ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 57, 30 November 1929, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

’ DE LUXE THEATRE. The chef d’oeuvre at the De Luxe Theatre last evening was what is described as the “million candle-power picture,” "Broadway,” a screen adaptation of Jed Harris’s dramatic play of the same name, which proved a big success in America, and a lesser one in London in 1927, where the theme was perhaps not so cogenial to the playgoer as it would be in America. It is a torrid dramatic story in which revue girls are mixed up with bootleggers and hl-jackers, and the crack of the murderer's automatic coincides with the raggy music of a gay revue at the Paradise night club. Billie Moore, a revue girl, is rehearsing a double turn with Itoy Lane, an honest lad, who resents the suave Crandall’s invitation to entertain his guest at a midnight orgy. Back of the stage two of Crandall’s men inform him that they had successfully hi-jacked (or stolen from bootleggers) a truck of liquor from “Scar” Edwards's gang. “Scar,” hearing of this exploit, ventures on to the stage to protest against Crandall’s men hi-jacking in his territory. During a heated interview “Scar” discloses that he knows Crandall has killed another man, and fearful of the consequences, he shoots “Scar” Edwards in the back, and he and one of his henchmen walk the murdered man off between them, as though they are assisting a “drunk.” Peavll, another giN, who loves Edwards, and who suspects a tragedy, is put off with a “faked” story, but is nevertheless disturbed. At a subsequent boozing party, Roy tries to get Billie to leave by sending her a telegram to the’ effect that her mother is ill. In her anxiety she turns to Roy, and Crandall knocks Roy down. Roy .gets up, and is waving a revolver about when Detective McCorm enters the place and takes the gun away from him. Then the outraged boy disclosed that he saw Crandell and Dolph escorting the “drunk” into .the alleyway next to the theatre. Billie denies this, but afterwards relents, and tells the truth. Roy is released. The next day Crandall is riding in his car, when a bullet pierces his hat. There are complications at the theatre, but Roy at length consents to go on, but when Billie comes from her dressing-room he tells her that their act is broken up. That night Crandell repairs to the club again a nervy wreck, ever haunted by the quiet vigil of the sleuth McCorm. In the office he confesses to Vidris (the manager of the club) ’ that he croaked” Edwards. His admission j is heard through the door by Pearl, who. waits her chance, and shoots him as she would a rat. McCorm comes on the scene ! and arranges Crandell and his gun as though it was a case of suicide, and with such connivance Pearl is never even suspected of the murder. In the meantime Roy and Billie have come to an amicable understanding, and having secured a good engagement, they prance through their act Ignorant of the stark tragedy which has been enacted behind the scenes. Although the theme is sordid the acting throughout is dynamic, and the production generally is on a scale of theatrical magnificence. The back of the stage scenes, too, are revealing. Glen Tryon is fresh and vigorous as the young hero (Roy Lane). Miss Evelyn Brent is dramatically effective as Pearl, and Merna Kennedy makes Billie Moore an attractive heroine. Gus Arnheim and his Cocoanut Grove Orchestra is a musical feature of the picture, which, in addition to its all-talk dialogue, includes some bright musical numbers and a full ballet, dazzling effects being introduced by the use of the moving camera. The final scene of the night club in full durbar is in colour. Other features on the programme are the Universal “News Reel, a Pathe Gazette, and the amusing sketch, •‘Cohen on the Telepone,” with George Sidney as the exasperated Hebrew. Ihe music of the orchestra, under Mr. L. D. Austin, was also, first-rate, and Included a capital performance of Friedmanns “Slavonic Rhapsody.” A welcome Innovation was the elimination of the interval.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “The Greene Murder Case,” the star feature on the new bill at the Paramount Theatre, is one of the best mystery stories that has ever been screened in Wellington for a very long time. It would have been a great success as a silent feature, but as a “talkie” it certainly was wonderful. “The Greene Murder Case” is one of those stories, where everybody is suspected and in which the most unlikely —or perhaps the most likely—one is finally run to earth as the murderer. In this story three people are killed. The Greene family Ilves on bate. Every member hates the others, and all seem quite gleeful when one of the others is killed. In the household are several servants, and a doctor frequently visits the house. Two sons, and the paralysed daughter are killed, and three unsuccessful attempts are made on the life of the youngest daughter. Who was the slayer? Philo Vance, fresh from the famous “Canary-Case,” comes to'investigate, his mind being full of psychological problems. With him comes a police serveant, and he and the sergeant disagree on all ideas in connection with the murders. Finally, after much investigating. ‘they find out who committed the murders. And it was ? The acting is excellent throughout the film (a Paramount production) and the dialogue remarkably clear, and decidedly bright and witty. The leading role is taken by William Powell, whose acting and clear, wellmodulated voice stamp him as one of the .screen’s most brilliant actors. The supporting cast is well up to the standard set by the star, and there is not one weak actor or actress in it. Truly' may the cast be described as “all star.” There are some very fine sound supports, including gazettes and a comedy which kept the audience in shrieks of laughter from start to finish. It is to be hoped that all who see the star picture will not disclose the ending, for to do so would be to spoil one of the best mystery stories that one could wish to see.

THE KING’S THEATRE. "Innocents of Paris," which has had such a successful run at the King’s Theatre during the past week, has bad its season extended for another week. Those who have not yet witnessed Maurice Chevalier in such a delightful role, a charming lover, a strong sense of humour and an artist withal should on no account iniss this opportunity. He was the idol of the French comedy stage, and his mastery of English for the purpose of presenting his work to the English-speaking race is a tribute to his determination to succeed. The story begins with the rescue of a boy from the river, and when the grandparents refuse to take the yqungster over Chevalier takes him to his own people. On his rounds he makes the acquaintance of a charming girl, but her father is opposed to the alliance. How those objections are overcome makes quite a pretty and dramatic story. The manner in which Chevalier distracts the boy’s attention from the tragic loss of his mother shows a fine side of his character, while he is also seen entertaining his friends in the French cafes. The cast is a first-class one and Includes Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett, Margaret Livingstone and John Milligan. A sound news film gathered from all parts of the world is a specially interesting one, and an excellent comedy is also among the supports. The box plans are at the Bristol.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

Two star features were on the programme at the Queen’s Theatre last night; “High Seas,” and “Not Quite Decent.” In “High Seas,” it is claimed that the shipwreck scene is the biggest event of its kind ever photographed for the screen, and one can well believe It. The foremost actors of the British screen were engaged to produce the picture, Including John Stuart, Lilian Rich, Janies Carewe, and Randle Ayrton. The second picture, a Fox film, deals with life on Broadway. It is a tragic moment when the mother, an actress, having lost sight of her child at middle age, comes across her in a company of hardened showgirls. Her beauty causes her to attract men about her. and she is in danger. So Mamie (Louise Dresser) adopts a role which enables her to gain her daughter’s confidence. The latter, however, determines to stick to the stage and the man who has fascinated her. Rather than sec the young life ruined, the mother compromises herself. She succeeds without the girl knowing who and why the sacrifice was made. June Collyer stars with Louise Dresser in this picture. There is a good news of the world in pictures, a comedy, “Failure,” a lawyer’s experiences in trying to arrange a triangle divorce case.

KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER

HUTT.

The spectacular drama, “Emerald of the East,” which is now being shown at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, is the story of a young man's nerve-racking experiences in the hills of a State in India. In one part of tiie production he is tied, to a tree in the jiingle as a bait for a tiger, and almost a victim of a plot to poison ids young English wife. In another part of the film eight thousand Indian troops are seen forming the Imperial initials G.R.I. and the British Crown. There is also a procession, In which Is seen the jewellery of untold wealth, gold and silver guns, chariots of gold, and a score of elephants, decked In gorgeous trappings, State carriages, and many other scenes showing the grandeur and magnificence of the East. The second attraction is “Knight of Nights,” an absorbing story of French aristocracy and French underworld inhabitants. ONE-ACT PLAYS AT EASTBOURNE. Under the direction of Miss G. Helen Gardiner, an entertaining programme comprising one-act plays, drama, comedy and farce, will be given at the Crown Theatre, Eastbourne, next Wednesday night at 8 o'clock.

“ABIE’S IRISH ROSE.” GRAND OPERA HOUSE. No saner plea for religious tolerance has ever been made than that put forward ij Anne Nicholls in her famous stage 1 m>• "Abie’s Irish Bose,” which had met a popular run in New York for over uve years, and met with such success Lie world over. A splendid screen version or the delightful romantic comedy-drama, from the Paramount studios, formed inc star feature in the new programme miroduced at the Grand Opera House last night, and gripped the heart of a large audience from start to finish, lhe st oil is a delightful one. Abie Levy, an American soldier, meets pretty Rose mary Murphy, who is helping to keep the spirits of the soldiers tip as an entertainer in France during the Great War. It is u of love at first sight, and the young < -' ou w® come to the conclusion that nothing in me world can stop true love. After Rosemary and Abie are married in a Methodist Church in Jersey City. auk takes his bride home to his father, bowman Levy, an orthodox Jew, and introuutis her as his sweetheart, Rose Murpliesiu. Solomon is delighted, and arranges a home wedding after the Jewish custom. But there is the very “divil” to play when Rosemary’s Irish father arrives with a Catholic priest just as a rabbi unites the young lovers in their second marriage. While their fathers argue, fume, fret, and seek to break the tie that binds the cliliuren, Abie and Rosemary get together with the kindly priest and the toleraut rabbi, and the priest marries them once again. But tlie’barrier of religion is so high and the gap between the families so wide, that the young couple are left sevely alone. Then comes Christmas Eve. Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, who alone have befriended Abie and his Irish Rose, and the kind-hearted rabbi persuade Solomon to visit his new grandchildren, and the kindly priest urges Patrick to go and see his daughter and her children. The surprise party starts in bitter argument, but ends in peace when Abie and Rosemary proudly present thentwins —Patrick Joseph and Rebecca. The fathers forgive their children and shake hands. Tolerance has won. The beautiful story is delightfully told, and there is nothing in the play which could offend even the tenderest susceptibilities. After seeing this charnflpg sound picture, it is. not < surprising that it shattered records all > over the world as a stage play. The acting Is splendid throughout. Nancy Carroll makes a most fragrant Irish Rose. I This dainty actress has a beautiful speaking voice, and it is a rich treat to hear her sing “Rosemary” and “Little Irish Rose.” Handsome Charles Rogers makes a manly Abie, and his love sceens with Nancy Carroll are as sweet as a breath of lavender. Jean Hersholt and J. Farrell McDonld proved themselves comedians or the very front rank in the roles of the two parents, Patrick Murphy and Soloman Levy. It is difficult to recall more P erf6L J national characterisations. Bernard G°r ce y and Ida Kramer fitted nicely into the pic ality. A most enjoyable interlude was pro vided bv Mr. Jack Lumsden,' the famous Australian baritone singer, whose songs at the piano, are so well known of the gramophone and rpdio. Be joined the audience last evening with a number of the latest “I’ve Never Known a bmile Like louis, p “Happy Days, But Lonely Nigh , “Scales” and ’ The Vagabond Lover. Mr. Lumsden is f-Z only a gifted vocalist Jbut is a most ncco...piished pianist. He had to bow his acknowledgments several times before he was allowed to make his final • exit The talking supports included an excerpt from the opera, "The Pearl lushers, the Baltimore trio of clever instrumentalists a News of the World sound number, and an exceedingly amusing musical cartoon, “Oh, You Beautiful Doll.” This most entertaining programme will be presented at 215 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The box plans ! are at the Bristol, Berkeley, and Grand : Opera House. j

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. “White Shadows in the South Seas is now being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. This production with its topical background features Monte Blue in the part of a doctor who, through drink, has sunk to the level of a beach-comber. When an act of particular cruelty is perpetrated on a native boy by a brutal white trader, his manhood reasserts itself and he comes to the child’s rescue. For that act he is lured on board a plague ship and set adrift, but the boat wrecks on the reef of a tropical paradise, and he finds love, romance and adventure awaiting him. Raquel Torres plays the part of the native girl, the bride of the temple of, her tribe. There is a good supporting programme.

RECITAL-LECTURE ON RUSSIAN MUSIC.

Those who have attended the recitallectures given by Miss Valerie Corliss, A.R.A.M., L.R.A.M., during the past four years will be glad to have the opportunity of enjoying another musical treat on Wednesday next. Miss Corliss will give a talk- upon “Russian Music”—lts history and characteristics, etc. —and will illustrate her lecture at the pianoforte. Madame Merlin is to sing a group of fascinating Russian songs. Another feature of the programme will be the electrical reproduction of gramophone records by Mr. Keith H. Thow. The Bristol Piano Co. is kindly lending a selection of Russian orchestral and vocal recorded music. The following pianists, pupils of Miss Corliss, aro also contributing to the programme:—Eileen Bennett, Judith Giesen, Catherine Monqrieff, Gwendoline Thow, Nora Cotton, Marjorie Carey.

STUDENTS’ RECITAL.

The violin students of Mr. Eric L. Meier will. present their annual recital in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Wednesday at 8 p.m. The proceeds are to be donated to the Red Cross Society. The programme is of a very high standard and should provide an evening of complete enjoyment. The students’ orchestra has Improved considerably and is ihore than ever fulfilling its objective in giving the players orchestral experience. The box plan is now open at the Bristol Piano Co.

GRAND AND EMPIRE, PETONE.'Ramon Novarro, as a naval aviator, is the hero of “The Flying Fleet,” which is now being shown at the Grand and Empire, Petone. The production is a graphic inside view of life at a naval seaplane training base. Most of the picture was filmed in the air, and landings, take-offs, from the big seaplanes, and a sensational rescue at sea, with an aeroplane burned for a beacon,’ are other amazing details. Through the thrills runs a human interest story of the friendships of a group of students, and a love story in.which jealousy severs friendship until a time comes for a supreme sacrifice. There is a splendid supporting programme, including Jack Holt in Zane Grey’s novel, "Sunset Pass.”

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Another week-end programme will- commence at the Empire Theatre to-night. The main attraction is “Do Your Duty,” starring Charlie Murray, with Doris Dawson and Lucien Littlefield in support. It is the story of a police sergeant who is framed by a qrook and derated after being made a lieutenant. The supporting feature, “Afterwards,” starring Marjorie Hume, takes its name from the fact that most of the plot is envolved after a thrilling prologue, which depicts the consequence of a young English couple’s rash visit to an Eastern shrine forbidden to the eyes of unbelievers. The supporting cast includes Julie Sindo, J. R. Tozer and Cecil Barry. Hal Roache's latest comedy, “Wiggle Your Ears,” starring Our Gang, completes the programme.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Outstanding work is done by William Haines, Karl Dane, and Tully Marshall in “Alias Jimmy Valentine,” which is to be presented to-day at Our Theatre, Newtown. Haines plays the role of the goodlooking young safe-cracker, who upsets the police departments of half-a-dozen cities. As companions in wrong-doing he has Dane and Marshall. The latter plays the role of an "old-timer” in crime, a crabbed, wearied-eyed man who can never see anything funny in anything. Dane plays the role of the dumb “look-out” man who is always getting the trio into mix-ups. However, “Alias Jimmy Valentine" is not entirely comedy. It offers an opportunity to combine laughter with pathos ‘and drama. Leila Hyams plays the loading feminine role. The supporting picture features “Flash,” the dog wonder, In "Shadows of the night."

DANCE RECITAL. The pupils of Miss Nancy Rabe will present a recital on Tuesday next in the Masonic Hall at 8 p.m. A special feature of the. recital will be the exercises by the children. The Chinese play, "In the Temple of the Green Dragon,” should also prove a most entertaining item.

ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) will give his weekly Organ Recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening and the programme has been arranged as under’:— Choral-Prelude, by- Bach; First Movement from Symphony in D Minor, by Cesar I Franck; Romance Op. 118 (No. 5), by ! Brahms; Pavano pour une Infante Defunte, by Ravel; Priere Op, 37 (No. 3), by I .Tongen: Good Friday Music (from Act HI). “EarslfaV' by. jyagner.

REGENT THEATRE. One of the greatest all-talkie comedies, in the opinion of film critics, will commence screening at the Regent Theatre to-night. “Fast Company,” as the story of Ring Larner, the American humourist, is caled, lias for its background, the baseball field with all its thrlls and the romance of Oakie, a boastful but lovable yluth, who home-run hits his way to the loreground, helping his team, the Yankies, to win the league pennant. The stars are Evelyn Brent, Jack Oakie, and Richard Gallagher. The comedy is full of merriment and the escapades of Oakie when he meets a siiow girl, Evelyn, and her actress partner, Gwen Lee, will be followed with pure enjoyment. The diaogue throughout the film is said to be remarkably clear so that none of its wit and humour are lost. Jack Oakie, the young baseball Player from a small town, falls into the fast company of smart city folks including some crafty gamblers, and on the day when ’his team is competing in the final game of the world’s series of baseball matches, the tactics of Oakie’s doubtful companions almost ruin his own and his team’s chances for victory; but something happens which changes the whole aspect of the story. The night before the great game, Evelyn gives a party n New York. Among the guests are Oakie and Gallagher and during the evening Oakie. tells Evelyn how much certain letters mean to him. She realises Gallagher’s strategy and also realises that Oakie is in love with her. Tlz next day, just before the beginning of the match, the gambling gang bluff Oakie and succeed in persuading him to put his signature to a faked receipt for 5000 dollars. The game starts, and Oakie, worried and sulking over Evelyn’s indifference; hits a slump. Gallagher, who is desirous of seeing the Yankees win, makes investigations. He discovers the plans of the gang and speedily tells Evelyn, urging her to talk to Oakie. Between the innings she sees the homerun king and the quarrel is made up. When the game continues, Oakie, with clear skies ahead, plays the best game of his career, and In an exciting fishish, makes the home-run that wins the world's series. Oakie is a new type of screen comedian, and his swaggering “big league” comedy capers are expected to win him many admirers. Evelyn Brent gives a clever character study of the girl who spurns him, and later learns to admire his native charm. Richard “Skeets” Gallagher, another young actor who has risen rapidly in comedy roles, gives a remarkable performance as the slangy manager of Oakie. There is also to be an excellent supporting programme to be screened.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

More up to the style of a high-class musical comedy than an ordinary revue, the “Whirligigs” made a great hit at Hib Majesty’s Theatre last night when they presented their fifth programme of vaudeville and revue. It contains beautiful dancing excellent singing, bright and breezy dialogue. From the moment Mr. C. Bennett, the conductor, struck up the lively overture “Jig Walk” until the final fall of the curtain the programme went with a swing. “Don’t Hold Anything” (all the company) was a good number, while “P.P.N.” (Nat Phillips, Jack Kellaway and Les Wharton) was a lively fun provider. "The Musical Coon” (Frank Wilson) played a number of new tunes on various instruments and went well, while Irene Shamrock, who\ does several numbers, was also a great success. Miss Bessie Blake; who has become a great favourite in Wellington, scored with her beautiful voice and was loudly applauded for “Just Because It’s You” and "Break o’ Day.” Miss Blake besides a fine voice possesses a personality which charms. Stella Lamond, "the spirit of jazz,” sang and danced her way into the hearts of the audience, while Sylvia Gardner (the dainty ballet mistress) made a success of her, dancing and singing. She is deserving of great praise for the fine dancing of the ballet, which is a big feature of the show,

Two girls who dance and who are becoming very popular are Eve Fennelly and Marjorie Vause. They are a decided asset to the company, being very graceful indeed. “The Whirligigs” are very strong on the comedy side, there being Hector St. Clair, Jack Kellaway, Nat Phillips and Al Mack. Cecil Scott sings and leads the ballet, while he also does remarkably well in the sketches. "Abercrombie Cottage" (the haunted house) is a sketch well worth attending the show to see alone. That good performer Daisy Merritt takes the big part, and stamps herself as an actress of more than usual (dramatic power. A newcomer to the show who should do well is Trevor Feriwicke, a tenor who sings "For You Alone.” . He was loudly applauded ast night. “Walking with Susieo” a company production song scena featuring Sylvia Gardner is the best thing on the programme. "Pensions,” a musical comedy revuette, occupies the whole of the second half. It is full of fun and folly, in' which the comedians all have a chance to dispense mirth and laughter. There are some beautiful frockings, while the lighting effects are excellent.

ORPHEUS MUSICAL SOCIETY.

On Thursday evening next, December 5, the Orpheus Musical Society will present their final concert for the 1929 season at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall. The first part'Of the programme will be of a miscellaneous nature, and the assisting artists are Mrs. T. Watson, Miss Ngaire Coster, Messrs. Harry Matthew, Les Rothwell, and Billy Harris. The choir will render two part songs, "Sleep, Gentle Lady,” by Henry Bishop, and “Welcome to May” (founded on the Bee’s Wedding), by Mendelssohn. “The Peasant Cantata,” by J. S. Bach, will occupy the second part of the programme. Miss Alma Clegg, soprano, will be heard in “Happy is That Land,” and “Of Flowers the Fairest.” Mr. Ray Kemp’s bass solos include “Of the Factor You Had Best Beware,” “Fifty Florins Seem a Lot,” and “Good Fellows be Merry.” This work has never before been performed in Wellington. “The Peasant Cantata” was written and performed in 1742. The libretto deals with the rejoicings of the villagers and their congratulations and good wishes to their new laird and his wife. Many.folk melodies are introduced, and most of the numbers are based on merry dance tunes. Miss Hazel Rowe, L.A.8., L.T.C.L., will be the accompaniste, and Mr. Harison Cook, the conductor. The box plan is at the Bristol.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. That the Capitol Theatre has made a happy choice in the selection of its first talkie picture is emphasised by the patronage which has been accorded it during the last two evenings, when “The Bellamy Trial” has been witnessed by large audiences, all of which were more than satisfied with the production. Leatrice Joy, as the beautiful alleged murderer, gives a remarkable performance. George Barraud is ideally cast opposite her as the husband whose loyalty is unshaken by a mass of circumstantial evidence. Kenneth Thompson is the man on trial with Miss Joy. The pair are accused of the murder of. Mimi Bellamy, wife of the accused man, who once was engaged to the husband of the beautiful murder suspect. It is one of the m_ost elaborate casts ever seen on the screen, and the pains taken towards realistic portrayals is evidenced in the remarkable court scenes filmed.

COSY THEATRE, UPPER HUTT. The double programme to-night at Mac's Cosy Theatre, Upper Hutt, leads off with Rex Beach’s well-known story of “The Mating Call, in which Thomas Meighan ably enacts the leading part. The second feature is “Smashing Through,” with John Stuart as the hero; it is a whirlwind story of love, adventure and speedsters. Both are good live-wire pictures. Special arrangements have been made on Thursday and Friday evenings, and a matinee at 3 p.m. Friday, for the screening of the won-derfully-acted "Passion Play,” of Omerammergau.

NATIONAL REPERTORY THEATRE SOCIETY.

On Thursday next, at the Y.W.C.A. Hall, Boulcott Street, the National Repertory Theatre Society will commence a threenights’ season presenting three interesting one-act plays. The first piece will be a pre-war Russian tragedy entitled "The Little Stone House,” by George Calderon. Miss Lonise Hall will appear in the dramatic role of Praskovya and she will be supported by Miss Agnes Page and Messrs. L. J. Maule, E. S. Baldwin, John Bown, H. N. Burns and W. S. Wauchop. The second play is a comedy of youth, "The Constant Lover,” in which Miss Hazel Wells and Mr. A. D. Priestley will appear. This will be followed by an uproarious domestic farce, “Playgoers,” by Sir Arthur W. Pinero. A well-selected cast includes Misses Mavis Halliday. Kate Stocker, Eva Butts, Dudley M. Willcocks, and C. Sniythson and Messrs. R, E. Pope and O. N. Gillespie. Mr. W. S. Wauchop ths producer. The box plans open at the Bristol for members to-day, and for the generaf public on Wednesday next.

RECITAL BY MRS. HALLIGAN’S PUPILS. Jhe fifth annual, recital of Mrs. Halligan s pupils will be held In the King o Theatre, Lower Hutt, on December - at 7.45 p.m. The programme includes tour one-act plays, “A Day in Flowcrdom, Fanchette from France," “The Uueen of Hearts.” and a farce. Mr. James cooke, tenor, will sing and the pupils of Miss Betty Nicholas will contribute dancing numbers. Single items will be given Kn 1 s s nay Mcllroy, Fattie Kerr, Nathalie Foiiock, and Hugh Janson. There will be sixty performers.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. So great is the variety of the films which comprise the new programme at the Majestic Theatre that one comes away wondering which has been the most attractive. Since the inception of the sound pictures there have been many delightful programmes screened at this house of entertainment, but seldom has there been one to rival that which is now being offered to patrons. The star attraction is “Words and Music,” Fox Films’ all-talking, singing and dancing production which sent a capacity house home last evening full of the song hits. Catchy tunes, dazzling dancers and gorgeous pageantry combine to make an outstanding production, which is described as the first musical comedy of the talking screen. The picture stars Lois Moran and David Percy, who will be remembered with pleasure for his sterling performance in "The Black Watch.” The scene of the story is Darell, an American University, where the students are about to produce their annual frolic. There are more than 100 beautiful girls in the chorus and ballet, all of them charming singers and dancers. One is introduced at the outset to a crowd of cheerful students vieing with' ea,ch 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 the local music store owner. There is rich comedy in the student capers that precede the opening the competition scenes, but the character of the story remains unaltered until the moment comes for the presentation of the rival' numbers. Then “Words and Music” becomes a musical comedy indeed —with tuneful melodies, 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 plays opposite Miss Moran. The remainder of the cast includes a number of excellent comedians and dancers, together with a clever and beautiful ballet. An excellent supporting programme was screened. The thrill of motor-boat racing was witnessed in a film depicting the American speed king, Gar Woods, racing in the Harmsworth race at Detroit. Another interesting picture depicted . scenes at' the famous Grotto of Lourdes. George Bernard Shaw, the famous' English dramatist, was heard in an address on sea bathing, while a comedy, “The Diplomats,” in which Clark and McCulloch took the leading parts, provided the humour for the evening. There are three sessions daily at the Majestic, at 11 a.m., 2.15 p.m.,'and 8 p.m. Sections of “Words and Music” were broadcast by 2YA last night, and the management subsequently received many congratulations over the telephone on both the quality of the entertainment and, the excellence of the reception. The engineers of 2YA, it is stated, consist the Majestic equpment excellent for broadcast purposes.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. At the matinee at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, this afternoon, Reginald Denny will be seen in “His, Lucky Day,” a comedy packed with latighs and thrills. Denny plays the part of a high pressure real estate salesman who is much in love. Chapter 4 of “The Diamond Master” and. two comedies will also be screened. At the evening session, in addition 'to “His Lucky Day," Bebe Daniels will be seen in “Take Me Home.” This is a comedy of back stage.

KINEMA, JOHNSONVILLE., To-night this popular suburban picture theatre will screen “All at Sea,” featuring Karl Dane and George A. Arthur. This picture is said to be the best comedy ever made by these two funmakers. The second feature is “A Blonde for Choice,” which features Marie Prevost. It is a thrilling comedy-drama. The other pictures on the programme will be a comedy, News and Cartoon. REGAL, KARORI. “The Bellamy Trial,” to be screened tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karori, is claimed to be the greatest murder, mystery of, the century. It has a dramatic plot which takes the audience through sensational court scenes. On Tuesday “The Street Angel” will be screened, featuring Janet Gaynor.