ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19659, 10 June 1927, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"PEG O' MY HEART." No more popular mixture of humour and I sentiment could be found than J. Hartley | Manners' "Peg o' My Heart," which Miss j Nellie Bramley and her company revived at His Majesty's Theatre last evening. Peg, nursing her many bundles and the dog Michael, is ene of the best-remembered stage ligures of recent years. Since Miss Sara Allgood introduced her to New Zealand she has remained in the minds of countless theatregoers. Miss Bramley is a worthy successor to Miss Allgood in the part and she gets out all the freakish humour that is to be found in the nn- | taught Irish girl from New York, dumped down upon a snobbish and impoverished family of English relations. Peg is on the stage practically the whole evening, but the continuous laughter of the audience shows that it cannot see or hear too much of her, although her early antics subdue themselves as the story moves on. The play is still so strong a favourite that further revivals may be expected in years to come. The English household is well portrayed by Miss Marie Dalton as the mother, Miss Mabel Gower as the daughter, and Mr. Brett Randall as the foppish son. Mr. Randall again shows himself a really clever light comedian, and in this instance he puts a good deal more into the part than the author probably intended. Mr. George Hewlett is the guardian-lover, Jerry, and Mr. Robert Purdie gives a good sketch of an elderly solicitor. The other parts are very satisfactorily filled, including that of Michael, the dog, and a small Pomeranian that also figures in the cast. "Peg o' My Heart" will be presented again this evening, and the season will close tomorrow with "Camille." MAJESTIC THEATRE. A wide variety of fine settings provides one of the features of "The Love of Sunya," which will be the principal attraction on the programme commencing at the Majestic Theatre to-day. These settings have been necessary, in view of the fine characterisations which Gloria Swanson, the chief artist, is called upon to play. Through the medium of an Indian fortune-teller she is permitted to see her future as it would be were she to choose the paths open to her by marriage. She is found in the characterisation of the temperamental opera singer who captivates Paris. Then she portrays a school teacher and, finally, the wife of a millionaire. The most interesting scenes tire said to be the reproductions of the Opera Comique in the French capital. Miss Swanson desired to make motion pictures of this historic structure, for use in the picture, but officials explained they could not permit this. So the star had photographs made from which Hugo Ballin, noted art director, produced exact duplicates for the picture. The poor man's hut, in which Miss Swanson lives'in her characterisation of the poverty-stricken school teacher, was copied from a house photographed in a small village near New York. The millionaire's home is lavish to ♦be smallest detail, and as the scene of many gay and hilarious parties, is one of the most striking "sets" in the picture. There will be a number of entertaining supports, which include a comedy, "Time Flies," a Majestic News, an Eve's Review and screen tests in connection with Ihe film star quest for Miss New Zealand. 1927. Jack Lumsdaine, whose songs have delighted recent audiences, will make his final appearance with a "request week." Appropriate music to be given includes an overture. "Maritana" (Wallace), and a selection from "Lucia di Lammermoor" (Donizetti). REGENT THEATRE. The film version of Marie Corelli's wellknown book, "Sorrows of Satan," will be the chief feature on the new programme, which will commence at the Regent Theatre to-day. The story tells of Geoffrey Tempest, a struggling author, who becomes friendly with Mavis Claire, occupying a room across the hall from his own quarters. Tempest is living in poverty, but builds great hopes upon a novel which he has completed and sent to the publishers. 'lt is refused, and when he returns to his room he reviles everyone, offering to sell his soul to Satan for riches. He is overheard by Prince Lucio Rimanez (Adolphe Menjou), who has come to visit him. He tells him that an uncle has left him a fortune. He forbids him to inform Mavis, and so he goes away without seeing her. She is brokenhearted, and soon, in the life of luxury that follows, Geoffrey forgets all about her, and marries Princess Olga. But the marriage is irksome. Neither is happy, and they succeed only in getting on one another's nerves. Only Prince Lucio seems to bring peace. Geoffrey is angry when he finds his wife pleading with Lucio and declaring her love for him. Olga, unable to persuade Lucio, takes poison, and Geoffrev denounces Lucio.--- He, in turn, declares his true identity, and Geoffrey Tempest flees in terror. His wanderings, always overshadowed by Satan, are finally brought to an end when he finds Mavis. Donald Stuart, described as "the high and mighty man of mirth and magic." will commence his second week at the theatre. Special music, arranged by Maurice Guttridge, will be played by the Onerntic Orchestra, and Eddie ITorton will plav new numbers on the Wurlitzer organ.STRAND THEATRE. Monto Blue and Dorothy Devore head a strong cast in "The Man Upstairs," a mystery story, which will open at the Strand Theatre to-day. The storv tells how Geoffrey West, a young man alone in London, and a girl, Marian Laniard, meet while both are in search of adventure. In order to win the girl, West tells her of a supposed murder and pretends he is hunting the culprit. Marian decides to turn the joke of manufactured excitement on to West. She arranges to have Frazer "planted" again as if he really were murdered, gives West's letters to the police, and brings Scotland Yard to arrest West. His knife is found in the dead body of Frazer, and West is sent to prison to await trial. Frazer helps the girl with her prank, and one day climbs the bars of the window and looks in on the prisoner. This frightens Mose, West's servant, but convinces West that he should be freed at once since the man is alive, lie and Mose manage to esttfipe through mysterious dungeons and dark stairways, only to be confronted by two terrifying armoured figures who halt their progress. After thoroughly frightening West and Mose, the figures strip off their armour, nnd prove to be Marian and Frazer, delighted with their practical joke. A Fox production, "Daughters Who Pay." will be shown in support. The short features include a Strand Magazine and an Aesop's Falilc picture. CAPITOL THEATRE. A pleasing story of college life, "The Quarterback," is the foremost attraction on the programme now screening at the Capitol Theatre. Richard Dix, the popular athletic actor who has appeared in many successful productions, portrays the role of Jack Stone, r. student who falls in love with Louise Mason, a pupil of a rival college. Through a trick on the part of a rival ho is barred from membership in the football team, but the girl clears his name and he represents his college with distinction in the principal match of the season. Ester Ralston, who appeared in "The American Venus," has the leading feminine role. "The Old Soak," a comedy drama, in which Jean Hersholt portrays the principal character, is the chief supporting film, EMPIRE THEATRE. A thrilling story of the days of the great Californian gold rush, "The Desert's Toll," is the principal attraction on the current programme at the Empire Theatre, Dominion Road. Anna May Wong and Francis McDonald are cast in the leading roles. The second feature is "Satan iu Sables," a delightful story of Parisian society life, in which Lowell Sherman plays the principal rol*.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. The screen adaptation of "The Reckless Lady," written by Sir Philip Gibbs, was shown for the first time in Auckland at the National and Lyric Theatres yesterday. As a novel, the story has had a wide appeal, and the masterful manner in which it has been transferred to the screen will undoubtedly inorease its popularity. The choice of cast has been made with care, and it is hard to imagine a more suitable actress for the title role than Belle Beunett. In her hands, "The Reckless Lady," who gambles continually at the Monte Carlo gaming tables in order to get money to educate her daughter, becomes an appealing personality. Her acting throughout is characterised by lack of artificiality; her every gesture is natural. Her daughter is portrayed by Lois Moran, tho youthful actress who has enjoyed a rapid rise to fame. Miss Moran will be remembered for her fine work in "Padlocked," and in her new picture, in which her role is of a similar type, she wins fresh honours. Opposite her is Ben Lyon, an accomplished young actor, who gives a finished performance as her lover. Although he is called upon to act in many dramatic scenes, his acting is lightened frequently by bright and attractive flashes of comedy, in which he excels. The story opens in Monte Carlo, where the "reckless lady," as she is known in the Casino, plays nightly for huge sums. At times she loses heavily, and then her debts are paid by Boris (Lowell Sherman), a heartless man of the world, unscrupulous and dashing. Unexpectedly, Colonel Fleming, husband of the unknown lady in the Casino, returns from the war, and demands that his wife shall give his daughter, Sylvia, into his care. She refuses, and the colonel is forced to leave her. Years pass, and the mother and daughter travel together, and unknown to Sylvia, exist on the money her mother makes by gambling. Boris" then returns and proposes marriage to Sylvia, before he realises that it was her mother he had known years before. Dramatic situations arise when his identity is revealed, but the hero, Ralph Hillier, appears, and finally wins the day. Brilliant scenes of Monte Carlo en fete have been photographed, many of them in colour. The gaily decorated processions, the quaint figures with their grotesque heads, the confetti, dancing and gorgeous gowns all adding to the spectacular nature of the film. Also showing is a tense drama, "Without Mercy," in which Rocldiffe Fellowes, as Sir Melmoth Craven, is seen at the head of an unscrupulous band of renegades, who are striving to place their chief in Parliament. Equally determined to prevent their efforts is Margaret Garth (Vera Reynolds), who years before had met with cruel treatment at the hands of Melmoth, and had waited patiently for her opportunity Sor revenge, which comes when she attains the position of the most potential financial magnate in London. The story contains thrilling situations in abundance and keeps expectancy at a high pitch until a dramatic climax is reached. A comedy, "Baby Be Good." and the latest graphics complete the entertainment. RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. Two featured films, "The Eagle of the Sea" and "My Lady of Whims," are on the new programme which will commence showing at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres to-day. In the first film Ricardo Cortez as Sazerac, a gentleman buccaneer, has a fascinating role. Mitchell Lewis is cast as Ande Beranger, a follower of Sazerac, a part which gives scope for fine character acting, in which a line between eccentricity and absurdity is finely drawn, and handled in an artistic manner by Lewis. Florence Vidor has the feminine lead as Louise Lestrom. In the film, it is stated, there is plenty of action, vivid sea fights and many other adventures. The sea fights are staged in a striking manner, and are somewhat reminiscent of "The Sea Hawk," which was made by the same producer, Frank Lloyd. The story describes the manner in which the pirate hero discovers a plot concocted by Spanish diplomats to rescue Napoleon from St. Helena and embroil England and the United States. He denounces the disloyalty and enlightens Louise Lestrom, who has given her fortune to the cause. When she is abducted he turns pirate again and in a sequence of thrilling scenes rescues her. "My Ladv of Whims." a comedy farce, is an adaptation of Edgar _ Franklin's wellknown novel, "Protecting Prudence," and was directed by Dallas FitzGerald, who claims it to be his greatest production. Clara Bow portrays the leading character, and is supported by a full cast headed by Donald Keith, who has played opposite to her in a number of her greatest successes. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Stranded in Paris," starring the popular comedienne, Bebe Daniels, is the principal attraction on the current programme at Everybody's Theatre. The story opens with the heroine, as Julie McFadden, a shop-girl, winning a free trip to Paris. Full of the spirit of adventure, she sets out and meets on board ship Robert Van Wye. In Paris the heroine finds that the house where she was to have stayed has been destroyed and while she is looking for her friends her purse is stolen and she _ loses her way. She wanders into a fashionable gown store and is employed by the managers to carry some frocks to a client in Deauville. Her tickets become mixed with thoso belonging to a countess, and most complicating and amusing situations arise, finally ending in a startling denouement and a triumph for the heroine. The second featured film is "Lady Robin Hood," in which Evelyn Brent is seen in a type of role.totally different from those usually associated with her name. As a dashing Spanish girl Miss Brent departs from "crook" roles, in which she has hitherto appeared. Writing of the change a critic says:—"Miss Brent's versatility is such that she adapts herself equally well to underworld roles or to the more heroic proportions of a girl who leads a band of patriot 'Carbonari' in the Pyrenees mountains against the aggressions of a local ruler who has flagrantly abused the common people to enhance his own wealth." Good supports complete the programme. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. Paramount's latest Zane Grey picture, "The Man of the Forest," and a comedydrama, "The Whole Town's lalking, comprise an excellent programme at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres, lhe foimei picture deals with the romantic adventures of a rancher, who plays a lone hand at cattle raising, with his interests largely confined to wooded ranges in the high country. Because of the mystery surrounding him, and his choice for solitude, he is known as the "man of the forest." The arrival of a girl and the consequent interruption of his solitary life, although at first proving irksome, finally bring happiness to both parties. The second picture tells how Chester Binney, a wounded war veteran, is discharged from tho army in Los Angeles and returns to his home town, where he is feted by his employer, Georgo Simmons, who hopes he will marry his daughter Ethel. The plans fall through but although there are amusing complications in the story, eventually everything ends happily. CITY MISSION FAIR. Thousands of people have visited the Big Winter Fair, which is being held in the Town Hall for the relief of unemployment, since it opened on Wednesday. Over £SOO has been realised, and it is hoped that the,amount will bo doubled when tho fair closes this evening. Great interest is being taken in the Ugly Man Competition, in which patrons are asked to record a vote. "Progress returns" are stated to be as follows: —Mr. V. H. Potter, M.P., 1; Rev. Jasper Calder, 2; Mr. G. Ponder, 3. Mr. Calder is only ten votes behind Mr. Potter. Altogether there are 19 stalls selling flowers and plants, woollen articles and lingerie, cakes, needlework, sweets, etc., etc. This afternoon dancing will be held, music being provided by a first-class jazz orchestra.

GRAND THEATRE. Those who have not seen tho Fox superfilm, "What Price Glory?" ■will have an opportunity of doing so at tho Grand Theatre this week. The film will commence screening there to-day. "What Price Glory ?" is essentially a comedy, although many stirring war scenes aro shown. The call to arms of 1814 is vividly portrayed, a march-past of the forces of the British Empire, France and Belgium being depicted. The entry of the United States of America into the war in 1917 is illustrated by the arrival of her first forces in France, where they received an enthusiastic welcome from the inhabitants of the battle-swept districts. Victor McLaglen, brother of the New Zealand jiujitsu exponent, enacts the principal role, that of Captain Flagg, a bullying officer of marines. Mr. McLaglen served with the British forces in the Great' War. Dolores Del Rio, a beautiful Spanish actress, portrays Charmaine, a French girl, resident in the village where Flagg's company is bivouacked, while Edmund Low® plays the part of Sergeant Quirt, the captain's rival. Others in the cast include Elena Jurado, Phyllis Haver, Leslie Fenton and August Tollaire. As a contrast the Metro-Goldwyn-Maver picture "Paris," dealing with social life in the French capital, will be screened. Joan Crawford and Charles Ray fill the leading roles. " JASPER'S CONCERT." The accommodation at the Town Hall is likely to be fully taxed when the performance of " Jasper s Concert ' is repeated to-morrow evening. All the artists who took part in the first concert on Tuesday evening will appear again with the addition of violin items by Miss Margaret Stoddart. " We're in the Navy Now," the original character sketch by Denver and Bud Calder, which created much amusement, will be improved by a surprise " gag," which should be productive of much laughter. Box plan arrangements are advertised.