ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 85, 4 January 1930, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. The long, long trail of pictures of theatrical life has reached the talkies, The latest one is "Big Timo” (which in vautlcvillo parlance means engagements at the principal theatres of the big cities), screened at the De Luxe Theatre last evening. It Weals with the tragedies of domesticity beJiintl that “funny little row of lights, and Is very well done indeed, with Leo r l racy hnd Mao Clarke in the leading roles. U hese people are Eddie Burns and Idly Clarke, r small time pair, who are struggling along tlie stormy path of three«a-day. Propinquity leads to love, and love to mnrriago, and all the time it is the urge and charm of the girl that is making the act better. .Who time comes when Lily has 0 P : ’ an opportunity for hor “friend ’ Gloria to utep into the breach just to keep the act going. The decision to take In Gioiia breaks Lily’s heart, and she leaves her husband. Eddie, will, his new partner, gradually loses ground, until finally jrriisses on small time, when Gloria Quits. Then Eddie, serving in n hot-dog stall, learns that Lily is making Sood in the pictures, and finding bls way to Hollywood, .accepts work as a super at the same studio, •whore Lily is the loading lady, aud after a touching scene, In which he meets lus little son doing the old steps to the music of the band, Eddie pants for lack of foodXAly discovers that after all Eddie with nil bis obvious weaknesses, is her one and only man; Lee Tracy is clever and conscientious as Eddie Burns, and Miss Mae > Clarke la full of charm as his partner, the picture is well produced, and is a t,lea , al ', * combination of comedy and pathos. Other features on the programme are a fareUM i“Mlnd Your Own Bus ncss, in which golf and business comically collide, two 1 ox News (American and Australian). anil a Bathe Review. The Do Luxe o™Wtra ■was heartily applauded B )r ’* ;s J l ., n canital fantasia on Gounod s 1< anst, and for tlio march "Creole" (Krievsl. Mr. L D. Austin conducted with his ,is ” a ]. and Mr. Paul f -Ten presided at the Wur Sltaer organ. There will be a nmtlnec performance to-day. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The main film which commenced showing yesterday at the Paramount Theatre forms a good example of _ the resources of the modern speaking film. Hus pic<ure, ."Conquest," takes for its theme an Antarctic Hight in many respects identical with the flight recently made by Conf ’ inandcr Byrd, and on it depends a thrilling and dramatic story. It was produced nt a time when two separate air explorations of the South Polar regions were hinder way, and draws a great deal ot topical interest from this fact. The aeroWluue itself is the giant albatross, one of the largest monoplanes in the world. The picture opens in the Holden home, with ffVilllnm holden, banker of a flight to the South Pole, Diane,' his daughter, and Dr. Gerry, a rcnpwned psychiatrist, all listen-Ing-i'n to progress eports by radio from tho monoplane already well on its way to the Pole. Diane is'in love with Donald Overton, who, together with James I<arnham, is making the flight. The plane, modiiwhile, is battling against a strong Hoad Wind, and weather conditions are rapidly becoming worse, This situation feupplies plenty ot thrills until the ma,chine finally crashes In an Isolated part cf the huge snow region. Farnham man- - ages to make hip way back to tho base, mid from there homewards, where, after Ills arrival, he is hulled os a hero. He •tells a story about the crash and bls (subsequent burial of .Overton, which deceives everyone except Dr. Gerry, who .Hooks on the tale with suspicion, As a Juattcr of fact, both men on the plane were Ju love with Diane, and after the accident •Siad taken place, Farnham had abandoned Overton ill n badly injured condition. .Farnham's marriage to Diane, and Overtoil’s return a few months later, lead the story on to a point where a second polar Slight is attempted. The part of Overton is played with great power by Monte Blue, who is admirably suited to the role; nhd the part of Farnham is in tho hands <>f H. B. Warner, a finished artist in every ■way.. Tully Marshal, as Dr. Gerry, gives, 'a wonderful performance, and the remaining parts arc played by Lois Wilson and Edmund Breese. The shorts making up the first half of the programme include a topical film, h first-rate jazz band, a clever (cabaret turn, an extremely fine vocal fllm, mnd -an cniezingly clever performance on the steel guitar, ukulele and banjo-.

• , CAPITOL/ MIRAMAR. To-night the Capitol Theatre will be (showing Al Jolson in "The Singing Fool," a 100 per cent, talkie. It is a picture calculated to play upon the emotions and the story Is drawn with this end in view. The picture includes several of Al Joluon's favourite songs, including "There’s a Rainbow Round My Shoulder” and ‘il’m Sitting on Top of the World.” Al Jolson js the finished artist who makes the most jvnicnl of his audience forget that he is anei'isly acting. Davy Lee as “Sonny Boy endcars himself to the audience as one of tlie most natural child actors ever seen on the screen.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. “Melody Lane,” starring Eddie Leonard and Josephine Dunn, is the chief attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-night. The story revolves about the ambition of Miss Dunn to become a dramatic star anil the future of their little girl. The second feature. “Modern Love," starring dean Herscliolt, is a hilarious comedy.

. REGENT THEATRE. "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney" having received such' a sensational reception during Its first week In Wellington, the management of the Regent Theatre has extended this Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer screen triumph for a further session. The leading part is taken by the beautiful Norma Shearer, as Mrs. Cheyney. She depicts it with beauty, winsomeness, human, aud dramatic talent plus a talking voice that thrills. In fact, her distinctive speaking voice, reputed to be the finest on the screen, helps substantially to make “Tho Last of Mrs. Cheyney" an outstanding triumph. 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 gutting 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 io 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, aud states that be 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 hud 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 attar made public. In a most provocative scene Lord Elton seeks, to buy tho letter back, and offers 1110,000 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 DilHiisr, is the natural corollary to tho last of Mrs, Cheyney, Other features tC the programme are tho gifted “Revellers” quartet (of gramophone fame). In harmotiisod song, and an amusing barnyard farce, “Lazy Days. A Gazette records interesting topics of the day. Three sessions daily will be shown, at 11 a.m., 2.15 p.m. and 8 p.m. KING’S THEATRE. In "Tho Long, Long Trail,” Hoot Gibson, an old screen favourite,- appears in his first talking picture. This time, to the charm of ranch scenes and breath-taking races across wild country, is added the thud of hoofs, the gaiety of a Western homestead, and the drawl and the characteristic idiom of tho West, which all tends to intensify the action and romance of the story. Hoot Gibson is the Ramblin’ Kid, a cowboy known for his daring, and skill throughout the countryside, and adiiiired all the more because of a professed scorn for women. The Kid is given lin unjustified reputation for hard drinking through his practical jokes and frequent pretencos of drunkennoss, so when, despite his indifference, lie falls In love with June, niece of the ranch owner, he finds courtship a difficult matter until, by saving June from the quicksands, his .clumsy attempts as a suitor are forgiven. There Is humour, too, of that particular Western brand, without which no good cowboy picture could be made. Gibson has an exceptionally strong supporting cast. Sally Ellers makes a charming June and plays hor part with ability that matches her charm. Others who give commendable work are Kathryn Maguire, James. Mason and Archie Ricks. Tho picture Is supported by excellent short subject matter, including attractive musical and sound features. "The Leng, Long Trail” will bo shown nightly at 8, with a daily matinee at 2.30. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A special week-end programme is being advertised for tho Empire Theatre, the main picture being “Where East is East,” featuring Lon Chaney. It is a drama ot a sinister woman and a tiger tamer in tho mystic mazes ot Indo-C'liina. The second picture stars Sally Eilers in “Tho Goodbye Kiss.” A Hal Roach comedy completes the programme. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Joan Crawford plays the role made famous by the great Sarah Bernhardt In “Dream of Love,” which opens . to-night at the Regal Theatre as a new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer /feature. The. screen production is a modernised version of “Adrienne Lecouvreur,” which Bernhardt used as a starring vehicle for many seasons in the'French"capital, Nils Astlier plays opposite Miss Crawford in the feature. The supporting picture is “Captain Swagger.”

MAJESTIC THEATRE, “Bulldog Drummond,” a stirring adaptation of the famous comedy melodrama of the same name, proved a splendid drawing card at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. There was a capacity attendance last night, when some Hundreds hud to be turned away. The story of the young British ex-army officer, who, after tlie Great Bar, craves excitement, aud gets all he is looking for, is packed with thrills from start to finish. Drummond answers an advertisement, and discovers a beautiful girl in sore distress because her wealthy American uncle has got into the bauds ot the unscrupulous Dr. Lakingtou aud MB Vll' lainous confederate Peterson, who ruu a bogus mental hospital. Drummond takes a hand in the game, aud utter a series or the most exciting happenings succeeds in rescuing the wealthy uncle anil winning tlie love of tlie lAautltul Phyllis, .-there is not a dull moment in this highlyexciting all-talking film. First the dastardly blind Of crooks, who stop at nothing, get the upper baud, but tlie British officer’s resourcefulness and pluck checkmate them, aud so the thrilling tussle goes on until the gang are routed, and the hapless American la released. ±hat hue Bullish actor, Ronald Colman, is ideally suited for the part of the demobilised British officer just spoiling for a little excitement in limes of pence. The part of Phyllis 18 daintily taken by Joan Bennett, an’English actress, Kilo also has a good speaking voice, One of the best characters in the melodrama is the Erma of Lilyan Tashman, splendid as the brains vi the villainous gang led by Dr. Lakington, who is excellently portrayed by Lawrence Grant. Montagu Love makes a forbidding Peterson. A clever bit of characterisation is the Algy of Claudei Al lister, who takes the part ot Drummond’s ’silly ass solicitor, who will persist in shadowing his client, only to get himself mixed up in many dangerous situations. However, he is game to the core, and turns up trumps in the end, The talking supports were a particularly entertaining lot. All hilarious comedy which roused, the bit, house to merriment was that in » doctor of dentistry wreaks hs imcngc upon a saxophone player who has c a » bo '} him to suffer from insomnia. A jarc '“<-M treat was provided by a world-famous operatic tenor who gave a most rendering of tlie Prologue from J a ‘> Ua ‘- ~hi ” “Bulldog Drummond vm uo screened thrice daily—at 11 a.m., —Io p.m., and 8 p.m. QUEEN’S THEATRE. An exceptionally Hue double-star programme commenced screening. at inc Queen’s Theatre last night, widen villb continued all the coming: week. He LM lege Boob,” aud “The Vagabond Queen, the two films in question, are both ciamMl Tiniest, and should prove exeeedingly popular indeed. In U>o , Boob,“ Lofty Flynn the famous J ale haUback footballer,, takes the 1: Mt ot a votin'- collegian who makes himself th, greatest football player f”at Jhe eol ogo has ever had. Of course, being a eolebrateu footballer, Flynn puts a rßa nietnre which is really one long thrill Horn I’tort ti finish. "The Vagabond Queen,” a bi- British International film, tells tne story of an English servant girl who poses as a roal Princess. As can be expeeted various complications arise, all of wide: appeal to the audionce. Duo < f the flist troubles that the charming Betty Balfour, who takes the part, encouters, is when she is called upon to address the public in a language she cannot speak, A" 011 '. 01 ’ f O /? 1 ’ plication Is where the real husbllllfl Of the Princess arrives on the scene and comes face to face with her, “The \ agabond Queen" is full of excitement, while it also contains a large amount of oxcelloi t comedy. Sbme good supporta make this week's programme one that for sheor good ontertidnment should be very hard to boat indeed. "LApy, BE GOOD." Musical nonsense at its merriest ' s IC tL^g t pkyTd n^ d rtbe a F 3 u’lßr>Skl Comedy Company nt } tls 1 M , a !®“ t ?, a a y n tre. This company is headed by the Lng Ush comedian, Freddy Forbes, who Is a first-rate dispenser of musical “0"*®“/ sunshine, and who, as J. Watcrson Watkins, a glib, lying lawyer (who is always on the side of virtue and good looks), exudes fun the whole time be is on the Stage. Indeed, when Freddie is off, it seems that the lights grow dim, a meyc optical illusion, of course,-caused by his radiant personality. Other talented people in the cast arc Catherine Stewart, who gets an exceptional chaneo to display her ability in burlesque, when she personates a Mexican belle of the vaudeville type, and does so to the accompaniment of screams of laughter. Miss Aster Faire and Miss Betty Lambert are happily cast, and Messrs. Charles Perrin, Ernest and Victor Arnlcy are also of value in their allotted parts. No feature of the performance is so heartily relished as the singing of the Big Four, who are not only gifted harmonists, but can conjure laughter and step lively, There will be two performances to-day of "Lady, Be Good.” KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The Pathe picture “Annapolis,” depicting life at the United States Naval Academy, which will bo shown at the Kilbirnie Theatre to-flight at 8 o’clock, is said by reviewers everywhere to be ono of the finest 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 thrills and there is much enjoyable comedy. "Celebrity,” starring Lina Basquette and Robert Armstrong, is the greatest prize ring romance that has ever been screened, and this feature, together with excellent supports, completes a very outstanding programme, "Tlie Four Feathers." starring Clive Brook, William Powell, /Fay Wray, Richard Arlen and Noah Beery will bo tho feature attraction screening at the Klnema on Monday and Tuesday next, only. This immense production is'the greatest tribute ever jiaid to British courage, being the story of n British oflicer who is branded as a coward and proved that lie was not by a series of amazingly brave deeds. Tlie -picture takes one from the flowery Innes of England to tlie scorching desert of Africa and Is full of thrilling action. Reserves at Theatre, 'Phone 11—202. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. There are two big pictures announced for the King George Theatre to-night, “Beautiful But Dumb” and "High Seas.” In "High Seas” it is claimed, that the Shipwreck scene is the biggest- event of Its kind ever photographed for tlie screen, and one can well believe it. Tho foremost actors of the British screen were engaged to produce the picture, Including John Stuart. Lilian Rich, James Carewe, and Randle Ayrton. The management also announce the commencement of a “talkie” season next Wednesday. The enterprise of tlie management of the King George Theatre in this direction brings to Lower Hutt the advantages of residents nearer the city. ' ARTCRAFT THEATRE. “Tempest,” tho John Barrymore screen masterpiece that New York acclaimed during a long ruu, is now being shown at tlie Arlcraft Theatre. It is a romance of Russia's revolution, Camilla Horn and Louis Woiheim appearing in chief support of tlie star. The "New York World" thought •’Tempest” the "Hncst, most, genuine motion picture John Barrymore ever made," and “one of the most glowing Him dramas which have corje out of the West, while the New York •'Times” called Barrymore.s picture “a masterpiece.” The story is laid in the period before, during, and immediately after the upheaval which swept the Tsarist regime from power. Barrymore lias the role ot a Russian peasant subaltern. PALACE. GRAND. AND EMPIRE, PETONE. The versatile Richard Barthelmess lias a vehicle worthy ot hl's extraordinary talents in '"i’lio Noose.” "Tlie Noose" is a highly dramatic vehicle of which tlie star anil director have fully availed themselves, it teems with sure-tirc situations and is unquestionably one of tlie finest stories Burtlielniess inis had In years, lie enacts tlie role ot Nickie Elkins, a youth raised in an underworld environment, who is enuglit in the ironie meshes of a very melodramatic combination of circumstances. To tell you what the situation is would be to spoil vour enjoyment. Sufficient to say, it is gripping and unusual. Barthelmess avails himself ot tlia broad opportunities for liistrionlsm and achieves tlie dramatic heights of which he Is so capable. “Modern Marriage" is sensational in the true sense ot the word. You must see how the sordid life of a girl's own mother turned tlie girl agiifnst Hie marriage Institution as It is 10-dav. Betty Bronson, Alee. B. hrancls. Rlelia’rd Walling. June Nash and lledda Hopper In a picture tlmt will thrill you to the ve.rv depths, and give you something big to think about into the bargain. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. At the matinee performance at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Buy. tills afternoon, Tim McCoy, the ace of action picture actors, will be seen in "Morgan's Last Raid,” a thrilling story of the Civil War. Chapter 9 ot “Tlie Diamond Master” and two comedies will also be screened. At tlie evening performance, in addition to “Morgan’s Last Raid," “Our Dancing Dnugiiters.” starring Joan Crawford, will lie screened. Tills is a startling story of this jazz-mad age. and how the girls of to-day go tripping lightly through life without a care for to-morrow.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. “'J'ho Strmt Girl,” with Belly Compson in the lending role, has commom.ul Its second week's session at the J”1 House. All last week crowds tliroi feed to see this picture, which is a si’cctacul at. presentation of night life in New 1 ork. There is much delightful comedy in Hjiilav, and the lender 01. the levellers wlio is always Betty Compson, shows I • f she is unquestionably in ~ rank of screen stars. Whatevei si c does,' whether it be playing the v onn, singing, dancing, or aetiug, the bcautilul blonde captivates her audience. it is one of tlie most striking talkie, all-musical, revels that has been produced to date. Frederica, a “D'e Viennese waif, whose part is neted bj Betty Compson, is befriended »y. Struggling artists, since she is a violinist of much superior calibre to the iidutei of the quartet, and from being a starving street girl she becomes a regular mascot to tlie others. Iler beauty, her personal/charm, atid her cajolery, are not one w’lt less than her genius, for she turns out to have a good business brain, and iu repayment, for the treatment wlilcn she has received, used her talents to lift hei benefactors into more comfortable clreumstiinees. Eventually they become affluent and own a cabaret of their own which soon becomes the ipOst popular in the city because ot her charm and beauty. Iloth in scene and sound the picture is notable- At one stage a gorgeous ballet of over a hundred beautiful girls appear, while elsewhere eighty male voloos make a surprisingly Hue chorus. Hie cast is a very powerful one, with Jack Onkie, Ned Spni’kes, and Joseph Cawthoriie always prominent. The talk ng supports are a most attractive lot. 1 Li. Biltmore Trio, a band of vocalists and Instrumentalists, provide some dellgiitful harmony, while Craig Campbell, tlie famous operatic tenor, sings beautifully,. Amongst many topical snapshots in tho latest Metro Movietone News is a splendid view ot the last St. Logor race at Doncaster. Anyone who enjoys a good laugh should make a point of seeing “The Sky Boy,” which almost had a big audience in hysterics last evening. Ihe Street Girl” will be screened daily at —in aud 8 o’clock.

LEO C4RRILLO IN “LOMBARDI LTD.” What may with all truthfulness be described as the theatrical event of the centui*y’ will be the appearance at the Grand Opera House next Wednesday mght, for the first time in New Zealand, of the worldfamous star Leo Carrillo iu his original creation of Tito Lombardi, in the hilarious and engaging comedy “Lombardi Ltd," This comedy ot comedies was written sue. cially for Mr. Leo Carrillo by Frederick and Fanny Hatton, and has proved one of the most successful plays ever presented. "Lombardi Ltd." has been described as "decidedly the gayest and most laughable of all the comedies staged,” and when one remembers the high standard ot many of them, this is Indeed high praise. In bls Impersonation of tlie proprietor of a fashionable drossniakins eslaplishment, tlie beautiful atelier of which is tho rendezvous of society leaders, Leo Carrillo has brought “stormy weather”., to many, theatres—gales of laughter which have swept through huge audiences from gallery to circle, There are no mere ripples of amusement when this most volatile and versatile of actors is on the stage, and in "Lombardi Ltd.” he is seldom off it. In the New Zealand tour the famous Broadway star will be supported by a particularly strong and specially selected J. C. .Williamson company. Two lady members who will also make their bow to Dominion audiences are Misses Margaret CullenLandis, who plays the part of Eloise, the pocket-Venus model upon whom the great Tito builds some of his wonderful dress creations; ami Barbara Buddy, tlie charming elghteen-yoar-old comedy actress who appears as Daisy, the "wise-cracking, gum-chewing- mannequin.” Other popular artists in a strong cant are Brandon Peters, Natalie Moya, Leslie Victor, Rowena Ronald, Henrietta Cavendish, Cecil Man-, nering (first appearance), Pop Cary, Mai-' die Hope, Elma Gibbs, Beatrice Kendrick, Daphne Bairn, Jack White, and ten beautiful mannequins in an alluring fashion display. Box plans are now open nt the Bristol.