ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19688, 14 July 1927, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. As a fiery Spanish gipsy, Mae Murray plays in "Valencia," commencing at the Strand Theatre to-morrow, amid surroundings of intrigue and of scintillating beauty. The story is one of an evil Spanish Governor's attempts to get her into his power, of her rescue by a sailor whom at first she dislikes, of their estrangements s and dramatic reconciliation. How she becomes entangled in a web of court in#igue that drags her and her lover into dire peril and how she finally worsts the Governor and saves them botn forms a story which is a succession of spectacular scenes and gripping incidents. Gorgeous reproductions of the quaint old city of Barcelona, including a complete reconstruction of the public square, with hundreds of people in national costume 011 holiday, the beautiful scenes at the Governor's fete in the palace gardens, Mae Murray in a spectacular mob scene and the remarkable sea pictures are features of the swiftly-moving drama. Lloyd Hughes plays the sailor lover and Koy D'Arcy the Governor of Barcelona. The second picture will be "The General," a United Artists' production featuring the popular comedy-actor Buster Keaton. Taking its title from the name of a locomotive, the theft of which provided one of the most exciting incidents of the American Civil War, "The General" offers unique entertainment. The story tells of the efforts of Johnnie Gray to enlist in the Southern Army, but as the authorities realise he can be of great assistance in a civil capacity, he is unsuccessful. After a series of sensational occurrences ho becomes a lieutenant. The leading feminine role is taken by Marian Mack. "THE SCARLET LETTER."

" ' The Scarlet Letter' is a decidedly ably-directed and weJi-acted screen story. It has a dramatic tale to unfold and goes about that unfolding with smoothness and power. There is no wandering away into byways." With these remarks an American critic summarises his impressions of the film adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's celebrated novel, which will be shown at the Majestic Theatre commencing to-morrow. Other reviewers are no less enthusiastic in describing the picture." The following was penned by a wellknown New York critic:—"Technically perfect though this picture is, it is the inspired acting of Lillian Gish that makes it outstanding. Entering with amazing whole-heartedness into the theme of the tory, she brings before the eyes Hester Prynne herself, the joyous, impulsive girl who, surrounded by intolerance and repression, /is forced to carry a badge of shame through life to shield the man she oves. In such scenes as the amazing pillory scene, where her lover, under the pretence of exhorting her, voices his love and remorse, while she vows deathless love, the poignant drama of the situation is most intense." The Majestic orchestra lias bepn reorganised and augmented and a first-class musical programme is promised, commencing to-morrow. In addition to an atmospheric musical score, there will be a special prologue. NATIONAL THEATRE. The principal attraction on the programme to commence a short season at the National Theatre to-day will be "Across the Pacific," an adaptation of a story by Charles D. Blariey, which tells of the romance and adventures of a young American boy who volunteers and is sent with his regiment to the Philippines to quell the insurrection which followed .the Spanish-American War. What are said to be some of the finest battle sequences ever filmed show the American troops in their heroic advance through jungle and swamp against enemies whom they cannot see, annoyed by tropical insects and sick with heat and fever. This could not be portrayed on the stage, nor does it have great dramatic significance' to the eye-witness, but through the magic eye of the camera, which carries one from the advancing line to the enemy's trenches, to an individual native sniper, to a hand-to-hand combat, to an American boy easing the last moments of a stricken companion, to the staffs of the commanding forces, one sees the battle from every angle and obtains i most comprehensive view of the conflict. Monte Blue is cast in the leading i role and is supported by a full company, including Jane Winton, Myrna Loy and Charles Stevens. The second feature si "The False Alarm," a thrilling story of the life led by fire-fighters, in which Ralph Lewis, Mary Carr and John Harron portray the foremost characters. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. W. C. Fields again plays successfully as the henpecked father who finally succeeds, 'in spite of the gloomy prophecies of his family, in "The Potters, commencing at the Prihcess and Tivoli Theatres to-day. It is not an unbreakable windscreen this time with which he makes the family's fortunes, but the discovery of a rich oil well. After many disasters and consequent recriminations from the family, it is discovered that, quite inadvertently, Potter has retained the lease of some land on which a fine "gusher" is discovered. His reputation is made, but the story ends with an amusing scene in which his irrepressible family is still vigorously squabbling over who really has the right to the lease of the land, while the man who did it all peacefully contemplates the motto over the door, which refers to the sanctity of home life. The chief supporting picture, "The Gallant Fool," features Billy Sullivan in the role of an American millionaire who becomes a prince for the day and makes the most of the opportunity. Ho even marries the very charming princess, played by Hazel Deane. . At the Princess only, the great Zamoni, celebrated conjurer and ventriloquist, performs a succession of most bewildering tricks and also appears as a lightning cartoonist. / EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A stirring story of Canada's spacious forests is told in " Then Came the Woman," which will commence a season at Everybody's Theatre to-day. Frank Mayo, Cullen Landis and Mildred Ryan aro featured in the cast. The most spectacular scene in the picture is that of a huge forest fire, which devastates a large ! area. The scene is most realistic and men and animals are seen fleeing madly before the oncoming tongues of flame. The fire provides the climax to the story, which concerns the regeneration of a young lad through faith and kindness. A great friendship springs up between the boy and his benefactor, who is the owner of a lumber camp. A woman comes into their lives and ft is the fire which decides the question whether she shall marry the older man to whom she is in honour bound or the younger man whom she loves. The director, David Hartford, who is also the author of the story, is said to have filled the production with human touches which add to its realism. Richard Talmadge, the popular acrobatic star, will be seen in "The Isle of Hope," the supporting picture. GRAND THEATRE. The principal feature on the new change of programme at the Grand Theatre tomorrow will be the film record of the ten-round boxing bout between Tom Heeney, heavy-weight champion of New Zealand, and Paulino Uzcudun, the Spaniard, staged in Madison Square Gardens, New York, on April 1. The decision of the referee, which declared Uzcudun the winner, was unpopular with the press and public. The consensus of opinion was that Heeney should at least have been given a draw. However, whether the decision was right or wrong, New Zealand boxing enthusiasts will have a good opportunity to judge for themselves at the Grand during the coming week. Every detail of the bout is depicted, making a striking record. "The Magician," an unusual film adapted from the novel by Somerset Maugham, will also be screened. The story deals with an insane student of the occult who, by means of hypnotism, obtains a sinister mastery over Margaret Dauncey. Alice Terry and Paul Wegener head * strong cast.

REGENT THEATRE. Clara Bow and Esther Ralston head the cast in " Children of Divorce,"' which comes to the Regent Theatre to-morrow. It is a story dealing with an important phase of the divorce problem, the effect of divorce upon the second generation. The two popular actresses, of definitely opposed but equally charming types, play the roles of two girl friends whose lives have been warped by this most acute of modern evils. Jean Waddington, which is Esther Ralston's part, is sought in marriage by Ted Larrabee, who completes the trio of " children of divorce." As the son of a dissolute, irresponsible father, with the cloud of his parents' tragedy over his early life, he has not hitherto given signs of possessing much character, and so Jean bids him first prove himself a man. The reaction makes him more susceptible to the attractions of Kitty, Jean's friend, and tragedy comes on them through a foolish party in Ted's rooms. Not realising what he is doing, he marries Kitty and leaves Jean heartbroken and open to the addresses of Prince Ludovico de Sfax. Clara Bow is said to rise to great heights of dramatic expression in the powerful scene in which she frees Ted Larrabee from the trap into which their mutual recklessness has led them. The Regent operatic orchestra, which has proved such an attraction at the theatre, has been augmented by the addition •of -several new players. The new orchestra will play for the first time to-morrow evening. The supporting picture programme includes the fourth of the Music Masters Series—the life of Beethoven. LYRIC THEATRE. As Justin Ramos, a stalwart and quicktempered fisherman of the Canary Islands, Milton Sills plays a strenuous role in " The Sea Tiger," which heads the new programme at the Lyric Theatre to-day. On the death of his mother, when his worthless father departs to Spain, Justin swears a solemn oath to protect his weakling brother, Charles, from the consequences of his foolish actions. Charles Ramos is a philanderer and a ne'er-do-well, and, although he suffers from a serious illness when the story opens, his weakness is largely assumed. When Don Sebastiano Cortissos, an expatriated Spanish nobleman, arrives on the island with his beautiful daughter the dissolute Charles boasts that he will quickly make a conquest of her by unworthy means. Justin's self-control, always at breakingpoint, gives way at this fresh proof of the innate meanness of his brother's character. Himself deeply in love with Amy, Don Sebastiano's daughter, he gives Charles a terrible thrashing; but fearing lest it provoke his brother to worse things he does not declare his affection. This difficult situation works itself out in a succession of dramatic incidents, involving some wonderful scenes of the fury of a storm at sea. " A Man of Nerve," a comedy-drama of the West, is the chief feature of a strong supporting programme. WILLIAMSON'S VAUDEVILLE. A spleu-lid company of vaudeville artists has been secured by J. C. Williamson for a season commencing at His Majesty's Theatre next Tuesday. Heading the list is the amazing novelty known as Belmont's Canary Opera, which should 'evoke much interest. Mr. Belmoiit is, in addition to being an expert trainer of canaries, a world-renowned whistler and bird-imitator. Dick Henderson, a popular comedian, who comes to New Zealand audiences direct from Royal command performances, will present a host of new items. A wonderful act called "The Flower Vendor" will be featured by »Rich and Adair. Phil Rich is said to be one of the greatest character actors of the day, and his partner was recently the winner of a beauty contest in Chicago. L/es Zenga Freres will stage an unusual dancing act, assisted by Mario Lawton, who sings to her own accompaniment on the harp. Valencia, a Spaniard, will appear in a sensational trapeze act, and a novel turn will be performed by the Lee Sisters. The remaining artists are Colin Crane, baritone, and Stella Lamonde. Arrangements for booking a'e advertised. "NO, NO, NANETTE." The successful musical comedy, "No, No, Nanette," will be revived by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., by arrangement with Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller, for a season of four nights at His Majesty's, Theatre,' commencing this evening. There will be a maintee performance on Saturday. Many of the numbers in "N°> No, Nanette" have become universal favourites. One of the most popular is, "I Want to be Happy," and other outstanding successes are "Tea. for Two," "Too Many Rings Around Rosie," "Take a Little One Step" and "You Can Dance with Any Girl." Miss Elsie Prince makes an ideal Nanette. Mr. Jimmy Godden makes the wealthy dispenser of Bibles a humourous and whimsical philanderer, who is filled with good intentions and cannot resist the spectacle of a damsel in distress. Mr. Charlton Morton has also made himsel?. a popular favourite by his brilliant comedy work and his dancing. An outstanding feature of the' production is the superb dancing of Miss Alma Mackie. Booking arrangements are advertised. COMMUNITY PICTURES. "Hold That Lion," an amusing comedy of lion-hunting, heads tho programme at the Community Picture Theatre to-day. Douglas McLean plays the leading role in a series of humorous situations following on his unwittingly taking part in a lionhunt. IGNAZ FRIEDMAN. COMING AUCKLAND RECITALS . Regarded as one of the great masters of the technique of the keyboard, Ignaz Friedman, the famous Polish pianist, will give the first of three concerts in Auckland at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. Equally celebrated as composer and executant, Friedman enjoys a world-wide reputation. As in the case of most great musicians, his remarkable powers began to express themselves at an early age, but fortunately there was no premature exploitation of his genius. As a result it is claimed that he has retained the gifts of inspirational imagery and feeling, without which no artist can be truly great. This early restraint has fully justified itself in the splendid succession of artistic triumphs that make up his musical career. In America, a& in Europe, this great pianist has met with unqualified applause. Scenes of remarkable enthusiasm attended his two recitals in London at the Albert Hall. In Vienna Ignaz Friedman was selected to play the G Major Concerto at the Beethoven Centenary Festival, possibly the highest honour to which a musician can aspire. He first made his reputation as an Interpreter of Chopin. His editions of the complete works of Chopin and Liszt are the most authoritative obtainable. Tho two concerts in Wellington were no exception to the general rule and they attracted capacity houses. Only three concerts can be given in Auckland. Booking arrangements are advertised.