have written many of the biggest song successes have turned out some twenty catchy melodies on the picture, of which at least a dozen are stated to be among the season's musical hits. Besides The Breakaway.” sung by Jeanette Dancey and Sue Carol in the film, these six stellar songs include “Why Can’t I be Like You? sung by Dixie Lee; “That’s You Baby,” sung by Sharon Lynn and David Percy; “Walking With Susie,” sung by. Frank Richardson: “Pearl of Old Japan”’ sung by David Percy; and “Big City Blues.” sung by Lola Lane. The recent broadcasting of these and other songs from the picture over the Chicago station, WGN, and the flood of enthusiastic requests for encores, indicates the popularity that should greet these numbers when the “Fox Movietone Follies of 1929” is presented in Wellington at the De Luxe Theatre, commencing Friday, August 10.

• “UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS.” A screen production that should live long in iho memory, particularly of New Zealand audiences, is the Universal Movietone production, “Under the Southern Cross” (“Taranga”), which commences, at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next. August 9. Filmed entirely in New Zealand and enacted exclusively by Maoris, it is an everlasting testimony, not only to the histrionic capabilities of our remarkable Native race, but a delightful vista of the Dominion’s world-famed scenery, arid a worthy record of early Native traditions and characteristics. An interesting feature is the fact that this unique film story of New Zealand has been made in Movietone, in which no less than a well-knbwri New Zealander. Miss Bathie Stuart, went to Hollywood and collaborated with Universal’s musical director in the making of not only a Movietone” version, but also the production of an excellent talking and singing introductorv prologue in which Mlsh Stuart appears with a troupe of Maori warriors and maidens. • KING’S THEATRE. "Trent’s Last Case,” which opened last night at the King’s Theatre, has every quailtv that goes to enhance a good mystery. Evelyn Manderson,, the wife of tlje wealthv crippled Slgstill Manderson, realises that she has made a mistake, but is resolved to go through with it. Manderson discovers that his wife is in love with his secretary, Jack Marlow, and is determined to be revenged. Manderson plans to shoot himself, and to furnish evidence that will point to Marlow as having fired the shot while attempting theft. However, Marlow’s suspicions are aroused, and he turn back to demand an explanation. The next morning, Manderson is found dead. The police are summoned. Philip Trent, a noted detective, arrives. Marlow apparently has a perfect alibi, but this is destroyed when Trent insists that Manderson was killed much earlier than the police believed. Facts finally point unmistakably to Marlow, not only as murderer, but that also he successfully impersonated Manderson when the litter was dead. Marlow confesses to the impersonation, but claims that Manderson was already dead when he returned. At this point, the investigation takes an unexpected and dramatic turn. Donald Crisp, Raymond Hatton, Raymond Griffith, Marceline Day. and Lawrence Gray enact the principal roles of this Fox Films feature, and each of these players offers a sterling performance. Supporting features arc an excellent Fox News, a scenic, a comedy, and the “Lady of Victories” (in teclmicolour), the love story of Josephine and Napoleon. The King’s Select Orchestra, under the coiiduct’orshlp of Mr. A. H. Jerome, materially contributes to 'an excellent evening’s entertainment. QUEEN’S THEATRE. All "air-minded” people should visit the Queen's Theatre during this week. The main feature is “The Big Hop.” The star is Buck Jones, with Jobyna Ralston as the featured player opposite hlrii. Buck Jones is a rash young cowboy who gets the air fever, anfi wants to fly the Pacific. A wealthy young woman finances the flight and then tries to get him out because the venture is suicidal, and later discovers that she lores him. .Then follows a lovers’ quarrel. She tries to make him understand and dashes to the taking-off field. She jumps out of the motor-car just in time to see the 'plane start. Buck’s co-pllot, Ben Barnett (Ernest Hilliard) takes a hurried ,meai with a friend of the hacker—and 'though he did not know it. Buck’s rival in love. The rival has a poisonous drug put in the epffee, with the result that the airman falls asleep in the air. and when the oil pipe chokes is blissfully ignorant of the fact A series of fine climaxes occurs throughout the film. Chief of these is tiie sight of the doomed ’plane diving, a flaming mass, into the ocean, while the scenes in technlcolour are masterpieces. The supporting film, which is just as enjoyable. is “The Cavalier,” which has Richard Tnlmndge in the double-role of Takl and El Caballero (the cavalier), a wealthy settler in fhe New World when Snain ruled the sens. He brings the daughter of the most aristocratic family in Aragon to America to be a bride for his son. honing thus to gain social status. The girl hates the idea, and hearing of the nivstcrioiis “El Cabpllero.” hones tliaf he will prevent the marriage. With her wisli follow exciting adventures. Box plans are at the Bristol and scats mny be reserved, by ringing ’phone 22—334. IMELDA FAMA. Great interest has been taken in the announcement that Imelda Faina, the distinguished New Zealand pianist, is to give a recltal'nt the Concert Chamber next Wednesday. The young artist recently returned from Europe, where she has been engaged for over five''years in constant study. The Press reports of her recitals in Vicuna bear testimony of the excellent impression she made in that highly critical and musical city. Unstinted praise is given for her interpretation of Baclj and Beethoven, and her eonception of the sentimental Import of Chopin’s works. Her repertoire Includes the works of nil the modern composers as well as the old masters. Some of the delightful modern compositions of the Eng lish composer Frank Bridge—will be included in next Wednesday's programme.

REGENT THEATRE. “The Doctor’s Secret,” the Paramount all-talking picture, which heads th? new programme introduced at the Regent Theatre yesterday, is a revelation of the dramatic power that can he obtained through a combination of stage and screen technique. The dramatic expression or tne etage is made possible by the degree of perfection in which the human voice is recorded in the production, and the breadth of setting that the motion picture affords has been exploited to the greatest possible degree. The film is a splendid ptetunsation of Sir James Barrie’s dramatic play, “Half an Hour,” and tells how Richard Garson, a wealthy, sclf : made man, resents the aristocratic tendencies of his beautiiul wife The vulgar man calls hi£ wife a parasite, tells her his money has bought her, and laughs at her threats to leave him. It is not at all surprising, therefore, that the high-spirited wife does leave him. bhe confides her woes to Hugh Paton, a former lover, and the pair decide to leave for Egypt. Before leaving her home, Lillian Garson leaves a note, telling her husband where she has gone, and locks it with her jewels in a drawer in her husband s desk. Unfortunately for the lovers, Paton is brought back to Lillian dead by Dr. Brodiu who saw a bus strike and kill him in the street. Lillian has no choice but to return to her husband. Shortly afterwards, to Lillian’s dismay. Dr. Brodie is a guest at dinner, in her home. The doctor is true blue, however, and does not reveal the secret. Lillian recovers the note before her husband find? it, and life jogs on placidly once more. The acting throughout is very fine. H. B. Warner does splendid work as Richard Garson. He has a great voice for dialogue pictures, and is a finished actor. Ruth Chatterton does some wonderful emotional acting as Lillian Garson, and Is a distinct "find” for talking pictures. Robert Edeson, who takes the part of Dr. Brodie, is an experienced stage and screen actor, with a fine speaking voice, and John Loder, who portrays the character of Hugh Paton, is a voung British actor who worked in the U.F.A. studies in Berlin for some time. The picture was directed by William C. De Mine. The film is a revelation as far as the perfect enunciation of the actors is concerned. The supporting sound pictures were a particularly strong lot. The Pathe Sound News and Audio Review included a magnificent view of the aerial manoeuvres of the United States air force at Dayton, Ohio; a thrilling reproduction of a Derby in the mud in Kentucky - and an imposing march past of the New York police force. Borrah Minnevitch, the famous comedian, caused uproarious merrlrn<mt in “Boyhood Days,” in which he appears as conductor of a band of street urchins who do wonderful things on mouth organs. Another fine comedy was “The False Alarm Fire Company,” in which Smith and Dale appear as the heads of a fire brigade who turn out when and how their sweet fancy wills. A really clever film was “The Carnival Man,” which gave a peep at the workings of a, travelling show, and afforded th?t accomplished actor Walter Huston, a chance to deliver soune excellent monologues. This strong array of .new attractions will be screened thrice daily—it 11 a.m., 2.15 p.m., and 8 p.m.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. “His Lucky Day,” presented at the Majestic Theatre, last evening, brings Reginald Denny back to the screen in a farcical comedy (silent), which keeps the audience in a perpetual simmer of smiles, interlarded with an occasional gulp of laughter. Denny is a land agent, Charles Blayden. who is trying to sell two mansions. The one is let to Weaver, a funny old phrenologist, who will not buy the place until he is assured that the adjoining property is disposed of to satisfactory people. Blayden wishes to put through the deal, as he wauts to please the father as he woos and wins pretty Kay Weaver. He is having a tough time to let the place next door when a car-load of crooks —the Van Dyme family—fleeliig from the police, are held up for petrol, Blayden at once rushes thorn into the place and forces them into being tenants, and they in turn accept the situation, as it is the safest thing to do. Proud of his capture, Blayden boasts of the high-toned people who have taken the house, but when the Van Dymes (really-the notorious Owl Gang) spend the evening with the Weavers, he is forced to another conclusion. By this time Weaver has fallen for the wiles of Mrs. Van Dyme, and whilst he is entertaining her old Van Dyme skins the house of its treasures, and -young Van Dyme makes the running warm with Kay, much to the rage of Blayden, who finds things going all wrong. Then the “Spider” (young Van Dyme) takes Kay off to a road-house. Biaydpn follows; but is rough-housed by the gang, gets away, has an adventurous night In the hard-to-let bouse, but finally thfe police raid the place and capture the whole gang. Weaver is about to be gaoled with the rest of them, when Blayden goes bail for him, conditionally on his buying the house and consenting to his marriage with Kay. Reginald Denny’s fresh, hearty style of comedy Is always appreciated. Otis Harlan is excellent as the aged crook, and Miss Lo Rayne Du Vai is charming aS Kay Weaver. The programme contains in addition a topical gazetter, a cartoon "Kbcks and Socks,” the farce “Let George Do It” (Stern Bros.), and a charming little sketch of Brahms, illustrated by scenes of his life and the beautiful music he composed, which was admirably played by the Majestic orchestra under Mr. Qeo. Ellwood. The vocal feature was songs at the pianoforte by Billy Hart.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE TALKIES NEXT FRIDAY. So successful have the talking pictures proved that J. C. Williamson Films have decided to install at the Grand Opera House the latest and biggest Western Electric Equipment yet brought into New Zealand. .The theatre is at present being wired and the machinery installed, and it will open on Friday next with the latest Paramount all-talking and singing sensation, “Innocents of Paris,” featuring the world-famous entertainer, Maurlee Chevalier. When Maurice Chevalier, the Hon of the Continental stage, comes marching to the silver sheet, h? gives bls audiebch a great thrill, and keeps them enthralled every moment , that his spirited voice and body are before them. For with Chevalier it is not alone the animation of vocal tone that captivates them, but it is also the temperamental language of his hands, his is a genius born of spiritual inspiration. In this, his first all-talking motion picture, he plays tfie part of a happy-go? lucky pushcart singer of the Latin Quarter of Paris. He gets a chance to go on the stage with his songs and pantomime, and the plot affords him every opportunity to present the gorgeous values of his full repertoire of songs. Ivrics, and ballads which have established liim in actual life as the reigning king of entertainment in Europe. The supporting cast includes such well-known players as Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett, and the wonderful child-actor, David Durand. WILLIAM HEUGHAN. It is not known to many that William Heughan’s concert tours, ma.uly covering the British Empire, have a far greater object in view than that of gaining personal fame. After serving with the Gordon Highlanders during the war, he felt a keen desire to see every corner of the Great Empire He realised that only through hie art could this be made possible. He soon realised that sentiment plays a very big part in keeping the Empire together, and the greatest power to strengthen that sentiment lies in the traditional melodies. The pioneers used to sing the old songs by their camp fires and teach them to their children and tell them the stories and the heroic deeds that Inspired many of them. They reminded them of the home country and the heritage that was theirs for all time. To-dav the ’same difficulties do not exist, but (here are instead great dangers menacing the Empire and what it stands for. There are powers only too anxioqs to see it crumble and disunited and it is therefore more necessary than ever that the young generation should not forget the heritage that is theirs. William Heughan has- selected the best of the old songs, he places them beside the great classics or other countries, makes them living pictures of heroism. love and romance so that no one ydqng or old epn fall to feel the thrill of them and how he retells through the songs the soul and spirit of the Great British Empire of to-day. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. In liia new starring picture. *The Masks of the-Devil.” now playing at the KHbirnie Kinema. John Gilbert is seen with two separate faces at the spnie time, and changes from one to the other without apparent effort. In the Metro-Goldwyn-Mnyer picture he, plays the role of a 1 lennese aristocrat who. when he looks in a mirror, sees reflected in his face the likeness ot the devil. “The Auctioneer.” starring George Sidnev, an excellent comedy drama, will also bo screened. Reserves at theatre, ’phone 14 —202. are at the Bristol Piano Co. ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist (Mr. Bernard F. Page) will give his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening and tiie programme has been arranged as follows:—Minuet in D Major, by MozartPage: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, by Bach: Prlcre. On. 37 (No. 3). by .Tongen; Psychological Poem, by Rekifoss: Sorennta Op. 16. Y (No. 4). by Alheniz; Prelude. Cantilene. Sclierzando de Concert, Op. 29. by Piorne. FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF. A social evening and dance in aid of the Earthquake Fund lias been arranged to be held in Perth Chambers. Lower Tory Street, this evening, by the "Kentish Men and Men of Kent.”

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Lovers of a riotous comedy farce based on an excellent romance will enjoy • .“The Cohens and Kellys In Atlantic City,” which opened at' the Paramount Theatre last night. As amusing as were Universal’s previous Cohen and Kelly pictures, they suffer in comparison with this latest film, to which has been added in parts all the comedy which clever dialogue, spoken by Sidney in his own Inimitable fashion ean give. George Sidney again takes the part of Cohen, and is both seen and heard at his best. Vera Gordon is still .Mrs. Kelly, and Mack Swain and Kate Price are the Kellys. Nora Lane as pretty Rosie Cohen and Cornelius Keefe as Pat Kelly have the j’uvenilc and romantic leads. Cohen and Kelly are in the bathing-suit business In New York, but their costumes are so oldfashiohed that dealers will'not biiy them. Pat and Rosie, their children, manage to get the fathers away on'.a trip. While they are gone the pair bring the business up-to-dqte and arrange for a bathing girl contest at-Atlantic City. Cohen and Kelly return before they are expected. The youngsters have spent all the money the business has except £2OOO for the first prize, which their secretary has forgotten to put in the bank. Cohen takes this from the safe and puts it in his pocket. He then learns that Pat and Rosie have gone to Atlantic City, aijd thinking- they have eloped gets Mrs. Kelly , and foHows. Kelly thinks Cohen has eloped with his wife and wires the police to stop them, arid follows .with Mrs. Cohen. After a series of comedy adventures, including an escape from gaol and a ride on a runaway motor-cycle, they arrive at the finish of the beauty contest just in time for Cohen to hand over the money to Rosie, who has been proclaimed winner. The dialogue is very clever and Sidney’s quaint .turns of expression evoked roars of laughter. The well-varied sound supports included ‘ Nop. an hilarious English war comedy featuring Ernie Latinga, a Fox Moxletone News, and some excellent music by the famous Squire Celeste Octet / MRS. HECTOR’S PIANOFORTE RECITALS. Two pianoforte recitals will be given In the Dominion Farmers’ Conference Hall by Mrs. Hector this afternoon at 2.30 and next Saturday afternoon, also at 2.30. The programmes for tliesfe recitals are drawn exclusively from the works set tor this year’s examinations by the Associated Board, and range from intermediate grade to L.A.B. ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION--On Jiondav evening the annual meeting of St John Ambulance Association win be hold at the Lecture Hall. Courtenay Place. The chair will be taken by the Mayor, Mr. GA. Troup In addition to the ordinary, business to be transacted there will be an attractive musical and elocutionary programme to which some of Wellington s leading artists will ■ contribute. Their Excellencies. Sir Charles and Lady Fergusson having signified their intention of being present. Sir Charles being Dominion president of the association. Brigade members are instructed by advertisement to attend in uniform. The meeting will be open to all. and members of the public Interested in the work of the Order are invited to attend. PIANO AND ’CELLO. Ou Wednesday. August 14, at 8 p.m., in the Concert Chamber the first joint recital will be given by two of Wellington’s leading musicians—John Bishop (piano) and Claude Tanner (violiuceilo). Both copcerted and solo works will be performed on this programme, covering a wide range. Among the concerted items appear the Richard Strauss Sonata and the Brahms Sonata in E Minor. These two works are full of wonderful interest. The attractive solo groups have been arranged to throw into strong relief the more profound combined works. Box plan opens at the Bristol Piano Co. on Thursday next.