ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19376, 10 July 1926, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. After years of patient research undertaken by scientists to discover a method of reproducing sound on the moving picture, Dr. De Forest has invented the Phonofilm," which was shown at the Majestic Theatre, for the first time in Auckland, last evening. While yet in its infancy, the film opens up unlimited possibilities. As was announced before the film was screened, the effect of perfect synchronisation between sound and action had been attained, not by any gramophone device, but by photographing sound waves. The first "Phonofilm" consisted of a series of pictures in which speech, song and music were reproduced. Although the speech was reproduced with difficulty, the intonation being marred by a sound like radio " static." most of the words were clearly heard in every part of the theatre. Singing was much clearer and the voice more naturally pitched. In " Comin' Through the Rye," sung by Madame Di Pasquali, a former prima donna in grand opera, every note was clear and the perfect combination of action and sound made it hard to believe that the singer was net there in life. The accompaniment was clearly audible. A number of vocal dilets by " The Radio Franks " were heard equally well. Music did not reproduce as well as singing, but the film demonstrated that the secret had been discovered. It will be only a matter of time before a state of perfection is reached. Beside the Phonofilm an excellent entertainment was presented. Marie Prevost and Monte Blue were the chief attractions in " Kiss Me Again," a light and humorous domestic drama of Paris. The picture is original and refreshing but owes its appeal to the principal players. Monte Blue, who is rapidly becoming one of tho screen's most popular leading actors, excels himself. As a Frenchman, the gay husband of the alluring Loulou (Marie Prevost), he devises an original and successful scheme to bring his erring wife, who had divorced him, back to the fold. The three other members of the cast, John Roche, Clara Bow, and Willard Louis, all give excellent portrayals. A special musical item that won generous praise was a duet " Lo, Hero the Gentle Lark" by Mr. F. Poore, flute, and Mr. J. Page, clarionet. Tho supporting picture programme included the latest topical pictures and a new Pictorial Review, a feature of which were pictures of the famous Follies Cabaret. A New Zealand j scenic film that aroused considerable in-j terest was "By Fall and Fumarole," showing the thermal activities of Wairakei. The overture, a selection from " The Merry Widow," received excellent treatment from the All Soloists' Orchestra. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The screen version of George Barr MeCutcheon's novel, "A Pool and His Money," was given its first Auckland presensation at tho Queen's Theatre yesterday. Madge Bellamy, said by many directors and cameramen to be the most beautiful girl in pictures,, has the leading feminine role, while such well-known players as William Haines, Stuart Holmes, Alma Bennett, Edward Davis, Charles Conklin and Carrie Clark Ward are included in the cast. The story tells of a young man who inherits a fortune and buys a castle in Europe. After many exciting adventures he is deported to the United States by the police authorities, his castle is confiscated, and because of his poverty he is forced to refuse the hand of a countess. The climax is amusing and unexpected. "Lilies of the Field," a First N.ational picture, is included in the programme. The film tells the story of modern New York life, contrasting a loving wife and mother with a woman who seeks to take what is not hers. Conway Tearle and Corinne Griffith have the chief roles. GRAND THEATRE. "Recompense," the latest Warner Brothers "Classic of the Screen," which opened at tfie Grand Theatre last evening, is a picture of unusual romantic and dramatic vividness. From the opening scene of the film, which is a sequel to "Simon Called Peter," to the last flash of the camera, showing Peter and Julie finally rejoined in utter faith and love, the gigantic sweep of turbulent impulses, emotions and incidents that bring the highstrung nurse and army chaplain together and then dash them apart,, is irresistible and completely absorbing. Harry Beaumont, who directed "Recompense," is the man responsible for the Smoothness of the story and the sincere interpretation of tho action. Marie Prevost and Monte Blue, in the major roles of Peter, the army chaplain, and Julie, the nurse, have given, motion picture history two admirable portrayals that again acclaim them, foremost in the field of emotional interpretation The supporting cast includes John Patrick, John Roche, Etta Lee, George Liegmann, William Davidson, and Virginia Brown Faire » r ■■■• <t RIALTO AND REGENT. "A delightful farce oomedy that will please the sophisticated, amuse the less intelligent and probably not even fail with the dense," says a reviewer of "The Trouble With Wives," which was shown at'the Rialto and Regent Theatres yesterday. The film is a fine combination of smart story, good acting and intelligent direction. The story tells of the difficulties of a newly-married couple who quarrel soon after their honeymoon. The second attraction at the Rialto is "Revelation," featuring Viola Dana, Monte Blue, Lew Cody and Kathleen Key. "Bluebeard's Seven Wives" is the second picture at the Regent. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will play at the Zoological Park at 2.45 to-morrow afternoon. A fine programme will include the bright marches, "Urvullers" and "Faithful and Bold" ; hymn, "Lest We Forget" ; overture, "Morning, Noon and Night"; cornet solo, •"A Perfect Day," by Mr. Fred. Bowes; selection, "The Maid of the Mountains';; Gustav Hoist's "Jupiter," from "The Planets" suite; morceau, "Andante Religioso," and waltz, "Gold and Silver." In the evening, at 8.30, the band will give a musical recital, when an 'entire change of programme will be presented. WATERSIDE WORKERS' BAND. A musical programme of a high order will be given by the Auckland Waterside Workers' Silver"Band and assisting artists in Everybody's Theatre to-morrow evening. Numerous items will include the marches " North Star," and " Twentieth Century"; a humorous monologue, selected, by Mr. Allan McElwain; and a violin solo, selected, by Mr. Donohue. A hymn, "Fierce Raged the Tempest," will be played by the band. LABOUR PARTY CONCERT. A combined concert and lecture, under the auspices of the New Zealand Labour Party, will be held in the Strand Theatre, "at 7.30 to-morrow evening. Musical items will include flute solos, "Priere" and "The Chatterers," by Mr. George Poore, and Mr. Walter Brough, baritone, will sing "Thou Art Risen, My Beloved" and "Friend." An address on "Human Waste in Modern Society" will be given by Mr. J. Edwards. Mr. C. H. Speedy will preside. SKATING. Roller skating will be held to-day at the X.L.O. Rink, Newmarket, from 10 a.m. to 12 o'clock, 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and 7.30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Skating sessions will be held at the Premier Rink, Pitt Terrace, from 10 a.m. to 12 o'clock, and there will be a chiidren's session from 2 o'clock until 4.30 p.m. From 7.30 until 10 o'clock the evening session will be conducted. The Golden Gate Rink will hold sessions during the afternoon and even"lkating will be held at the Wembley Skating Rink, Crowhurst S.reet «sunng this afternoon and evening, .iner be -a band in attendance

STRAND THEATRE. A beautiful, fiery-tempered coquette, singing through life, with all the allure and vivaeiousness of the French beautiei who lived in the past, were loved by kings and wrecked kingdoms, Reneo Adorce, who has the role of Suzette in " Man and Maid," made an instant appeal at the Strand Theatre last evening. Loved by many, but loving only one, still with the uppermost thought of "golddigging." this modern Circe preferred a large cheque in lieu of this one's love. Lew Cody, who has the part of Sir Nicholas Thortnonde. plays his first role as the hero. Elinor Glyn. who wrote "Man and Maid," says: " People were startled when they heard I had cast him as a hero. But why not ? Ho has been miscast always as the ' heavy/ for he is a gentleman, and even heroic gentlemen must have a bit of the devil about them to be attractive to women." Harriet Hammond, Elinor Glyn's most recent "find," has the leading feminine role and is assisted by Paillette Duval, who gi%*es an excellent portrayal of a sophisticated woman of the world. Alec Francis. Carrie Clark Warde and Jane Mercer. The supporting programme is an unusually in foresting one, and includes the Strand Magazine, Pictorial Review and Screen Snapshots, and a comedy, " The Tin Hoss." Lovers of good music will find the selections from " Lilac Time " and the overture. " Turkish Patrol," bv Michaelis. entirely to their taste. During the evening Mr. Barry Coney sang " Vision Fair." from Jules Massenet's " Herodiade." and The Sea Road," by Hadyn Wood. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. The second of the concerts to be given by the Royal Auckland Choir this season will be held in the Town Hall, on Thursday evening. A number of solo items will be contributed by Miss Christina Ormiston, soprano, Mr. A. G, Fogartv, tenor, Miss Margaret Stoddart, violinist, and Miss Mavis Grevatt, harpist. Selections from the choir will be:—"Song of the Armada," "Stars of the Summer Night." "The Nun of Nidaros," "Faithless Sally Brown," "A Mistake," "Evening and Morning." the "Pilgrim Chorus" (Tannhauser), and "Tobacco." The box plans will open at Lewis 11. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Tuesday. EPSOM LIBRARY COURSE. "A Night with Gilbert and Sullivan" will be given at the Epsom Library on Tuesday in connection with the Winter course of lectures. In the lecture the life stories of the great collaborators will be briefly traversed. The plots of the operas will be tqld and favourite excerpts will be rendered by Miss Elsie Bentlev, Mr. Roy Dormer and Mr. and Mrs. lvarl 'Atkinson. The accompanist will be Mrs. D. V. Brassey. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. An excellent programme has been arranged for the municipal concert to bo given in the Town Hall this evening. Sladame Rosie Romr.ine will be, heard for the first time in Auckland,'and will sing Gounod's "Ave Maria," with violin, harp and organ accompaniment. Other items to be rendered by Madame Romaine will be "Lo, Hero the Gentle Lark" (Bishop), with flute obligate, and "Curo Nome," from "Rigoletto" (Verdi). Mr. Cyril Towsey, solo pianist, will play "Fan-, tasie—lmpromptu" (Chopin); and "Nocturne B Major," by the same composer. Mr. Edgar Randal, acting-citv organist, will render "Toccata and Fugue, D Minor" (Bach), and "Canzone and Finale in E Flat," by Guilmant. Mr. Leo Whittaker will bo the accompanist. " FAUST." For its production of Gounod's "Faust" in the Town Hall on July 22. the Auckland Choral Society lias secured the services of Mr. Arthur Jordan, the eminent English tenor, whose singing was one of the great attractions at the Duiieuin Exhibition when, among othfr*performances, he took the part of "P'aust." Included in the cast will bo Mr. Harison Cook, who as "Mephistopheles" at tho exhibition, achieved outstanding success. Tho concert, it is claimed, will be the finest and most costly yet presented by the society, PORT AUCKLAND BAND. The Port Auckland Band will play selections at the Ellerslie Racecourse to-mor-row afternoon, commencing at 2.45. PRESENTATION CARNIVAL. As a means of relieving distress among the unemployed, a carnival will bo held in the Forresters' Buildings, Wellesley Street, at 7 o'clock this evening, when each person present will receive a gift. The function promises to bo unique, as it is claimed to be the first of its kind to bo held in New Zealand. DIXIELAND CABARET. A novelty that is claimed to be unique as far as decorations are concerned, is "A Night in Cairo," which will take place at Dixieland Cabaret on Monday ovening. Outstanding among the scenic effects will be an Egyptian Temple of Lights. A novelty item wiii be the "Egyptian Dance of Death," by Miss Lilliokalani. and vocal items will be given by Miss Grace Gordon. Dancing will continue until 2 o'clock in the morniri;;. It is intended to make the evening tho most notable held at the cabaret this year. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY The Auckland Little Theatre Society has chosen as its next production A. A. Milne's "Tho Dover Road." Tho play will be enacted in the Town Hall concert chamber, commencing on July 27 and extending over a season of three nights.