ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 34, 4 November 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

"DAWN” AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE. With slch a powerful attraction as “Dawn” to offer, it was not at all surprising that the Grand Opera House was packed to the doors at both afternoon and evening sessions on Saturday. 1 ossib y no film lias ever aroused so much interest throughout the world as presentment-of the tate of Ldlth Cate , the heroic English nurse, who was ar nilgncd, tried, and shot by the Gomans during the Great War for assisting Allied soldiers to escape from Bel ? lu,a io'n the Allied forces. It will be rciucm bered that the film was at first banned in England, as the authorities considered it too dangerous a subject to tac ’ ilc ‘ fl , must be admitted, after »®elng the film, that the world is all the richer for seeing this powerful indictment • of mil tans and the cold, machine-like forking nf wartime discipline. Herbert Wifeox, the director, has handled the Storj of the tragic fate of Edith Covell in dignified and masterly style. This brave Brlt ish nurse throughout her career had been trained to save life, and it was the most natural thing in the world wl ‘ e “ men, fleeing for their lives, entered her hospital in Brussels that she »ho“ld aid them to escape and rejoin the Allied ranks. The film adheres strictly to cold facts. There is no reproach to Germany for the execution of the brave British nurse, who calmly admitted to having aided 210 Allied soldiers to o»enPe from tlie clutches of the Germans. Edith cat ell line! too soft a heart for wartime; she could not endure to see brave men go to their death, so she organised a complete system, and had over forty people assisting her to help man after man to escape. Sybil Thorndike, probably the greatest actress England possesses to-day, is superb in the role of tlie heroic nurse, and no doubt her impersonation was inspired by the fact that she had been a close and intimate friend of Edith Cavell. .Miss dike brings out the subtle beauty of the life of the self-sacrificing nurse ivith great genius, and is splendidly contained in the most eloquent moments. Edith Cavell was a saint: she was too good for this wicked world; and had certainly too soft a heart to live in the hell upon earth caused by the bitterness of the Great n ar. Even after she was condemned to death, she exclaimed: “I realise now that I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” The United States Minister did his level best to get tlie German military authorities to spare the life of Nurse Cavell, and it was a tragedy that the large-hearted American was confined to his bed by illness when the execution took place. Tho whole film is a sane, unprejudiced plea for humanitarianism, and a scathing indictment of the senselessness of war. As a picture it is splendid, and without question it is one of the best British productions which have come this wav. As a relief from the grim tragedy of 'Dnwn” came ft delightful adaptation of Booth Tarkington’s great comedy of modern youth, “Geraldine,” in which those noted artists, Eddie Quillen and Marlon . Nixon, are seen at their best. Miss Nixon appears as Geraldine Wygato, the daughter of a millionaire, who has all this world can offer but charm. Eddie Quillen takes the part of a young man who is down and out, and who proves himself so helpful to tho millionaire that he at last commissions him to do whnt he can to help, his daughter to capture the fancy of a rising young barrister upon whom she has set her heart. Eddie takes Geraldine in hand, and soon transforms her from a early Victorian miss into a modern of the moderns. When everything is going swimmingly the police raid the night club where Eddie and Geraldine have just won the cup for jazzing. Eddie helps Geraldine to escape and takes her place and is summarily bundled into the women’s ward nt the gaol, with all the other erring fashionable beauties. The whole comedy is a scream from start to finish, and is one of the best cotaiedics ot modern youth which the talkies have yet produced. This attractive double bill will be screened at 2.15 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the rest of the week. REGENT THEATRE. Another ‘‘thriller” is the main feature in the talkie programme now showing at the Regent Theatre. It is "The Studio Murder Mystery,” in which Warner Gland, Neil Hamilton, and Doris Hill have the chief roles. Gland will be remembered for his excellent performance, “The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu.” The picture, which gets into fast action from the opening scene, presents a problem. Richard Harden (Fredric Marsh), the film idol of Hollywood, and a philanderer with women's hearts, is found murdered in his studio. The police detain five suspects, and the question is: Who of these is responsible for the killing? There is the wife of Harden, who has threatened his life if he does not mend bis ways; Helen MacDonald, with whom Harden has trifled, and who has found him false; the girl’s brother, who has vowed Ilardcll’s death; Borke, studio director, whose wife he suspects of au affair with Hardell; the watchman. and father of the girl MacDonald, who last saw Hardell alive. The evidence is baffling. Suspicion Is swung to one and then to another. At last, when the watchman is about to speak and name tho guilty one, he is poisoned. The girl .MacDonald'is tried, and found guilty. While she is waiting in tlie cells for her sentence, Tony White, who cares for her, and believes her innocent, sets to work to unravel the threads of the case. His'time is short, and he is faced with failure. ' Then events move quickly. How tlie studio mystery is solved and an ingenious plot uncovered, makes up an absorbing story. There are thrilling situations, and plenty ot excitement is provided. The acting ot the principals is of a high standard, and comic relief keeps the picture from < becoming morbid. The talkie supports include a gazette, an illustrated song novelty, an entertaining comedy with a wide appeal, and other items of interest. The programme will be continued this week.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. All lovers of mystery dramas should hail with delight "The Donovan Affair,” the Columbia all-dialogue production which is the current feature at the Majestic Theatre. 'Without doubt this is one of the detective stories and talking pictures that has reached tlie screen. The Owen Davis stage play by tlie same name was a success, and tlie screen version leaves nothing to be desired. Tho mystery surrounding the strange killing of Jack Donovan at a dinner table and the later death of another character in the same manner and by the same means—a carving knife—is profound. Tho false clues are many. The apparently contraductory acting of tlie various people in tlie play confuses the mind until tlie denouement, which comes swiftly and is wholly logical as well as surprising. The entire cast is above the average, Jack Holt excelling himself ns tho sleuth, Dorothy Rovler, William Collier, Jr., John Roche, Fred Kelsey, Agnes Ayres, Wheeler Oakman, Virginia Brown, Faire and Ethel Wales complete the cast. A large and well-varied supporting programme is also screened. BILLIE DOVE IN “CAREERS.” Billie Dove, First National Vitaphone star, is supported by one of tlie finest supporting casts in “Careers,” her first 100 per cent, talking feature, coming to the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Her leading mail is Antonio Moreno, the vlllian, Noah Berry, and the other principal roles are plaved by Thelma Todd. Carmel Myers, Holmes Herbert, Robert Frazer. Sojln, Robert Sellable, Craufurd Kent, Robert T. Haines, Kithnou, and others. Love and intrigue in the diplomatic corps is the theme of this picture, with Billie Dove in the role bf Helene, wife of a young diplomatic officer in Indo-Chlna, who is faced with the situation of being compromised or else seeing her husband fail in ids life’s work. How she risks her honour, how the villain and perpetrator of countless disasters in the small white colony meets his death, form the erux of tho story of “Careers ” which is claimed to bo one of the best-produced talking pictures yet presented. “JOURNEY’S END.” The principal character in “Journey’s End,” the famous drama to be staged here by tho J.C. Williamson, Ltd., management at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday night. November 13, Is Captain Stanhope. After being three years in the thick of the fighting during the Great War. he is revealed as a courageous soldier, respected by his men, but a slave to the whisky bottle. He is far from pleased when into his company comes Second Lieutenant Raleigh, a brother of a young lady with whom Stanhope is on friendly terms, as he fears the newcomer wilj acquaint ids sister of the captain’s drinking Habits. He, therefore, exercises his right to censor his first letter, but when' it is handed to him he docs not do so. Lieutenant Osborne, the second in command, unwillingly looks through the letter, and finds that it contains nothing but praise of Stanhope. Mr.-Reginald Tate, a recent arrival from England, it Is stated, achieved an outstanding triumph in the role of tho valiant, but highly-strung, war-weary Captain Stanhope. "His loyalty to his men, the revelation of his own fears, his dress-in“-down” of tho funky Hibbert,” wrote a Melbourne critic, “and Ids grief at the loss of his comrades, and ids final exit, were all brilliantly portrayed.” Harvey Adams has, it is said, achieved ids best success in the role of Lieut. Osborne, the former schoolmaster, affectionately known as “Uncle.” Osborne', is the guide, philosopher, and friend of the company. Playgoers will be glad to witness Lewis Shaw, who recently visited New ■ Zealand in “Young Woodley,” in another role. It is said that lie is magnificent as Lieutenant Raleigh. Others who have assisted to make “Journey’s End'* .the most successful plav Australia has ever known are Ambrose Flower, Alan Lawrence, 1 Incent Lawson, Reginald Dane, all of whom hall from the principal Enjfllffii theatres, and John Fernside, Reginald M ykeharn, George Jennings, Redge Carey, and Arbur Stlgant, Jun. The fact that Journey's End” has not yet been staged. in Sydney will prevent a long season being plaved in the centres of New Zealand. so only a limited number of perform--ances can be given in Auckland, box plans open next Friday morning nt. the Bristol. , lIIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Now in their first week at His Majesty s Theatre, are N'at Phillip’s "Whirligigs Revue Company, who arc providing excellent entertainment. Irene Shamrock, who makes her first appearance in New Zealand Is a great success and scores with “Nobody Knows” and "AU That Sort of Thing." Stella Lomond, a charming soubrettc, leads tho Radio Six ballet in “Rhythm King.” and proves an enchanting little dancer: Jack Kcllaway brings laughs in plenty. Bessie Blake and Sylvia Gardner also promise to become very popular. The second half is filled With Mixed Methods,” wherein Nat Phillips (Mo’s late partner) and Jack Kclloway provide mirth in unlimited quantities. PARAMOUNT THEATRE George Bancroft, one of the greatest and most popular of the screen’s character actors. is the star of “Thunderbolt, the alltalking Paramount production now belli t screened at the Paramount 'J-’hcatrc. Opening in the intriguing atmosphere of Non York's underworld, where Bancroft Is a fearful death dealer, sways the lives and destinies of hundreds of human .beings, it swings to the awe-inspiring setting of Sing Sing's Death Row, where the final exciting climaxes in this most exciting drama aro enacted. The story captures and vivifies tlie dramatic incidents that cross the news horizon in Um American newspapers every day. Bancroft is splendid in Thunderbolt” film song. Fay Wray, as the girl, is well worth fighting for, and Richard Arlen is the boy who eventually wins her love. The supporting fcntljrcs include a Paramount Sound News, songs by Runaid Worenrath, a comedy-drama, “If Men I laved Cards as Women Do,” and latest novelty cartoon, “Good-bye My Lady Love.” QUEEN’S THEATRE. Starring Norman Kerry, “Tile Bondman,” a screen version of Sir Hall Caine’s famous novel, is the feature now being presented at the Queen’s Theatre. Leaving the Isle of Man to take up a post with the the Sicilian Government, Michael tells Greeba, his swcathcart, to await his return. Later he becomes, owing to a revolt, President of Sicily, and Greeba leaves to marry him, followed by liis brother Jason, who goes to murder him. Michael is deposed and blinded, while Jason helps him to escape and dies in his place. A good supporting programme is also screened. "HIAWATHA” IN COSTUME. An Indian village on the prairie will be the scene for the production of ‘Hiawatha” at the Town Hall on Thursday evening, next and the following evenings, bv the Choral Union. The whole, of the elioir scats will be removed, and tlie stage built forward twenty-five feet to allow tor ■ the erection of tho scenery. A most effective setting has been arranged by Mr. W. J. Conroy, while the lighting effects are in the bands of. Mr. Parker. The costumes have, been designeed by Mts. L. McMillan. In Act 1 the Totem Ballet will be preesentod by Mr. J. Knowsley and associates, who will also direct the Spring Ballot with 50 children in the third act. The opera will be.conducted by Mr. John Bishop, and produced by Mr. Hanson Cook, both of whom witnessed the London production at. the Albert Hall. The union lias engaged a cast of no fewer than twelve principals from all parts ot the Dominion, including Mr. Hubert Carter, who will sing the same part for which he was engaged in the original London production. Heavy booking is reported at tlie Bristol, where patrons are advised to make their reservations as soon as possible. The box plan Cor the matinee per-formance-will open at tlie Bristol on Thursdav next. A full dress rehearsal will bo heid at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, at 7.30. when only those taking part will be admitted.

’ DE LUNE THEATRE. An intensely human drama of the great love existing between a father and son, “Father and Son," a Columbian production synchronised with dialogue and music and enacted by a powerful cast including Jack Holt, Dorothy Rcvier and Mickey Mcßan, is the current, feature at the De Luxe Theatre. Tho story opens showing tlie motherless Jimmy Fields celebrating his tcntli birthday prior to the departure of liis adored'father on a European business trip. The return of Mr. Field with a new wife, who is really a notorious French countess, introduces the plot complication. Tlie hatred of little Jimmy and his stepmother for eaeii other results in dramatie situations culminating in a murder. “Father and Son" is a colourful, gripping,’ cntortnlimient drama. Dialogue introduced at appropriate dramatie moments, and a tuneful musical score, enhance tlie picture considerably. A wellvaried supporting programme is also screened. “THE DRAKE CASE.” A picture that should hold one in thrilling suspense until tlie last moment Is “The Drake Case,” Universal all-talking sensation, which opens next Friday at the De Luxe Theatre. It is said to be vastly different from the run of murder trial courtroom films because of its unique story and its extraordinary treatment. “Tlie Drake Case” is really the trial of The People v. Lulu Marks, an intriguing character, accused of the cold-blooded murder of a wealthy woman, Mrs. George Morgan Drake. While the entire story is practically enacted through the testimony of witnesses the picture lias been handled so that It stands alone among films of its kind. In “'The Drake Caso" the audience in the theatre becomes tlie audience in the courtroom listening to a trial that is marked with drama, tears, laughter, thrills and suspense. It has everything that features the trial of a celebrated murder case and a little bit more, provided by the unusual camera angles used by Director Edward Laemmle. "The Drake Case” has an allstar cast, including Gladys Brockwell. Forrest Stanley. Robert Frazer, James Crane, Doris Lloyd, Bill Thorne, Eddie Hearn, Tommv Dugan. Byron Dougins. Francis Ford. Henry Barrows, Amber Norman and Barbara Leonard. KING’S THEATRE. After a successful week at the King’s Theatre, “Masquerade," Fox Films’ alltalking screen version ot “The Brass Bowl bv Louis Joseph Vance, is now being screened at the King’s Theatre. A story of love, impersonation and burglary, with a generous helping to comedy, it is a tlioroitghly entertaining production. Alan Birmingham gives a remarkable performance as both tho boro and the erook, Leila ITvams both acts and. speaks well ns the girl; and Clyde Cook and J. Farrell McDonald provide the comedy. A well-varied supporting programme is also screened. “THE WAGON MASTER.” A highly exciting and unusual Western picture is "Tlie Wagon Master,” a Universal /production starring Ken Maynard,’ which comes to the King's Theatre n.ext Friday night, is the first talking action Western. Maynard and his famous horse “Tarzan” perform many thrilling stunts. The plot concerns the trade rivalry of wagon trains, the organisations of freighters which carried supplies to isolated mining eamps in the early days of the West. One of the most dramatic sequences depicts a whip fight between Maynard and Ills rival in love, played by Al lergupon. There ip plenty of romantic interest in the picture. Maynard’s leading lady is Edith Roberts, an actress of experience and unusual charm. Maynard's freighters form a hard-riding, hard-fighting crowd. Maynard has woven into liis picture snatches of tne old cowboy songs which have been sung for years on the Western plains. In addition to Maynard, Miss Roberts and I erguson, tlie exceptional cast Includes Frederick Dana. Tom Santsclii. little Jackie Hanlon, Bobby Dunn, White Horse and Frank Rico. "DOWN AND OUT” FUND CONCERT. Tho excellent work accomplished by St. Peter's Mission amongst those who are “down and out" is well known and thoroiighlv appreciated by tho citizens of Wellington. Many people, in fact, whose desire is to help those less fortunate than themselves, nrc pleased at the opportunity of contributing to the real social work. Such an opportunity is to be presented next Wedncesdfiy evening, when several of the leading entertainers of this city have organised an excellent concert to raise funds for St. Peter’s Mission. This effort should receive wholehearted support, as the entertainment itself is of such a standard that an enjoyable evening is assured. The organisers, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Tingev, and Miss Hardinge-Maltby, assisted by ‘Mr, and Mrs. Albert Russell and Mrs. Frieda Shaw, with Mr. Ritchie (who has carried out tlie arduous task of secretary) have spared no effort to present a first-class programme, particulars Of which will be published in to-morrow’s issue. DIRT-TRACK RACING. Followers of tho new sport of dirt-track racing, first introduced into this country at the Kllblrnie Stadium last season, are reminded of the official opening of the present season, which will take place at the local Speedway next Saturday, November 9, at 8 p.m. Extensive alterations have been made to tlie track since last season, and tlie riders who have tried out tho new track during recent training operations hold the opinion Hint the previously established records will receive something in the nature of a jolt this season liy reason of the improved condition of the track. Two Australian stars in Billy Stipcewich and Jimmy Dattson will appear on the opening night, and will be matched hgainst the local stars, Kilnilster, McKenzie. McGliie and Morgan, in the International Big Nine Scratch Race. Patrons, both old mid new. can be assured of a great evening’s sport. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Human and rollicking in places, grimly affecting in others, blending finely all the essences of love, struggle, bravery, humour, pathos and death, “The Rough Riders” will commence screening to-night at the Kllblrnie Klnema. “The Rough Riders,” with Noah Beery, George Bancroft and Mary Astor, can truly lie said to set a standard. The drama is swift, breathtaking. replete with moments of subtlety and flooding in emotional character, “Speed,” the second feature, starring Betty Blythe, is a comedy-drama of tlie jazzmiid youth of to-day. Reserve at theatre. Phone 14—202.