ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19717, 17 August 1927, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE,

All adaptation of A. S. M. Hutchinson's novel, "The Happy Warrior," will form tho principal attraction on the new programme commencing at the National Theatre to-morrow. "The film proves to he the most enjoyable of the Hutchinson stories that have appeared on the screen," said a leading critic. "Here is none of tho enveloping gloom of 'lf Winter Comes/ 'The Clean Heart,' or 'This Freedom." The Happy Warrior* is happy from start to finish; a swift, strong tale, salted with the tang of viv;d melodramatic situations. Malcolm McGregor; although not officially a star, wins first honours through his performance in the title role. The Happy Warrior' in this case is a young Englishman, who joins a circus as an exhibition boxer. Like the hero of Wordsworth's poem, 'The Character of the Happy Warrior,' he is called upon to face a tremendous series of bitter trials, but he faces them with a gay abandon that expresses the eternal joy 3of human courage." Alice Calhoun' appears as Dora, the beautiful girl who jilts him for a title. Others in the cast include Wilfrid North, Mary Alden, Anders Randolph, Olive Borden, Otto Matiesen, Arnlree Tournier, Eulalie Jensou and the two boy actors, Philippe de Lacy and Bobby Gordon. A real stampede of elephants occurred during the making of this picture. The elephants were being used in the scene in which a riot di.sj»erses the circus. The horde of "extras" became so enthusiastic about fighting that they forgot about the ele- ] phants. As tho crowd surged near the great beasts, they caught the contagion of the battle and pulled up their stakes and dashed wildly through the crowd. They charged pell-mell at the camera stand and plunged into the wreckage of the tent. Fortunately, there were no serious accidents. On the same programme is "The Courageous Fool," a Master picture, with Reed Howes and Carmelita Geraghty in the leading roles. TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'STwo film actresses, one British and the other German, who are in the highest ranks of their profession, appear in "Love is Blind," tho U.F.A. production tO/commence showing at the Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres to-morrow. They are Hall-Davis and Lil Dagover, who created a very favourable impression in "The Waltz Dream."' In the story of "Love is Blind" a man deceives his wife by staying away at night under the pretence of business conferences in another city. His wife lo.ves him dearly and, wishing to regain his affection, assumes the disguise of a 'coquette. She goes to a night cabaret, where she finds her husband, who falls in love with her. Miss Dagover is said to play the part of the neglected wife with great artistry. She is supported by George Alexander as the erring husband, Conrad Veidt as the doctor practising hypnotism and Lillian Hall-Davis appears as the " the other woman." Evelyn Brent has the leading role in "The Impostor," the second picture, which is a thrilling crime drama. Walter Vernon, tho popular entertainer, will appear in a fresh series of ventriloquial acts at the Tivoli Theatre only, while an additional attraction at Everybody's will be "Eve's Leaves," a First National film, featuring Lcatrice Joy PRINCESS THEATRE. Described as one of the most thrilling mystery stories of the screen, ".Easy Pickings.'' a First National attraction, will commence showing at the Princess Theatre to-morrow. " ' Easy Pickings' carries all the pungent qualities of those famous mystery 'thrillers' of the stage, tsuch as 'The Bat,' and 'The Cat and the Canary,' " said a critic. It was originally written as a stage play of this order, its authors being William A. Burton and Paul Cruger. They then rewrote the story specially for Anna Q. Nilsson, before offering the stage version for New York production. Miss Nilsson appears in the introductory sequences in male costume. It is followed, however, by an elaborate feminine wardrobe, which she wears throughout most of the picture. She is supported by Kenneth Harlan as leading man. The plot of "Easy Pickings" is said to be well-constructed and some of the most unexpected surprises occur at the end of the picture. The supporting cast includes Philo McCollotnjh, Charles Sellon, Billy Bevan, Zack Williams and Gertrude Howard. On the sams programme will be a Western film, entitled. "The Arizona Streak," featuring Tom Tyler. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. Great charm and versatility will characterise tho concert to be given in the Town Hall next Saturday evening by the Municipal Band and assisting artists. Gems of musical thought will be culled from the works of Mozart, Verdi. Wagner, Bellini. Puccini, Leoncavallo and Gounod. The band will contribute a march from "Idomenco," the sparkling overture to " Nabucodonosor," a fine selection from Wagner's "Valkyrie," giving most of the main themes, including the celebrated "Ride of the Valkyries," and, by special request, a selection from Gounod's "Faust." Miss Alma McGruer will sing "Mimi's Song," from "La Boheme," and "One Fine Day," from "Madame Butterfly," Mr. Jean Dellore will contribute Walther's "Prize Song," from "Die Meistersinger," and "On With tho Motley," from "Pagliacci." The band's popular soloists, Mr. Fred Bowels, cornet, and Mr. McLennan, flute, will render, to special band accompaniment, "Sovra il sen" and "La Traviata" respectively. Booking arrangements are advertised. .ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. Mr. Francis Bate, who will be the violoncellist at the concert to be given by the -Royal Auckland Choir in the Town Hall concert chamber to-morrow evening, has a splendid English reputation. The Birmingham Post says: "lie is a most attractive performer. The tone he produces is full and vibrant, with the pulsating throb which is one of the indispensable attributes of this emotional instrument in the hands of an artist." Mr. H. Schofiekl, who has recently resigned from professional life, is a .very pleasing baritone, and should prove a valuable adition to the concert performers. Mrs. Arthur Walton has proved a most acceptable soloist and her programme numbers should be appreciated. Booking arrangements are advertised. " ARIADNE." One of A. A. Milne's most successful plays, "Ariadne, or Business First," will be 'staged by a company of amateurs in the Town Hall concert chamber on August 26. The* proceeds will be devoted to the Play and Recreation Association. The cast will include Mesdames A. Kinder and 11. Fenton, Misses M. *Kissling, A. Bayly, Commander J. R. Middleton, and Messrs. Frayer-Raislier an J J. E. Mackle.