ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19809, 2 December 1927, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" PATIENCE." A revival of " Patience/' after the lapse of several years, will be staged by the Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company in His Majesty's Theatre this evening. . Few of tho Savoy operas are as rich in charming individual numbers as "Patience." The-swing of "When I First Put This Uniform On," the lilt of "A Magnet Hung in a Hardware Shop," the pure melody of the " Prithee, Pretty Maiden," the quaint patter and brilliant fun of "If You're Anxious for to Shine in the High Aesthetic Line," of " When I Go Out of Doors," and many others — they are as fresh to-day as when they were written. The principal characters are in the capable hands of Miss Strella Wilson in tho name part, Mr. Charles Walonn as Bunthorne, Mr. John Ralston as Grosvenor, Mr. James Hay as the Duke of Dunstable, Mr. Bernard Manning as Colonel Calverley, and Miss Winifred Williamson in her favourite part of Lady Jane. Next Monday " The Yeomen of the Guard " will be staged, and ou Tuesday " lolanthe " will be presented. On Wednesday afternoon and evening " The Gondoliers-" will be revived, and on Friday " Princess Ida" will bo produced. To-morrow week two performances of " The Pirates of Penzance " will close the season. REGENT THEATRE. One of the most amusing pictures of the year is said to be an accurate description of "Firemen, Save My Child," the latest Paramount offering, featuring the comedy duo, Raymond Hatton and Wallace Beery. The film heads the new programme commencing at the Regent Theatre to-day. _ As soldiers and sailors, these comedians have created endless amusement, but as firemen the pinnacle of their popularity is said to be reached. Tho theme is described as a tale of misdeeds at a fire station. The fire "chief's" daughter, who is very pretty, has a habit of calling at the station and obtaining the services of the men to help her out of difficulties. There are few objections. In order to rescue her from a mudhole in which her motor-car has become stuck the whole brigade turns out. The leading comedians, as Elmer and Sam, take a prominent part in the rescue work. They later save a parrot from death and again are called out to assist at an afternoon tea party This is really the finishing touch for her father. He orders, on the threat of instant dismissal, every one to refrain from answering calls from his home. When a call eventually comes through the men are forbidden to answer. Sauntering home the chief finds that this time it is a real fire, and his legs cannot carry him back fast enough. "Now, firemen, save my child!" he cries. The brigade dash away. Elmer and Sam, with the ladder, are lost on the way, but arrive in tirno to save the chief's daughter and reunite her with him. When the three recognise one another the fun starts all over again. The roles of the fire chief and his daughter are taken by Tom Kennedy and Josephine Dunn. Russo and Bradford, Italian vocalists, will make their first appearance at the theatre this evening. Their performance, it is said, will constitute a unique vocal interpretation of well-known operatic solos. The Regent Operatic Orchestra, under the direction of Maurice Guttridge, will co-operate. New numbers on the organ will be played by Eddie Horton, and the usual supporting pictures will be shown.

LYRIC THEATRE. In "Lonesome Ladies," First National's rollicking comedy-drama of married romance, now screening at the Lyric Theatre, Lewis Stone and Anna Q. .Nilsson are featured to excellent advantage as a young couple whose marital difficulties provide much sparkling comedy and many deliciously humorous situations. Jane Winton .is cast as the intriguing beauty who endeavours to steal the husband, but in the strange merry-go-round of life finds that she has been largely instrumental in bringing the married couple together. Tho other four women selected to make up tho sextette are Fritzie Ridgeway, Doris Lloyd, Grace Carlisle and De Sacia Mooers. Edward Martindel gives a distinctive performance, while Captain E. H. Calvert and Fred Warren succeed in strikingly human as well as humorous portrayals. Priscilla Dean enacts the principal role in "Forbidden Waters," a delightful Divorce Court comedy, in which thrills and laughter go hand-in-hand. A young wife has just secured a divorce and is sum moned for speeding. In the Police Court she learns of two clever criminals who, when released, attempt to involve her husband in trouble. To prevent him from marrying the fair criminal, of whom he is enamoured, she kidnaps him and takes him to a lonely island The denouement is surprising and provides a fitting end to a delightful picture.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Described as a swiftly-moving drama of New York theatrical life, with Sally O'Neil and Owen Moore in the .leading roles, "Becky" will commence a short season at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Miss O'Neil as Becky McCloskey is discharged from a large department store, but secures a part in the theatrical company known as the 1927 Frivolities, through the activities of Dan Scarlett, a "man about town," who befriends her. Becky then meets John Estabrook, a well-bred young millionaire, whom she promises to marry. However, her romance is spoilt by Dan and Estabrook's sister. Becky is compromised in an exposure of a jewel theft, but is extricated successfully. . Having become tired ot Estabrook's distrust she eventually marries Dan. "The film affords Miss O'Neil a wonderful opportunity to display her inimitable talents as a comedienne," wrote a critic. "She also reveals a surprising depth of emotional feeling. Altogether, this performance eclipses anything she has previously done." "Der Freischutz" (Weber) has been selected by the Majestic Orchestra for the overture. A pretty dance fantasy will be staged by Mdlle. Valeska and the juvenile ballet. Described as "The Gambol of the Goblins," the fantasy promises to be ono of the daintiest acts seen on the stage oi the Majestic. Other fetaures will be a New Zealand scenic, a Lupino Lane comedy and the Majestic News.

RIALTO THEATRE. Most picture-goers will liavo no hesitation m saying that "Faust" is the most outstanding photoplay ever screened in Auckland, it lias been secured for presentation at the Hi alto Theatre for three days, commencing to-day. "Faust" Is a triumph for the U.F.A. Company, which also made "Variety," and for Emil Jannings, who plays Mephisto. He is the ossence of incarnate evil, gloating over his devilish deods and shrinking from all that is good. At times fearsome, anon ludicrous, his expressive face always holds the interest. For the part of the beau tiiul, innocent Marguerite, Miss Camilla Horn, a newcomer to the screen, has been chosen. The choice has been a most fortunate one, Miss Horn making the most of a part which calls for emotional act ing. Faust himself is typified by Goesta Ekman, a young Swedish actor of great ability. It is to the credit of the actors and the company that such a theme as "Faust" could, have been x approached and dealt with 111 a way which makes the story live and its characters throb with vitality. In the picture Faust sells his soul to the devil for a single day, in order that he may cure his plaguestricken people, and not because of au indomitable greed, or because of a scientist's desire to arrive at the end of all things in the universe. The fantastic qualities of the story are emphasised and played upon to a marked extent by means of artistic settings and the use of light and shade in the photography. The usual strong programme ot supporting pictures will be screened.

NATIONAL THEATRE. " The Third Degree," the principal onrrent attraction at the National Theatre, .constitutes a powerful dramatic argument against circumstantial evidence, and carries with it all the force of conviction and uniqueness of plot which made famous the stage play of the same name. When, in response to an urgent call, the police arrive at a luxurious apartment in New York, they find a young husband standing strangely dazed over the body of a man with whom his wife had been acquainted. An automatic revolver is hanging loosely in his hand, there is the smell of liquor in his breath, and he bears the unmistakable signs of a violent struggle. Further investigation only enables the fatal web of circumstance to close stili more fastly about him, and the police, satisfied with their conclusions, proceed to force him to open, confession by setting him to the trial of the infamous "third degree." v At last, after long-drawn hours of mental torture, the unfortunate man is worn down to complete submission to their demands. Barely conscious of his action, he signs his own life away, thus doubly sealing the fate to which circumstance had already destined him. And the one person who could save him is compelled to silence by the powerful motives of selfpreservation and mother love. Dolores Costello scores a notable success in this her latest picture, while the value of the play is further enhanced by the acting of several artists of' note, of whom Louise Dresser, David Torrence, Kate Price and Tom Santschi are probably the bestknown. A strong supporting programme includes a five-reel comedy, "The SellStarter," starring Reed Howes. As an added attraction to-morrow afternoon a grand dance recital will be presentea under the auspices ✓of the Navy League, Devonport sub-branch, by a party ot juveniles under the tuition of Miss Doreen Bullimore. In addition to the dances there will be songs and elocutionary items. The matinee is in aid oi the unemployment fund.

STRAND THEATRE. Produced among tho buildings and athletic fields of tbe University of California, "College," the United Artists comedy starring Buster Keaton, which will commence a short season at the Strand Theatre to-day, is said to portray a true section of the lighter side of modern university life. The picture opens with Keaton as a graduate in a small high school. He is a studious lad, the son of an over-indulgent mother. Provincial professors have convinced the youth that brains are mightier than brawn, and in his graduation address he denounces athletics. When he goes to the university his sweetheart tells him he must become an athlete or she will never tolerate him. He is forced to enter the athletic life of the college, but with amazing and disastrous results. After failing at baseball and on the running track he finally, through a twist of fate, blunders into the position of coxswain of the university crew and surprises everybody, including himself, by achieving, success. Ann Cornwall is the leading lady and in the cast are Constance Talmadge, Natalie Talmadge, Keato.n's wife, and Myra Keaton, his mother. Besides the principal picture Miss Gwen Evans, soprano, will render several songs, while on the soreen there will be a further series of the interesting "Wonderful Nights in Paris," showing scenes at the popular cabarets and night clubs. An Aesop fable cartoon, a comedy and recent world events will also be screened.

GRAND THEATRE. An excellent cast is featured in " After Midnight," which will open at the Grand Theatre to-day. Norma Shearer, Lawrence Gray and Gwen Lee are the principals in the picture, a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. The story tells of Mary, a cigarette girl in a night club. Her sister, Maizie, is a dancer in the chorus. Mary is level-headed and ambitious, Maizie believes in having a good time, spending all her money—and some of Mary's—and living while she is young. Mary meets Joe Miller, a ne'er-do-well, whom she reforms.* They both plan to save money, and and after months of selfdenial, Mary's bank account amounts to 1000 dollars, with which she buys a Liberty Bond. Joe saves enough for the first payment on a taxi-cab. A misunderstanding develops and Mary turns to the gay life of her sister. Mary's sudden change alarms Maizie, who endeavours to influence her for good. « Mary finally comes to her senses, but not before her sister has given her life for her in a motor-car accident. A strong supporting programme will be shown in addition.

TIYOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. The most interesting feature of this week's programme at the Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres in a film showing the recent Dempsey-Tunnev contest for the world's heavy-weight boxing championship. Depicting the match rour.d by round, every feature of the thrilling contest can be clearly seen. The audience is able to clearly see all the events leading up to the climax in the seventh round, when Dempsey put Tunney down for the much-debated count of nine, which has since bean tha subject of controversy by leading sporting writers. The programme at the Tivoli Theatre also includes " Rubber Heels," in which the two popular comedians, Ed. Wynn and Chester Conklin, have the leading roles, and the ninth of the " Collegiams " series. At Everybody's Theatre " Cradle chers," the farce founded on the. play which recently proved so popular in Auckland, and " Rubber Heels " will be the supporting features.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The vivid film record of the recent championship boxing match between Dempsey and Tunney is the principal attraction on the current programme at the Princess Theatre. Photographed froin the ringside from a special platform, it presents the thrilling contest in full detail. Every blow is seen and at the exciting moment in the seventh round i when Tunney was down slow-motion photography is employed. Every in- ! cident is shown. Dempsey is seen | warned back by the referee, and the expression on Tunney's face as he gradu- | ally recovers are clear and vivid. The ! fast, open boxing in the last two rounds, f when Dempsey was driven round the ring by the victorious Tunney, are exciting in the extreme. The supporting programme includes a First National comedy-drama, " Lonesome Ladies," in which Lewis Stone and Anna Q. Nilsson head a strong cast, and the ninth of the popular " Collegians " series. Tilton and West, known as the "joy boys," will also appear in new songs aud items. MR. BARRY CONEY'S RECITAL. For the praiseworthy objoct of assisting the funds of Sister Esther's mission an enjoyable recital was given by the pupils of Mr. Barry Coney in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The programme was most comprehensive, and contained items of a very varied nature. The first part commenced with a pianoforte duet, "Concerto in E Flat" (Mozart), by' Miss Mary Thompson and Mr. Barry Coney. This was followed by a bracket of songs by Miss Ivy Thomas and two dainty pianoforte solos by Miss Nancy Martin. Other solos were rendered by Mrs. R. C. Schubert, Misses Donnelly, and Gwen Wilkins, Warm applause greeted two songs by Mrs George Penfold in the second half. " The King of Thule " and the " Jewel Song " from " Faust." sung by Miss Dorothy Youd, were also popular items. Among those who contributed to the programme were Messrs. A. Watts, Eric Paton, A. W. F. Cole and Roger Errington and Misses Margot Traftord, Myrtle Burns, Mary Johnston, Robina Chellburg, Iny Abdallah, Nancy Mackinnon and Zoe Cameron. Throughout tho evening Mr. Barry Coney accompanied.

STUDENTS' RECITAL. A most interesting recital was given by the < pupils of Mr. Walter Impett in the Unity Hall last, evening. The hall was well filled and the audience was most appreciative. The programme wa3 artistically varied and good taste was displayed in the selection of the numbers for both vocalists and pianists. Evidence of sound training was displayed by the vocalists, who scored particolarly in voice production and enunciation. The technique of the pianists was very donnd. Popular items in the programme v)%e selections by a vocal quartette whose voices blended splendidly. The quartette, which comprised Misses Gladys Hosking and Maida Davison and Messrs. F. Ridgway and K. J. Dellow,-was heard in the numbers, "In England, Merrie England," and "Dusk of Dreams." Mr. Keith Ramsay sang the songs. "To the Forest" and "The Pauper's Drive"; Miss Gladys Walding, "Dear Hands" and "My Ships"; Miss Ivy Coyle, "O, Salutaris Hostia" and "Only the River Running By"; Miss Lila Foley the French songs, "Le Sais-tu" and "Chanson de Florian"; -Mr. L Stuart, "Dreams of the Dusk" and "Give a Man a Horse He Can Ride'; Mrs. C. Northage gave a fine interpretation of the aria, " One' Fine Day." from "Madame Butterfly," and also the song, "Meadowsweet"; Mrs. Noel Carless sang "In Questa Tomba" and the old Easter hymn, "Alleluia"; Mr. Frank Ridgway the aria, "Where'er You Walk," from "Semele." A very fine rendering of the negro spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," was given by Miss May Ross. In addition, songs were sung "by Misses R. Mcselen, G. Hoskintc and D. Couston and Messrs. K. J. Dellow and R. Stephenson. Piano solos were contributed by Misses N. Gamman, Alisa Walker and Veronica Derharn. Mr. Walter Impett was accompanist. PASTORAL PLAY. A new entertainment in the form of a pastoral play will be presented by memof the Auckland Lyceum Club -at the Ellerslie racecourse to-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. Pastoral dances will bo a feature of the performance, and Mr. A. McElwain will fill the position of stage manager. Special cars wfll leave the foot of Queen Street from 1.45 p.m.: ELOCUTIONARY RECITAL. Details of the elocutionary recital to be given by Mr. J. F. Montague in tlia Unity Hall to-morrow evening are now announced and the programme is one that should appeal to all tastes. It includes many dramatic and humorous scenes and sketches of a high order, a group of children's selections and another group by New Zealand writers and several monologues. The programme will open with a short lecture by Mr. Montague on the art of elocution and public speaking, two subjects on which he speaks out of a long experience. Miss Ina Ihomson and Mr. Cyril Towsey will be the assisting artists. <