ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19699, 27 July 1927, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

[VAUDEVILLE SEASON". The , successful season or J., G. William-? son's Celebrity Vaudeville will conclude at His Majesty's Theatre to-night. There will be a special matinee this afternodn. The programme, which is a very attractive one, has attracted large audiences during the company's stay 'in Auckland. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI, Matheson Lang, the celebrated actor, plays the leading role in "The Island of Despair," the British picture commencing at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres tomorrow. It is a powerful story of a sea captain who believes himself stricken with the dread scourge of leprosy. When this terrible discovery comes upon him, he leaves all that he holds dear and hastens to the sea, where he maroons himself on an island to await a lingering death. The best of acting is assured by the name of Matheson Lang. After winning a great reputation on the British stage, he met with similar success in such fine British productions as "Mr. Wn." "The Qualified Adventurer," "White Slippers" and "The Chinese Bungalow." In his latest production, every opportunity is given for dramatic acting, rich in subtle shades of expression and powerful in emotional crises, for which Matheson Lang is famous. The plot unfolds before a background of beauty and desolation, of sparkling seas and far, palm-fringed coral. beaches. Marjorie Hume plays the part' of Christine Vereker, whose brother's reputation has been destroyed and his life imperilled by the villainous Don Felipo. The chief supporting picture is "Dancing Days," a comedy-drama of matrimonial complications. Forrest Stanley and Helene Chadwick take the parts' of husband and wife, and Lillian Rich introduces the disturbing element.

LYRIC THEATRE,

Constance Talmadge appears as a mischievous little Italian girl in "Venus of Venice," which will commence & week's screening at the Lyric Theatre to-morrow. Diving into and swimming through the canals with the utmost abandon whenever occasion demanded it, the girl had earned the sobriquet of "water rat." It was one of her daredevil escapades that brought her into contact with an American artist in Venice —an acquaintance that was productive of more excitement, more thrills and greater joy than had ever been crowded into her life. In the leading male role opposite Miss Talmadge, Antonio Moreno appears as the American artist. The director is Marshall Neilan* well known as a creator of light comedy. Included in the cast are Edward Martindel, in the rolj of an American journalist,. Julanne Johnston, as the artist's fiancee, Michael Vavitch and Arthur Thalasso. The supporting picture, '.'Bachelor Brides," is a comedy-drama, the story of which deals with certain strange happenings on a stormy night, in an old castle in Scotland. Rod La Rocque appears as a British peer who is about to wed the daughter of an American millionaire, and a rich pearl necklace destined for the bride is the stake for which three thieves play a desperate game. The Englishman, aided by the butler, blocks their plans. NATIONAL THEATRE. The new programme commencing at the National Theatre to-morrow is headed by "Sweet Rosk. O'Grady," presenting Shirley Mason in the title role. It is the story of an abandoned waif who is brought up in the East Side of New York by a Jewish pawnbroker, under the protection of a warm-hearted policeman. The waif grows into a beautiful girl, idolised by every inhabitant of the sordid district. Her beauty fascinates a wealthy young man whom she meets> and his efforts to prevent her discovery of his station in life cause a tragic misunderstanding. She returns broken-hearted to her old home. The policeman, by now a wealthy contractor, persuades the old pawnbroker to give her up to him in order that she may share the advantages of his position. The old man reluctantly parts with her, and she is transferred to more brilliant surroundings. Startling incidents result from the change. Leading parts are also taken by Cullen Landis and Alyn Warren. The chief supporting flm will be "Sonia," a vivid story of unusual intrigue.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE

The scenery of Lone Pine, in the heart, of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is the background of "The Wild Horse Stampede,'" screening at Everybody's Theatre to-morrow. Jack Hoxie appears in a typical Western role in this story mystery, and excitement in the cattle co®itry* A thousand wild horses are said to take part in the remarkable scene which gives its title to the film. Jack Hoxie is given every opportunity to display his horsemanship in a story of swift action, of stern encounters "with cattle rustlers and fighting over difficult country. He plays the part of a ranch foreman who owns a herd of wild horses. His neighbours, who fear the risk of stampede, make many and various attempts to get the horses out of his possession. He saves a "boy" from being lynched, only to find "him" a-, girl, engaged on a secret mission, which is responsible for many exciting incidents. This part is filled by Marin Sais (Mrs.'Jack Hoxie), while the role of heroine is played by Fay Wray.

PUPILS' CONCERT

A concert will be given by the pupils of Miss G. M. Pees in the Town Hall concert chamber next Saturday evening.A varied programme of musical and elocutionary items will be presented.

LUNA PARK

Another special session will be held at Luna Park this evening, when all the popular devices will be operating. Special concession prices will be allowed. A bus will convey patrons from "the Queen's Wharf gates.

MUNICIPAL CHOIR.

The Municipal Choir will resume its concerts in the Town Hall next Saturday. evening, when the programme will include a number of new choral works, in addition to popular items. Miss Mina Caldow will be the vocalist, and Miss Isobel Langlands, a concert artist who recently arrived in Auckland, will play violin solos. The city organist will contribute works by Bach and Boellmann and Lemmens" ffcitaisie in E Minor ("The Storm").

SCHOOL CONCERT.

■ The • annual concert of pupils of the Mount Albert. Grammar School will be held in the Town Hall this evening. An attractive programme has been prepared, including songs, physical drill, elocutionary and dramatic items. An inspiring number will be given by a speciallytrained choir of 50 voices conducted byMr. A. R. Gatland. The proceeds will be devoted to the playing fields funds.