ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19412, 21 August 1926, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Something entirely new in light entertainment is offered by the London Pierrots, who appeared at the Majestic Theatre for the first time yesterday. Each member of this bright little troupe is a talented artist with considerable experience on the cocert platform in England and America. Jimmy Taylor and Teddy Carlton shine in the sextette as first-rate humourists, and ihe principal vocalists are Dorothea Summers and William J. Aspden. The company introduced themselves with a jolly item entitled "Taxes." Mr. Taylor then rendered a serio-comic song in inimitable manner. The fatalistic trait in the character of the London coster was well illustrated in a sketch by Mr. Carlton and Miss Summers. In the final item the whole company took part in an amusing burlesque of grand opera. Miss Beryl Scott made an ideal accompaniste. Picturesque scenes of New York in the "sixties," when politics were taken more seriously than they are to-day, when riot and bloodshed were everyday occurrences and when the discovery of electricity revolutionised the world, form the background of "Lights of Old Broadway," a Monta Bell production for Metro-Gol'dwin-Mayer, with Marion Davies, Conrad Nagel and George K. Arthur in the principal roles. Miss Davies appears in a remarkable dual role whicli further enhances her reputation as one of the most beautiful and talented stars in America. The story deals with two orphaned girls who are separated when babies. Armei is adopted by the De Rhondes, a fashionable New York family, and the other, Ophelia, by the O'Tandys, Irish immigrants. Anne grows up a cultured society girl and Ophelia becomes a variety actress. After exciting adventures and a romantic courtship Ophelia marries Dirk de Rhonde rind the sisters are united. • The plot is particularly well developed near tho end when the invention of electricity is used as a medium for producing an exciting climax. A fine supporting programme includes tho Majestic News, the Pictorial Review and a New Zealand scenic o:t a recent Maori hui at Tikitiki. " Robin Hood," featuring Douglas Fairbanks, will be screened during day sessions throughout the week.

GRAND THEATRE. Syd. Chaplin, who established himself as a comedian of the highest order in " Charley's Aunt," appears in another succession of laughs in " The Man on the Box," which has been extended for another week at the Grand Theatre. Altogether he appears in three roles, those of cabman, butler and parlour-maid and displays a new type of humour, widely removed from the usual burlesque. While being to a certain extent dignified his antics are full of fun. He is able to introduce several small conjuring feats which add to the entertainment. He is irresistibly funny in the position of maid when ho is called upon to attend to the dressing of the daughter of the house and in this position he has to perform several duties, while lais mock seriousness makes the natural humour of the situation all the more ludicrous. He is repaid, however, by the fact, that he hears a conversation which finally enables him to defeat the efforts of a gang of criminals and win the girl he loves. The Story throughout is good, wholesome humour and the picture provides a splendid evening's entertainment. A good supporting programme will bo shown STRAND THEATRE. An unusual abundance of thrills is combined with an appealing romance in " Ramshackle House," Betty Compson's latest production, which was screened at the Strand Theatre f<Jr the first time yesterday. The picture tells a stirring tale of a girl who lives in the ramshackle house bequeathed to her father. The girl sacrifices herself to care for her father, until a young man arrives on a short visit from the city. The girl becomes interested in him, but on. the eve of his departure a newspaper arrives with the iiisws that his business partner has been murdered, and that he is suspected of the crime. The young man decides to return home, but the girl fears that he may be lynched and persuades him to stay. When the detectives arrive he seeks safety in flight through the Everglades of Florida, where he meets with startling adventures with giant alligators and pythons. An excellent climax is furnished by the final rescue of the hero and .the discovery of the real murderer. A special programme for children has been screened at the day session. The chief attraction "is a new edition of "The Kid," in which Jackie Ccogan and Charlie Chaplin are.starred.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The life of tho chorus girl is well featured in "A Broadway Butterfly," now showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. Determined to dance her way to fame on Broadway, shy little country-bred Irene Ast&ire seeks work as a chorus girl. She is unmercifully teased by the regular show girls, until Cookie Dale defends her. The producer is delighted with Irene and immediately engages her to take the place of Cookie, whom he dismisses to, satisfy the three wealthy clubmen who; are financing his musical show. Irene is very grateful to Cookie, whose apartment shf is sharing, and the two become fast friends. With success on the stage comes success in love and happiness finally rests with the heroine. In "Up and at 'Em" Doris May appears as the madcap daughter of an "art collector. After being fined for speeding in a motor-car she is forbildde,i by her aunt to drive in future, but she manages to overcome the difficulty by disguising herself as the family chauffeur. In this guise she meets with many highlyexciting and delightfully amusing adventures. RIALTO AND REGENT. "The Goose Hangs High," a Paramount picture directed by James Cruze, is the principal attraction on tho current programmes at the Rialto and Regent Theatres. The action centres round the Ingal's household on Christmas Eve, when the children arrive homo for the holidays. Earlier scenes sho\v a family in which the parents are indulgent and the children wilful. Tho father revolts—and as one result, the family faces the prospect of poverty. Through a little scheme devised by a. strong-minded grandmother a happy climax is reached. Constance Bennett, Myrtle Stedman, Esther Ralston, George Irving and Edward Peil ; Jnr., have the principal roles. In addition, " The White Desert," featuring Claire Windsor and Pat O'Malley is screening. at the Rialto Theatre and a Eirst National picture, " The Far Cry," with Blanche Sweet and Hobart Bosworth in the leading roles, completes the programme at the Regent. QUEEN'S THEATRE. " A Broadway Butterfly," a Warner Brothers' production, with Dorothy Devore and Cullen Landis in the leading roles, is on the current programme at the Queen's Theatre. The story tells of a country girl with ambition to become a Broadway star, who, after several adventures, secures a position in the chorus. Her simplicity and beauty arouse the interest of a young millionaire; she herself is attracted to him. A pleasant surprise and an unusual finish result in the millionaire claiming the girl of The remarkable qualities of Rin-Tm-Ttn, the famous police dog, are demonstrated in " Tho Lighthouse by the Sea," abo screening. The story is no masterpiece of imagination, but melodrama of tjio popular kind, and being deftly handled, results in a most interesting picture. ORGAN RECITAL. A fine programme has been arranged for the organ recital in the Town Hall this evening. Mr. J. Maughan Barnett will play Liszt's Fugue on "Ad nos, ad Salutarem undam," three Bach pieces and an arrangement of Schubert's "By tho Sea," The finale from Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and two Irish folksongs will be played by Miss Margaret Stoddart, and the vocalist, Mr. W. Gemmeli, haa selected songs by Gounod and Behrond.

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS. Great interest centres in the avwearjinrr. at His Majesty's Theatre next Wednesday evening, of the J. C. Williamson Ltd Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Com' panv and in the revival of "The Gondoliers. The music of "The Ccndoliers" is as fresh, as inspiring and as fascinating as it was when first produced at the Savoy. Theatre, London, and the librdtlo as pointed, satirical and clever as ever it was. The plot of "The Gondoliers," put briefly, is that two gondoliers are informed on their wedding (lav that one of them is to become King of Barararia. Pending the unravelling of the tangle of circumstances which led the Royal babe to bo confused years ago with the son of the "highly-respectable gondolier," these two youths both go to Barararia and reign together, leaving their brides behind, eacli longing for the time when she shall be "a regular Royal Queen." However, Luiz, who has passed as the attendant of the Duke of Plaza-'foro, is found to bo the King, and Marco and Guiseppe relinquish joyfully the thrones which have been so incompatible with their "republican fallacies." "Tho Gondoliers" will bo staged for three nights and will be followed by "The Yeomen of the Guard," "The Pirates of Penzance," " The Mikado." "H.M.S. Pinafore," "Iolontlie" and "Princess Ida." The operas will be presented by a new and specially organised company of English artists, and will bo staged with new and magnificent scenery and dresses. Features of the operas are the full operatic orchestra and chorus under the direction of Gustavo Slapofski. The box plans for the season will bo opened at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Monday morning. BAPTIST CHOIR CONCERT. The Auckland Baptist choir will give a musical concert in the Tabernacle building this evening. Mr. A. E. Wilson will act as organist and conductor and Mrs. T. Brame Clark will accompany on the piano. The programme includes a duet, "Glory to Thee, My God, This Night," bv Messrs. B. and C. Williams; a solo, "'I Will Extoll Thee," by Miss Dorothy Officer; a solo, "Beyond the Dawn," by Mr. Clinton Williams," and "The Lost Chord," by Mrs. J. Patterson. There will also be a piano and organ duo, "Hun. g{u'ian Rhapsody, No. 2." THE MUNICIPAL BAND. A recital will be given by the Municipal Band in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. The programme includes the hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light," overture, "Zampa," flute solo, "Sparkling Dewdrops," march, "The Vanished Army," the Miserere scene from "11 Trovatore," glee, "Queen of the Valley," and selection, • "Manon Lescaut." A first-class programme will also bo given by the band at tho Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. GREEN LANE CONCERT. A grand concert in aid of the Green Lano Congregational Church will bo hold in the Green Lane Picture Theatre on Monday evening. The programme includes orchestral selections, solos by Miss Marjorio Hopper. Miss Florence Sutherland, Master David Campbell and Messrs. 11. Richards, A. H. Ripley and Ernest Thomas. Songs will bo given by tho Lyric Quartette and Mr. Alan McElvvain will supply humorous touches. Mi's. A. H. Ripley will act as accompanist. SACRED RECITAL. A sacred recital will be given by St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir to-morrow evening. The choir will sing portions of Schubert's Ma§s in F Major and of Mozart's First Mass. Solos will ha given by Mesdames Monaghan and Asher, Misses Jessio Smith and Agnes Dixon, and Messrs. Haydn Murray, T. Tuohcy and P. McLean, and Signor Constantirii. Messrs. R. Dormer and J. Hogan will sing a duet. Professor Moor-Karoly will conduct, and Miss Noliie Ormond will act as organist.