ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19608, 9 April 1927, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NEW REGENT THEATRE. A good programme in itself and lacking nothing in the manner of presentation, the current offering at the New Regent Theatre is one of no little merit. The initial showing last evening was most j successful in every way, and a large audience paid ready tribute to the pleasing and interesting features provided. Something different from the usual run of love story was seen in the star picture, "You Never Know Women." A natural enough tale of the love of two men for one woman and the consequent complications, told in an unusual way, makes an intensely interesting drama. The girl, performing in a theatrical troupe, is loved by the star, but constant association with him has made her look upon him more as a big brother. Into her life comes a gay, debonair and enormously rich young man. At first it seems that the newcomer will be successful, but the temporary loss of the star leads the girl to her final choice. The precipitated rashness of the other lover only serves to confirm her decision. At internals in the story a number of glimpses of skilled work in knile-throw-ing and in tumbling and acrobatic feats are given. Introducing several delt comedy touches into their gymnastic act, the Armand Brothers, from the Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville, made a successful first appearance. The rising oi the curtain showed the pair in an apparently perilous position, with one balanced on his haiyi on the other's head. Apprehensive gasps from the audience quickly changed to sounds of mirth as the man underneath walked away, revealing the fact that the other, of slighter build, was • supported on a stand. However, a number of clever feats quickly followed, showing them to be possessed of no mean acrobatic skill. Mr. Eddie Hgrton received generous applause for his playing on the Wurlitzer organ of "Miserere, ' "Heart of Thine, Sweet Voice," and a popular melody. From several requests from the audience, he played "Rose Marie " as an additional piece. Of historical interest was the second of the Flaunted Castles of England series, "The Tower of London," depicting the rise 'to fame and death of Lady Jane Grey. An amusing comedy and a film of topical interest were also included on the programme. The musical side of the enter _ tainment was well attended to by the orchestra, under the direction of Mr Maurice Guttridge. NATIONAL AND LYRIC. Entertainment of a varied nature is provided in " Bigger than Barnum's," the new attraction which will be presented for the first time at the National, and Lyric Theatres on Tuesday next. A three-ringed circus in full swing, tumbling clowns and hundreds of highly-trajned animals are some of the features of this great circus story. Ralph Lewis is cast as an old circus perforer, in which role he is stated tc have numerous opportunities for displaying his talents. Viola Dna has a:» appealing role as the little daughter of the circus, and opposite her is Georg O'Hara, as the son of the old performer. The young man and his actions form the principal part of the theme, and when he is thought to be a coward and is disowned by his father the action moves swiftly. In a thrilling climax the young man makes a perilous trip across a wire high above the street and saves his father, who is trapped in a blazing hotel. Ralph Ince, as the jealous rival, is another stiff performer of the cast " Bigger than Barnum's " is claimed to be the largest story of this typ ever brought to the screen and contains an abundance of amazing spectacles and thrilling acrobatic feats. Interwoven with the main plot is a pleasing romance. Also showing on the same programme will be a First National production, " The Perfect Sap," starring Ben Lyon, and good supporting pictures. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Sporting thrills, romance and droll humour have been cleverly combined in " The Waning Sex," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production now showing at the Majestic Theatre. Skilful photographic feats have brought to the screen tennis matches, swimming races and diving contests with gripping realism and a clever plot holds the attention of the audience throughout the film. Norma Shearer as Nina Duane, is a brilliant woman barrister, who holds the view that men are decadent. Her lover, Philip Barry, the district attorney, is equally .certain that they are not. They are deeply in love. Barry will not agree to an indefinite engagement and Nina will not sacrifice her career for love and marriage. There appears to be no solution until Nina makes a sporting proposition. They will hold three contests of skill Should she lose, she will marry Philip on his own terms. Otherwise, she keeps on with her career at the, Bar. The first contest is a swimming .race. Philip wins after a thrilling struggle. Then Nina is asked to defend a criminal against whom, the State is proceeding, with Philip as official prosecutor. Nina evens the scores by winning her case. Soon, however, Nina finds that her victory is without flavour. Philip is too humiliated to come + o her and she is too proud to ask him But a further display of his egotism determines fjer to punish him still more. They are both nominated for the position of district attorney, but when Philip is sufficiently chastened. Nina withdraws and consents to marry him. Music by the Majestic All Soloists' Orchestra includes " Pique Dame" and an orchestral interlude, Paderewski's " Minuet." A divertissement " A Dresden Dream," is given, with Mdlle. Valeska as the solo danseuse, and in addition there is a good comedy, Majestic News and Eve's Review. STRAND THEATRE. The effectiveness of Lou Chaney's " make-up" is clearly shown in " The Road to Mandalay," the chief feature on the current programme at the Strand Theatre. One of his most marvellous effects in the screening of the picture was his ' putting out an eye." Every day the actor applied a chemical to his eyeball which created a white film over it, giving the bizarre effect of a man with one eye destroyed by a knife-slash. The story is mysterious and thrilling. Of great effect are the remarkable character isations of Chaney, the sinister suaveness of Kamiyama Sojin as a tigerlike Oriental gangster, with padded paws that conceal daggers ot steel, and the compelling performance of Owen Moore as a derelict naval' officer who achieves regeneration through his own sense of shame. Lois Moran plays the heroine with superb artistry and Henry B. Walthall gives a wonderful performances as a priest. Colourful settings are a feature of the pictlire. Art excellent programme of musical items is given by the Harris family, a talented company of vaudeville artists. Supporting pictures include a comedy " Nothing Matters," starring-, Lloyd Hamilton, a Strand Magazine and an Aesop's fable feature. PB IN CESS AND TIVOLI. Good comedy entertainment is provided in " The Cat's Pyjamas," now showing at the Princess and Tivoh Theatres. Entrusted with the chief role, Betty Bron son, the " Peter Pan Girl," makes the most of a number of ludicrous scenes in which Tommy, her cat, appears .dressed in pyjamas. A delightful story tells how. as Sally Winton, she succeeds in winning the love of Cesare Gracco (Ricardo Cortez), an. opera singer. The supporting cast includes the grand old man, Theodore Roberts, and the charming Arlette Marchal. William Wellman is the director. Also showing is a highly exciting Western picture, " The Buckaroo Kid," featuring Hoot Gibson.

"ABIE'S IRISH ROSK." Charming throughout, and containing bright comedy from beginning to end, " Abie's Irish Rost " is having an extended season at Hi? Majesty s Theatre. The principals and supporting artists combine to make the whole entertainment go with a swing from start to finish. To say thai Auckland is endorsing the opinions of other cities is to put it »ildly. The final nights of the Auckland season are announced next Wednesday evening being the last performance. Matinees will be held to-day and on Wednesday. « CARBINE'S HERITAGE." The splendid achievement of a Hew Zealand film company, " Carbine's Heritage," continues to draw crowded houses to the Hippodrome, Empress and Queen's Theatres. The photography is excellent and some particularly fine scenes of Ellerslie on Cup Day are screened. Many other local views add interest to the film. The plot moves swiftly, and the excitement is maintained until Maori a descendant of Carbine, brings the film to a thrilling climax by winning the Summer Cup. " Carbine's Heritage " will be shown for an, extended season. y , LUNA PARK. A special attraction at Luna Park this afternoon will be an animal act, "Bradley's Monkey Hippodrome." The highlytrained monkeys will be seen performing acrobatic tricks wire-walking, playing musical instruments, and many other novel acts. Th's act will be free to patrons of the park. SUNDAY CONCERT. A programme ef musical items will be given at the Sunday evening concert at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Special selections will be given on the Penstrope machine. A silver coin collection will be taken: