ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 257, 26 July 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. The screen is teaching us to appreciate the very tine qualities of Ann Harding as an emotional actress, whose talent on the legitimate stage has long been acclaimed in America. This beautiful actress Is seen to great advantage in the unusually fascinating drama, “Her Private Affair,” beautifully done by Celebrity Pictures, and now being screened at the Regent Theatre. The Viennegg story involves the tragic affairs of Vera Kassler, the young wife of Judge Kassler, who during a holiday spent in ' .Italy has become Infatuated with Arnold Hartmann, an unscrupulous lawyer, to whom she has written some compromising letters. Back in Vienna this cad blackmails the woman, who now realises bow foolish she has been. Not daring to,tell her husband of her adventure in Italy she steals away from the grand opera one night to visit Hartmann, and, having secured her letters, she seeks to depart when he attempts to detain her, during .which she accidentally shoots him. Horrified she leaves the premises, and Grimm, a half-witted servant, is accused of the murder, and faces the trial, defended by Carl /VVeJld, at the Instance of the distracted woman. Subsequently Incidents crowd so upon her that at a New Year party she confesses her guilt to Grimm, a confession ■ ! that is overheard by her husband the judge. He quietens her fears, telling her that she must face a trial, but it will be with him by her side. It is a powerful story, and is admirably presented. The scenes at the grand opera and in the Vienna cafe on New Year’s Eve are lavishly and faithfully done. The bill also includes the comedy, “Free and Easy,” In which Buster Keaton, as a small-town boob, gets ■all mixed up with picture folk at Hollywood, and ends up as a clown comedian in a musical revue, directed by Fred Nlblo, who appears in person. The gay ensembles are lavishly presented, but the clever people involved deserve a better vehicle.*, Truxle Frlganza, Anita Page, Karl Dane, and Wm. Colleen, junr., are in the cast. “ANNA CHRISTIE.” The coming attraction at the Regent Theatre,' "Anna Christie” Ist.be story of a woman’s attempt to bury an extremely Wack and shameful. past. The part of the woman is taken by Greta Garbo, whose portray'al of a low class woman is effective without being vulgar,' it is said. Charles' Bickford, hero of “Dynamite,” plays opposite Miss Garbo, and the part of the old hag is played by Marie Dressier. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. For those who want to see a film that Is perfectly acted, mounted in the most lavish style, and that has a human and : thoroughly entertaining plot, one can sug- ' gest nothing better than. a visit to the Paramount Theatre, where “High Society Blues,” which was presented to an enthusiastic audience last night, is being presented. “High Society Blues” is good clean entertainment with a love interest that holds the audience from start to finish. The cast is particularly strong, Charles Fafrell and Janet Gaynor, screenland’s ' perfect ilovers, standing in a radiant manner among a brilliant constellation of stars. There can be no getting away from the fact that the public likes Mr. Farrell and Miss Gaynor. They are so natural, and are so well .matched, and both sing .in such a fascinating manner. In "High Society Blues;” their love songs are sung to the accompaniment of a ukulele, which is splendidly played by Mr. Farrell. Among the tuneful numbers rendered in the piece are “High Society Blues,” which is bound to be a great hit, “Just Like a Story Book,” “I'm in the Market for You,” and "Eleanor,” a number which is presented with a novel setting. The plot deals with the doings of two families, the Divines and the Grangers. .Mr. Granger, who has a wife, a daughter, and son (Charles Farrell) sells his chain of stores to Mr. Divine, who has a wife, a snob of the first water, and a daughter (Janet Gaynor). The Grangers, now wealthy beyond their dreams, go East to enjoy life, and buy an estate next door to that of the Divines. Efforts Of. the Middle-Western Grangers to be neighbourly with the ultra society leading Divines meet only with rebuffs. However, the daughter' of one and the son of the other family find a common ground through their interest in Hawaiian ukuleles and friendship ripens. Complications arise which make the romance at one time seem hopeless, but Eddie Granger has a business head as well as a loving heart, and by the time hie and Eleanor Divine hav settled matters in their own way, both families become friendly and “Just Like a Story Book,” everything turns out all right. The supporting cast is headed by Louise Fazenda, an asset to any film, Heddia Hopper, one of the screen’s most beautiful women, Lucien Littlefield, William senior, Joyce Compton, and Gregory Gaye. The comedy work is splendid and • there are many hilarious Situations which send the audience into Shrieks of laughter. On the supporting programme are two most interesting sound gazettes, which show all the latest happenings throughout the world. The programme will be screened twice daily, at 2.30 pan., and at 8 p.m.

SHORTT’S THEATRE. Although it has been known definitely for more than a week that the new Western Electric talking-film installation in Shortt S theatre was going< to be a success, it was not until the big opening programme had been presented last evening that it was realised that the installation was more brilliantly successful than ever the management had hoped for. The theatre has been renovated and remodelled with talkIng film conditions in mind, and the reproduction of the first programme of sound pictures, shown last night, proved that the virtually new auditorium is fitted almost perfectly to the apparatus installed. The programme for the first week was carefully selected, and has for its mal " feature the extremely popular film Honey,” starring Nancy Carroll. It is based on the well-known stage success, “Come. Out of the Kitchen.” The picture is enriched bv the tuneful melodies of Barling and Coslow; well-known lyricists and composers. Miss Carroll herself sings two of the bit numbers. Her leading man is Stanley Smith, the attractive young singing actor, who played the leading role in “Sweetie.” Others In an excellent supporting east of clever comedians are Harry Green, Lillian Roth, Zasu Pitts, Mitzi Green, Skeets Gallagher, and Lobyna Howland. The supporting films are well up to the standard of the star attraction.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. The second week of “No, No, Nanette’s” highly sgeessful season began last evening with eclat. Indeed, to judge by the size of the audience and the splendid reception accorded to this very fine “talkie” attraction, its popularity not only continues unabated, but Increases with each performance. The vastness of the production, the beauty of the technicolour sections and tlie capital acting of an unusually satisfactory cast of actors and actresses, taken in combination, form an entertainment that could not fail to attract and ptease all who witness it. Bernice Claire's sweet, clear singing and graceful acting ns Nanette won warm approval, while, her worthy compatriots, Alexander Gray, Lucein Littlefield, most spontaneous of funinnklng comedians. Louise Fazenda, Zasu Lilyan Tashman, and Bert Roach fire all firm public favourites. The first part of the programme is of good standard, particularly "An Artist’s Reverie," a very delightful offering. BOx plans will be available to-day at the Bristol until noon and’ thereafter at the theatre, telephone to 28—175. KING’S THEATRE. For light-hearted gaiety on a level seldom reached, the First National and Vltiphone all-dialogue picture, “Paris,” which began screening yesterday at the Kings’ Theatre, would be difficult to praise too highly. Irene Bordoni, the favourite French actress, Is responsible for much of the picture’s life and laughter. She is at the head of a first rate cast,- including Jack Buchanan, Louise Closser Hale, Jason Robards, Zasu Pitts, and Margaret Fielding. With delightful singing and fascinating dancing added to the neatest and most laughable comedv seen here for a long time, “Paris” should create a record for' the theatre. SUNDAY BAND RECITAL. A programme will be presented at the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow evening by Hie- Royal Naval CVolunteer Reserve Band. The well-known Maori troupe, the Tahlwis, will mako their appearance in costume items, and a number of the Maori .numbers which have recently become so popular will be given. The Wurlltzer organ will be heard, and a short humorous sketch will be presented. This should prove one of the best and most varied programmes submitted for Sunday entertainment. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page, city organist, will give his usual weekly organ recital at the Town Hall on Sunday evening, and the programme has been arranged as un-der:—Choral-Preludes (Op. 122, No. 3-5), by Brahms; Sonata No. fl, by Mendelssohn; Serenata, Ip, 165 (No. 4), by Albenlz; Pay. , chologlcal Poem, by Rebikoff; Berceuse, by ' Faukes; Prierer in C Sharp Minor (Op. 20), by Cesar Franck. KING GEORGE THEATRE. Norma Shearer and Lewis Stone are cofeaitured in the “Trial of Mary Duggan,” which is screening to-night at Dhe King George Theatre, Dower Hutt. PALACE THEATRE. A riotously funny all-talking comedy "Dames Ahoy” with full supporting programme will he shown ait the Palace TihePetono, to-day and to-night.

DE LUXE THEATRE. . “Such Men are Dangerous,” the current I feature at the De Luxe Theatre, is a novi elty in the way of screen stories. Based I on a novel by Elinor Giya, it has an origi inality of plot that makes it a distinctive production, and one that holds the interest ■ of the audience throughout. Warner Bax- • ter and Catherine Dale Owen, who fill the i principal roles, are well selected for these i particular portrayals, and are supported i by a good cast. The story concerns Dudi .wig Kranz, a financier of considerable wealth and equal power, but his physical ' attractions fall far short of these. He is ugly and misshapen. Nevertheless, a charming English girl becomes his bride. With the utmost generosity he showers upon her money and jewels, and everything a woman covets, but he neglects to couple with ills gifts the' love and tenderness that means far more to this woman. It has been a marriage against her tastes and desires, and on their wedding night her nerve fails and she deserts him. Not only is the man plunged into despair, but be is humiliated andq made a laughing stock before the world. He plans a revenge. Making all arrangements beforehand, Kranz fakes a suicide from an aeroplane, actually landing in France by means of a parachute. He is believed dead, and his wife becomes to all intents and purposes a widow. Kranz enters a hospital of plastic surgery and undergoes an .operation which straightens his body and gives some attractiveness to his features. Then, bent on revenge, he returns to woo the woman whom he married. She falls in love with him, and his vengeance is within his grasp. The picture tells how he avails himself of it. "Such Men are Dangerous” is a little improbable. but it is powerfully acted and is sufficiently convincing. Catherine Owen is a cold but beautiful blonde. Good English is spoken by the cast. The supporting features comprise a Fox talkie newsreel and . two amuhing comedies. MAJESTIC THEATRE. One of the most charming actresses of the talkie screen, Ruth Chatterton is the outstanding figure of “Sarah and Son,” which opened its Wellington session at -the Majestic Theatre last evening. Miss Chatterton’s performance in “Madame X” and “The Doctor’s Secret” gave her a prominent position among stars, and proved her as a consummate mistress of situations and dialogue. Now, in her latest picture, she plays an emotional role with remarkable sincerity. Always she acts with the restraint of a true artist. In addition to such a splendid display of dramatic power. Miss Chatterton sings, one of her songs being a German lullaby of singular charm. In brief, the story is that of a poor singer, married to a New York variety artist, through whose laziness and squandering, they are impoverished and wretched. He neglects both wife and child, regarding the latter as an obstacle to his and his wife’s success as a vaudeville team. After a squabble he abandons his wife, Sarah, taking the baby boy with him for revenge. Both disappear for years, and in the struggles of Sarah, searching for her long lost son, there are many episodes which show Ruth Chatterton at her best. Later, when Sarah has become a great opera singer, she learns tl%it her baby was adopted by a wealthy New York family, and this is the beginning of the intrigues of the story. The role of a German emigrant girl with a broken accent is a difficult one, but Ruth Chatterton’s characterisation is a fine piece of work. Frederic March provides the love interest as the young lawyer who assists Sarah in her frenzied attempts to recover her child. The part of the. son is played by Philllpe de Lacy, a young war orphan, and Fuller Mellish jr. is the callous husband. Other fine performances are given by Gilbert Emery, William Stack and Doris Lloyd, who will be remembered as Mrs. Travers in “Disraeli.” “Sarah and Son;” was made under the direction of Miss Dorothy Arzner, America’s only woman producer, who, with the assistance of Miss Chatterton and the author, Timothy Shea, has succeeded in the production of a first-class talkie. There is an excellent supporting Srogramme, of which “The Dresden 'Oil” is an enjoyable number, in which a very novel method is adopted for presenting a number of 18 Century songs and dances. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. . “Montana Moon,” a musical all-talking romance of the Golden West, heads a splendid double billed programme which opened at the Grand Opera House yesterday. ■ Joan Crawford even eclipses her successes of “The Untamed” in this picture of the great outdoors, and in her role of the daughter of a retired cattleman who comes from New York to visit her father's ranch, she keeps the audience in a continual state of laughter by the many Impossible situations in which she becomes involved. Joan, breaking away from her “clique” finds one Larry (John Mack Brown) on the Montana ranch, and finding him the first real man she has seen marries him. As might be expected, Larry does not find the gay whirl of life to which Joan and her friends are accustomed, exactly to his liking, and trouble starts when his newly-wed arrives home well after 6 a.m. in the morning. Joan decides after a while to return to New York when she finds that Larry will have nothing to do with her friends. She is well aboard an express, speeding astward, when a band of masked gunmen hold up the train, One burly stranger enters the carriage, and carries Joan off. She tears away his mask, and again she is reconciled to the man of her dreams in a dramatic fashion. Particularly attractive are the number of rousing choruses sung by the ranch cowboys, including the popular song hits, Song of Old Montana,” "Happy Cowboy, and “Moon is Low.” Altogether the picture is a welcome change from the usual run of "studio” productions, and the beautiful natural backgrounds against which it is filmed leave little to be desired. . attraction on the programme is • Sailors Holiday,” a rollicking picture concerning the adventures of two “gobs” on leave. There will be a matinee this afternoon as well as the usual evening session. ;

QUEEN’S THEATRE. With a plot that has much that, is entirely new, even in these days when film stories have exhausted almost every valuable resource, Paramount’s all-dialogue mystery thriller, "Darkened Roonis,” opened what promises to be a most successful season at the Queen’s Theatre last ?n e <n i , nff ’c„'F he BCen a r io is based on Sir Phillip Gibbs’ remarkable story of the evil results of fake spiritualism, and Evelyn Brent takes the part of the show girl medium. It is a tale of intense Interest to the majority of men and women. There is an excellent list of supports.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Captain of the Guard,” starring John Boles and Laura La Plante, will be the feature attraction at the Kinema Theatre to-night. The story is a novel one. A man and a maid, worlds apart in class and cause, yet bound together in a love whose flame was fanned to glorious Heights by the very obstacles in its path! hollow them through their flaming romance—through the courts of a royaltv grown sodden with luxurious abandonthrough streets seething with terrific turmoil—through the gaols of an oppressed people—through scenes of battle ... the whole world of unleased emotions portrayed in the deathless story suggested by the song, La Marseillaise.” Excellent sound featurettes will also be screened. Reserve at theatre Confectionery, ’phone 14—202 and Bristol Piano Co.

EMPIRE THEATRE.. Two splendid silent features ' 'Tenth Avenue and “Headlines,” will be screening at the Empire Theatre, Petone, tonight.

ml t GRAND THEATRE. The brilliant all-talking comedy '‘Harmony at Home,” starring William Collier Stnr., Marguerite Churchill, and Rex Bell and a full list of talkie supports will be screened at the Grand Theatre, Petone today and to-night.

mi n A , CHARMING OPERA. The Orpheus Musical Society, under the conductorship of Mr. Harison Cook, will present the charming opera “Marltanan at the Town Halt Concert Chamber next Bristol" B ° X PlanS are DOW ° pen at the