ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 56, 29 November 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. whnn Philip Dunning and George Abh??? wrote their dramatic thunderbolt, “Rroadwav,” which held New York spellbound for almost two years, they little dreamed that even the sensational action nwthoir play could bo broadened b.v the camera into the spectacular Universal suner-film which commences at the De Lure Theatre to-day, and will be screened twice daily for the next two weeks. The difference between the plav, compcllingly absorbing as it was ‘ and the super-production by Carl Lacmmlc, Jr., is simply the vast difference, between the scope of the stage and licit of the camera. No setting is too big to'be photographed, and so Universal, for he production of “Broadway,” built the paradise Club ns the biggest ever constructed even in the motion picture industry and photographed both in technieolour and sound. No expense was too prodigal for such a picture, and so Tryon, Miss Brent and Miss Kennedy were cast in the leading roles, supported by such players as Thomas Jackson and Paul Porcasi, both of whom played their parts throughout the New York run of the play, Robert Ellis Otis Harlan and a host of other popular favourites. Gus Arnheim and his famous Coconut Grove Orchestra play the revue hits, sung and danced by 'the beantv chorus.. The inherent drama of the stage production was left intact, the dialogue used being identical. But where in the play, Roy Lane, Billie Moored Pearl and the other girls go off-sta-e into an unseen Paradise Club, in the picture the camera follows them into the actual setting. “Broadway” was directed by Dr Paul Fejos, the young Hungarian. The photography, the sequence in colour being considered the most beautiful ever seen upon a screen, was by Hal Mohr. The musical programme of the original De Luxe Orchestra under the direction of Mr L. D. Austin will include the overture, "Beautiful Galathea,” by Suppe, and entra'etc, "Slavonic Rhapsody,” by Friedman. Box plans arc available at the Bristol Piano Co. and Aitken's Book Arcade (Courtenay Place). Reservations may also be obtained by application to theatre (’phone 23—050).

REGENT THEATRE. Starring Richard Dix, in his first alltalking production, “Nothing But the Truth” is the current feature at the Regent Theatre. The story, an excellent comedy-drama, concerns a young business man who enters into a wager that lie can tell the truth for 24 hours. His stake is money placed in his charge by his fiancee for whoin he is supposed to make an investment. Three other men are parties to tlie bet, one of them being Richard’s employer. From the start he nearly ruins his' employer's business by telling the truth, and he is placed in embarrassing situations because of his refusal to depart from the oftimes bitter truth. Perhaps his most awkward moment comes when his fiancee demands to know what he has done with her money. He wins his wager nil ri-ht and about two minutes after the -4 hours have elapsed, he explains everything by telling a score of lies. A well-varied supporting programme is also screened.

“FAST COMPANY” The Regent Theatre management lias succeeded in getting “Fast Company, an alLtalkie picture This is said to be one of the greatest comedies to be seen in Wellington for some time. It will commence screening at the Regent Thbatre to-morrow. It is full of baseball thrills, . and full also of uproarious comedy and bright, romance. The dialogue is described as being remarkably dear, so that nothing of what is said ’is lost, and the rich humour is brought out. to the full. “East Company.” in which Evelyn Brent. Jack Oakie, and Richard Gallagher arc the stars, is based upon a story of baseball players written by the great American humorist, Ring Larner. The hero, played by Jack Oakie, is a boastful but lovable youth who homc-run-liits his way to the foreground, helping his team, the Yankees, to win the league pennant. He falls into the fast company of-smart city folks, including a show girl' and some crafty gamblers, and lie almost ruins his own nnd his team’s chances for victory on the day of the final game of the world's scries when Something happens t.o change the whole aspect of the plot. The night before the deciding game Oakie and Gallagher attend a party in New York which Evelyn and her actress-partner, Gwen Lee, are giving. Oakie tells Evelyn how much the letters meant to him. She realises Gallagher's strategy and also realises that Oakie is daft about her. Just before the game, crooked gamblers pull one over on Oakie, and get his signature on a faked receipt for 5000 dollars. Tlie game starts and Oakie, sulking over Evelyn’s indifference, hits a slump. Gallagher wants to sec the Yanks win, and lie makes an investigation. He finds out the gamblers' plot, tells Evelyn nnd urges her to talk to Oakie. She sees the home-run king between innings, tells him she loves him, and Oakie, now-that the skies are clear, goes into the game and bangs out the home-run that wins the world's series. Onkio is a new type of comedian on tho screen, and he is expected to win thousands of admirers with his swaggering “big league” comedy capers; Evelyn Brent appears as the girl who spurns him but later warms to bis native charm. Richard “Skeets” Gallagher, another young actor who has risen rapidly in comedy roles, gives a remarkable performance as the slang-talk manager of Oakie. THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Tho Famous Lasky all-dialogue mystery production, "The Greene Murder Case,” opens a two weeks season this afternoon at the Paramount Theatre, .screening thereafter nightly at 8 o’clock and daily at 2.30 p.m. Death-dealing shots in the night!- Eerie, creepy sounds in a ghostrldffen old mansion A bitter hating family. cringing front a hidden menace! Thrills, bristling action, tense suspense. These are described as some of the elements that make "The Greene Murder Case,” one of the season’s most entrancing detective stories. The baffling, gripping episodes of the strangest crime ever conceived are unravelled by Philo Vance, famous detective of “The Canary Murder Case,” who, in this picture is seen in the same role, as indeed are two others of the original “Canary Murder Case” cast. Eugene Palette and E. 11. Calvert. The picture was based on a book that broke the Circulation figures of Scribner’s, magazine when it was published in serial form, a book that is one of a sereis of tremendously popular murder mystery stories written by that famous student of criminology, S. S. Van Dine. The plot has to do with tlie strange killings which occur in tho Greene family’s household. An elder son. his younger brother and then their mother succumb to tho fiendish hand of an unknown murderer. After a series of uncanny and thrilling events, Powell solves the deep mystery. An excellent selection of sound is included in the programme. QUEEX , S THBATKK . Another of the thrilling two-feature programmes which have to date contributed largely to the popularity of the Queen's Theatre,.commences to-night at 8 o’clock. A prodigious drama of love, hate and revenge, entitled “High Seas,” is the first feature. It has been acclaimed as having the biggest shipwreck scene ever photographed for the screen. Seen in the principal roles are some of the greatest actors the British screen has ever known, including John Stuart, Lilian Rich. James Carewe, and Randle Ayrton. The second feature is Fox Films’ thrilling , tale of Broadwav’s lives, intrigues and romances, entitled. ‘“Not Quite Decent.” June Collver and Louise Dresser make one of the most interesting daughter-and-mother "teams" ever seen in motion pictures. Tellin" a story of New York stage and night life this Irving Cummings production has everything that makes an entertaining screen play. A mother, to preserve the "ood name of her daughter, blackens her own Alan Lane. Marjorie Beebe, and Balli Nicholson head a noteworthy supporting cast.

IffS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Nat Phillips and his. Whirligigs Revue Cov will present, their fifth change of programme of vaudeville and revue at His Majesty’s Theatre fo-night. The new programme. “Pensions.” is- a merrj’ collection of items, grave and gay, cleverly selected and skilfully compounded into an agreeable amusement mixture, and abounding in delightful musical numbers, witty humour and dainty dances. Among the son*’ 'numbers to be presented are “Dream TraTn.” by Cos. Scott: “Do Something.” by Stella Lainond: “No Idea.” by Irene Shamrock; “Brcltk o’ Day” and “.Inst Bocause It’s You.” by Bessie Blake, ami “For Yon Alone.” by Trevor Fennicke. A L-orgeous song scene "Hawaiian Drcams will bo presented by Sylvia Gardner. Stella I'amond, and the Radio Ballot. Hector qt Clair will introduce new comicalities, .'in'd violin solos and a novel musical act w be given by Frank Wilson. A number of now and amusing sketches arc melmjcd. among which are “Abercrombie Cottage. “School Days.” and “Halves Pardnor. Halves" all of which give .Tack Kellgwaj. Vl Mick Les Warton. and Nat Phillips nlon'tv of opportunities for laughter rals- \ special feature of the programme , “Walking With Susie.” a full company song andidance scene. The box plan is at the Bristol.

MEDICAL CORPS REUNION. Xu cx-tnentbers of the New Zealand Medical Corps are invited by 4 ,c ,. orK ? I '' isers to attend 'the, unveiling of the: ”icnorial in honour of members who fell in the Great War.- The ceremony will take nlacc on Tuesday next at Awapunl. Palmorston North. His Excellency Sir Charles Fcrcisson officiating. A reunion will be In Hie evening. Further -particulars h - be obtained from Mr. M. Wearne. Palmerston North, or Mr. L. Williams, 12-4 Lauibtoh Quay.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. “Words and Music,” Fox Films alltalking, singing, and dancing production, described as the first musical comedy of the talking screen, is the big feature to commence screening at the Majestic Theatre to-day. There are eight song hits—the kind that haunt one and set the feet to patting, it is stated. There are more than 100 beautiful girls In the chorus and ballet, all of them charming singers and dancers. “Words and Music" is a show within a show. One is introduced at the outset to a crowd of cheerful students vicing with each other in the- production of what is evidently the American equivalent of a capping concert. A prize of £3OO is offered for the best ensemble number. Interest centres on two rival "producers” —the college bully and the son of tho local music store owner. There is rich.comedy in the student capers that precede the opening of tlie competition scenes, but the character of the story remains unaltered until the moment conies for the presentation of the rival numbers. Then "Words and Music" becomes a musical comedy indeed—with tuneful melodics, gorgeous frocking, excellent dancing, and perfect ensembles of several kinds. Lois -Moran is indeed a versatile artist. A year ago she was seen in the cream of silent pictures; when talkies opened, she made one minor appearance in a short comedy, Now she is a perfect musical comedy star. Her previous stage training, both as regards singing and dancing, has stood her well. She dances with the grace of Pavlova, and reveals a delightful soprano voice. Miss Moran sings two little numbers —“Beauty ' and "Yours Sincerely.” David Percy, tlie magnificent baritone who delighted everyone with his singing in "Tlie Black Watch." plays opposite Miss Moran, and sings. The remainder of the cast includes a number of excellent comedians and dancers, together with a clever and beautiful ballet.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. The Paramount screen version of Anne Nichols’ “Abie’s Irish Rose," is the feature to commence screening at the Grand Opera House to-night, with Quality. Sound. The picture features Charles ("Buddy”) Rogers, Nancy Carroll and Jean Hersholt. Equipped with Quality Sound, the picture emphasises the human interest of the original story, and shows the conflict of the father against father; the triumphant force of love and the humour of intolerance. "Abie's Irish Rose” is perhaps the best known play generally, to have ever been produced. The stage play ran for five and a half years continuously in New York City. The picturisation iris been credited with a tremendous' amount of favourable criticism wherever the film has been exhibited, and blds fair to rival the success of the stage play. Nancy Carroll, Paramount star and former musical comedy artist, sings two clever songs. They are "Rosemary” and "Little Irish Rose,” the theme numbers to that picture. “Abie’s Irish Rose” is one of Paramount’s first sound synchronised pictures featuring a brilliant music score, some talking by Jean Hersholt. and two lilting sone numbers by Nancy Carroll. The nlav was. written bv Anne Nichols, and ou the stage in New York it ran for five and a half years, a record. As a picture with sound, "Abie's Irish Rose” stands on its own as superb entertainment. It tells of a romance between a Jewish youth and an Irish girl, and tliclr difficulties in winning the consent of their parents in getting married. It has a deep pathos as well us light humour and dramatic sequences. "Abie's Irish Rose” is not a farce .comedy, nor is it a heavy drama. Paramount is responsible, for the translation of "Abie" from the stage to the silver sheet, as well as equipping it with quality sound. A beautiful musical score was written for the picture by J. S. Zamccnik, who has won world-wide fame as a composer. Mr. Zamecnik’s composition. entitled "Rosemary,” is the theme song of "Abie." In four of the important sequences the picture is featured with its talking scenes. The unusual cast that was assembled for the various roles includes Jean Hersholt. as Solomon Levy; Charles Rogers, of “Whigs” fume, as Abie, his son: Nancy Carroll as Rosemary: ,1. Farrell MacDonald, as the Irish father; Bernard Gorcey and Ida Kramer as the Cohens: Camillus Pretal as the rabbi: Nick-Cogley, as the Irish priest: and Rosa Rosanova as Sarah, the deaf housekeeper in the Levy home. THE KING'S THEATRE. Following on the extraordinarily successful first week which concluded last evening, the delightful talking, singing and dancing production, "The Innocents of Paris," enters into its second week in Wellington with to-night's presentation at the popular King's Theatre, there being a matinee to-morrow afternoon at 2.30. Maurice Chevalier is a new aij vivid personality on the screen. Before he came to pictures, and “Innocents of Paris” is his first, Chevalier was the idol bf the French comedy stage. Signed by Paramount for this story of Paris he is the newest luminary of the stellar firmament of Hollywood and bids fair to become the most popular. In addition to Maurice Chevalier, whose first starring picture this is, the cast includes Sylvia Beecher. George Fawcett. Margaret Livingston and John Mlljan. In tills thrilling, entertaining picture one sees a dazzling Paris revue amateur trials with' all the back stage action, loves and intrigues associated with the careers of the great stage stars. The short subject section of the King’s programme is well varied and interesting. Box plans are available at the Bristol, the price scale being 1/- to 2/9.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Married folks who have long forgotten their honeymoon, and young folks who are full of anticipation, will do well to see “Honeymoon.” the latest Motro-Goldwyn-Maycr farce-comedy now playing at. the Kllbirnie Theatre. “Honeymoon is a mirthful mix-up if ever there was one. and Polly Moran and Harry Gribboii share not only' featured honours, but their trials and tribulations ou their wedding night with Flash, the wonder dog. “lhe First Kiss." starring Fay Wray and Gary Cooper, is the drama of a youth who turns picturesque river bandit for the honour of his family, and the beautiful heiress who braves scandal and death in her love, for him. Reserve at theatre. Phone 14—-Il-