ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19626, 3 May 1927, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE. The programme showing at the Grand Theatre jj headed by "Bad Company, a drama of society life, in which Madge Kennedy and Conway Tearle play the principal roles. The story deals with the of a musical comedy actress and her brother, joint heirs to a large sum of money. The brother becomes attracted by an adventuress who is anxious to secure a share in his wealth. Realising that something nuist be done, the sister, disguised, gain 3 access to the apartment of the family lawyer, wherein lies the will of her father." This secured, she hopes to save the boy from squandering his inheritance. The" girl is discovered stealing the document, but the hero, who loves the girl, is told the reason for the theft. Between them they conceive an idea whereby the boy will be disillusioned. This they succeed in doing, the story being bronght to a satisfactory conclusion. Many spectacular scenes of society life produced on an elaborate scale are included in the film. An excellent supporting programme will also be screened. STRAND THEATRE. "Nelson," the wonderful British film, recording the life of England's great naval hero, has had a most successful season at the Strand Theatre. The quiet dignity, simple manner and indomitable courage of the immortal sailor have been subtly captured by Donald Calthrcp, who gives an excellent portrayal. Impressive scenes at the naval engagement of Trafalgar, St. Vincent and the Nile fill the picture with action and colour, and throughout the love interest is kept in view. On the same programme is "Stepping Along," a laughable" Johnny Hines comedy, deal* • ing with the lighter side of American stage life. The "Strand Orchestra is responsible for a fine overture and incidental music. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Norma Shearer stars with success in "Upstage," the chief feature on the current programme at the Majestic Theatre. She appears as a girl who, commencing a promising stage career as a dancing partner, all but spoils herself by overambition. Oscar Shaw, a fine vaudeville and musical comedy performer, gives a good performance opposite M;ss Shearer. Dorothy Phillips and J. Frank Glendon, both of whom have been stars in their own right, appear as a knife-throwing team. A short revue presented by Miss Bathie Stuart and her company of girls has proved of popular appeal. Three short features are also shown in the picture programme. REGENT THEATRE. Excellent entertainment is offered on thn current programme at the Regeut Theatre. "Poker Faces," the chief picture, is a most amusing farce-comedy, with Laura la Plante and Edward Everett Horton in the leading roles. A number of clever cartoons, drawn by "Paddy" Saunders, from the Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville, are proving a source of amusement. While making his sketches, Saunders keeps up a run of most entertaining conversation. Another of the Music Master series, "Franz Liszt," will also be featured. Selections are played by Mr. Eddie Horton on the Wurlitzer organ. The operatic orchestra, under Mr. Maurice Guttridge, renders a varied programme of music. RIALTO THEATRE. One of Hoot Gibson's best productions, "The Texas Streak," will head the programme which will commence a short season at the Riaito Theatre to-day. The story tells of Chad Pennington, a member of a' touring theatrical company; who finds himself stranded in a small Texas settlement. Being penniless and desperate Chad accepts the only employment offering, that of a gunman for a water supply and power company. Hoot Gibson, who plays the part of Pennington, has plenty of scope to show his prowess as a horseman and athlete. As a gunman. Pennington soon secures fame and succeeds in protecting the interests of the companv in that part, of Arizona, The Four Little Kellvs, who so delighted patrons of the New Regent last week, will again present a novel musical act. The usual -gazettes and comedy complete the programme. REMUERA LIBRARY CONCERT. The Eemuera Library course will be opened this evening with a concert arranged by Mr, Frank Adeanc, secretary of the Competitions Society. 'lhe programme will be largely provided by competitors successful in last year's competitions. The extent and variety of the programme csjii be gauged from the names of the artists, including Misses Alma McGruer, Ina Thomson, Phyllis Mobherley, Audrey Perry, Isabelle Brook, Owenth MacNautrhtrtn", Messrs. Arthur Reid, Culford Bell, Frank Adeane, and Mr. John Tait's Madrigal Choir. ZIMBALTST The world-renowned violinist Efren Zimbalist will commence a short season in the Auckland Town Hall on May 17 Zimbalist has had an enviable career and bis name has been a household word in the music circles of Europe and America for many years past. Auckland audiences have always showp appreciation for good music and from time to time have had opportunity to hear many of Jhe world's master violinists, notably Kre'sler, Heifetz. Seidel, and Elman. Zimbalist should delight those who are fortunate enough to hear him, for his programmes will cover a wide range of the world's foremost compositions. Booking arrangements are advertised.