ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19792, 12 November 1927, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Ideal conditions favoured the presentation of a programme equal to all previous standards at the Majestic Theatre last evening. The orchestra was in splendid form; the film material would have satisfied the most critical; while projection and lighting, tjhe importance of which are often ignored, were perfect. Brilliant renderings of some of the best known yet difficult classical compositions have frequently been given to patrons by the Majestic Orchestra, but it is doubtful whether they have been received with such warmth as was accorded Mendelssohn's celebrated " Concerto" last evening. Most of the piece was inter, preted by Mr. Vincent Aspey on the violin with a light accompaniment from the other instruments, but in. the final movements the whole orchestra participated. An encore had to be given. For rapid action, thrilling escapades, novel scenes and genuine comedy few better comedy-dramas than " Wolf's Clothing " could be found. There is a plot and counter-plot," adventure following adventure, and throughout a rich vein of romance, with the popular "star" Monte Blue as a subway guard who has his wishes fulfilled on a wild New Year's Eve. One has to see him introducing himself to a strange girl in the ballroom of a large hotel by means of displaying the titles of the latest song hits to appreciate the humour of the situation. Then, again, there is a scene in which, with the heroine (Patsy Ruth Miller), he is imprisoned in a small bedroom. The latest development in cinematography shows him striving to make an escape while ali surrounding objects assume Gargantuan proportions. Novelty is the keynote of the whole picture, while the situations arc such that memories of " The Bat " and " The Cat and the Canary ' are revived. Besides Monte Blue, who -is always bright and smiling except when bewildered with the strain of his weird experiences, John Miljan gives an excellent impersonation of a lunatic. There are many interesting things in the supporting programme. Among them are a comedy of unusual merit, glorious scenes of Chester and English rustic views, and a remarkable pictorial description of eccentric dances in Parisian night clubs. Outstanding features of the Majestic Magazine are the opening of the new bridge on the Canadian and United States boundary and glimpses of the I Chinese civil war. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. One of the most extraordinary and romantic episodes in the history of South- ' West America is told in "Drums of the Desert," the Zaug Grey picture now ; showing at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres. The picture deals with the pha.<se in history of the elevation of a > tribe of Indians from virtual poverty and ' dependence on the Government to the ' heights of affluence through the discovery 1 of oil on their reservation. The story details the vicious efforts of a' group of unscrupulous white men to have the Indians ousted from the rich field of "black gold" before the red men are able to ! tako advantage of the discovery and of the manner in which the conspiracy was defeated. Warner Baxter and Marietta • Millner, the latter Paramount's latest importation from Europe, play the leading roles, with Ford Sterling and Heinie Conklin supplying the ' comedy. The Orpheus Quartette contributes songs at both theatres. "Dance Magic" is a second picture . feature at the Princess Theatre only. "Collegians No. 6" being shown at both the Princess and Tivoli. NATIONAL THEATRE. The moving picture has often been cited as the best medium for educating the masses. This fact is illustrated with particular force in "Damaged Goods," the film version of Brieux's stage play, on the current programme at the National Theatre. Although presented in the form of a story, being virtually a chapter in the youth of George Dupont, the film carries a message of paramount importance to all members of the community. It is a drama of cause and effect, dealing with one of the most potent social evils of all times. Nothing that could possibly offend has been included; but the meaning of each scene cannot be mistaken. Dupont is first yshoun as a young student. His refusal to enter into the j gay life of his companions made him the butt of many jokes. Finally he succeeds, and after gaining honours be : comes a successful lawyer. By the wish of his mother and wealthy aunt he is affianced ot Henriette, daughter of a professor in straitened circumstances. Although the marriage is distasteful to him at first he eventually expresses a real affection for her. The manner in which Dupont strays from the path of rectitudo and shatters his life's happiness ' is depicted in striking manner. On the birth of his child bis plight is pitiful and it is here that Brieux's great lesson becomes manifest. The subject of the filn] is treated in a fpnrless manner.

STRAND THEATRE. The story of a head-strong, but beautiful girl who. by her aunt's will, is forced to decide upon'her future husband on her twenty-first birthday, is told in "Bobbed Hair," the Warner Brother's film, which commenced showing for a week at the Strand Theatre yesterday. She has two men eager to marry her, one begging her to bob her hair, and the other pleading that she should leave it uncut. Promising that her decision about her hair shall mean her decision between them, she prepares for a masquerade party. However, she finds she cannot make up her mind, and runs away with a strange man who passes in an automobile. Their ride leads to a series of dramatic and thrilling adventures, but when the exciting night is over Connemara decides to marry the handsome stranger. Marie Prevost is said to be at her best as the wilful, hut fascinating heroine of " Bobbed Hair," and in the role of the handsome stranger Kenneth Harlan is exceptionally well cast. Events of topical interest are included in a Strand Magazine and a Pathe pictorial. A comedy and an Aesop's fable feature complete the picture supports. Commencing with an overture, "Patience" (Sullivan), the Strand Symphony Orchestra plays a variety of musical numbers. ORGAN RECITAL. •' The principal works to be played bv the Citv organist at the recital in the Town Hall to-morrow evening will include Bach's great " Preludo and Fugue in A Minor" and Guilmant's concert piece in the form of a theme with variations. Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play Beethoven's popular " Minuet in G " and " Chinoiserie," a hunioreske by Fisriin. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. An exceedingly fine programme will be given by the municipal band in the Town Hall this evening to mark the close of the third year of its musical activity. The outstanding number is Tschaikowsky's great tonal picture, the Overturo Sofenello " 1812," which is presented for the first time by the band. The work depicts in music the retreat of the French Army under Napoleon from Moscow, xand the battle of Borodioo. Other fine numbers are a march, " The Vanished Army," an overture, " Italiana m Algieri," "Peer Gymt " "suite, Liszt s "Second Hungarian Rhapsody," and a descriptive idyll "A Forest Woomg. Vocal items will be given by Miss Kate Christie and Mr. Jean Dellore, with Mr. Leo Whittaker at the piano. MUNICIPAL BAND. A fine musical programme will be rendered by the Municipal Band at the Zoological Park to-monow afternoon. It will include the bright marches "Changing Guard," "Glenavy," and "Leonidas," a hymn, "Brightly Gleams Our Banner," overture, "Pique Dame," selections, "Lohengrin" and "Reminiscences of Offenbach," scene Espagnole, "Sevillana." descriptive fantasia, "From a Russian Village," and entr'acte, " Funeral March of a Bumble Beo."

REGENT THEATRE. Reginald Denny is at his best in "Fast and Furious," the picture which was .shown for the first time at the Regent Theatre last evening. It Is an excelwnt comedy and moves with breathless speed Rapidity is the keynote of the programme, for Vaughn, the xylophonist who astonished audiences last week, commences oh a second week of whirlwind music. Throughout it is a most entertaining bill. Denny is too good a comedian to stray from the special class of comedy which he has made and which has made him famous. "Fast and Furious" is typical of Denny and this in itself is praise for the picture. He is without question one of the finest comedians on the screen, for he can be really funny without resorting to slapstick methods. He needs no eccentric make up; just a complacent smile or an astonished raising of his evebrows and an audience is convulsed. And to see him tweak the nose of his ultimate father-in-law—ignorant, of course, of his identity, is to be captivated with this refreshing humorist. The picture is a comedy of motor racing, and the comedy is maintained from the opening scene, with Denny scorching along the road and finally emerging, grease-stained, from the wreckage of his car, to the final shots of a motor race in which he vanquishes not only a large field of adversaries but also a platoon of particularly hungry ants. And in all this fun-making Denny is excellently supported. Few vaudeville artists who have visited New Zealand recently have -given a cleaner or more finished performance than Vaughn and the decision of the management of the theatre to prolong the season of this brilliant xylophonist must meet with approval. Last evening Vaughn astonished a large audience with his amazing versatility. He played jazz that set feet a-tapping, the while he moved along, the xylophone in some eccentric version of a Charleston dance; he played the "Indian Love Call" i', J ; oSe f A ! ari ?-" bringing oat every little bit of its haunting meloclv; and then, as a further proof of his powers, lie gave a finished rendering of the beautiful sextette from "Lucia cli Lanimermoor." the orchestra, under Mr. Maurice Guftridge, was at its best, and musical gems d /Oiincled throughout the programme As an overture Keler Bela's "Hungarian Lustspiel was played brilliantly. Its I changes from grave to tray, from the notes I ot a rustic dance to those of fierce, barbane triumph were brought out in masteily fashion. It was a triumph of orchestration. fh e entire supporting picture programme is w, B ll up to the high standard set by the theatre, and Mr " ie Norton's numbers on the Wurlitzer organ are, as ever, popular. GRAND THEATRE. Two highly .amusing films hare been selected by the management of the Grand ■theatre for "Comedy Week," which commenced yesterday. Harold Lloyd is surrounded by his usual capable complement ot supporting players in his third Paramount release, "The Kid Brother," the mam attraction. Again heading his supporters will be Jobyua Ralstoi® who probably terminates her career as Lloyd's leading lady with this production, after appearing in all his pictures for the last three years. Miss Ralston will be introduced as the girl with the medicine show, vvnich offers a concentrated source of laughter and drama in the picture. Appearing as Harold's father is Walter James, who for years appeared on the legitimate stage, and soon after entering motion pictures played Mary Pickford's father in kittle Annie Boonev. H Glin r rancis and Leo Willis, portraying Lloyd's elder brothers, have been featured in numerous pictures. Francis' - most recent work was as the second mite with .John Lsrrvmore in "The Sea Beast." Willi* was in many of "Bill" Hart's pictures and is a familiar figure in Hal Roach comedies. Ihe second film is "The Callahan s and the Murphys, ' a comedy-drama dealing with the relations, not always harmonious, between two Irish families. In addition there is an excellent supporting programme. , "CRADLE SNATCHERS." A special matinee of "Cradle Snatchers" will be given at" His Majesty's Theatre this aiternoon in addition to the evening performance. This bright production attracted a large audience night. " THE VANITIES." A novel entertainment, taking the form of a sez'ies of short scenes of everv kind and entitled "The Vanities," will "be presented by Miss Cecil Hall at- His Majesty's Theatre on November 22, 23 and 24. Bright choruses, beautiful ballets, comedy and tragedy playettes and individual numbers by leading artists will be included and a large orchestra will arovide the music. The proceeds will ?o to the funds of the Auckland Citv Mission. J THEATRE DE LUXE.

Extensive improvements will be carried uut to the Kosie Theatre, at the Mount, Albert tram terminus, during the coming week, and the building will be opened as the Theatre De Luxe next Wednesday. The new theatre will present good programmes ot vaudeville and pictures every evening. A large orchestra has been engaged. Th® usual programme will be shown at the Kosie Theatre this evening. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. A concert will be given by the Bohemian Orchestra in the Town Hall on the evening of Thursday, November 24. A fine programme will be presented, including orchestral numbers and items by Mr. Ernest Snell and Master D*vid Lunny. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. The Royal Auckland Choir will .give a concert in the Town Hall r.ext Ihursdav evening. The soloists will, be Mrs". Cyril Towsey and Mr. W. Gemmell. Particulars of booking facilities are advertised. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. A pianoforte recital will be given by Miss Marjorie Smith in the Grafton Library Hall oil Monday evening. Assisting Mitists will be Messrs. Churchouse ana Simeon and Misses Doris Mess or. and Madgo Horn.