ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19328, 15 May 1926, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" GIVE AND TAKE." At His Majesty's Theatre to-night J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in conjunction with E. J. Carroll, present Aaron Hoffman's threeact farce-comedy, "Give and Take," with the famous Hebrew comedian Harry Green in his original role of John Bauer, as played by him in London, New York and Chicago, and in which he broke all comedy records in Sydney and Melbourne. A Sydney critic says:—"There is an old proverb which says 'Many, a true word is spoken in jest,' which might aptly apply to the comedy, 'Give and Take.' With much laughter-provoking dialogue an industrial dispute is unfolded. The thousand hands of the Bauer Canning Factory demand the job control of the works —and get it. But the proprietor has to meet a bill for 140,000d01., and the change in the management destroys his credft. The hands have thriven well in the past and each has a deposit in the bank, so their united funds are used to meet the bill. Furthermore, they agree to 'pay their own wages for a fortnight.' Quite Utopian in its way, and one may ask in what better case were the men, for the closing down of the works still confronted them. The dramatist evades the issue by introducing a millionaire capitalist, but the whole situation gives cause for thought in these days." A clever J. C. Wililamson company supporting Harry Green includes Vera Spaull, Edward de lisne, Hal. Percy, Edwin Lester and George Hewlett. The box plans for to-night are at Lewis It. Eady and Son, Ltd., until noon, and afterwards at the 'lheatre Confectionery, where day sale tickets are obtainable. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Stella Dallas," the film version of; the famous novel, was screened before a packed audience at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Humour and pathos are blended with the nicely of perfection, and the acting is excellent. Belle Bennett in the title role makes a perfect Stella Dallas. The poorly-educated woman who aspires to rise to heights of social eminence is faithfully portrayed. Her love for her only daughter and her self-sacrifice to give the girl all that was denied to herself make an intense appeal. The little girl's birthday party, when no one turns up to fill the vacant chairs, and the irony of the solitary feast where mother and daughter alone are present amid decorations that have been planned days ahead, made an extremely touching scene. The dramatic genius of Henry King, the producer, was again evident in the closing scenes. A mother, disillusioned and degraded, poor and Hi-clad, gazes through a window at the wedding of the daughter she had given up, to one of the leaders of the "society" to which she herself so vainly aspired. Two songs that were warmly applauded by the audience were contributed by .Mr. Maurice Ballance, who has an excellent bass voice. The deep notes of German's popular "Yeomen of England" and "Dat Fat Li'l Feller with his Mammy's Eyes," gave the singer a fine opportunity of which full advantage was taken. The overture was "Musical Switch," a potpourri of well-known tunes, which received spirited treatment from the All Soloists Orchestra. Supporting the picture programme were the Majestic News, Pathe Review and an Inkwell cartoon. RTALTO AND REGENT. Ricardo Cortez and Greta Nissen are said to do exceptionally fine work in " In the Name of Love," a Paramount picture, which is now being shown at the Rialto and Regent Theatres. Raymond Hatton and Wallace Beery are also said to give excellent performances though they make but brief appearances. The acting of the cast is responsible for the high standard of the film and makes it an unusually attractive offering. The story is an unusual one, telling of a family whose heads are turned when the father reaps enormous profits in war time. The daughter, besieged by a multitude of suitors attracted by her new-found wealth, scorns the young man who had been her childhood sweetheart. The latter after persevering in his suit for a time decides to adopt new tactics. The girl is wooed and won by an Italian prince travelling incognito, only to discover that the nobleman is really her childhood sweetheart masquerading in disguise. The young man eventually obtains forgiveness, by which time the girl has learned her lesson. " His Buddy's Wife," a Paramount picture starring Glenn Hunter and Edna Murphy is also screened at the Rialto Theatre, and at the Regent the programme is completed by " Little Old New York," a First National release with Marion Davies in the principal role. STRAND. THEATRE. " Lady of the Night," a story of aristocratic New York, and the slums of the Bowery, was the principal attraction screened at the Strand Theatre last evening. Molly, the daughter of a convict, and Florence, the daughter of the wealthy and aristocratic judge who sends Molly's father to prison, are roles both played by Norma Shearer. They call for entirely different portrayals as widelyseparated in the emotional scale as the two worlds in which these girls live. Norma Shearer's work has been acclaimed as one of the most notable screen achievements of the year. She has the support of an excellent cast with Malcolm McGregor playing David, the inventor who loves both girls; George K. Arthur, as a [ Bowery fashion leader; Fred 'Esmclton, as judge, and Dale Fuller, and Betty Morrissey. The story is an interesting one, dealing with the .love of a New York society girl, Florence, and Molly, a girl of the slums, for a young inventor. How Molly sacrifices her love so that the. daughter of the judge who sent her father to prison might know happiness, forms an intensely emotional climax. On the same programme are Miss Bathie Stuart and her Maori maids from Rotorua. A comedy, and interesting nature study, "Battle of the Ants," and a Strand Magazine are also included. GRAND THEATRE. Ernest Lubitsch's historical production for Paramount, " Forbidden Paradise," was presented at the Grand Theatre last evening. Pola Negri, who has conic to be recognised as one of the screen's greatest emotional actresses, is featured in the leading role, while Rod La Roque, Adolphe Menjou, and Pauline Starke arc included in the supporting cast. " The love affairs of European courts are the mainsprings of history," a famous historian wrote when discussing the secrets of two centuries of warfare. On more than one occasion, motion pictures have re-created in dramatic form, many of the love affairs of great personages of the past, and in " Forbidden Paradise," incidents in the life of Catherine the Great of Russia, are portrayed. Pola Negri, as Tsarina, rules her court with an iron will, meeting the various intriqnes with masterful assurance, yet underneath it all, there is but a tempestuous woman who has her loves and hates. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will render an ex--1 ceptionally fine musical programme at the Zoologic li Park to-morrow afternoon at 2.45. Several new numbers will be included Valverde, the Spanish composer, will be represented by the march, "Felix Diaz," and a waltz, "Las Golondrinas. ' A fine selection from Verdi's opera, "Krnani" will be given for the first time. Wagner's beautiful j "Rienzi" overture will also be played, and I other items will include the hymn, "Hollingside," intermezzo from "Dainty , Butterfly," and "Starlight," a march, ' "Hurrah, Boys, :l and tne entr'acte from "The Valley of Poppies." On Sunday evening there will be an entire change of programme in the Town Hall.

JASPER'S CONCERT. The talented company of artists known as Jaspers, Limited, will present an attractive programme comprising operatic selections, sketches and Maori scenes, in the Town Hall next Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The concert has been arranged by the Rev. Jasper-Calder in aid of City Mission funds. Spectacular hakas will be a feature of the entertainment, and haunting Maori songs founded on the ancient melodies of the race will be sung in solo and chorus, to orchestral accompaniment. A different programme will be presented by the company each evening. The box plan is now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. /- EPSOM LIBRARY LECTURE. " Maori History and Tradition " is the subject of the lecture to be given by Mr. George Graham, in connection with the Epsom Library winter course next Tuesday. The lecturer among other topics will discuss how Maori traditions have been preserved, Polynesian explorations, the . arrival of the Maoris in New Zealand, Maori mythology and its relation to other religions and the Book of Genesis, and the study of Maori history and tradition. MUNICIPAL CONCERTS. Great interest is being shown in connection with the municipal concert to be given in the Town Hall this evening. The performers will be .Mr. Haagen Holenbergh, the Danish pianist, who has been specially engaged for the concert, the popular Lyric Quartette and the actingcity organist,' Mr. Edgar Randal. Mr., Ilolenbergh will play " Sonata Patlietique," by Beethoven, and a group ofChopin numbers, while the Lyric Quartette will be heard in " Volga Boat Song " (Russian national song), " Lovely Night," by Chevatal, and " The Long Day Closes" (Sullivan). Mr. Edgar Randal's solos will include Bach's great " A Minor. Prelude and Fugue," and the popular " Spring Song," by Hollins. MADAME AINSLEY'S RECITALS. Programmes of exceptional interest will lie presented at the Town Hall concert chamber by Madame Irene Ainsley during the course of a season of six nights opening on Monday. Madame Ainsley will be assisted by her advanced pupils and other outside artists. Famous scenes from grand opera are to lie acted in costume, with special stage and lighting effects. Incidental dances have been iirranged by Miss Daphne Knight..- The box plan for the season is open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. THE TALE OF TWO CITIES. A dramatic recital, of " The Tale of Two Cities," will be given by Mr. E. Headlam Greenhow at the Princess Theatre to-morrow evening. The story will be illustrated with lantern, slides portraying the principal character's and scenes. The recital commencing at 7 o'clock will be preceded by the usual musical performance by Mr. Greenhow. DIXIELAND CABARET. A gala carnival night will be held at Dixieland Cabaret this evening, when dancing will be conducted from 8 o'clock until midnight to the music of the International Orchestra. An afternoon. session will be held from 2.30 to five o'clock. To-morrow afternoon tea will be served from three o'clock until five o'clock, and Mr. Smithson vocalist, will render songs. There will also be appropriate musical items by the Dixieland orchestra. On Monday evening a farewell will be tendered to Mick Atlas, and there will be dancing from 8.30 to 2 a.m. COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT. A complimentary benefit concert will be tendered to Mr. J. Lonergan by various sporting organisations at the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday,; May 29. Items by several of Auckland's leading artists will be included in the programme. "SIZE THREE." "Size Three," the annual extravaganza of the Auckland University College Students' Association, will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre shortly. There is a full student cast, and the play is said to be well up to the standard of the annual comedies of previous years. It abounds in humorous topical allusions and should prove a laughable entertainment for students and general public alike," PARISIAN DANCING CLUB. A fine programme of dancing has been arranged by the Parisian Dancing Cluh which will hold a dance in the Society of Arts Hall, Kitchener Street, this evening. There will be special novelty features. and the latest dance music will be played by Perrin's Dance Orchestra. During the evening several of the danca numbers will be broadcasted. Y.W.C.A. PAGEANT, A grand pageant and march of the nations, in which 400 performers will take part, will be presented ""1 iy the Y.W.C.A. in {lie Town Hall on Tuesday, May 25. Special concessions will be granted to schools and business houses. The box plan will open on Monday at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd.