ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 288, 31 August 1929, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “The Broadway Melody,” Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s wonderful singing, talking, and dancing production, commenced its third week’s screening at the Regent Theatre yesterday. The story centres round the adveiftures of the Mahoney sisters, who leave their little home town in the west and venture their features on the Broadway stage. It is a gripping story of love, hate, jealousy, and tenderness, filmed against the bright lights of Broadway. Magnificent pageants and turns succeed each other in bewildering array. One of the most gorgeous of these is a sequence in which more than sixty girls appear and present almost every dance known to the American stage. The effect of this riot of beauty is enhanced through the scene being shown in technicolour. In its fast pace, its animated and dramatic story, and spectacular beauty, this production more closely resembles a pretentious revue than a talking picture. The acting of the principals, Bessie Love, Anita Page, and Charles King, is also very tine. King also makes a hit with the popular numbers “Broadway Melody” and “You Were Meant for Me.” Other numbers which have in the last few weeks become very popular are "Wedding of the Painted Doll” and “Love Boat.” The correct atmosphere is created by Capitolian’s famous New York jazz orchestra, who stage a novel and amusing contest between the individual members. Many famous Broadway stars figure in another talking support, including James Regan, the Irish tenor, who sings “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”; Frances White, the clever comedienne, who convulse the house with “I'd Like to be a Monkey in the Zoo.” An hilarious farce-comedy, “Unaccustomed As We Are,” stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and is a scream from beginning to end. “The Broadway Melody” will bo screened thrice dally—at 11 a.m., 2.15 p.m., and 8 p.m.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Strong, purposeful, energising and eminently sane is “The Three Passions,’’ the very flue picture screened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Not Only is the story a very strong one, marking strongly some of the vivid contrasts of life, but it is admirably acted and admirably produced in every detail, from the gorgeous scenes of night-club life in- the metropolis to the heart of a great shipyard with its steaming activities that throw a strong light on the great iron and steel works which keep England in the industrial forefront of the world. Not by any means the least Interesting feature of “The Three Passions” is the manner in which Mr. Shayle Gardner, the ex-New Zealander, dominates the picture from end to end. His outstanding success as the self-made peer, Lord Bellamount, the head of the great Wrexham Dock Yards, should place him in the van for “strong man’ parts. Bellamouht has worked his way up from a stoker and is proud of it—-as proud of his mighty engines as he is of bls son Philip, a student at Oxford. Wanting nothing in the way of cash, the young man follows the usual trend, and goes the pace merrily, in which he is kept pace by the beautiful Lady Victoria Burllngham. But he receives a jolt when visiting the works, and seeing one Of the men crushed to death by machinery and the poor wife sprawling pathetically over the grimy corpse. In this mood at college he hears an appeal for help for mission Work, and, convinced that there is something wrong in the world, he became li probationer to the Assisi Order Of priesthood. t The news of this decision reaches Lord Bellamont when he is entertaining distinguished Company and, seeing red, the old man rushes out in the rain to the centre of the order, demands to see his son, and, after a heated Interview, strikes him in the face. Phillip is still loyal to the cause and helps in Seamen’s Mission work and there Lady Victoria seeks to win him back to ordinary life by becoming an assistant. She succeeds, but not in the manner intended, for whilst on duty in the. Mission she is assailed by a sinister hairless brute, and is on the point of collapse when Phillip enters. There Is a fierce fight nnd I bllllp comes out on top, but. realising now that priesthood is not for him, he returns home. In the meantime there is a great strike’at the works and Bellamont, scorning the men, lias stripped off to stoke the furnaces himself, but the effort proves too much for him, and he collapses. Phillip makes an appeal to the men to resume work, and as the wheels begin to revolve again the old man dies. Phillip and his fiancee resolve to keep the works going, and give a fair deal to all, so the three passions in gold, religion, and love each have a part in the general salvation. In addition to the vital performances of Mr. Gardner as Bellamont, good work is done by Mr. Ivan Petrovitoh as Phillip, and Miss Alice Terry as Lady Victoria. The picture is sound synchronised, the music being very good indeed. Other features on the programme are some wonderful mandolin playing by Bernado de Pace, a wizard of the instrument; a marine study, “An Ocean Highway” (depicting the life of Channel and Thames pilots), a capital Gaumont Gazette, and the cartoon, In Dutch.” Capital music was supplied by a capable orchestra under the direction of Mr. George Ellwood.

KING’S THEATRE. The first of the -famous "Cohens and Kelly’s” series to take "talkie” form is now being shown at the King’s Theatre. "The Cohens and the Kellys in Atlantic City” is a clever comedy, in which Irish wit and Jewish shrewdness are happily blended. Cohen and Kelly are partners in a bathing costume firm and for them, because of reluctance to depart with Victorian fashions, the course of business does not run smoothly. Cohen junior, fresh fron? college, and Rosie, Kelly’s daughter* have a grand scheme of putting new life into the languishing business, and by a subterfuge, get thoir respective parents out of the way while they spend all the firm's money in advertising and an elaborate display with a beauty parade at Atlantic City. Unfortunately the parents arrive at an inconvenient hour but the young folk are determined to carry their scheme through. A splendid cast 19 headed by George Sidney, Mark Swain, Vera Gor. don, and Kate Price. The picture is not an all-talking production, but has several talking sequences. Other features of the programme include a Fox Movietone Aews, “Chic” Salo in a short sketch, “Marching On,” and Hawaiian melodies are played by Randolph’s Royal Hawaiian Singers.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "‘The Lost Patrol,’ has been so cleverly produced, and is acted so well by every man taking part In it, that it passes clear out of the rank of everyday pictures into that of the few screen masterpieces. In these words did the “Daily Mail” eulogise the British Instructional Films’ pictpre, “The Lost Patrol,” featuring Cyril McLaglen, at the Queen’s Theatre this week. Ten members of an English cavalry patrol ride with their officer in the desert. A shot—and the boy who commanded them is dead, and with him have died his orders. The sergeant leads his men north to an oasis. Then Fate begins to play with. them. Brown, look-out upon a palm tree, is shot bv an Arab sniper. Behind all is the quietly dominating figure of the sergeant, watching his men go one by one, determined that Fate shall not triumph. “111 kil those Arab swine. . . . Every one of ’em! And then I’ll die!” he says. Then his last two comrades perish, and the leader is left alone. But he does not, will not, bow. “The Lost Patrol” has been described as a British "Beau Geste,” but better because there is not one jarring note. Tills extraordinary film is founded upon Patrol Philip McDonald’s famous novel. In addition to the main attraction there are ex. cellont supports, and the Queen s Quality Music accompaniment.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Now in their second week at His Majesty's Theatre, George Wallace and his popular company continue to dispense mirth in large quantities. The first ha f is a vaudeville one, in which Marshall Crosby sings “Lighterman Tom” and ‘King for a DtfV”; the two Dudleys amuse with “What D'ye Say?” and Lulla Fanning scores with “Swanee Cradle.” The jazz band provide some bright musie, aud the sprightly ballet form an attractive background to many of the numbers. ’The Baldheads,” an elaborate sketch in several scenes, in which George Wallace is seen at his best, fills the second half.

WELLINGTON PLAYERS. Miss Elizabeth Blake is again presenting the Wellington Players in four oneact plays, mostly moderns. Masefield s “Th" Locked Chest,” a mystery play written in the Saga period, should make a strong appeal. The Bernard bhaw comedy, “How He Lied to Her Husband,” is a representation of this author s best work A fantasia, entitled The Little White Thought,” by Miles Matheson, is a portrayal of the inside of a man’s mind on » beautiful spring day. Edward About to Marry.” by F. Sladen Smith, is a modern farce full of subtlety and humour.

“WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES.” On Monday the Hutt 1 alley Dramatic and Operatic Society will present the comedy, “What Happened to Jones, in the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, in aid of the third Lower Hutt Wesleyan Boy Scouts. Mr. J. W. F. M elch is in the title role. Mr. Len Jones appears as the Professor, and Helen Henderson and Mrs. Burgess as Alvina and Mrs. Goodbj.

ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give ills weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and tiic programme has been arranged as under i-l’astorale by Ditch; Harmoiiies du Solr by Karg-Elert; Choral (No. 3 in 1 Minor) bv Cesar Franck; Reverie by Debussy; Summer Sketches bv Lemare; by.

de luxe theatre. One of the sanest and best-constructea screen stories of the Great War is unquestionably "Love Never Dies, the big hirst National sound-synchronised Vitaphone production, which was introduced to the Wellington public at De Luxe Theatre yesterday. Against the thunderous background of war-torn France, with flying aces zooming in the air, and refugees streaming from their homes before the relentless advance of the German hordes, a little slip of a French girl in a simple frock' soars to great emotional heights. Jeannine is a wistful little French girl

who is both mother an d sister to the seven young members of the British Royal Plying Corps, ivho are billeted in her mother s home. The little madcap changes to a woman when she falls in love with bandsome Captain Philip Blythe, and hears the order given for the seven airmen to go out and meet the enemy, and not return while a single German ’plane is in the sky. ine parting of the lovers makes a picture of rare tenderness. “I shall never smell the lilac blossoms again without thinking of you,” he tells her, while Jeannine replies, “I will wait for you here in the lilac garden.” The flyers soar aloft to meet the German push, and the battle in the air between the seven British planes and eight German aces is as thrilling and realistic a spectacle as has ever been caught by the moving camera. One by one the fighters crash in flames until only Captain Blythe and the famous German “Red Ace” alone remain. Both crash to earth and it is heroic little Jeannine who rescues Blythe and closes the German’s eyes for him. The faithful little French girl searches diligently through the hospitals for her lover, and is heart-broken when his father, Who is of the “Red Hat” brigade, tells her that his son is dead. However, Joan of Arc, to whom Jeannine puts up many petitions,

to wnom jeanuiuc puto “H —r- — at last is kind to her, and le bon Dieu restores her lover to her. CoHeen Nfoore is the character she portrays. It is more than acting; it is consummate art. Handsome Gary .Cooper makes a gallant hero, and the strong cast also includes Burr Mclntosh, George Cooper, Cleve Moore, Kathryn McGuire, Eugenie Besserer, and Emile Chautard. The effect of the tender love scenes was greatly heightened. by the effective manner In which Mr. Herbert F. Wood, the popular manager of De Luxe Theatre, sang the theme song. Lilac Time” Mr. Wood had to respond to a warm recall at the close of a most artistic performance. The popular tenor also repeated the refrain at appropriate moments throughout the screening. The a. supports were all of a high standard Albert Spalding, the noted violinist, was heard in Chopin's Nocturne in G Major, and also in “Hark, Hark, the Lark. The latest Fox News and Pathe Review contained many excellent features, including a remarkable close-up view of Mt. Vesuvius in eruption. So close did the cameraman get that the roar of the crater could be distinctly heard. The incidental music was in keeping with the big war picture. Mr. Paul Cullen, bn the Wurlitzer organ, played "War-time Melodies” and “Wedding of the Painted Doll” with distinct success. “Love - Never Dies” will be repeated at -.30 p?m. and 8 p.m. to-day and throughout next week.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Two of Paramount’s most popular young stars, Nancy Carroll and Charles Buddy Rogers, are starred In Paramount s latest all-talking and singing comedy, Close Harmony,” which is now at the Grand Opera House. Here is a picture with sliced and plenty of life, with rollicking songs sung by Nancy Carroll and Buddy Rogers- witty, fun-provoking dialogue, romance, and all those things that win the enthusiastic praise of audiences ej®ry* where. Never have Miss Carroll or K< >£®r s been seen or heard to better advantage. In “Close Harmony” they have youthful, ingratiating roles, ideally suited to their natural talents. There’s a sweep, a verve, a dash about. their work that is le jPy quite contagious. Tbeir etror s * re he a ’f ed and abetted by Jack Oakie, he of the shining, freckled face, and bkeets Gallagher who are teamed up as the Harmony Boys, vaudeville songsters xeminis“nt of Van and Schenck. They’re an ideal comedy team, pulling more “gags” that are uproariously funny, than have been heard from the screen for some considerable time. Incidentally, there is another role that comes in for much praise and deservedly so. This is the one Played by Harry Green, well known vaudevillian, who is cast as the manager of a vaudeville house, where Nancy Carroll is the star and where Rogers and his jazz bald get their first opportunity to break into “big time.” Green is a typical type, “up to his neck” in all the difficulties that always befal any manager of a theatre. It’s a great role, and one that gives sure delight to audiences. The portrayal, too, of Iffe behind the stage is splendidly done. The continuity of a story rich in human interest is wonderfully preserved. The jealousies and the sacrifices are brought out with a startling vividness. It is a fine presentation of a boy s ambition to succeed, and how in the end he achieved. The supports, also of sound, Novy and Then,” a clever comedy, Pathe.Review, and the latest jazz numbers of Warings Pennsylvanians. Box plans are at the Bristol, the Berkeley, and at the Grand Opera House.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “The Canary Murder Case,” which marked the inauguration of the new greater sound entertainment policy at the laramount Theatre, came as a revelation to a large audience last night. It Is a gripping story of crime, which rivets attention from first to last. An adaptation of S. S. Van Die’s famous detective story, the film version is even more effective than the novel. The dialogue throughout the absorbing drama is crystal clear, and the audience hangs upon every word spoken in the thrilling trial. Swift-moving in its action, this big talking production is a triumph of writing, acting, aud directing. The acting is splendid throughout. A’iUiam Powell, who has a line speaking voice, takes the leading role, and he does splendidly as Philo Vance, rhe famous detective, who brushes aside the maze of conflicting baffling clues, and puts his unerring finger upon the man who murdered Broadway s most alluring and ambitious showgirl. Vengeance, fear, and jealousy are among the passions which have play in this fascinating man-hunt. The star is ably supported by such well-known screen-favour-ites as Jean Arthur, Louise Brooks, and James Hall., The supports included a judicious variety of talking, singing, and sound features. Ruth Etting made a great hit with “Blue Songs,” which included “Roses of Yesterday” and “ ’Cause My Baby May Mean Maybe Now.” The renowned Hebrew comedians, Smith and Dale, caused uproarious amusement in “Knight of Venice, and “Daisy Bell” was voted the last word in eccentric talkie subjects. A Paramount Newsreel was cbockful of topical happenings abroad, and delectable incidental music made up a highly-satisfying Programme. “The Canary Murder Case will be screened at 2.30 and 8 o\clock to-day and throughout next week. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Joan Crawford deserts her flapper and jazzmania roles for dramatic romance in “Dream of Love,” which will be repeated to-night at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Nils Asther plays opposite her. The new screen play is an adaptation of "Adrienne Lecouvreur, famous old French play, and Miss Crawford appears as a strolling gipsy player who fulls in love with the heir to the throne of the little kingdom. The supporting cast Includes Aileen Pringle, Warner Oland, Cannel Myers, and others of note. The second feature, “The Irresistible Lover/’ starring Norman Kerry and Lois Moran, is a fast-moving comedy. An interesting gazette and excellent music supplied bv the Kilbirnie Orchestral Trio will complete a very entertaining programme.