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Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 11, 12 July 1930, Page 7

I GRAND OPERA HOUSE. j Those who are in search of a good laush tor the best part of'two hours cannot do letter than pay a- visit to "Rookery Nook" at I the Grand Opera House. To read Beu Travers Is to gain unlimited enjoyment, but to see ami hear "Kookery Nook" interpreted by an nllEnglish cast of players Is an entertainment of tlie first water. Tho picture is now in Its third week, but lait night's session saw another capacity house. The plot is of the lightest nature and concerns the complications that follow when a pretty girl is turned out of house and home by an Irate stepfather and, clad only iv her pyjamas, seeks refuse in a neighbouring house whoso sole occupant is a slx-weeks'-marrtcd young man, who has come to visit some relatives. When it Is said that one of his relatives is a scandalmonger (female), and another is a droll bachelor, It is easy to imagine the situations that can arise under the sway of Travers's pen. Of the cast it is sufficient to say that it gets the utmost out of tho piece. Tho players lucludo Ralph Lynn, Tom Wallls, Robertson Hare, I Ethel Coleridce, Grifllth Humphreys, Doreen j Bendlx. Margot Grahame. and Winifred Shot-; lor. Tho supports Include items by Tito KuITo, j tho opera star, and a comedy. ' MAJESTIC THEATRE. The atmosphere of the peaceful English countryside, with its quaint cottages mantled with snow in winter and garlandod wilh (lowers ; and creenery in spring, its "oldest inhabitants." i and its delightful village life, is faithfully reproduced in "Under the Greenwood-Tree." the i British International all-dialogue adaptation of Thomas Hardy's immortal story -of liorset- i shire. The picture commenced screening at | the Majestic Theatre last evening, and its simplicity and charm, in such marked contrast to the glitter and hustle of many recent productions, made a wide appeal. All that has been said in praise of "Under the Greenwood Tree" has not been exaggerated. Tho characters made famous to thousands of readers of Hardy's masterpiece live their part 3, and there Is not a-discordant note. A particularly strong all-British cast brings out all the sentiment and appeal contained in.the book, and it may be said that not for a very long time has a story been conveyed so faithfully to the screen. Marguerite A lien, the fascinating leading I.idy of "Widdecomb Fair," plays her part as the village school mistress with tho utmost charm. Particular interest is lent to the picture by the appearance of the young. New Zealander, John Batten, in the leading male role. Supporting the stars are several of England's foremost actors and actresses, including Nigel Barrie, Robert GUI. Maude Gill, and Wilfred Shine, who, as Parson Maybold. gives a striking delineation of the character. The slorv tells of the trials and tribulations of the MeilsKPCk instrumental choir, the last of its Mud in Dorsetshire, but the dramatic moments are leavened by th« broadest of humour, and there is a feeling of distinct regret when the end comes. The supports include several British productions, ail of them of high entertainment value, j DE LUXE THEATRE. j •loan Bennett has a trying time evading tho i attentions of two devoted swains to "Crazy That Way," the Fox Movietone plcturisation of a successful play which began its run j at the De Luxe Theatre last night. Bobby Metcalf, the anxious and troubled boy, and Frank Oakes, self-satisfled, Intense, and jealous, are the competitors for Ann Jordan's hand, and' their scramble for her company culminates in a grand flglvt with pot plants and chairs complete. The vehicle which (he talking pictures affords for exploitation of character study is well employed in thi3 picture, and the changes of comedy aro well rung. The exhausting manner In which the rivalry goes on, and the incessant din of the rival suitors is fully realised, but studded with laughter. Their habit of arriving hard on one another's heels, Bobby's refusal to be eliminated, even after his fair ono becomes engaged to Frank, and the good intentions of a. third party, a handsome engineer, who is staying in the house for the purpose of designing a bridge, weave a pattern of amusement. Of course, the jjlrl wearies of the chase, and, of course, the engineer receives more attention from her than he realises or deserves from his conduct. His counsel invariably leads to fresh trouble, and it is only after an unexpected climax that he realises just what is his position in relation to Ann, and how interested in him sho really has become. A whirlwind comedy this, with an unusual amount of entertainment in its reels, and some attractive photography as well. The supports are of good standard, including an interesting silent film of the second Ruby Test at Chrlstchurch with clear representations of New Zealand's two tries, and tho sensational way in which Prentice finally scored under the posts for Britain. There is a Fox Talkie News, an amusing vaudeville turn ("The Interview"), and. another comedy of reversed positions,. "Love. Honour, -and—Oh, Rugby Test at Christchurch with clear repreharca'ln for. The entr'acte is provided by Sir. Paul Cullen, who plays a selection from old ■musical comedy favourites on the Wurlitzcr organ. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. •'The Two Black Crows." Moran and Mack, will be seen in their first Paramount all-talkliic picture, "Why Bring That Up," at the Empire Theatre to-night. It is a story _of ' stage lifo. with the "Two Black Crows" "putting over" many turns. Evelyn Bront and Harry Green have featured roles In the production. . An excellent supporting programmes of sound featurettes will be screened. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. I •"Mountain Justice," a picture of the Keu- | tucky feud district, is the chief attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-night. Ken Jtnynard and Kathryn Crawford are starred. Tho second feature, "Mumsle," starring Pauline Frederick, is a dramatic and touching mother-love story. "THE YOUNG IDEA." Xoel Coward's provocative comedy of matrimonial affairs will be presented at the T.W.O.A. Hall. Boulcott street, commencing on Thursday next. Mr. Harison Cook is producing, and a competent cast of amateurs has been selected. Coward outshines himself in the brilliance of the dialogue, the piquancy of the situations, and the modernity of outlook, In this play. The leading feminine roles are belnq played by Miss Dorothy, Herbert, and Mesdames Mills and Duncan, and supporting roles are taken by the Misses Statliam, Thompson, Herbert, and Mrs. Miles. The men players include Messrs. Duncan, Anson, Gillespie, Fltssherbert, Dunkley, and Dr. Morton Hodge. The proceeds are in aid of the Cancer Research Fund. Reserves are at the Bristol. "WE AND THE BABY." Readers of the book, "We and the Baby," will be aware of Mr. Jlector MacQuarrie's adventures in motoring to the northern-most part of Australia, Cape York. Queensland. This feat, accomplished In a Baby Austin, is reckoned to be ■ among the outstanding motor achievements of the day. Mr. MacQuarrie, who is au engaging and versatile platform speaker, as well as author, is at present touring New Zealand, giving illustrated talks of bis undertaking. He will speak in Wellington on Wednesday night next, at Nlmmo's Concert Hall, to which function the public are invited. Invitations are to be had from Austin House, Waltefleld street. TRAMWAYS BAND CONCERT. The increasing popularity of the Tramways Band Sunday night concert recitals give great encouragement to the management. For tomorrow night's entertainment patrons are assured of a. bright and breezy musical programme. The musical progress of the band has been a feature, and adds in no small measure to concett successes already achieved. On this occasion the band will be heard In the playing of hymn "Jesu, Lover of My Soul," followed by the dignified march, "Entry of the Gladiators." Wallace's charming opera, "Mignon" will give opportunities to soloists, for which the band is noted. The bright and dashy "Bohemian Girl" overture is sure to please, and the ever popular "Schubßrt'a Serenade" will be presented,, with bandmaster Stevenson as soloist. Tho brilliant march, "The President." played by the New Zealand Band when touring England, will be presented as the final number. The assisting artists should leave nothing further to be desired. Gits. Perihama and his entertaining Maori troupe of songsters and instrumentalists will appear. Miss Aydon, of Nelson, will make her first appearance at the band's recitals. She has a charming soprano voice, which will be heard In her choice, "There is Love." Mr. Haydock as a violinist needs no comment. His solo. "Gipsy Airs" is a brilliant number. Mr. Blackwood has chosen "Sons of the Brave" as his number on the "piano accordion. This is a rare instrument, and as Mr. Blackwood has appeared at the principal theatres in England patrons aro assured of a treat at St. James Theatre to-morrow night. The band's official accompanist, Mr. Haydock, will be at the piano. Early patrons will be entertained with gramophone ■ itema. SUNDAY BAND RECITAL. At the Do Luxe Theatre to-morrow evening a hand recital is to bo given which should attract special attention. It is announced that the Band of the Wellington Division, Royal Naval Reserve, will, by kind permission of the Commander, give a programme of variety and excellence. It Is recognised that the entertainment provided by the City Silver Hand in the past has been of particular merit. They have now been appointed to servo with the Naval Reserve, and It is Intended to continue to place before the public musical fare or the highest standard. The best talent available has been engaged for this occasion. Miss Kathleen Ferris, *Mr. Cyril Ainswortli, oud Mr. Assheton Harbord are presenting "Lo, Here the Gentle Lark." the lovely vocal, flute, and piano feature which previously delighted the De Luxe audience. Mr. Paul Cullen will again give solos at tho Wurlitzcr organ. These should be an attraction. Miss Hilda Chudley is down to sing "Fragile Things.," by Roger Qullter. The favourite contralto made a fine impression when . she last appeared with the band. A vocalist who is In demand with musical societies, Mr. Ernest Short, is to sing "Matilda" (a tale with a moral), and Mr. Will Bishop, the clever entertainer, has some original musical humour to offer. Mr. Frank Crowther is the accompanist. The band's items are well varied, including the selections "II Flauto Magico" and "La Gipsy. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) will give his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, and the programme has been arranged as follows: —Choral-Prelude "To Thee I Cry, Lord Jesus Christ," by Bach; Toccata and Fugue In D Minor (Dorian), by Bach; Epithalame Op. SI, No. 33, by Tlerne: Improvisation-Caprice Op. 37 (No. 2), by Jongen; Second Movement "Esperanco" from Symphony in I! Minor by Jacquemin; Contemplation (Op. 74) r><* KUciabergcr; Good Friday Musio $f»« A<* lil4. '¥««!*<*" to, Wagner.