ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 82, 31 December 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Those who have seen “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” the big Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer “talkie” special, screening at the Regent Theatre this week, speak of the production in tile higliest possible terms. Beautiful reserved and fashionable, Mrs. Cheyney, so conspicuously superior to the society in which she moves, piques the curiosity of Lord Dilling. Resolving to learn something more intimate about the woman who has intrigued his 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 female 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. 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 all- in the possession of a letter which silly old Lord Elton had written her on the night of the detected crime. As this letter tells Mrs. Cheyney his private opinion of all the guests as well as the hostess, none of them wishes to see 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 follows It up by destroying the cheque. Truth to tell she has been conquered by “these charming people,” and her break with Charles, and her acceptance of an offer of marriage from Lord Dilling, is the natural corollary to tire last of Mrs. Cheyney. "'Hie Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” so English in its speech and acting, is unquestionably the finest talkie picture that has appeared in Wellington up to the present time.

“THE UNHOLY NIGHT.” Based on “The Doomed Regiment,” by Ben Techt, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer alltalking picture, "The Unholy Night,” which commences screening at the Regent Theatre on Friday night, is said to be based on positive fact. The gripping record of an effort to wipe out the fourteen surviving officers of a famous British regiment long after the war had finished, “The Unholy Night” is the finest example of mystery drama that the screen has offered its huge army of devotees for many years. Every scene is vitally related to the story as a whole, and every movement, every gesture, plays a poignant part in the unfolding of the problem as to who is responsible for the gradual and uncanny death by strangulation of the officers mentioned. A London fog which gives effective cover for petty and major crimes—authentic glimpses of Scotland Yard at work elucidating a baffling crime in an English manor house—“green ghosts”—a body of British officers in their uniforms making merry with bowls of wine and war-time songs—uncanny spirtiualistic seances—a mysterious Turkish woman—an outcast British nobleman who leaves a million of. money with a curse on the beneficiaries who accept it —and, last but not least, a series of terrifying murders—these are the Ingredients of this magnificent picture. In the leading role is Roland Young, famous British stage star, who plays the role of Lord Montague, at whose mauor house most of the action is unfolded. Ernest Torrence, known to movie-goers as a rough, unshaven character usually, is cast as Dr. Ballou, fiance of the stately Lady Vi, this role in turn being played by Natalie Moorhead. Dorothy Sebastian, looking more strikingly beautiful than she has ever done before, plays the important role of the mysterious Turkish woman, Lady Efra. MAJESTIC THEATRE. In “Barnum Was Right,” the big Universal talking farce-comedy, screening at the Majestic Theatre this week, the irrepressible Glenn Tryon tries his hand at running a summer hotel, Merna Kennedy being co-starred with him. Parted from his girl on what was to be his wedding day. Tryon sets out to retrieve both his sweetheart and his shattered fortunes. To do this he baits his hotel with rumours of pirate treasure —and the “suckers” that nibble include crooks, detectives, and frenzied treasure-hunters. The excellent supporting cast includes Otis Harlan in a featured role, Basil Radl’ord, Clarence Burton, Lew Kelly, Isabelle Keith, and Gertrude Sutton. Del Lord directed with an unerring eye to action and humour. “Barnum Was Right” is one of the most amusing comedies that has fallen to Tryon in his career as a fun-maker. It contains some of the funniest sequences that have ever been brought to the screen—and it works up to a hilarious climax that is entirely unexpected. Excellent supports are provided, which, aside from the star attraction, are well worth seeing. “BULLDOG DRUMMOND.” Ronald Colman has satisfied a lifelong ambition through his appearance in his latest starring vehicle, “Bulldog Drummond,’” which comes to the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Already made a star in his own right, lie still had another goal post to reach —namely, playing a comedy role in pictures. “Bulldog Drummond” the famous stage melodrama afforded ample opportunity for his comedy urge with its account of the adventures of a carefree young army officer who, bored with the humdrum of peace-time existence, advertises for excitement and gets it aplenty. Every actor of serious parts always feels this urge to startle audiences by appearing in a farce. Colman’s wish to play comedy was all the more intense since, on the stage, before coming to America to go into pictures, he had been noted in England as a prominent young comedy juvenile. Particularly in “The Little Brother,” with Gladys Cooper and as Lena Ashwell’s leading man on the English vaudeville stage, he had got, both success and experience in comedy. The fan who thinks back over his past pictures can see how little opportunity he has bad to exercise his talent along this line. “Bulldog Drummond” is said to be one of the most thrilling and at the same time one of the most humorous talkies to date. Its recording is good, and the English accents of the leading actors are most refreshing. There is no doubt about the popularity which this picture is going to enjoy in Wellington, for it has broken records already both in Auckland and Christchurch, and local inquiries have Deen more than usually heavy and eager.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. . 0 ad y»” Pla.ved by the Freddie i 0 1: , \ Comedy Company, is proving a decided attraction at His Majesty’s Theatre this week. This delightful musical comedy has an abundance of humour, catchy songs, bright repartee, and girls and scenery are alike beautiful. Harry Bassett provides most of the fun bv his endeavour to butt in on (he privacy of the !,i . s / w . b 0 h avc a Udo villa). Fay Blake being his incentive. He is ordered off the premises everv ten minutes by Blake pere, but in the end J larry not only beats a bogus tennis champion at tennis, but also finds the lost formula to anew synthetic rubber tennis ball that is goin" to add a few stray millions to the Blake fortune. Harry is accepted. One who is greatly in evidence is leggy Bassett (Harry’s cousin), who arrives at the Lido expecting to be received in a manner usually accorded to a film star, but finds that no one has ever heard or her existence save Spencer Weldon (the inventor of the new tennis bail), 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 lay Blake. “M.v Heart Stood Still,” Imagination,” "Love. Wonderful Love,” and “My Heart is Siieba Bound,” are some ot the musical numbers to please. “The Big Four," who harmonise a number of songs, are very popular. Another to receive loud applause in “Lido Lady” is Miss verna Bain, a most beautiful dansouse. A most capable orchestra is under the baton of Mr. Julian Carden.

PETONE CARNIVAL. A blaze of light on the Petone Beach, which can be plainly seen across the harbour, marks the site of the Petone Beach Carnival which is being held nightly. Each evening the scene there is one of gaiety and entertainment. Hoop-la, roll-down, skittles, darts, ball-check, merry-go-rounds, ocean waves, sideshows, anil all of the many attractions that are always to be found nt a gala are there, besides many new and original games, which make tlie carnival an excellent place to spend the evening. To-morrow afternoon races by outboard motor-boats will provide additional pleasure for those who attend.

ISLAND’BAY CARNIVAL. Favoured with a flue day yesterday, there were fairly satisfactory attendances at the Island Bax, beach gala, both afternoon and evening. The many and varied side-shows continue to be a great source of attraction to young and old. The big night, however, is set down for to-night, when all the fun will continue until midnight. It Is anticipated that there will be large crowds present to sec tile New Year in. On New Year’s Day the show will be open all day. while on the following day .Friday) there will lie additional attractions for mothers and children in the form of a treasure hunt, a lucky baby show, and races with prizes for the children. The gala, the proceeds of which arc in aid of a surf boat will conclude on Saturday, January 4. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. “The Racket,” Thomas Meighan’s greatest drama since "Manslaughter,” will screen finally to-night at the Kinema. The story concerns the efforts of a police captain, who is fighting against political influence to clean out all underworld evil In a big city. The picture Is the best underworld drama that has ever been filmed, and will thrill everybody who sees it. An excellent array of short features makes this a programme of outstanding entertainment. To-morrow (Wednesday) a special matinee will be held at 2.15, wh#a “Girl-buy .CdwhASu"- Staxxlaa Bex

Bell, will be shown, in addition to a big supporting programme. Wednesday evening at 8 sharp the programme will commence with the usual short features, to be followed by “Girl-Shy Cowboy.” DE LUXE THEATRE. Adapted from that brilliant stage success, "The Cradle-Snatchers,” "Why Leave Home,” the star attraction at the De Luxe Theatre this week, has not a dull moment. As the plot of this fine Fox “talkie” com-« pllcates, there is a corresponding increase in the fun which grows apace. Sparkling dialogue and the clear voices of the leading figures make the entertainment thoroughly enjoyable. “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 of 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.” Tlie wives have strong suspicions regarding the species of the alleged “ducks,” who turn out to be the three ehorus girls. The wives are determined to teach the men a lesson. The boys 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 cuds, for all parties recognise each other, and there is a great deal of explaining to be done. Sue Carroll, Dixie- Lee, Jean Barry, Nick Stnart, Walter Catlett, and David Rollins are all prominent in the picture. There is a firstrate supporting bill. The De Luxe Orchestra, conducted by Mr. L. D. Austin, is heard in the overture to “Zampa" (Herold), the march from “Tannhauser” (Wagner). Mr. P. Cullen entertaines at the Wurlitzcr organ. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. What befalls a boastful, college football star when he arrives in New York looking for work is told in rollicking comedydrama in “The Time, The Place, and The Girl,” the super-talkie screening at the Paramount Theatre this week. Jim Lane, champion halfback footballer (Grant, Withers) and Mrs. Ward (Betty Compson) are the stars in this excellent Warner Vitaphone alltalking play. The story is good, wholesome, and bright, the acting is of a high class, and provides a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The play is entitled "The Time, the Place, and the Girl.” The college football hero, although he neglects his studies, is made much of, and the climax is reached when he wins a lastminute victory for his college in the great inter-college football match of the year. ’A wealthy stock exchange investor offers Jim a position in his office. Jim accepts, but is so unsuccessful that Ward decides to discharge him, when, at the last moment, Jim makes a big sale, and Ward sets him up in business, but giving him some worthless shares to sell. He sells these shares to several wealthy lady admirers. On discovering what he has done, Jim decides to buy back the shares. This he accomplishes with the help of Mrs. Ward, and the shares are paid for out of Ward’s money. A dramatic scene occurs when a pretty secretary (Gertrude Olmsted) saves Jim and the reputation of Mrs. Ward, The enjoyment of the entertainment is efihanced by the presentation of an act from "Carmon" by two opera stars. Also included in the supports is an up-to-date Paramount Sound News of the World, which is most interesting. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Betty Compson, undoubtedly one of the finest actresses of the present day screen, lias the lend in “The Street Girl,” the principal attraction at the Grand Opera House this week. She appears as a beautiful blonde girl of the streets, who is taken under the wing of four struggling artists who manage to eke out a precarious existence as a jazz cabaret band. 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 Vlcnese is named, happens to be a clever business woman. By her genius, her personal charm, and her cajolery, she lifts her benefactors 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 of the most striking all-talking, all-musical revels of the kind which has yet been produced. The supports are exceptionally good. The Biltmore Trio, a band of vocalists and instrumentalists, provide some delightful harmony, while Craig Campbell, the famous operatic tenor, sings beautifully.

LTD.,” COMING TO GRAND OPERA HOUSE. At the Grand Opera House on Wednesday, January 8, there will appear one of the most famous stage artists ever brought to New Zealand by J- C. Williamsou, Ltd. That the theatre-going public have appreciated these efforts to provide them with the world’s best in stage and concert celebrities, has been proved by the splendid support accorded. There, the appearance in New Zealand of Leo Carrillo, one of the most talented of actors and other noted artists who will appear for the first time in the Dominion supported by a particularly strong combination of popular, talented actors and actresses, will give pleasure to thousands. Led. Carillo, who comes witli the highest praise from press and public, is unquestionably one of the greatest artists on the stage to-day. In "Lombardi. Ltd.,” which was especially written for him, lie plays his most popular ro ] e —that of 'l’ito Lombardi, a part which gives Him full opportunity of displaying his wonderful histrionic ability. Ironi abroad also come Barbara Luddy, who plays tlie leading female comedy part, and Margaret Cullen-Landis, the shapely mode] of the fashionable dress designer’s artisti-cailv-appointed atelier. Then there is a specially-seloi-ted J. C. Williamson company in support which includes such talented performers as Brandon Peters, Rowena Ronald, Leslie Victor, Cecil Mannering (first appearance in New Zealand), Natalie Moya, Brandon Peters, Henrietta Cavendish Pop Cory. Maidie Hope, Elma Gibbs, Beatrice Kendrick. Daphne Bairn. and Jack White, in congenial roles, while the attractive girls for the mannequin parade have also been specially ciiosen for this feature, of what should prove a memorable production. The play will be produced in New Zealand under the personal supervision of Leo Carrillo. Box plans open Friday at the Bristol.

KING’S THEATRE. “Syncopation,” with- Its catchy songs and musical numbers, is having a good return season at the King’s Theatre this week. “Syncopation” is a 100 per cent, "talkie,’’ its main feature being Fred Waring’s famous band. “The Pennsylvanians.” described as the world's foremost. The story concerns the life of a comedv duo. who experience such a run of ill-luck that one decides to leave the other. The girl is engaged to perform at a night cabaret,' but she enjoys very little success, and it is not till they dance a"ain as partners that their vaudeville life is a happy one. The Pennsylvanians are heard to advantage in many numbers, chief among which are “I’ll Always Be in Love With You.” “Jericho.” and six other melody hits. There is a strong oast, which includes Morton Downey, who sings: Barbara Bennett, a danorr of note; Bobby Watson, a renowned comedian; Osgood Perkins, and others.