ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19764, 11 October 1927, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

• ' • RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. " The Cheerful Fraud," Reginald Denny's latest comedy drama, will commence a short season at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres this evening. It is said that even the success of "Skinner's Dress Suit," "Rolling Home" and "Take It From Me" has been surpassed by "The Cheerful Fraud," Denny's sixth consecutive picture under tho same dinwtor. A critic writes;—" That 'TheCheerful Fraud' is the best thing Denny has done since 'What Happened to Jones' is the consensus of opinion of those who have witnessed the picture. It is comedy of a new type, with clever situations, fast-moving comedy and an unexpected turn of plot at entirely unsuspected moments, and it leaves nothing to be desired in the way of entertainment." Covering a period of lass than 24 hours, the swiftly-moving and extremely amusing story takes places hofore a background of continuous rain. This gloomy setting is the result of the director's belief in the effectiveness of con- N trast. Gertrude Olmstead is said to give a charm iiig performance as Ann Kent, the object of the devotion of the disguised Sir Michael Fairlie (Reginald Denny), and a strong supporting cast is headed by Otis Harlan and Gertrude Astor. "The Wild Bull's Lair," a splendid Western drama, with the noted ath letic actor, Fred Thomson, in the leading role, is the chief supporting film at the Rialto Theatre. The supporting prof ram me at the Epsom Regent Theatre is eaded by "The Wedding Song," an exciting melodrama of the underworld. The principal characters are enacted by Leatrice Joy, Robert Ames and Gertrude Claire. REGENT THEATRE. "The Prince of Headwaiters," First National's version of a story by Garrett Ford, is the main feature on the current programme at the Regent Theatre. The film, which is produced on a most lavish scale, is exceptionally entertaining and the leading role provides Lewis Stone with one of his most powerful characterisations. Supporting parts are enacted by Priscilla. Bonner, Luyan Tashman and Robert Agnew. 9 Voting is now in progress for "Miss New Zealand, 1927," the ten finalists making personal appearances on the stage at both the afternoon and evening sessions. An interesting feature of the entertainment is a unique act with dolls, presented by Miss Margo Itammage. A number of short supporting pictures are also screened and musical selections are rendered by the Operatic Orchestra and Mr. E. Horton, organist. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Is Zat So Fox Films' adaptation of the well-known stage success by James Gleason, is the leading attraction on the programme now screening at the Majestic Theatre. The screen version is strictly in accordance with the original story and has been produced without regard to expense. The most important roles are enacted hy George O'Brien, Edmund Lowe and Kathryn Perry. Supporting pictures comprise a New Zealand scenic film, a comedy and the latest gazettes. In addition to the pictorial programme, Miss Christina Ormiston renders several vocal selections. STRAND THEATRE. Renee Adoree and Conrad Nagel portray the principal characters in "Heaven on Earth," a fascinating story of the life led by a gvpcy troupe in the South of France, which is the chief feature on the current programme at the Strand Theatre. Supporting players include Gwen Lee and Marcie Manon. The appearance of the ten finalists in the "Miss New Zealand" contest at the evening sessions continues to be art outstanding attraction. An excellent selection of short pictures, including the latest gazettes, a comedy and a cartoon, complete the programme. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. Several members of the Royal Auckland Choir were heard in songs and part songs in a benefit concert held at the Town Hall last evening. The programme opened with the part-song " Come, Merry Comrades All " (Becker), which was followed with a solo by Mr, David Campbell. An acceptable offering was a bracket of songs contributed by Miss Edna Peace, a gold medallist at the recent Auckland competitions. Warm applause greeted Miss Tess Carte-Llovd, who created much amusement with her character recital, " Pussy." Another item which found favour was a recitation, " The American Salesman," by Mr. J. B. Finlayson. Miss Sybil Phillips, who also gained honours in the competitions, was heard to advantage in " The Hills of Donegal." As a grand finale the famous " Soldiers* Chorus " from Gounod's ** Fanst" was rendered as a part-song. Others who contributed to an enjoyable programme were Messrs. J. McDougaU, A. G. Fogerty, D. Lunney, H. IS- Rsynolds and Misses Dorothy Richardson and Eva Wrigley. The proceeds of tho concert will be devoted to the Boy Scouts* Association. " ROMEO AND JULIET." " Borneo and Juliet " will be staged by the Allan Wilkie Company at His Majesty's Theatre this evening. Miss Hunter-Watts will play Juliet, and Mr. Dennis Barry will be seen as Romeo. Mr, Wilkio has the role of Friav Lawrence. " Borneo and Juliet" is a play of tremendous situations arising from the vendetta between Montagues and Capuletsand the separated lovers who are engulfed in the terrible quarrel between their opposite houses. To-morrow at the matinee Mr. Wilkie will produce for the first time in Auckland the poetic fantasy, " The Tempest," a comedy of polished beauty, distinguished by the introduction of the balf-monster Caliban, and such delightful parts as Miranda, and the spirit Ariel, To-morrow evening " A Midsummer Night's Dream " will be presented. ALEXANDER WATSON. The noted English entertainer, Mr. Alexander Watson, will give additional recitals in the Town Hall concert chamber on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The programme arranged for presentation on Thursday will include selections from the works of Rudyard Kipling, John Masefield, Tennyson, A. A. Milne, Whitcomb, Riley, Conan Doyle, Mark Twain and Crosbie Garstin. Booking arrangements for the three concerts are advertised. GRAND CHORAL CONCERT. St. James* choir, which gained & high place in the recent festival of the Auckland Competitions Society, will be heard in several choral numbers at a grand concert in St. James * Hall, Wellington Street, this evening. Other items will be given by Mrs. Griffiths' pupils and Mr. Alan McElwain. PARNELL LIBRARY CONCERT. An attractive programme has been arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Towsey for the concluding concert of the course at the Parnell Library this evening. A oneact comedy, " The Signs of the Times," produced by Mrs. Zoe Bartley-Baxter, will be staged during the evening.