ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19743, 16 September 1927, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The love ui two heaasuoug mothers for the same woman loims the theme oi and a Whirlwind/' a British; him drama, which heads the current programme at me iNational Theatre. it is au impressive picture, made convincing by the aosence oi the cheaply spectacular ana alien irrelevant incideuti that are too irequently thought necessary t>y the producers of 6ucn stories as this novel by Helen Protheroe Lewis. If there is nothing snowy, there is certainly much that is genuine and convincing. The settings are splendid and the photography is equally good. Much of the action takes place in the ancient castle of the Vychans, and these interior scenes give a very rich and spacious effect. The outdoor settings are equally good, and most effectively chosen. the dramatic murder of Sir Roderick Vychan takes place in a quiet and beautiful wood. the. serenity of which forms an effective contrast to the wild and sinister deed. Griffith Vychan, suspected of his brother's murder, Mees for sanctuary to the rocky caverns on the sea coast in which he and Dormda Saurin had spent happy hours together. These apt touches are characteristic of the picture. The cast is headed by Give Brook, who will be remembered for his performance in "Sonia," and the acting is excellent. The story deals with the adventures of Dorinda Saurin, who, tired of the monotony oi life with her maiden aunts and their menagerie of pets, seeks a position as companion to Lady Vychan. Her mistress spends most of the time brooding over the death of her husband; and her two sons. Sir Roderick and Griffith Vychan (Clive Brook), have grown up without parental restraint. They are both of ungovernable temper, as is shown by Sii Roderick's savage treatment of Hir, the poacher, which later leads to tragedy They find Dorinda a very different proposition from the four companions they have already successfully routed, and their unmannerlv reception of her changes to admiration and finally to love. Then friction arises between their tempestuous natures, and after several furious quarrels Sir Roderick is murdered in circumstances which point to Griffith as the assassin. Manv complications arise before a happy conclusion is reached. The accompanying pictnre " "Flames," featuring Vir ginia Valli and a full supporting programme is screened.

STRAND THEATRE. The Australasian Films' production, " for the Term of His Natural Life," adapted from tbe widely-read novel by .Marcus Clarke, must take its place among the masterpieces of the screen. The picture enters upon its second week of screening at the Strand Theatre to-day, and is continuing to attract large audiences at every session. Many of the scenes were filmed at the old penal settlement at Fort Arthur, Tasmania, the well-known iniet so realistically described in the famous novel. Other scenes were secured at Abbotsford, New South Wales, and at the company's studio at Bondi Junction, near Sydney. The beautiful scenery of the island State of Tasmania constitutes a splendid background for many of the outdoor effects, The cast is exceptionally strong, the principal feminine role, that of Sylvia Vickera, the wife of Captain Frere. the austere commander of the prison camp, being enacted by the popular American actress, Eva Novak. The dual roles of Rufus Dawes and John Rex, the two convicts, are taken by George Fisher, while Dunstan Webb appears as Frere. Marian Marcus Clarke, the daughter of the author, and a well-known member of the Australian and American stage, demonstrates the high standard of her artistic talent as Lady Devine. Other important characters are played hy Jessica Harconrt, Arthur McLnglen, Gerald Kav Souper asd Katherine Dawn. A clever Aesop Fable cartoon and a Strand Magazine are also screened. The Lyric Quartette appears in a special stage presentation and the Strand Svmphonv Orchestra pluvs the overture, "Rose of England." GRAND THEATRE. One of the lew great film productions that leave a lasting impression on the memory describes 'jtJardelys the Magnilicent." Those who have not already seen this film aio advised to visit the Grand Theatre during the week commencing today "Bardelys the Magnificent, one of the outstanding successes of 1927 in America, is credited with a run of six and a-haif months on Broadway at high prices of admission. Concerning it the New York Herald wrote :--"Dreams of a picture that would always remain a haunting memory of beauty "and delight, come true in Rafael Sabatini's 'Brardelya the Magnificent." " This weaver of exquisite romances soared to great heights in writing the novel from which the picture is taken. Old France, its devil-may-care men and beautiful women, its gay intrigues and deathless loves, its merry adventures and escapades—it is of these that Sabatini writes and of these that the picture tells. John Gilbert, the hero of "The Big Parade." is said to score a triumph in the titjis role—the Marquis de Bardelys—as a great lover, fearless fighter, merry heart-breaker of a thousand daring intrigues and an amazing athlete in a hundred feats of death-defying agility. " 'Bardelvs the Magnificent' and its predecessor, 'The Sea Hawk,' go to show that the stories of Rafael Sabatini form one of the strongest links that unite literature with the ' silent art of the motion picture,' " wrote another critic. Supporting plavers include Ksr! Oane. Roy TVArcy, George K Arthur and Arthur Lubin, the director of the production bein? King Vidor. There is a strong supporting programme. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE The atmosphere of "Cabaret,** a Para mount feature, which is the chief attraction on the current programme at Every body's Theatre, is largely dancing, and many wonderful scenes of the world-re-nowned cabarets and night clubs of Broadway, New York, are shown. Gild a Gray, the famous dancer of the American stage, who appeared with success in "Aloma of the South Seas," port rays a dancer who is loved by a detective and bounded by the leader of a criminal gang who has a strange influence over her brother. Tbe picture is fall of action, arid numerous exciting incidents occur before the story is brought to a satisfactory conclusion. Added interest :s provided by demonstrations of the latest dances by Miss Gray. Tfcc role of the detective js played by Tom Moore, and other prominent characters are enacted br Mooa Palms, Cheater Conklto, William ffurtgaa and Anna Lam. Fiats," an adaptation of the widely-known stage *ucre«j| of the same name, is the second feature. Charier Murray, Dorothy Durnn and De Witt Jennings are seen in the leading rotm. Tbe usual supporting Slut# are also tcreened. P.IALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. "The Kid Brother," Harold Lkryd't latest success, will commence a short mhus at the Riaito »cd Epsom I4egmt Theatre* this evening, Li the story, Harold Hsckory (Lioyd) is tbe son of the sheriff of a small country town. .A girl come* into Harold's life when lie ;r,ee*is Mary Powers, a. member of a wnall travelling show Her companions are Sandoni, a strong lean. *isd "Flash" FarreO, i tvm <■•3-1 c:rcu« f.g-jre. Arrmng iu *he town they go to the sheriff'n bouse for a mit. Har--id, alone on the farm, 11 mis taken for the sheriff Throegh a rase Harold signs the application Wbra the sheriff tarns of this fee te!l* Harold he •will have to use fe:s author.! v and «op them. Harold thereupon oferj Marv lodgjngs for the night In ifee roeaotaca the sheriff has given them 2* bflttri to !eave the-town.. The iiltijspsaSfjm jurtew* intense anger and the tber'ff c*>M of tomit of tb# pvhAue money. The *hm.men are aroused of the tfofi HariJd cr»me* drawn into the «its»!)'« and aarceed* in vindicating his name, arwf thai iff hit father, hy hnitgrmg the ewlprtts to book. His method of tbu a as anasoal i« it » ajsaliftg.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Sparkling comedy, variety and excellent music will again be the principal features oi the new programme to be ushered in at the Majestic Treatre to-day. "Frisco Sally Levy," an amusing American comedy-drama, will be the chief picture, while Jack Lumsdaine, "the whi*> penng baritone," makes a welcome reappearance in the vaudeville section. Packed houses have recorded their appreciation of Lumsdaine wherever he has appeared. With a light baritone voice and a piano he delights thousands with his own particular versions of popular ballads and songs. "Thinking" and "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain" were two of hi; nraarfe pronounced successes during his last Auckland season. "Frisco Sally Levy" features the vivacious Sally O'Neil " The film concerns a girl dancer, two lovers, and a quaint lovable home where a Jewish father and an Irish mother preside over their daughter's destiny," wrote a leading reviewer. "It has pathos, humour and every-day realism, and is a faithful portrayal of life in San Francisco. Trouble for a time hangs over the little home. The villain, a wealthy Jewish broker, tries to lure Sally away from the honest love of a traffic policeman. There is some swift-moving Irish temper displayed before the unexpected climax." Supporting Miss O'Neil are Roy D'Arcy, Charles Delaney, Kate Price and Tenen Holts. The musical introduction and overture, "Poet and Peasant" (Suppe) will be rendered by the new Majestic Orchestra under the baton of Mr. J. WhitefordWaugh. A highly interesting New Zealand scenic film dealing with the wonders of White Island will be a notable feature of the supporting programme, which is full of entertainment and topical interest. The pictorial programme will be completed by the Majestic News, an amus•ng comedy and the ever-popular Eve's Review. REGENT THEATRE. Intriguing situations and a dramatic climax are features of Herbert Brenon's latest production, ' The Telephone Girl," which will commence screening at the Regent Theatre to-day. Matthew Standiah, a young candidate for governor of an American State, is being threatened bv the political henchmen of Governor Mark Robinson with disclosure of an affair with an unnamed woman, which took place several years before. The evideuce is complete except for the woman's name. In reality she has since become the wife of the governor himself and ignorance of his wife's past in this case precipitates a tragic train of circumstance-s. Film actresses have been put to various (expedients to familiarise themselves with the characters they portray, and Madge Bellamy, as the telephone girl, claims a unique experience in this respect. In the story of the film Miss Bellamy'* expert manipulation of a hotel switchboard saros Gxace Robinson from disgrace. She was obliged to spend two days at the studio switchboard learning how to "plug im," There is no leading player in "The "W«" phone Girl," but Madge Bellamy, Holhrook Rlinn. Warner Baxter, May Allison and Lawrence Gray have important roles. Colin Crane, the popular baritone, from J ('. Williamson's Celebrity Vaudeville, appears on the stage at the Regent, commencing to-day. He will contribute several pleasing songs, including a novelty song-film. " Marcheta." Maurice Gnttridge and the new operatic orchestra will provide a host of new musical numbers. " FAIRYLAND." A charming transformation has been effected to the interior of St. M&tthew'» Hail, Hobson Street, where "Fairyland" will reign every week day afternoon and evening from to-day until 11 p.m. an Tuesday. The hall is decorated with hundreds of coloured lights, glowing through the green tracery of plants and ferns. The helpers will be dressed in white and silver, and there will be dancing and singing by girls dressed as fairies. There will be a variety of stalls, some selling cakes, flowers or produce, others artistic brassware and plain and fancy work. Surprise packets, bran tub®, dolls, sweets and other delights will be provided for the children. Afternoon tea and supper will be provided in the fairy glen and displays of dancing will be given each evening by pupils of Miss Cecil Hall and the Misses Beresfcrd. The opening cwemony will be performed by Mrs. W. H, Parkns to day at 2 p.m.

•' NEW PALESTINE." An interesting cinema film, entitled "New Palestine," illustrating the activities of the Jews in the re establishment of their nation, in Palestine, will be.screened tinder the aaspices of the Christadelphiat Fraternity in the Lyric Theatre on Thursday evening The pictare will be introduced by a short lectnre describing the intimate" connection between the Gospel and the Holy Land. A collection # wilt he taken in aid of the Jewish National Fund. The initial screening was to W« taken place in the Town Hall concert chamber last Tuesday evening, bnt. WM prohibited, as the operating-bo* was deficient. Subsequent arrangements to eondm t the performance in (be concert chamber on Monday owning have been cancelled. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The usual crowded audience greeted the Bohemian Orchestra under the mas teily conductorship oi Mr. Colin Muston, at the Town Hall last evening, when the third programme cf the season waa presented. . A more than usually interesting list of items had been drawn up from works of Beethoven ami Wagner, end these, particularly the Beethoven Symphony, No. 5, and Concerto in C Minor, made an indelible impression. The eloquent Symphony No. 5 ia C Minor stands out as on* of the noblest and most characteristic of the mighty Beethoven's works. bast evening all the thwnatie ideas were presented with freedom, while the broader ensembles were fittingly suggested. The orchestra was beard to moth advantage in the beautiful "Andante coa moto" saction, in itself a striking evidence of Beethoven's power in working oat the variation form, which in this in* stance gave sii the string departments much to accomplish. There was almost • mvsticaj touch about the "Scheme" and "Trio" which led into the triumphant "Finale." with its cars dispelling message of cheerfulness,

With Mr. f.vr it To«r»ey at the piano, Ik metnorahle reading *m Mvtsr<»d of the P;,M(o Concerto in C Minof, Op. 37. Th# work took 30 imuntes to perform, yet »o engrossing wr* this id* A* (lul attention was b*»ld dnteiy throtJjrhoot. The orchestra. v> capaMy led by Misa Edith WhsteUw. w« adaptable, while Mr- Towaey. proved himself aoi only a master of torhrncal diSralttn ia th# complex pj»»o part, hat played in ik!s of the three movstneau with rare ijtopathy. I'jior to the entrance el tb« soloist so hrtiliant opwarft sweep*. th* imtnitnantaluu wrt certain m their music, and lit* * bote of the opemeg "Allegro con Brio," which calminatod m inter*** wbffl Retisecka* nsatrteriy key-

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