ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 32, 1 November 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Two big sound features, “Strange Cargo” and •■’.flic Wolf Song” arc now being screened at the Grand Opera House. “Strange Cargo” is the story of a pleasure vacht at sen with the ill-assorted guests of Sir Richard Barclay, a recently divorced man. It at first transpires that there is a desperate stowaway on board, then the electric lights play queer tricks and sparks dance from the wireless aerials. Then in a dark moment Sir Richard disappears from the saloon —from the midst of his guests—and cannot be found. There are other weird happenings, until one of the passengers finds an Indian in-a trnnee in a locker under the library shelves, who explains that lie lias a mission from tin: High Priest of Sliira to kill Sir Richard, who nt one time has despoiled one of their temples. He is about to reconstruct tlie scene under hynotic control when lie attempts to escape, and the dead body of Sir Richard is found packed in a suit of old armour that ornaments the saloon, and from then nn events come quickly. T.npe Velez and Gary Cooper arc the stars of “Tlie Wolf Song.” a tale of romance and rough outdoorsmen in the old Southwest of 1810. A Gazette is also screened. “DAWN”—THE LIFE STORY OF NURSE CAVELL. “Dawn,” which will be presented at the Grand Opera House, commencing to-mor-row, is the picture about which there lias been so much discussion, both here and abroad, where it was made. It is the iitory of the tragic fate of Edith Gavel!, one of the truly heroic figures of the late war. It. seemed a dangerous subject to tackle, when all the world was trying to forget the pain of war, and only remember the romance, adventure and glory of it. "Seeing the film,” states a critic, "one realises the dynamic force of tliis great drama, the subtle beauty in the life of so self-sacrificiug a woman. Herbert Wileox, the director, lias handled it in masterly style, .adhering strictly to fact without giving offence. There is no reproach to Germany for the execution of the brave British nurse, whose only fault was that she kept too soft a heart for wartime. Rather, the stand is taken that the fault for this outrage against humanity must go to war itself, militarism, and the cold, machinelike workings of wartime discipline. As a bit of propaganda it is a sane, cool, unprejudiced plea for humanitarianism. As a picture it is splendid—one of the best British films ever to reach this city. Sybil Thorndyke in the role of the nnrse is superb. She resists like a soldier the temptation to wallow a bit in emotional action. She is splendidly contained in tlie most eloquent moments. The balance of the cast is excellent, and interest is added by the fact that several of the characters play themselves. Direction, photography and acting rank first-rate. ‘Dawn’ is a picture that you really should see. It is a production that comes once in a lifetime 'and is remembered for years.” This great picture will be preceded by Bootli Tarkington’s sparkling story, “Geraldine.” 'which is the story of the transformation of Marion Nixon “From Frump to Flapper.” Box plans'arc at “The Bristol.” “The Berkeley,” and the Grand Opera House. THE KING’S THEATRE. Following on its successful week at the Majestic Theatre, wherein a second week in Wellington was necessitated "Masquerade” will screen at the King’s Theatre for a week from this evening at 8 pan. Although Louis Joseph Vance wrote "The Brass Bowl” many years ago, the story is as delightful as ever; a fact proved by the enthusiastic reception given to its alltalking screen version, "Masquerade,” at the Majes't.ic last week. This Fox Movietone picture is packed full of romance and adventure, treated in an entertaining manner, and with splendid work on the part of the players and the director. Alan ISirminglinm distinguishes himself in the difficult dual role of the crook and the millionaire. and Leila Hyanrs is a dainty and daring heroine. Farrell Macdonald is immense as the slow-witted eop, and Clyde Cook and Arnold Lucy also make their parts prominent. Russell Birdwell has done nn excellent job of direction. The picture is an unquestionable hit. ■ An entertaining list of short subjects includes Fox Movietone News, a Clark and McCullough all-dtnloguc comedy. "Music Fiends.” and Anatole Friendlands’s delightful, and colourful “Ritz Review.” Box plans are available at Bristol.

REGENT THEATRE. Featuring Ruth Chatterton, Clive Brook, William Powell, and Mary Nolan, “Charming Sinners,” a Paramount all-talking screen version of.the play by W. Somerset Maugham, is the current feature at the Regent Theatre. Kathryn .Jlliles knows her husband, a wealthy doctor, is having an affair with her best friend, Anne-Marie Whitley. Into this delicate situation comes Karl Kraley, and Kathryn' decides to use him to discipline her husband. The affair comes to a climax when Whiley becomes suspicions of his wife. Kathryn saves the guilty pair by lying, and Milos and AnneMarie arc forced io admit their indiscretion to her. , Tlie next day Kathryn tells Milos that she is leaving for a holiday In Italy with Karl. She has no intention of betraying Miles, but merely wishes to teach him a lesson and most successfully does so. A well-varied supporting programme is also screened. THE STUDIO MURDER MYSTERY. Who killed Richard Hardell? Was it lovely Helen MacDonald, whose heart he had broken? Was it her impetuous brother, who threatened to kill him? Or his wife? She was heard to say, “I’ll kill you if you don't stop.” Or the watchman? He resented Hardell’s attention to his daughter, and was the last man to see him alive. Or Rupert Borka? Jealous of Hardell’s affection for his wife? These are some of the questions asked in “The Studio Murder Mystery,” which comes to the Regent Theatre to-morrow. It is a baffling, thrilling mystery! Taking one behind the scenes of a big motion picture studio. Never before have mystery stories been so popular, and “The Studio Murder Mystery.” Paramount’s production of the thrilling and baffling story of a slayer hunt in the intriguing setting of a motion picture studio, should do much to sustain and increase the interest. The Paramount picture, has been acclaimed by the Press of all towns in which it has been screened as one of the greatest murder mysteries and the most thrilling. From the first breath-taking scenes in the dark, shadowy studio,' on through the gripping drama that threatens the lives of six of Hollywood's most interesting, personages, “The Studio Murder Mystery” holds, the interest at a high tension that is only relieved when tlie final surprise climax reveals the solution of the clever plot. Many mystery stories have gripped the public imagination, but none have done it so completely and so thoroughly as “The Studio Murder Mystery,” “And yet. the plot and setting of the story give plenty of opportunity for observing the marvellous processes used in the production of motion pictures. The sequences, taken on actual stages, are revealing and intensely interesting to all who have observed the results of the new era in motion pictures from the outside. This is inside stuff worth seeing.” The cast is superb. Neil Hamilton is said to bo better than ever in this picture. Frcdric March, Warner Oland. Florence. Eldridge, and Doris Hill are stated to give unsurpassable performances. “The Studio Murder Mystery” haseverything—thrills, drama, humour, pathos, ■ love, and,.most of all, real, entertainment. MAJESTIC THEATRE. '/ “The Donovan Affair,” an all-talking Columbia production, is' the big feature to commence screening at the Majestic Theatre to-day. “Tlie Donovan Affair” will be remembered by many as the great Owen Davis stage success. It concerns the mysterious murder of Jack Donovan at a dinner table and the later murder of another guest in the same manner and by tlie same means—a carving knife. Sus- . pieion is cleverly directed, at every member of the cast. False clues suddenly appear and are as quickly discarded. The action of the play is very confusing until the conclusion, which comes as a complete but logical surprise. For sheer entertainment, a lot of thrills, laughter and any amount of excitement, “The Donovan Affair” leaves nothing to be desired. It is a picture witli a real story, developed logically and witli adequate suspense. The entire cast is .admirable and includes such wellknown stars ns Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, William -Collier, Jr., Agnes. Ayres, John Roche, Yirginia Brown Faire,: Alphonse Ethier, Ethel Wales and Hank Mann. Their acting is superb and their voices are well , pitched and intelligible at all times. Jack Holt, in the role Of Inspector Killian, gives the most outstanding performance of . his career. A well-varied supporting programme is also promised. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “Thunderbolt,” a Joseph von Sternberg production, starring George Bancroft, which will show at the Paramount Theatre, starting to-day, works a scries of newspaper front-page events into a gripping, dramatic story of the underworld of New York Ilarlent: “One of the biggest motion derbolt,’ Whitten by Jules Furthmann and says, “was first written on the pages of Chicago newspapers. The plot of "Thunderbolt,” written by Jules Furthmann and myself, had a similar origin. A newspaper story of an adventuress who posed as an angel-faced innocent. • and duped a smart man of the world, gave us a start. With this one character, which we later subordinated to secondary place in favour of a hard-hitting man who was not afraid to take life's blows, we eventually evolved a complete scenario. Every personality in ‘Thunderbolt,’ with the exception of .inci-, dental players, lias stalked across the front pages of American newspapers in the last three years.” “Thunderbolt,” ‘an all-talk-ing drama, brings together again the two men responsible for tlie outstanding screen success, “Underworld,”-Von Sternberg, tlie director, and . George Bancroft, the star. It. is Bancroft's second all-talking picture, the first having been the recent hit. “The Wolf of Wall Street.” In “Thunderbolt.” Bancroft is supported by Richard Arlen and Fay Wray. “Thunderbolt” is generally conceded to be-Bancroft's most noteworthy “talkie” production to- date-. Paramount Sound News, “mirroring all of life’s thrills in sight and sound.”, opens the. programme. lleinald Werrenratb. world-fam--ous baritone. ■ sings "The , Long Long Trail,” and “Ugart of a Rose” with artistry ami effect. A particularly entertaining subject is that entitled “If Men Played Gards as Women Do,” an nil-dialogue comedy drama characterised., by its excellent diction and amusing action. “Good-bye, .My Lady Love” is a further one of Paramount's ’ highly-entertaining- sound novelty cartoons. Box plans are available at the Bristol and at the theatre. DUSOLINA GIANNINI. Signorina Dusolina Giannini, tlie 26-year-old dramatic soprano, who since her sensational debut in New York in 1023 has been making musical history 'in both .Europe and America, comes* to- New Zealand with the highest credentials. She will give two concerts only in the Town Hall, to-morrow and Monday. The Melbourne- " Argus,” reviewing Giannini's work, writes: “Words fall utterly in the face of such supreme art as that of Dusolina Giannini. The term ‘perfect’ is a dangerous one to play with, but the most searching examination, the most careful scrutiny, can find no earthly reason for abstaining front its use in any attempt at a truthful and adequate description of the singing of this wonderful artist. No style comes amiss to her; she turns from grave to gay, from the utmost seriousness to' complete lightheartedness, in the most natural manner imaginable. The rich, warm; full anti easy tones of her glorious voice express every mood and feeling of richly endowed and imaginative nature.” The Melbourne “Age” critic writes: “Every singer should hear Giannini. The diva is a classic model for vocalists.” Signorina Giannini is supported by Miss Molly Bernstein, pianist, and Air. Sol Deutseli, violinist. Two concerts only will be given in Wellington, on Saturday and Monday next. AH’tickets may be obtained at the Bristol. DIRT TRACK RACING. There were a good many onlookers at the Kilbirnic Stadium on Tuesday evening to witness tlie first training operations of tlie season on tlie new track which has recently been laid down there. A good number of last season's competitors were present, and most of tlie riders who tried out the new track were mounted on new machines. Several specially imported dirt track models were given a trial. Although no fast times were registered last evening, owing to tlie track not yet having settled sufficiently, it is expected that when the opening night of the season arrives the track will be all that is required for tlie putting up of fresh records. The controlling company have made arrangements to hold a scries of elimination contests at an afternoon meeting to-morrow. The star item on the afternoon’s programme will lie a match race between Wally Kilniinster and Ron McKenzie, who both performed brilliantly on tlie track last season. This contest should be one well worth witnessing. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Two small armies of Chinese bandits and soldiery were recruited and trained for tlie bat.tle scenes in “China Bound.” a Mctro-Goldwyii-Jlaycr comedy co-starring Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, wliich will lie playing at tlie Kilbirnic Theatre to-night. Charles (Chuck) Rofsuer. famous comedy director, stages a battle for mythical Chec-fu. resulting in a victory for the' bandits. and many comedy situations. Josephine Dunn and Polly Moran have the loading feminine roles in this new Dani?i Arthur feature. Others in flic east are Carl Stockdale and Harry • Woods. “How Io Handle Women." tlie second feature, starring .Glonn Tryon and■ Marion■■ Nixon, tis an action tilled comedy drama. ; JlCserv.C at theatre. 'Phone 14—204,

DE LUXE THEATRE. Said to be a more outstanding drama of paternal love than the well-remembered and justly popular “Sorrell and Son,” Columbia’s powerful part dialogue production, “Father and Son,” opens this afternoon at the De Luxe Theatre, screening thereafter nightly at 8 o’clock, and daily 2.30, for the season of one week. This excellent production, which is also synchronised with a melodious musical score, will appeal to every type of audience. Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, Helene Chadwick, Wheeler Oakman, and tlie famous child actor of the screen, Mickey Mcßain, handle the dramatic situations in an adroit manner. Tlie story is concerned with a small family who live in peace and harmony until a vicious woman, who poses as a woman of refinement, enters their lives. When Frank Fields, played by Jack Holt, returns from Europe .with a new wife, complications begin to fly thick and fast. Jimmy Fields, enacted by Mickey Mcßain, refuses to accept his new mother. His father, realising the seriousness of the situation, tries to conciliate the boy, but fails. The family strife increases in tension. The breaking point is reached with the entrance of Anton Lebau. a former co-worker in crime with the new Mrs. Fields. From this point the story moves quickly with dramatic events piling up until a murder is committed. Circumstances point to the guilt of both father and son. The father is terror-stricken in the belief that his sou committed the crime and the son believes the father is guilty. They strive to protect each other. An amazing bit of evidence which is introduced in a clever manner clears them both and restores happiness. A number of entertaining short subjects are a feature of the programme. "Memories” is a.delightful two-reel featurette, having a cast of vaudeville celebrities who sing a number of appealing “Songs of the Old Music Hall Days.” In “The Harmony Club” the talented Victor Male Chorus are given full scope for their ability to render well-known and popular songs, which they do with artistry and effectiveness. A new departure in sound subjects is that entitled “Screen Snapshots,” which is a sight and sound tour through Movietone. A number of other Interesting subjects, including a Pathe Pictorial, are also in evidence. Paul T. Cullen, at the Wurlitzer orchestral unit renders as overture “In a Persian Market” (Ketelbey). and as entr'acte “Love's Old Sweet Song” (Molloy). Box plans are available at Bristol and Aitken’s. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Seldom lias such uproarious laughter been heard in His Majesty’s Theatre as was the ease last night when the Nat Phillips "Whirligigs” Revue Company staged its first programme in Wellington. Unfortunately the principal comedian of the company, that great little fun-maker Hector St. Clair, who was supposed to play tlie dame in “Mixed Methods.” a musical comedy burlesque revue which occupies all the second half could not appear owing to illness. He only earae on the stage once, anil that was In the first half of the programme. Despite the big laughmaker being absent the show was, nevertheless, a great success, for Jack Kellaway,- an excellent comic, kept the audience in constant mirth. .The show is a particularly good one, for all the members of the company possess an abundance of individual talent. Irene Shamrock, a wellknown London artist, made her first appearance. before a. New Zealand, audience and was an instant success. She was the big hit of the night. In "Nobody Knows,” the song'of a precocious kid, she kept the audience delighted, and as a male imper- ■ senator she- almost “brought the house down” with “All That Sort of Thing.” Miss Shamrock is also a good dancer. Pretty Stella Lamond, a charming soubrette, is also a good performer with a real musical comedy style. She is an excellent dancer and vibrates with personality. Her “Rythm King.” in which she led the Radio Six ballet, brought her loud applause. . Undoubtedly Miss Lamond is one ot thd best and most pleasing type of soubrettes to appear at Fullers for some time. Bessie Blake, a gifted soprano, sang “The Pipes of Pan” and a very pretty number ‘Memory of a Song.” With a beautiful, voice and a'fl tie stage appearance, she should do well. “It’s a Great Little World” is one of Sylvia Gardner's very lively numbers, in which she led the ballet. Miss Gardner is the solo dancer of the “Whirligigs,” and a splendid dancer at that. "The Painted Doll,” from the "Broadway Melody.” supplied a very pretty scene in which, the company took part. The frocking of the' girls was original and brilliant. “Al Mack,” always popular, sang “The Best Things in Life ■ arc Free/t in which he was assisted by the ballet.' It was in the second halt venue that all the fun was created. Nat Phillips (Mo’s late partner) took the part of Alike- Dooley, and he was typically Irish. The real comedian, however, and the one who made all the fun of the night, was Jack Kellaway. who is a born comic. He was ’Erb, and as ’Erb he was a scream. He is original; and he is a wonderaful eccentric dancer. Les Wharton, an old-time favourite,' lent assistance to the fun and folly of “Mixed Methods.” which tells the story, in a very complicated way, of Dooley’s marriage. The woman he weds lias ;a;.son of 17. but site does not tell Dooley this at the time, nor does the latter tell the wife that be also has a grown up daughter. Miss Daisy Merrit played the dame in the place “of Hector St. Clair admirably. Ceeil Scott, a handsome juvenile, made a good impression both in the vaudeville section and in the revue. Kitty Stewart sang and danced and played in the .various sketches. She is a most useful performer. Frank Wilson, a clover musician, delighted the audience with his playing of various instruments. There is no doubt that “The •Whirligigs” will prove a very popular attraction, for the show is "something different” from other revues.. When Hoc'tor St. Clair is able to'appear (he probably will to-night) the company will be made better still. . THE QUEEN’S THEATRE. An adaptation of Sir HgH Caine's famous work, “The Bondsman,” opens tonight at the Queen's Theatre, - starring Ndrmau Kerry. Following is a brief synopsis of the story: Michael left the Isle of Man to take up a Government' post in Sicily, leaving Greeba, his sweetheart, to wait for him. Seeking .vengeance. Jason, his brother, came to the Isle of Map and fell in love with Greeba. Three years passed without a word from Mieliael, and Greeba consented to wed Jason. The same day a letter came froin Michael who. as the result of a revolt was now President of Sicily. Greeba went out and married him, Jasbu folloh’ing with murder in his heart. His attempted assassination of Michael failed and he was condemned to the sulphur mines. Michael believed tliat Greeba was in love with Jason. A coup d'etat by the deposed Governor .led. to. the downfall of Michael, and his triumphant enemy condemned him to the sulphur mines. There the brothers met, but it was not until an accident had blinded Michael , that Jason knew that he had saved the man he had . sworn to kill. Then he acted as. his protector. Later. Miehael was removed to a ionelj' isle, tended by a priest and Greeba. whom he could not recognise. ' Hearing that, the Governor intended executing Michael, Jason escaped from the sulphur mines, brought the news to the priest, provided the moans of escape, effected. a reconciliation between Michael and Greeba and then accepted death cheerfully as his .brother’s bondman. A number of good short subjects are a feature of the programme. HIAWATHA IN COSTUME. The first performance on the stage of Coleridge Taylor’s “Hiawatha” was given at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on May 19, 1924. Tlie production of the work was so highly successful in London that repeat performances were given in 1925. 1925, and again in June of this year, when a scries of 16 performances were given. lor this year’s production it is estimated that close'on ninety thousand people witnessed the Albert Hall performances. It was in August, 1925, that Mr. John Bishop, the conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Union, and Mr. Hgrison Cook, the producer. began working at flic idea of producing “Hiawatha” at Wellington, and next Thursday..will see tlie first performance in tlie Southern Hemisphere.. There will be four productions in all. the <th. Sth and 9tli, with a matinee on the Saturday afternoon. The whole performance will be under the couduetorship of Mr. John Bishop, who will have four hundred performers under his baton, together with a east of principals drawn from all parts of tlie Dominion. The box plan for the evening performances can lie inspected at. tlie Bristol: but tliematinee plan will not open till Thursday next. A full rehearsal for chorus, -orchestra and soloists will be held to-inorrow evening at 7.30 in St. John’s schoolroom.