ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19452, 7 October 1926, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. The adventures of an Alaskan miner and his daughter who, after striking rich gold, sell their mine for a million dollars and set out for New York, are related in "The Wilderness Woman," a First National release, which commences at the National and" Lyric Theatres to-day. They buy themselves new clothes by mail order, and the girl insists on taking her pet bear with her. They meet a pair of confidence tricksters who ultimately attempt to sell to the miner one of tho substations of tho New' York tube railways. He refuses to buy, however, because he disbelieves the assertion of the tricksters that tho trains run(under tho river in tunnels. After a time tho girl discards her ill-fitting garments and blossoms out in the fashions of Fifth Avenue. One of the tricksters attempts to win her love, but when she discovers his falseness her Alaskan training comes to her aid and slio knocks him out with a single blow. The other trickster aoid his accomplices aro similarly dealt with by her father. The story was writton by Arthur Stringer, and appeared as a serial in the Saturday Evening Post. Aileen Pringlo appears as the heroine, having a comedy role for the first time in her career. Lowell Sherman, Chester Conklin and Robert Cain head the supporting cast. Included in the programme will be a William Fox adaptation- of Peter B. Kync's popular story, "More Pay— Less Work." It is a talc of Cappy Ricks, whoso explosive temper almost wrecks tho plans for a great shipping merger. Mary Brian heads- a strong cast. PRINCESS AND TIYOLI. "A Society Sensation," a Universal production in which the lato Rudolph Valentino plays the leading role, will be tho principal attraction at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres for tho week commencing to-day. Valentino is said to give an excellent .performance, and the film provides an opportunity of studying the skilful acting which placed him among the most popular of screen personalities. The heroine of tho story is tho daughter of a fishing boat captain who is introduced to society as a duchess, in accordance with a plan devised by a clever philanderer. The role of tho heroine is played with outstanding skill by Carmel Meyers, and a number of well-known players are included in a strong supporting cast. Another of Douglas Mac Lean's deservedly popular comedies, "That's My Baby," will bo the second attraction. In this picture Mac Lean once again experiences tho thrills of flying, as much of the action centres round a motor-car and aeroplane race. The climax is reached when the hero/ still clutching a baby which has been entrusted to his care for a few moments, leaps from the aeroplane and descends to tho earth by means of a parachute. Tho picture has been produced on a lavish scale, and the,background of ono of tho. most amusing scenes is formed by an Oriental bazaar setting, which is claimed to be unique in the field of comedy because of its great size and unusual beauty. It covered an entiro stage and more than five hundred minor players appeared iu it. A largo number of harem girls who appear in the scene represent the most attractive of Hollywood's famous beauties. Margaret Morrison/ who appeared recently in "The Best People," has the leading feminine rolo, and Wade Boteler, Claude Gillingwater and Harry Earles are included in ing cast. The film was directed by William Beaudine, who won fame as the producer of Mary Pickford's "Little Annie Rocraey." STRAND THEATRE. The romantic and fascinating story of tho love affairs of Mary Queen of Scots is,told in "The Loves of Mary Queen of Scots," a British-made film which will be shown at tho Strand Theatre for the first time to-morrow. Mary is perhaps the most fascinating character of all Scottish history. She was famed for her beauty throughout Europe and her charming personality won her many admirers. She was born in 1542, and at the ago of six was sent to France to bo educated with tho royal children of France. In 1558 she was married to the Dauphin. The French mode of life with its chivalry and luxury appealed strongly to her temperament and' she was ,very happy until her husband died two years later. After some years she married Lord Darnley, but soon tired of him, and became friendly with Rizzio, an Italian musician. lie was murdered, and later in the same year a similar fate befel Darnley. In tho following year she married Bothwell, who had divorced his wife, but the Scottish people rose against her and she was imprisoned. After many adventures she was finally beheaded on suspicion of beiug involved in plots against the life of Queen Elizabeth. In the film version of her life Fay Go nipton appears as tho queen and Gorald Hines plays the Earl of Bothwell. Excellent supporting pictures will also bo screened. At the day sessions the programme will include, in addition, "Below the Line," a Master picture in which Rin-tin-tin, Juno Marlowo and Johnny Harron have tho principal roles. Madame Annette Ifayward will appear in a scena entitled "Fireside Memories," and will sing "John Anderson" and "Come Home Again." A, number of Scottish airs will be rendered by the orchestra. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Hoot Gibson has an unusual role, in which comedy has an important part, in "Chip of tho Flying U," his latest production for Universal, which commences at Everybody's Theatre to-day. It is a picture filled with humorous situations and amusing scenes, Gibson's rolo being that of a shy, blundering worker on a cattle ranch, who amuses, first by his efforts to avoid women, and later by his effort to win tho affection of ono in particular who has ensnared him. As "Chip" Bennett, of the Flying U ranch, he is highly disgusted when he learns that the boss' sister, a "female doctor," is on her way to pay the ranch an extended visit, and ho sketches a caricature of her with which ho adorns the walls of their living quarters. The sister does not live up to , his fanciful portrait of her, for she proves to be a very beautiful young lady, who quickly wins tho hearts of everyone. Even "Chip," who has professed a dislike for all members ot tho sex, feels his woman-hating tendencies leaving him. Ho contrives a fall from his horse and pretends serious injuries so that ho can avoid work and place himself under tho care of tho beautiful young doctor. All is happy until ho inadvertently reveals that ho lias been "shamming." An Australian picture, "Peter Vernon's Silence," released by Paramount, will be included in tho programme. The story tells of a young man who, for tho sake of a comrade, accepts responsibility for (ho death of another, although he is innocent. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. Tho Municipal Band will continue its series of Concerts next Saturday evening in the Town Hall concert chamber. An attractive programme will bo presented. Several numbers will bo hoard for the first, tirno, including a fine selection from Verdi's "Attila," which presents that versatile composer in his most tuneful vein. A novelty will bo the "Old Folks at Home," given in tho musical idiom of eight nations. Instrumental solos will bo given by Messrs. Fred Bowes and Hal. C. McLennan, and vocal items will bo contributed by the New Zealand Four. Box plans may be seen at Messrs. Lewis R. ICady and Son, Ltd. GJRAND CONCERT. Signor C'onstantini, assisted by wellknown local artists and a number of his advanced pupils, will present a concert in Scots Hall on Thursday evening, October 14, in aid of tho Marist Fathers. A splondid programme of 21 classical and oporatic. gems from tho works of worldfamous composers has been prepared. Somo of tho items include "Salvator Rosa" (grand scena and aria), which will bo sung by Signor Constantini, "Chanson Triste," a violin solo by Miss Grace Cameron-Johnson, and the grand duetto, "Fu la Sorte," from "Aida," by Mrs. Menzies and Miss M. Ryan. Tho accompanist will bo Mr. Leo Whittakes,

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Norma Shearer, one of the most popular although one of the newest _stars of the screen, has an unusual role in "A Slave of Fashion," which will commence a week's season at the Majestic Theatre today. Opening in the conventional family atmosphere of a small village in lowa, the scene quickly shifts to New York. With it. is the contrast of a rich and fashionablo world, a luxurious bachelor's apartment* and the glitter and glamour that only the Fifth Avenue of New \ork can know. It is the story of a smr.ll town girl who masquerades as a bachelor's wife and is on the verge of exposure. How the bachelor "husband" aggravates and then saves her from her embarrassing position makes the story an interesting and entertaining one. Lew Cody plays the bachelor hero, and Mary Carr and William Haines have important roles. The film was directed by Ilobart Henley. The orchestra will play as u musical interlude, with special lighting and stage effects, Greig's "Morning," from Peer Gym," and this will be followed by a scene entitled "Reverie," in which Miss Christina Ormiston will sing "Annie Laurie" and "The Last Rose of Summer." The overture will be from Weber s "Oberon." The supporting pictures will include a New Zealand scenic entitled "Summer Lands," and topical Pictures. The fourth lesson of "How to Dance the Charleston" will be screened at the afternoon and early evening sessions. QUEEN'S THEATRE. " Ernest Toircpce gives a splendid performance, adequately suggesting the greatness of character and the vision of the pioneer," says a critic of " The Heritage of the Desert," a Paramount adaptation of Zane Grey's popular story of the same name, which opens at the Queen's Theatre to-morrow. The principal roles are played by Torrence, Bcbc Daniels, Noah Beerv and Lloyd Hughes. The picture was directed by Irwin Willat who has directed many of the most successful western pictures yet produced. A second attraction will be "His Majesty, Bunker Bean," a delightful comedy, in which Matt Moore and Dorothy Devore are the stars. It is the story of a timid office clerk who is led to believe he is the reincarnation of Napoleon. With the confidence thus gained lie meots with almost incredible success in the business world. AUCKLAND REGIMENTS' CARNIVAL Many of the side-shows at the Dunedin Exhibition will form part of a monster carnival to be held under the auspices of the Auckland regiments at tho Drill Hall, Rutland Street, this evening. Among the many attractions are the rabbit race, balloon race, " knock 'em," box ball, ski alley, goldfish stand, skittle alley and a shooting gallery. Fancy dancing will be given by Miss Bettina Edwards and a regimental band will provide music. The carnival will he continued to-morrow evening and on Saturday evening. MAORI ENTERTAINMENT. A fine programme will be given by the Aotearoa Maori Entertainers at Taupaki this evening, Riverhead to-morrow evening and Greenhithe on Saturday evening. There will bs hakas, poi dances, solos, duets and instrumental selections. A dance will follow. MURIEL STARR. Tho box plans for the performances of " The House of Glass," commencing next Saturday at His Majesty's Theatre for four nights, and " French Leave," commencing next Thursday for three nights, open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., this morning.