ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 80, 28 December 1929, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Among genuine lovers o£ modern drama there was a good deal ot curiosity to see how a play by Frederick Lonsdale, one ot England's cleverest dramatists, would register on the screen, not so much as regards Its action, but In regard to the clever and ofttimes subtle dialogue that bo puts into the mouths of his characters. It was therefore with a good deal of interest that "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney” aa a “talkie” was witnessed at the Kegent Theatre last evening. There was only one opinion, and that was that this picture is one of the best examples of dramatic talkies which have been exhibited during this year of strange developments. Whilst the producers gave us an American actress In the lead In the charming person of Miss Norma Shearer, there is nothing to cavil at in her accent as being too tran-Atlantlc for an essentially English role; besides she has the support of actors In Messrs. Basil Kathbone, George Barraud and George Arthur, who are English in speech and “tone.” Were it not so the pictured version of ‘ The Last ot Mrs. Cheyney” would not register artistically. Still the play in Its general outline seeks the old familiar trail of glorifying the crook, indeed to the extent of rewarding the crook with undreamed of riches and a social position beyond question. Mrs. Cheyney is a fashionable society beauty, but so reserved and modest that she piques the curiosity of many, | including Lord Dilling, who conceives a passion for the beautiful woman who Is so conspicuously superior to ■whom she moves. He, not easily baulked In his desires, resolves to learn somethin,, more Intimate about the woman who has intrigued bls fancy that he accidentally finds a way of doing so, and becomes amazed at the disclosure. This Is not less than that Mrs. Cheyney is a fema o Raffles, working society for what it Is worth, and getting away with it because no one would dream of suspecting such an elegant creature who graces so many functions of the very first Importance. Lord Dilling further d scovers that Charles, the suave butler, Is one of the gang who plunders the guests when Mrs. Cheyney makes the °PP°3, tun , t eS . 1 £ ° 1 r „„ 11 to do so. Armed with his knowledge of her character his lordship conceives the notion that he will find the lady only too ready to listen to any proposals he might care to make. In that m cod he seeks her boudoir at the fashionable Webley mansion where both are spending the week-end. Dilling exposes his knowledge, and states that he will make a complete revelation of her position if she raises an outcry. Her reply is to ring the alarm. A scene of intense dramatic moment ensues, for, though it is Mrs. Cheyney herself who proclaims the. thief, she still has the whip hand of them sll in the possession of a letter which silly old Lord Elton had «t--ten her on the night of the detected crime. As this letter tells Mrs. Cheyney his private opthion of all the guests as well as the hostess, none of them wishes to sec the affair made public. In a most Provocative scene Lord Elton seeks to buy the letter back, and offers £lO.OOO for it. Mrs. Cheyney accepts the cheque and then empties the torn-up letter on to the table, and followa It up by destroying the cheque. Truth to t£ll she has been conquered by these charming people.” and her break wHB Charles, and her acceptance of an oner ot marriage from Lord DilUng, is the natural corollary to the last of Mrs. Cheyney. The sparkling dialogue, with its rapier point and delicious humour, came through clearly. and that together with the admirable acting of Miss Shearer and the supporting east made the picture an Intellectual treat. Other features of the programme are the gifted “Revellers” quartet (of gramophone fame), in harmonised song, and an amusing barnyard farce, “Lazy Days. A Gazette records Interesting topics of the day, MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Barnum Was Right,” the uproarious Universal farce-comedy which headed the new programme presented at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, is founded on the saying of the famous American showman that a fool is born every minute. The story is from the pen of Hutchinson Boyd, which was turned into a successful stage play by Philip Bortholomae and John Meehan, and was subsequently adapted to the sound screen by Arthur Ripley and Ewart Adamson. The story, which deals with the present, is laid in Long Island, and tells how Freddie Farrell, on his wedding day, is desolated to discover that his beautiful fiancee, Miriam Locke, and her father, have boarded the yacht of his wealthy rival, Standish, for a long cruise. Miriam’s father, however, ols hit by the slump, and Freddie learns of .a tradition that buried treasure is concealed in the Locke manor house. He remodels the manor house as a summer hotel, and guests, lured by the hope Of finding the pirate treasure, flock In. They dig up the grounds and tear holes In'the walls and floors of the hotel. Freddie’s dream of affluence Is shattered when he is threatened with arrest on a charge of operating a confidence game. He tries to induce his guests to leave, but they continue the treasure hunt with unabated zeal. The roof of the hotel is blown off by a blast fired to open an old Ironbound ehest found in the attic. The explosion reveals a box filled with gems and currency. This proves to be the loot of a robbery perpetrated several years before, and the men who threatened Freddie with arrest are revealed as the thieves. Freddie’s dreams of wealth are realised when the treasure hunters dig a canal across a neck of land on the manor house estate which lets in the ocean, and makes possible the development of the estate as a harbour and summer resort. This does the trick, and Locke hands over his daughter and hla blessing to Freddie. That elever comedian, Glenn Tryon, again displays his personality and unique talents as the impoverished young man who wins a fortune by his enterprise and push. Vivacious Merna Kennedy co-stars with Tryon in one of the best parts of her career. Miss Kennedy will be remembered for her bright work in “The Circus,” "Broadway,” and "Embarrassing Momants.” Her, beauty Is of an exceptional type, and IS accentuated by her flaming hair, green eyes, and wonderful vitality. Excellent work is also done by Otis Harlan. Basil Radford, Clarence Burton, Lew Kelly, Isabelle Keith, and Gertrude Sutton, and it is a rare treat this band of merrymakers serve up. The supporting talking supports included speeches at the League of Nations Assembly by Brland •nd Stresemann, a splendid sound and sight record of the last Schneider Cup air race, a most entertaining "Sunny Jim” comedy, and a synchronied Oswald cartoon. This big list of attractions will be screened daily at 11 a.m., 2.15 p.m., and 8 p.m. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Bright, vimful. and sparkling with tuneful melody, “The Lido Lady’ was again presented to a capacity house at His Majesty’s Theatre last night. The production In Wellington, is directed by Mr. Freddie Forbes, who shows that not only has he a good grip ot the technique of stage presentation, but ha is a very capable comedian of an essentially English type. This musical play is of the lighter and amusing' type. Of the Plot there is little to say. The fun consists for the roost part of Harry Bassett's attempt to butt In on the privacy of the Blakes (who have ii villa on the Lido), because he is frightfully in love with Fay Blake. He is ordered off the premises every ten minutes by Blake pere. but dogged does It. for in the end Harry not only beats a bogus tennis champion at tennis, but also finds the lost formula to a new synthetic rubber tennis bail that is going to add a few stray millions to the Blake fortune. Being an American. Blake cannot resist such commercial prowess, and with many a lively song and dance, Harry Is accepted. There are various other characters to add zest to the story. One who is greatly In evidence is Peggy Bassett (Harry's cousin), who arrives at the L|do expecting to be received in a manner usually accorded to a film star, but finds that no one has ever heard other existence save Spencer Weldon (the Inventor of the new tenuis ball), and another double event is traced through the piece by these two bright people, who are admirably played by Miss Catherine Stewart and Mr. Charles Perrin. Miss Betty Lambert makes a petite and charming Fay Blake, with a soprano voice in keeping. It Is Miss Lambert and Mr. Forbes Who make the first vocal Impression with the Prince of Wales’s favourite jazz air. “My Heart Stood Still.” a melody that becomes the love theme all through. The lame pair also make capital fun out of "Imagination” (with dance): whilst Mr. Forbeg makes a comedy hit in “Love. Wonderful Love." Miss Catherine Stewart is extremely bright, vimful. and comic aa the screen itar, and gets a big band for her clever song. “My Heart is Sheba Bound.” A capable orchestra is under the baton of Mr. Julian Carden. This produc-. tlon. which will be played for one week, ■will be followed by a series of other musical comedies, such as "Lady Be Good, "Mercenary Mary,” "Sunny,” ‘Tangerine, and "Archie.” There will be a matinee today at 8.15, and again to-night at B._ Box plans are at the Bristol, and after o p.m. reserves may he made at Palmers Confectloijery. next Theatre. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. The British picture. “Piccadilly,” is now being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. The •tory, by Arnold Bennett, Is full of tense situations, and so well characterised that one is kept absorbed in its unfolding. The whole film has been directed with Imagination. Anna May Wong dominates the film with a performance full ot grace and Oriental charm; Gllda Gray does equally ■well, while Jameson Thomas has nover appeared to greater advantage. Mention Biust be made of a newcomer to the ■creen, a Chinese actor, King Ho-Chang, who scores a triumph. The lighting of the film Is remarkable, and the camera work Is excellent. Thiri ar* good supporting Sims.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. That brilliant new star of the talking screen, Betty Compson, shines crystal clear In “The Street Girl,” the spectacular presentment of night life in New York, which Is now featuring at the Grand Opera House. The beautiful blonde appears as a girl ot the streets, who Is befriended by four struggling artists, who are ekeliig out a precarious existence as a jazz baud at a humble cabaret. The little starving street girl turns out to be a regular mascot for the young artists, as she herself happens to be a violinist much superior to the fiddler of the quartet. Moreover, Frederica, as the little Vienese is named, happens to be a clever business By her genius, her personal charm, and her cajolery, she lifts her benfaetdrs out of poverty Into affluence, and they soon own their own cabaret, which is the most popular in the city, owing to Frederica's beauty, talent, and charm. It is one ot the most striking all-talking, ail-musical revels of the kind which has yet been produced. In one scene a gorgeous ballet of over,a hundred beautiful girls appear, while amongst the many surprises are a male chorus of eighty voices. There Is much delightful comedy In the play, and the leader of the revels is always Betty Compson, who proves that she is unquestionably In the very front rank of screen stars. Whether playing the violin, singing, dancing, or acting, the beautiful blonde has the house with her from first to last. The cast is a very powerful one, with Jack Oakie,' Ned Sparkes, and Joseph Cawthorne always prominent. The talking supports are a most attractive lot. The Biltmore Trio, a band of vocalists and instrumentalists, provide some delightful harmony, while Craig Campbell, the famous operatic tenor, sings beautifully. Amopgst many -topical snapshots in the latest Metro Movietone News is a splendid view of the last St. Leger race at Doncaster. Anyone who enjoys a good laugh should meke a point of seeing "The Sky Boy,” which almost had a big audience in hysterics last evening. “The Street Girl" will be screened daily at 2.15 and 8 o’clock.

FAMOUS ARTIST COMING IN “LOMBARDI LTD." . One of the most famous of stage artists will make his bow to New Zealand audiences in the great stage success “Lombardi Ltd.,” the fast-moving comedy which comes to the Grand Opera House on Wednesday. January 8. This is the noted star, Leo Carrillo, whose stage qareer has been one of the romances of the stage. At one period in his career Mr. Carrillo was an enterprising newspaper man; who spent his limited spare ' me in drawing cartoons of the many interesting characters he met in the course of his journalistic work. Developing this flair for character presentation, Carrillo performed at club function? Wid amateur productions, and soon noted for the wonderfully realistic manner in which he porrayed many varied: and interesting types. His friends became more and more enthusiastic as his -powers of mimicry and characterisation strengthened. “You are a born actor,” they said: “and your place is on the stage.” His undoubted merits made him a much-sought-after person, and he was engaged by one of the leading-thea-trical entrepreneurs for important parts. His success was immediate, and he became a popular favourite. His . characterisations gave undoubted evidence of histrionic ability of the highest order, close and intelligent study, and a spontaneity of humour that was highly infectious. Success after success was scored, and authors offered him their best. “Lombardi Ltd.” was specially written for this famous actor by Frederick and Fanny Hatton, and In this intriguing, diverting and highly-amusing comedy he caught the public fancy to such an extent that he has now played his great character role of Tito Lombardi for two years. He was specially engaged by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., for an Australian and New Zealand tour, and supported by a brilliant company ot highly-talented artists, including two popular actresses—Misses Sul-len-Landls and Barbara Luddy, who are also making their first appearance in New Zealand—he will make a brief visit to the Dominion, and appear In a character role which is -voted to be one of the most Striking performances seen on the stage. The box plans will open at the Bristol on 1' riday next.

KING’S THEATRE. Yesterday at the King’s Theatre the alltalkipg picture "Syncopation” commenced a return season. "Syncopation” docs not rely upon its story for entertainment. Catchy songs and musical numbers in bright succession are given by Fred Waring’s "Pennsylvanians,” a baud well known tbroughiut the United States and Europe. Some of the most tuneful numbers are “Jericho,” "I’ll Always be tn Love With You” and "My Inspiration is You.” Flo (Barbara Bennett) is the ambitious wife who becomes dissatisfied with vaudeville life and is about to break away from Benny, her husband and dancing partner.An unexpected offer of a big contract changes Flo’s mind and the pair make a successful debut in a Broadway night club, Flo’s social ambitions and her infatuation for Alexander Winton, a society man, eventually bring about a parting between herself and Benny, to Winton’s satisfaction. Flo engages another partner and Winton opens a new elaborate night club; but on the opening night the dance is a miserable failure. Meanwhile Benny leaves the stage and is the despair of his friends, refusing numbers of attractive codtracts. It is on one of these occasions (that a very much humbled Flo arrives, having left the luxurious apartment in Park Avenue and turned down the philanderer, Winton. She is in time to urge the faithful Beuuy to accept a generous offer and the pair return to vaudeville life. Mr. lan Hunter as Winton Is the brightest light of the cast, his acting and speaking being particularly pleasing. Bobby Watson, the English comedian, who plays the role of Cunningham, the society fop. Is also very satisfying. The dancing of Barbara Bennett is also to be commended and Mr. Morton Downey sings several songs. The programme includes excellent short subject features.

KILBIBNIE kinema. Portraying vividly the terrors of the sun-baked sands of tho desert, John Gilbert’s latest Metro-tioldwyn-klayer feature, “Desert Nights,” will be at the Kilblrnie Theatre to-night nt 8 o’clock. Mary Nolau and Ernest Torrence appear in prominent supporting roles. The story, which opens in the grim and death-invested regions of South Africa, is based on the sensational and daring robbery of a diamond mine. How the inauager is tricked into displaying a fortune in uncut stones, only to be made a prisoner and forced to aceompnuy Ills captors into the heart of the desert country in an effort to escape with the priceless loot, is one of the dramatic highlights ot the production. The second feature, “Marked Money,” starring Junior Coghlan and a big cast, is the thrilling romance of a boy who inherited a small fortune in marked money and had to tight evil forces to retain it. Reserve at thentre, 'phone 14—202. "COSY" THEATRE, UPPER HUTT. To-night’s double programme at Mac b Cosy Theatre, Upper Hutt, starts'with an “Our Gang” comedy entitled “A Bear Hunt,” followed by a second chapter of the "Palm-Reading" series of Chiromancy. “The Heart ot Maryland," featuring Dolores Costello (postponed from Christmas Eve owing to nou-receipt on that date), is the first star picture. The second star item is "Kit Carson,” featuring Fred Thompson and '’Silver King," in a story of the Redskin days and the adventures of tills world-renowned “scout." Thursday’s special Is “The Rising Generation,” a super British production of great merit. There will be pictures every night at the Cosy up to and Ineluding January 0. See each Saturday’s “Dominion” for future programmes. REGAD THEATRE. KARORI. Outstanding work is done by William Haines, Karl Dane, and Tully Marshall in “Allas Jimmy A'alcntine," which is to be presented to-day at tho Regal Theatre, Karori. 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, wcarled-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. “Allas Jimmy A’alentine" is not entirely comedy. It offers an opportunity to combine laughter with pathos and drama. Leila Hyains plays the leading feqjlnlne role. SEASIDE PICTURES. LYALL BAY. A fine comedy programme will be screened at the Seaside Pictures. Lyall Bay, this afternoon, when the screen's favourite comedians will be seen in "Brotherly Love,” a satire 'on prison reform. Chapter 8 of “The Diamond Master" and two comedies will also be screened. At the evening performance. in addition to “Brotherly Love," a thrilling spy picture. “The Mysterious Lady.” stnrrlpg Greta Garbo nnd Conrad Nagel, will be screened. Scats may be reserved by telephone or at the theatre. PALACE. GRAND AND EMPIRE, PETONE. Grappling with wild tigers nnd gorillas, and still more dangerous, human emotions, Lon Chaney gives the screen one ot his most bizarre, thrilling, nnd powerful dramatic portrayals In "AVhere East is East.” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s grim drama of nn Oriental jungle, now playing nt the above theatres. Lupe Velez. Estelle Tnylor. Lloyd Hughes and others of note nrc in the cast. “The Secret Studio” is also on the programme. This latest Fox Films feature, starring Olive Borden, shows with fine realism the gay life of ths Latin Quarter of Greenwich Vlllsg*.

DE LUXE THEATRE. When “Cradle Snatchers” was played In Wellington it was voted one of the greatest comedy successes ever produced. When the silent screen version was shown, every performance was played to a capacity house. The talkie version, which was shown at the De Luxe Theatre last night under the title of "Why Leave Home,” and which, if the almost continuous shrieks of laughter of the audience, may be taken as an idlcation of its Instantaneous popularity, bids fair to surpass both the other versions. "Why Leave Home” can truly be described as a "comedy with a kick.” There is not a dull moment from start to finish, and as the plot becomes more complicated so docs the fun icrease, until one wonders: just ho wtnuch more can happen without the censor taking a hand in things. The dialogue is sparkling to a degree, and the voices of the leading players wonderfully clear. In fact, the only time that one missed a word was when the laughter of the audience was so loud that It drowned everything. “Why Leave Home’ tells of three college students, who. compelled to break off an engagement with as many chorus girls for lack of funds, learn of three women who are willing to pay well for their services as escorts. With two of the boys bolstering up the fainting courage of the third, they arrive at the apartment ot one of the women, narrowly escaping detection by the three husbands involved. The women have learned that their husbands are pretending to go on what the men describe as a “duck- hunting trip.’ The wivos have strong . suspicions regarding the species of the alleged "ducks,” who turn out to ,be the three chorus girls. The wives arc determined to teach the men a lesson. The bovs initiate the women into the mysteries of “Boom Boom” steps. Meanwhile the husbands. with some trepidation pick up the-chorus girls, and arrive at a secluded mountain roadhouse —and then the fun begins. And there it ends, for all parties recognise each other, and there is a great deal of explaining to be done. However, all ends happily, and the wives determine that in future they will be well to the fore when it comes to having a night out. "Why Leave Home?” is a Fox production, and, stars Sue Carroll. Dixie Lee, Jean Barry*;'Nick Stuart, Walter Catlett, and David Rollins. It has some good musical numbers in it too. There is a first-rate supporting bill, including a Fox Movietone News, a Pathe Review, and technicolour gem, “The Czarina’s Secret,” with Olga Baclanova and an all-talking comedy, “Medicine Men,” starring Clark and McCullough. The De Luxe Orchestra, conducted by Mr. L. D. Austin, is heard in the- overture to “Zampa” (Herold), the march from “Tannliauser” (Wagner).. Mr, Cullen, is. at the Wurlitzer organ. _ ' PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

■“The Time, throe Place, and tho Girl,” the star attraction which commenced at the Paramount Theatre, last night, is an excellent Warner Vlaaphone dialogue com-edy-drama, which should prove a very popular "talkie” indeed. Betty Compson plays the leading role in this film, and as usual portrays her part exceptionally well. She Is a very fine actress, and speaks so that every word she says can be understood. “The Time, the Place, aud the Girl" tells the story of a very vain young college football player (Grant Withers), who only thinks of football, and cares for nothing else. He is a “dud” at his class, which he seldom attends, but on the football field he is the “star” of stars. At a big college match which is attended by thousands ho scores a last-minute victory for his side, with the result that he becomes a greater idol than ever. At the match are Mr. and Mrs. Ward, of New York. Ward is a big Investor, and under tho influence of liquor he tells Withers he will give him a big position whenever he desires it. Mrs. Ward (Betty Compson) takes a great fancy for the football player, and does her best to persuade him to go to New York, which Withers eventually does. Ho gets a position as a salesman with Ward and Co., but does such poor business during the first few weeks that Ward makes up his mind to discharge him. Withers gets a big sale, however, with the result that Ward sets him up in a business of his own, selling “dud” shares on commission, although Withers does not know that tho shares are worthless. Being a ■very handsome young man, who is pursued all day long by persistent women, both married and single, the football "star” suddenly finds himself in a most compromising position with Mrs. Ward, who has fallen In love with him. This is at the home of Ward on Long Island, where a big week-end party is being held. John Davidson, the host, is about to batter down the door ot Withers’ room, because he thinks that his wife is inside, but when the door is suddenly opened Ward’s pretty young secretary (Gertrude Olmsted) Is found with Withers. The secretary, who was at college with the football “star” in order to save him shields the woman who is trying to steal him from her. When Withers finds out that he has been. selling “crook” shares t 6 women' he uses his influence with Mrs. Ward, and gets twenty thousand dollars from her in return for tho “dud” stock he sells her, making the script out in her husband's name. With the money ho pays the women back for the shares they had bought, giving them a good profit into the bargain. The picture is full of excitement, and is a most entertaining “talkie.” There are excellent sound supports, some of which contain good singing. Selections from Act II of “Carmen” is very fine Indeed, and met with the approval of the large l audience. The programme is well up to the high standard of Paramount fare.

I QUEEN’S THEATRE. “The Hour of Fear," which is the current week’s offerng at he Qtneen’s Theatre, is an extraordinarily thrilling mystery drama. It is a strange thing to have a mysterious legacy left one on one’s honeymoon, but when one finds out that it Is an old house one would look very doubtfully over the whole affair before deciding on the next move to be made. In this picture, which is ■ a Paramount release, the newly-married couple decided to stay at the house. Then things begin to happen, causing the new owner to believe that the house is haunted. AVhat happens next the reader must see for hmself or herself. It is a thrillingly mysterious film. Edith Roberts plays the role of the wire, and Margaret Livingston the housekeeper. Noah Beery is an attorney, and Ford Sterling is the friend of the family who ’wishes, before dinner s over, that he had never come to the house. The second feature is “Ringing tho Changes,” a thrilling romance enacted in Euglsh society. Henry Edwards heads a large and accomplished cast. Matinees will be held at 2.30 dally and the evening session commences at 8 o’clock. > EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. “Children of the Ritz,” starring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, is the main feature at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story tells of Angela, spoiled younger daughter of the Pennington millions, who falls in love with her chaffeur. The supporting cast is a large one, including James Ford, Lee Moran, Doris Dawson, and Richard Carlyle. The second attraction is “The Runaway Princess,” starring Mady Christians; Paul Cavanagh, and Fred Rains. It tells of the adventures and romance of a young Balkan princess, who runs away from the boredom of Court life. The latest Hal Roach, comedy, “AVe Faw Down,” starring Stan Laurel arid Oliver Hardy, completes the programme. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give an organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and the programme lias been arranged as under:— Largo in G by Handel; Choral-Prelude by Bach; Mlnuetto by Capocci: Serenade (No. 5). by Gouvy-Page; Cantablle. Op. 37 (No. 1), by Jongen: Fountain-Music and Duet from (Act 11, Scene I) “Pelleas and Melisande.” by Debussy: Homoreske, Op. 101 (No. 7). by Dvorak; “Finale" from Symphony No. G In B. Minor ("Pathetic”), by Tchaikovsky. OUR THEATRE. NEIVTOAVN, “A Girl in Every Port," starring Victor McLaglen, is the chief attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-nlglvt. The story tells of a first mate on a tramp steamer, whoso romances take him all over the world and get him into no end of trouble. The second feature. “The Branded Sombrero," starring Buck Jones, Is a AVestern drama.