ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 84, 3 January 1930, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. Both new and old faces lire seen in “Big Time," the excellent Eox Movietone all-talking comedy-drama of backstage and behind movie sets, which opens an engagement nt the De Luxe Theatre today with two presentations daily. Lee Tracy. Mae Clarke, and Josephine Dunn, who enact the leading roles, make their first screen appearance in this picture. They are supported by others whose names and faces are more familiar, Daphne Pollard, Stepin Ij’etchit, and a number of others. Tracy, who was the stage star of “Broadway,” for nearly three seasons, and who played the lead in “The Front Page,” and made more stage history, portrays the role of a small time and conceited hoofer, while Miss Clarke appears as his wife. They both repeat their stage successes in the picture. Tracy gives a most satisfactory interpretation of a difficult role. Putting spirit and feeling into the character, thanks to Kenneth Hawks's lino directorial sense, Miss Pollard and the inimitable Fetchlt, dark laughmaker of the screen, furnish the comedy. They kept the audience In a roar of laughter. Miss Dunn portrays the role of “the other woman," Gloria, who leads the hoofer a merry chase, away from his wife, then drops him when luck turns. The cast is good and the story is appealing. The climax arrives in a Hollywood motion picture studio, and the seting for this-sequence is little short of marvellous In Is gorgeous and stupendous beauty. The list of supporting “talkie” short subjects reads well. Mr. L. D. Austin’s popular De Lux Orchestra is an additional feature of great interest. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Showing Ronald Colman as a comic actor of rare ability as weli as a romantic hero, "Bulldog Drummond,” , Samuel Goldwyn’s screen version of ' the famous English stage melodrama of several years ago, comes to the Majestic Theatre tonight. This is Colman’s second individual starring picture, and his first chance at a comedy role since, be appeared in American pictures. Mr. Goldwyn has supplied a brilliant cast to support his star in “Bulldog Drummond.” Joan Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett and a well known actress In her own right, appears opposite Colman in her first motion picture. The villainy of the torturing criminals of the story is supplied by Montagu Love and Lawrence Grant, masters of the menacing and sinister. Lilyan Tashman, fresh from a character triumph in “The Trial of Mary Dugan,” appears as the villainess who is Bulldog Drummond’s most dangerous opponent. Box plans are at the Theatre and Bristol.

Supporting Ronald Colman in his role of the young demobilised British army officer hungry, for adventure and finding it, are Joan Bennett, Montagu Love, Lilyan Tashman, Claude Allister, Lawrence Grant and other names of the first rank in moviedom.. “Bulldog Drummond” marks the flrat appearance on the screen of Joan Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, and a wellknoWn stage actress in her own right., The story, built around the adventures which befell a young demobilised English officer in search of excitement after the.war, made one of the greatest melodramas of all time both in book form and as the thriller sensation of both the American' and English stages some years ago. The torture-lust of Dr. Lakington, and the masterful criminality of his confederate, Peterson, provide a Farrowing background for the love story df Bulldog Drummond's courageous devotion to Phyl’lls and her unfortunate uncle. The photography of “Bulldog Drummond” is said to be one of the finest examples of modern camera work pud atmospheric settings which Hollywood has yet produced. At every turn, the emotion of the succession of thrilling events is reflected in the lights and. shadows and perspectives of the backgrounds. • Ronald Colman’s appearGiis film as a fine comic actor in addition to his well-known dashing seriousness will show a new Colman to his public. The picture will be screened at the usual three sessions daily, viz 11 and 8 P- m - (without ’ the SSSuV 1!r l <lay ato shoppers' session this Box L lans < to - da y) are at the theatre main foyer from 10 a.m. until reaUitiouT th ° re iS “° Gltra Cbarge for

, PARAMOUNT theatre, d-'ijf’J!. Blue seems to be eternally riding, driving or flying—scallyhooting someI’’ "Red Hot Tires" he handled a lacing gar, a motor-cycle and an airplane. In Across the Pacific” and many other pictures he rode a horse as not too many mep on or off the screen, can do. In "The Limited Mail and ‘‘The Black Diamond Express he appeared at the throttles of locomotives. An early model “pusher” biplane with no fuselage, a huge De Havl,o', 118 r d “• replica of Lindbergh’s “Spirit or St. Louis, ’served as his mounts in . Across the . Atlantic.” “White Shadows in the South Seas” found him riding real surf boards and outrigger ,canoes. But ins latest trip, he says, gives him the greatest kick of all. It takes him to the South Pole in a huge tri-motored monoplane! ‘Conquest,” the latest special picture. In which ho appears, furnishes him with a ■ plane fitted out with every necessity which the Antarctic explorer and .scientist -requires,- as well as many conveniences such as electrically heated living suits, enclosed fuselage and radio. Two attempts" to reach the Pole are made, the second one successful. H. B. Warner accompanies him as navigator on these two trips, and much of the heart and human interest of the story depends upon their conflict for the love of the same girl—portrayed by Lois Wilson. Tully Marshall and Edmund Breese also have important roles. “Conquest.” Warner Bros.' latest special aviation picture, is based on Mary Imlay Taylor’s novel, “The Candle in the ■ Wind.” It was adapted by Eve Unsell. The scenario is by C. Graham Baker. Roy Del Ruth directed. “Conquest” opens today at' the Paramount Theatre, with mat- . Inces dally. WIRTH BP.OS.’ CIRCUS, BETTER THAN EVER. The feeling id the air that some particularly pleasing event was about to transpire is justified to-day by the announcement that Wirth Bros.’ huge combination of circus and menagerie will open in Wellington on Saturday, January 4 for seven nights, with matinees on Monday and every afternoon at 2.30. The location is the Winter Show Buildings, John Street. Accustomed as city audiences, are toneIng thrilled by the most unexpected sensations, the seasons which the world-fam-ous circus has just concluded in Sydney, Western Australia, and Melbourne, are said to have undoubtedly eclipsed all predecessors. Sensation follows sensation In this season’s programme with such bewildering rapidity that, difficult as it may appear for anything of the kind to happen, Wirths, it is said, have this year really and truly excelled themselves in their offering for the community’s entertainment. At a cost' of BWOU, Wirth Bros, have secured the most wonderful performing polar and brown bear act in the world. Some of the new artists are as follow:—The Lias Troupe of six Risley acrobats—the highest salaried artists in the world; the Five Flying La Mars made Sydney’s hair stand on end with their extraordinary trapeze work, and the Three Arconas—to mention but three of the star turns—made many thousands gasp with astonishment at their wonderful balancing feats. The beautiful Betty Arcona fully substantiated her claim to the title of "the most daring woman * n the world.” Other stars are Claudia Alba, world's famous feminine athlete,’and partner, and the Santey Duo Aerial Torpedoes. Then there are new trained animal acts. Mr. Philip Wirth, jun„ trained the horses and ponies. Fully a score of other turns round out a wonderful programme, which is preceded by an hour allowed for the inspection of the animals in the menageries, whose numbers have been added to since the show last visited this town. The collection now includes’ two black panthers and two baby leopards, six polar and live brown bears. The zoo is °P e « fr ?“ 4to 5 p.m. The box plain is at the Bristol.

r % IE QUEEN’S TIIEA'I'RE. Lefty Flynn in a football picture is just about as fitting und pleasing- a combination as that of the proverbial bread and butter alliance! In "The College Boob,” his latest picture, heading a good twostar programme at the Queen’s Theatre (now showing), the famous Yale halfback plays the role of a boy who makes himself the greatest football player in tho liistorv of his college. Lefty, who went ifi training to regain some of his former speed and brush up on his technique, shows to great advantage in the football scenes. There is all 'the dash and form of the g-reat player who swept down the Yale field some years ago thrilling tlie crowds who eagerly watched him for his next brilliant play. An Knglish servant girl posing as a princess, meets with many compromising situations in tho British International picture, “The Vagabond Queen.” the second feature. One of the first troubles she met with in her new adventure was when she had to address the public she could not speak the language, but this, was nothing to tlie shock slie received when tlie real princess's husband arrived. Starring in this absorbing romance is Betty Balfour.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The I’atlie picture “Annapolis,” depicting life at the United States Naval Acad-

eniy, which will be shown at the Kllbirnie ~, Theatre .to-night at 8 o’clock, is said by I-.! reviewers everywhere to be one of the fln--1 est screen productions of the season. Several players of note are featured. They are John Mack Brown, Jeanette Loft, and Hugh Allan. In addition the east includes William Bakewell, Byron Munson, and Hobart Bosworth. It was directed by Christy Cabanne under the supervision of F. McGrew Willis. The picture is packed with tlirtllß and there is much enjoyable comedy. “Celebrity,” starring Lina Bas- ' qliotte and Robert Armstrong, is the greatest prize ring romance that has over been screened, and this feature, together with excellent supports, completes a very outstanding programme, reservations for which uro obtainable at ’phone IL—3OA

REGENT THEATRE. “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” which has had a phenomenal run in Wellington during the last week, has been extended for a further session. The beautiful Norma Shearer has the principal role and is supported by Basil Rathbone, George Barraud, and George Arthur, who are English in speech and “tone.” Were it not so the pictured version'of “The Last of 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 those among whom she moves. He, not easily baulked in his desires, resolves to learn something more intimate about the woman who has Intrigued his fancy that he accidentalaly 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 au elegant creature who graces so many functions of the very first importance. Lord Dilling further discovers that Charles, the suave butler, is one of the gang who plunders the guests when Mrs. Cheyney makes the opportunities for him 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 mood she seeks her boudoir at the fashionable Webley mansion, where both are spending the weekend. 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 affar 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 or marriage from Lord Dilling, is the natural corollary to the last of Mrs. Cheyney. The supporting features are exceptionally good. “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 to-night week, 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 wnr 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 spiritualistic 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 manor 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. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. So successful has been “The Street Girl,” the spectacular presentation of night life in New York, featuring brilliant Betty Compson, at the Grand Opera House during the past week, that there will be a continued season until January 7. The beautiful blonde appears as a girl of the .streets, who is befriended by four strug'ging artists, who are ekeing out a precarious existence as a jazz band 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 violiniste much superior to the fiddler of the quartet. Moreover, Frederica, as the little Viennese 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. 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 tho very front rank of screen stars. Whether playing the violin, singing, dancing, or acting, the beautiful blonde has tlie house with her from first to last. The cast is a very powerful one, with Jack Oakie, Ned Spnrkes, and Joseph Cawtliorne. 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. Amongst many topical snapshots in the latest Metro Movietone News is a splendid view of the last St. Leger race at Doncaster. “The Street Girl” will be screened daily at 2.15 and S o’cock. “LOMBARDI, LTD.” AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE. What may be termed an unique comedy attraction comes to the Grand Opera Houss on Wednesday, January 8. when the noted stage star, Leo Carrillo, will appear in one of .the most famous of modern plays, “Lombardi, Ltd.” (which was specially Written for the great artist by Frcdreh-k and Funny Hatton). He will be supported by one of the most capable companies ever sent to New Zealand by J. C.» Williamson, Ltd. “Lombardi, Ltd.” has 'been chosen for production in the Dominion because it Is the most popular of the many plays in which this great actor has starred. Carrillo appeared in tSe play for the whole New York season. It is his favourite play, and the important part of Tito Lombardi (a handsome, excitable, bustling, trusting, and incurably-romantic fashionable Italian, the proprietor of a very exclusive dressmaking establishment) is his favourite role. ' Tito extends such unlimited credit to his extensive clientele that he is on the verge of bankrutpey. Is he downhearted when his bookkeeper and manager (played by Leslie Victor) points out this grave danger? Emphatically no. His art comes before such sordid considerations as mere money, and lie carries on with unbounded enthusiasm. There is humour, pathos, and drama in this cleverly constructed play, and in all its varying phases Leo Carrillo Is seen at his very best. Two noted stage favourites in the persons of Margaret Cullen-Landis (sister to the Hollywood star), and Barbara Luddy, will also make their how to New Zealand audiences, and Cecil Mannering is another new visitor who comes witli excellent credentials. Tlie company supporting will also include Brandon Peters. Henrietta Cavendish, Natalie Moya, Rowena Ronald, Pop Cory, Maidie Hope. Beatrice .Kendrick. Elma Gibbs. Daphne Bairn, Jack White, and tlm beautiful mannequins, who take part in a striking fashion parade which will intrigue and please both sexes. The box plans are now open at tlie Bristol. KING’S THEATRE. “Hoot” Gibson gallops into the popular King’s Theatre to-day in “The Long, Long Trail,” a Universal picture of the romantic West that will thrill the hearts of young and old. It is with dialogue. Hoot appears in a devil-may-care role that Is guaranteed to engage the attention and interest of any audience. He plays the part of a cowboy who gets simultaneously entangled in the nets of love and the snares of villainy. In brief, the story concerns itself with the adventures of a young cowboy who gets an unjustified reputation for hard drinking through ills playful habit of shooting up the town. Despite himself he falls in love with a beautiful Eastern girl. His employer counts on him to win the big rodeo sweepstakes race for his ranch. Willi his romance and the race iiolli depending on Ills efforts, the start of tlie contest finds him apparently a victim of drink. How Hoot fights his way through makes a picture that fairly sizzles with action. Some of the most colourful action of the picture is composed of seelies taken at a big western rodeo. Much of the credit for the high quality of “The Long, Long Trail” should go to Arthur Rosson, who directed. “The Long, Long Trail” was , adapted for the screen by Howard Green from Earl W. Bowman’s novel, “Ramblin' Kid.” There are matinees daily at the King’s Theatre.

Street newspaper vendors who make £5OOO a year were recently mentioned by a member of Hie National Federation of Retail Newsagents in support of an application to the Government to register and control such street traders.