ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19405, 13 August 1926, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE., Everyone who played his part in the" Great War will want to see "Reveille," an ,all-British Master picture, which commences at the Strand Theatre to-day, not only for its vivid reminiscences of trench life, but also to hear again the tunes that they sang as they trudged the muddy roads of Flanders, the tunes that are indissolubly linked with their memories of those times. It is a remarkable picture written and produced by George Pearson, and pretty Betty Balfour appears as a messenger of hope and courage in the troublous times which have followed the war. "Whelks," a true army character, is played by Frankie Stanmore, who is said to be a sheer delight in his drollery and an inspiration in his optimism. The man who took the war very seriously and whose idealism broke down under the strain of 1923, with its eternal round of looking for a job ? is portrayed by Stewart •Rome. One critic states that "Reveille" is an epic of laughter and tears. It • should have a wide general appeal at its initial screening in Auckland. "The English Futurists" concert party, who will bei; remembered for the popularity they won during their last appearance here, will also contribute to the programme. A particular feature of theif performance is the originality of every act, and this, combined with their reputation as talented entertainers, should induce many to make a point of seeing them. The company possesses two well-trained soprano soloists in Miss Ira Love and Miss Winnie. Edgerton. Mr. Gus Dawson, an ex-member of the "Digger" troupe, provides an abundance of light humour, and he is ably assisted by Mr. Cyril Northcote and Mr. G. W Desmond. The principal male soloists are Mr. George Corelli and Mr. Barry Ross. An overture, "Little Nellie Kelly," will be played and the Strand Magazine will be shown. NATIONAL AND LYRIC. Two of the romantic cities of Europe appear in their natural settings in "The Far Cry," a First National picture, on the double-feature programme which commenced at the National and Lyric Theatres yesterday. Scenes in Venice with its quaint canals, gondolas and colourful atmosphere, and in Paris, the city of gaiety and adventure, are shown in the picture, and a Roman banquet, filmed in (echnicolour makes a fine spectacle at the finish. The story tells of Claire, an American girl, who* after divorcing a French marquis meets a young painter, a chum of earlier days, whose friendship for her rapidly develops into love. His fierce jealousy, almost shatters the romance and induces Claire to return to Paris. Later, after a dramatic termination to a- gorgeous banquet gi'vjen in Claire's honour by a rival suitor, the couple are happily united. Blance Sweet gives a charming performance 3s Claire and Jack Mulhall acts well in the role of the young artist. Newlymarried couples should find much wisdom and advice on matters, of domestic finance in "Early to Wed," a William Fox release. also shown. Lured by the reckless extravagance ana "instalment system" life of their friends, the Nevers, a newlyWedded pair attempt to emulate them, to their disadvantage. Instead of finding happiness they are drawn further into debt and are almost ruined when success comes at last. There is much to amuse when the young couple are left with one furnished room in their home in which to entertain and lodge for the night some wealthy friends. When first dinner and then beds are surreptitiously transferred from a neighbour's house the situation becomes farcical. An 0. Henry comedy, a Gaumont graphic and a Felix cartoon complete an excellent programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A pleasing, amusing, and out-ofrthe-ordinary type of picture is offered by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in "Mike." a Marshall Neilan production, featuring Sally O'Neill, which heads the new programme at the Majestic Theatre. The outline of the plot, the romance between the girl and the hero who was "fired" and made good when the opportunity arose, follows along familiar lines, but the producer has subordinated this and concentrated on the characterisation of Mike arid her little family, their quaint home and unique surroundings. The greater portion of the action is devoted to this a.ngle, and is said to be filled with amusing Irish humour contributed by Charles Murray as the father, Ford Sterling as his friend, and by Mike herself and the "kiddies." The climax provides many, effective and well-'' .handled thrills. Sally O'Neil is Said to be excellent in the title role arid William Haines, who plays opposite her, gives a satisfactory performance. Particular interest is centred in the star, as in this film, she makes her, first appearance, having been chosen from a large number of aspirants for the part which \yas originally to have been taken by Mary Pickford. There will be a special musical item, "Inspirations." with stage effects, composed by Mr. Fred G. Mumford, whohas arrived from Sydney to conduct the Majestic Orchestra. In addition, Mr. Ernest Snell will siiig, "The Blind Ploughman" and "Five and Twenty Sailor Men." RIALTO AND REGENT. "A Regular Fellow," starring Raymond Griffith, which will be screened at the Rialto and Regent Theatres to-day has been described as a farcical comedy of the highest order. The story was written by Reginald Moore arid Joseph Mitchell and the picture was specially planned to give the greatest scope for Griffith's peculiar type of humour.. As the prince of . a mythical kingdom he is seen at his best, bored stiff with interminable functions such as opening, bazaars, launching warships and laying foundation-stones. In | his languid way he falls in love with the inevitable girl and then makes strenuous efforts to break away from all royal pomp ! and marry her. The end, however, is quite unexpected. In addition " The Lady of the Night " will be seen as the Rialto and " The Dancer of Paris " at the Regent. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A remarkable story of the sea in the days of Queen Elizabeth is told in " The Sea Hawk," a First National picture starring Milton Sills and Enid Bennett, which commences at the Queen's Theatre to-day. Many stirring scenes of life on a Moorish galley are depicted and later in the picture 1 the action is carried to Morocco, where the Sea Hawk's stronghold is the terror and awe of the Spanish Main. Costumes, surroundings and characters are said to be correct in historical detail and add greatly to the interest, of the story. On the same programme is "The Girl of the Limberlost," a film of outdoor life, adapted from the widely-read novel by Gene Stratton Porter. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "If Winter Conies," the film adaptation of A. S., M. Hutchinson's novel of the same name, is the principal attraction on the new programme at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. The picture tells the story of .Mark Sabre, his loves, his unavailing combat with the stern verities of life, and his ultimate triumph. Percy Marmont is said to act the perplexed and nervewracked Sabre to the life. . The picture is redolent of old garden roses and all that evokes the sweetness and romance of spring in England. The trial scene where Sabre is goaded by* the vicious prosecutor, abetted by Twyning. the villain of the pi(>ce, is said to be compellingly dramatic. " A Girl of the Limberlost," adapted from Gene Stratton Porter's well-known novel, will also be shown. MUNICIPAL ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for: the organ recital, to be given by Mr. J. Maughan Harnett, City Organist, in the Town Hall next Sunday evening,* will include two movements from Reubke's celebrated sonata and two, choral preludes by Bach. Mr. Barnett will alio play lighter works by Thomas and Greig.