ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19744, 17 September 1927, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. The current programme at the Strand Theatre offers excellent entertainment. The screen version of Marcus Clarke's famous novel, "For the Term of His Natural Life," without doubt the greatest picture produced in Australia, is the foremost attraction. A powerful cast is headed by tho well-known American actress. Eva Novak, in the role of Sylvia Vickera, the wife of the commander of the penal settlement at Port Arthur, Tasmania, and George Fisher, who portrays both Rufus Dawes and John Rex, two convicts, who feature prominently throughout the story. Manan Marcus Clarke, the daughter of the author, is seen as Lady Devine, the mother of Dawes. Although only a small role, Miss Clarke is given ample opportunity to demonstrate her ability. iDunstan Webb, Jessica Harcourt, Arthur McLaglen and Katherine Dawn appear in other leading parts. Many sensational and realistic scenes abound in the picture, including the burning at sea of the ship Hydaspes. This scene was secured three miles outside the Sydney Heads, the Inca, at one time a well-known American barquentine employed in the lumber trade between Australia and the United States, beinj? set on fire for the purpose. Another striking scene portraying the riot of over 500 convicts was filmed at Dundas, near R.yde, New South Wales. The screening of "For the Term of His Natural Life" i 3 preceded by a lavish stage presentation featuring the Lyric Quartette. A splendid English gazette and one of Paul Terry's clever Aesop Fable cartoons, "The Organ Grinder," complete the programme. NATIONAL THEATRE. Based on the novel bv Helen Prothero Lewis, "Love and a Whirlwind " is the principal feature on the current programme at the National Theatre. All the players, headed by Clive Brook, are British, and the filming was all done in England. The story deals with a young lady who, tired of the drabness of her surroundings, secures a position as companion to a titled lady. The latter's two sons fall violently in love with her, and the dramatic interest of the story is appealing. The storm scenes are particularly good, while the natural settings of rural and coastal Eng land are very beautiful. On the same programme is "Flames," featuring Virginia Valli, Jean Hersholt and Eugene O'Brien. The story, from the pen of Alfred A. Cohn, concerns the efforts of a Swede foreman to help hia friend win "the only girl," He is successful in the end, after a series of odd mishaps which complicate his little intrigues. Several good supporting films, including the latest overseas budgets, complete the programme. PRINCESS THEATRE. The story of a girl who defeated the machinations of the German secret service in America during the Great War is told in "Convoy," which heads the current programme at the Princess Theatre. Dorothy Mackail plays the part of Sylvia Dodge, engaged when the story opens to Eugene Weyeth, the best friend of her brother John. When war is declared, both young men enlist in the navy. Shortly afterwards, Sylvia learns that Ernest Drake, one of her most persistent admirers, is in reality a German spy. She is persuaded to cultivate his acquaintance in order to discover the chanuels through which news of the sailing of troopships has been leaking. Her devotion leads to misunderstandings, but a happy conclusion is reached after a succession of exciting incidents. Some remarkable scenes of battleships in action, taken from official war films, are an impressive feature of the picture. A strong cast is headed by Lowell Sherman and Lawrence Gray. The principal picture on the supporting programme is "Collegiate," a joyous romance of college life. Leading roles arc taken by Alberta Vaughan and Donald Keith. LYRIC THEATRE. The popular actress, Norma Talmadge, appears in the leading role in the modern screen .version of "Camille," the famous romance of Alexandre Dumas the younger, which is the principal attraction on | the current programme at the Lyric Theatre. The story of "Camille," while following closely the theme and spirit of the classical romance, is visualised in settings of the present-day. A powerful supporting cast is headed by Gilbert Roland, a young Spanish actor, in the role of Armand, the impetuous lover of Cam ille, and Lilyan Tashman, and Rose Dione, as Olympe and Prudence respectively. Other* characters are portrayed by Evelyn Selbie, Etta Lee, Harvey Clark, and Helen Jerome Eddy. The photography and settings in the production are exceptionally good. The picture was produced by Mr. Joseph M. Schenck and filmed under the direction of Fred Niblo. An attractive supporting programme will also be shown, and selections will be rendered by the Lyric Orchestra. "LA MASCOTTE." Tho Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's latest production, "La Mascot te," will commence a short season at His Majesty's Theatre this evening. Three ballets have been introduced and the comedy has been brought up to date a little, otherwise no alterations have been made. Miss Eva Robertson (Mrs. Harold Simson) is cast as Bettma, Mr. Dan Flood as Laurent and Messrs. Ernest Snell and Birrell O'Malley as Pippo and Fritelini respectively. The production is stated to be the most ambi tious yet produced by the society. The beautiful musical score of "La will be rendered by an orchestra of 20 soloists. Booking arrangements are ad vertiscd. LIBRARY CONCERTS. The closing concert of the Grey Lynn Library course will be given next Wednesday, when a programme arranged by Lewis R. Eauy and Son, Ltd., will be presented. The artistes taking part are Miss Dorothy Youd, Miss Dellore, Mr. Geo. Barnes, and Mr. Jean Dellore, vocal items, Messrs. Bishaw and Williams, steel guitar, Messrs. Palmer and Bensell, saxophones, and Mr. F. McCallum, humorist. Miss O. Warin will be the accompanist. An interesting musical programme has been arranged by Mr. Eric Waters for the final concert of the Remuera Library course next Tuesday. The artistes contributing are Mr. John Tait's Madrigal Choir, Mr. Edward Churchouse, vocalist, Miss Isobel Langlands. violinist. Miss Marjorie Seel and Miss Jean Clarkson, solo pianists. Mr. Waters is the accompanist. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. A very fine programme will be presented by the Auckland Municipal Band in the Town Hall this evening. Miss Maid a Davison and Mr. Hartley Warburton are the assisting vocalists, and instrumental solos will be rendered by Mr. Hal C. McLennan, piccolo, and Mr. Fred. Bowes, cornet, with Mr. Leo. Whittaker at the piano. The band will play the march, "The Men of Mons, " "Zampa" overture, Liszt's No. 6 Rhapsody, Suite de Ballet "Coppeiia" and selection from Franz Lehar's. "The Bine Maaarka." Booking arrangements arc advertised. ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for the orgin recital sn the Town Hall to-morrow evening will include three notable organ works. Bach's j Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Cesar Franck's Fantasia in A. and Le mare's Fantasia on the tune "Hanover." Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play transcriptions of Paderewski's Minuet and Schubert's Military March. "NEW PALESTINE." An instructive film, illustrating the activities and achievements of the Jews ■ in the re-establishment of their nation in Palestine, will be screened under the auspices of the Cfcristadelphian Fraternity in the Lyric Theatre next Thursday evening. A short lecture on the connection between the Gospel and the Holv Land will precede the screening at da.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

There were no dull moments at the Majestic Theatre last evening, when an entertainment entirely in keeping with the customary high standard was presented before a large audience The cult of the "whispering baritone" originated in England, but there is no doubt that Jack Lumsdaine introduced it on the stage on this side of the world. Mr. Lumsdaine, who is billed as "Australia's whispering baritone," achieved a signal success at the theatre some weeks ago. With an effective stage manner and a winning personality he compels rapt attention. Some of his best numbers were "When Autumn Leaves Are Falling" and "The Mother-in-Law," a clever melange of well-known tunes. The established popularity of the Majestic Orchestra was signified by a burst of applause after a masterly rendition of Suppe's "Poet and Peasant." It was a notable offering, and was equalled only by the excellence and variety of other musical numbers. "White Island" proved to be one of the best products of the New Zealand Government publicity office to date. Sinister yet fascinating, the "wonder of the Bay of Plenty" has always been an object of intense interest, and some remarkable scenes of the craters and blowholes were depicted "Abie's Irish Rose, America's record-breaking stage comedy, in plot and characters, is not unlike "Frisco Sally Levy," the main picture. It is brimming with humorous situations and Sally O'Neil in the leading role acts with charm and vivacity. The story is simple, but powerful in its appeal. Two outstanding characterisations are those of "Poppa and "Momma," Sally's Jewish father and Irish mother The latest Flat Charleston steps form part of Eve's Review, and other films include a hilarious comedy and a charming English coloured scenic picture. REGENT THEATRE. Once again the management of the Regent Theatre has succeeded in presenting a programme which combines beauty of music with excellence of film presentation. Mr. Maurice Guttridge has gained for himself and for his orchestra a permanent place in tho esteem of the Ansk; land public. La3t evening he showed beyond all doubt that music plays a great part in the most popular of all modern entertainments. Pictures could have been dispensed with altogether, and very few of the audience would have left their seats as long as the orchestra played. During the course of the principal filrn the orchestra played selections from "The Maid of the Mountains" and a masterly rendering of the "Ballet Egvptien " was given. As an overture Keler Bela's " Rotnantique " was plaved, and " Gipsy Love," a lilting little melody, proved a sheer gem. The film programme is headed by the Paramount picture, " The Telephone Girl " It. is an American film, made by Herbert Brenon, the man who made " Beau Geste," one of the greatest of all pictures. " The Telephone Girl " is a strong drama, cleverly told, and characterised throughout by an admirable degree of restraint. It deals with American politics, where stakes are high and scruples non-existent. In front of a background of intrigue flit 3 the magic personality of Miss Madge Bellamy, a little telephone girl with a power in her hands that she scorns to use. Her work in the picture is excellent, but the whole cast, under Brenon, is responsible for a uniformity that graces few pictures. Then there is Miss May Allison, one of the early screen favourites. She has returned to films, and in this picture gives a masterly interpretation of a difficult role. " The Telephone Girl " is a picture which cannot fail to grip the imagination. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. An excellent double-feature programme will be screened at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. The principal attraction will be a delightful comedy-drama, "Slide Kellv, Slide," with Sally O'Neil in the leading role. "Lost at Sea, a splendid drama oj adventure and romance, will be the second feature. Two comedies, a cartoon and gazettes complete the bill A "Fairy Playlet" will be staged at the matinee in addition to the pictorial programme. ALDA RECITALS. A cordial welcome-homo is sure to be given to Frances Alda when she returns to New Zealand next week after many years as prima donna of the world's greatest opera bouse, the Metropolitan, in New Yrok. Recitals will be given in the Town Hall on September 27 and 29. Alda's rise to fame was meteoric. Within 12 months after leaving Melbourne as a student, she made a brilliant debut from the studio of Marchesi in the Paris Opera production of Massenet's "Manon, being specially coached in the role by the composer. Immediately afterwards she was chosen to create the part of Louise in Charpentier's opera at La Scala. Her success in Milan was extraordinary for a foroigner. She sang in five operas at the famous Scala Opera House, including Boito's "Mefistofele," with Chaliapin. The New Zealand singer's one appearance at Covent Garden, as Marguerite in "Faust-," aroused the greatest enhusiasm. Booking arrangements are advertised.

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA. ! The Aeolian Orchestra will present the third concert of the season in the Town ! Hall concert chamber on Tuesday evening. Miss Cecelia Duncan will sing "The ' Dawn Has a Song" and "Sing, Break Ifito Song," and Mr. Duncan Black "The Blacksmith". and "The Border Ballad." Miss Maida Hooker will act as accompanist. Booking arrangements are advertised. SHAKESPEARIAN PLAYS. The Allan Wilkie Shakespearean Company will commence its Auckland season at His Majesty's Theatre on October 1. The opening production will be "Henry ! VIII" Mr. Wilkie has reorganised his company, which has been strengthened by the" addition of two new English artistes. Besides "Herlry Vni," Mr. Wilkie proposes to stage for the first j time in Auckland *' Antony and Cleopatra," "Measure for Measure" and "The Winter's Tale." All of these are new | featnres of his repertoire. The fire last year at Geelong destroyed property that cannot be replaced in a hurry, but the actor-manager is not at all downhearted. He has, in fact, come back with renewed enthusiasm and his objective still is to produce all of Shakespeare's plays. Mr. Wilkie explains that when he departed for London last July for the purpose of purchasing stage armour, e words, jewels and other equipment essential to Shakespearean production, he fondly imagined he would find such material easily obtainable, as it had heen in pre-war days. He inserted advertisements in the stage newspapers, stating his requirements, but whereas in other days he would have received scores of replies, his advertisements on this occasion did not call forth a single response, and ultimately he had to adopt the expensive method of going direct to the manufacturers and purchasing the material at a price which he would formerly have regarded as prohibitive. Booking arrangements are advertised. MAORI ENTERTAINMENT, iii connection with the 105 th anniveruv of the establishment of the Methodist Church in New Zealand, a grand Maori entertainment will be held under the auspices o: the Methodut Maori Mis sion 112 the Town HaiJ on Wednesday evening. The programme is a very ambilious one and aims at reviving and honouring the romantic and tragic past, giving a glimpse of the religious life and social problems and pleasures of to-day and emphasising the great possibilities cf the future of the Maori race. The popular Maori Party, that has just completed its tour of the South- Island and the Wellington and Manawatu districts, will "be responsible for the main part of the gramme The party will be assisted by the Aoteare* Quartette and a large number of representative Maoris. SUNDAY CONCERT. A varied programme of vocal and instrumental items will be presented La the Strand Theatre to-morrow cvecisg.