ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19832, 30 December 1927, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. "Not alone on the dignity and power, of its theme does the iame of 'Ben Hur' depend, and that it both elevates and inspires, but also for reasons dear to the hearts of a pleasure-loving world. Scenes of staggering immensity that beggar description; scenes if ineffable beauty and fragrance that dry the wells of imagination; scenes of such elemental vigour and majesty and sense-stunaing grandeur that to see them is to marvel at the power of men so to create; this is why 'Ben Hur' is a picture to be seen again and yet again. The sweep of sea-fleets, the tramp of countless legions, the pulsing heart of Rome and the agony of Israel, the battle of men and steeds and racing blood, things buried under the dust of centuries, are recreated and live again in this miracle of motion pictures." This is only one of many glowing descriptions of "Ben Hur" written by critics all over the world. The great Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer classic of the screen continues to draw large crowds to the Strand Theatre even although it is about to commence its third weeki In writing the novel, "Ben Hur," General Lew Wallace described the chariot race in the Circus Maximus at Antioch. The race, as shown in the motion-picture, is probably the most gigantic spectacle ever conceived. For three weeks Fred Niblo, assisted by B. Reeves Eason, who has engineered thousands of motion-picture thrills, reheafsed men and horses for the race that was to make film history. On the clay chosen on which the race was to be filmed, a huge crowd of motion-picture celebrities, together with prominent citizens of San Francisco, li»s Angeles and Hollywood, assembled on the huge block of ground on the outskirts of Culver City where a complete and faithful replica of the famous Circus Maximus at Antioch had been erected. No less than 42 motionpicture cameras clicked from every conceivable anglg as the straining, plunging teams of blood horses,, thundered round the arena amid the cracking of whips, "the shouts of excited contestants and onlookers and swirling clouds of dusSt. Cameramen, hidden in specially-con-structed pits below the level of the stadium floor, photographed horses and chariots as they sped at and then over the cameras. Light automobiles sped neck-and-neck with the charging teams in order to secure picttires of men and horses in action. The cast ir one of the best assembled for any film. Rnmon Novarro plays the title role, Francis X. Bushman is seen as Messala, Roman, and other striking characterisations are given by May McAvov and Betty Bronson.

REGENT THEATRE. Auckland audiences will again have an opportunity of enjoying the undoubted artistry of the German film studios when another U.F.A. production, "Manon Lescaut," has its Dominion premiers at the Regent Theatre to-day. Coming after "Faust" and "Variety," two remarkable successes from the same studio, "Manon Lescaut" is sure to draw large crowds. Lya de Putti, who will bo remembered for her performance as the betrayer of tho unfortunate trapeze artist, is said to reach great heights in this new masterpiece. Of her portrayal of Manon, a critic wsote: "The picture gives Lya do Putti, who has been aptly described as tho Cleopatra of the Ages, ample opportunities for her histrionic powers. One imoment her vivacious gaiety sparkles out, enly to find her the next in heart-broken tears. Whether in pique or pathos, in love or in tragedy, Lya de Putti proves in this, her latest production, her claim to be greatest actress of the screen to-day." As in the earlier productions, impressiveness of setting, ensured by the artistic Continental technique of suggestion rather than elaboration of detail, is said to play an important part. Certain passages in "Faust" gave an indication of the studio's possibilities in the direction of rich and spectacular settings. Laid in the France of pre-revolution days, this story by Prevost, which inspired Massenet's beautiful opera, gives ample opportunity for beautiful costumes and interior scenes. On the stage, Rnsso arid Bradford, tho two popular operatic singers, will make a welcome reappearance for one week only. Mr. Maurice Guttridge and the Regent orchestra will play a special musical score, including excerpts from "Manon." A complete supporting programme will be screened.

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. The vain efforts of a girl to sell a life insurance policy to a rich man provides the plot for "The Love Thrill," which opened at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres yesterday. The picture, which was produced by First National was directed by Millard Webb. The featured players are Laura La Plante, Tom Moore and Bryant Washburn. The supporting picture at both theatres is Ihe Bed Raiders," with Ken. Mayuard in the chief role. The story was adapted by Marion Jackson from her own work,, "The White Horse Troop," and is laid in the wastelands of Montana where two Indian tribes menaced the lives of pioneers who sought to settle there in 1840. Maynard has the role of Lieutenant Scott, assigned to the Military Fort in the Indian territory, the scenes of which form the picturesque region of Lodge Grass, Montana, the site of two Indian reservations The story involves the attempts of rebel Indians to wage war against the settlers, and the intervention of United States Cavalry to restore peace. It was taken from a true chapter of American history which witnessed the first Indian reservation established bv the Government, and the events preceding thin move. Ann Drew, the charming actress who gamed recognition overnight after a year in pictures, has the leading feminine role opMaynarf. M ltaf, » ™«an screen character comedian, has a promlnent part.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Described as a brilliant satirical comedy of society life, " Ritzv." a Paramount picture adapted from a story by Elinor Glyn, is the principal attraction on the new programme opening at Everybody Theatre "to-day. Betty Bronson .plays the leading role with characteristic vivacity. As a girl with a fixed intention of marrying nothing less than a duke, sho earn, the nickname of " Ritzy," an adjective apparently signifying haughty or " disdainful." She has many adventures, ludicrous and otherwise, before she achieves her ambition in a somewhat unexpected manner. The popular heroine of "Peter Pan"- and "Everybody s Acting " is supported by James Hall, who plays the part of a disguised duke, and by William Austin, who rashly assumes' a title to cure Ritzy of her ambition. " The Red Raiders," which is the chief supporting picture, is a new Ken Mavnard success. It is a new tvfle of Western picture, and has the distinction of being produced without one artificial set of scenery.

RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. Based on the famous stage play of the same name, " The Music Master will commence a short season at tho itialto aud Epsom Regent Theatres to-day. Alex B. Francis, the English actor who recently won high commendation for his fine portrayal of " Peter Grimm," is said to surpass that characterisation in the title role of " The Music Master. Tho scenes are laid in tho New York of 1900 With simplicity and fine feeling the old story is told again of Anton von Barwig, who left a brilliant career in Vienna to follow his wifo to America, where she had gone with another man, taking with her his little daughter. After 19 years of poverty and loneliness, he finds the daughter, but-do* s not dare to claim her for fear that learning the truth will ruin her chance of happiness. She has been raised in luxury, and is about to marry into a distinguished New York family. The claimax comes when Von Bar wig comes face to face with the man who has posed as her father. The Whirlwind of Youth " will be the chief picture on tho supporting programme*

MAJESTIC THEATRE.! Adapted from the Saturday Evening Post story by May Edginton, "The Jov Girl," a "new Fox picture, will form the main attraction on the programme to commence at the Majestic Theatre to-day. " The Joy Girl " is a swift-moving story of society life in New York and at Palm Beach. Olive Borden, the youngest screen actress, notable in dramatic parts, is said to score an even greater success than she did in "Jig Leaves and " Three Bad Men!" The director Allan Dwan, assembled a cast of well-known players to support Miss Borden. Hamilton, who played the juvenile lead in "The Music Master," has the-part of John Jeffrey Steele, opposite Miss Borden. Mary Alden, featured in " The Potters, portrays the role of Miss Borden s mother. An advance agent in Florida chose an array of a hundred Palm Beach girls, who entered a beauty competition sponsored by the local newspaper. This pageantry of beauty appears in several scenes in " The Joy Girl." Miss Borden is seen as a romantic girl who sets out in search of adventure and a wealthy husband. Her quest takes her through the seaside lesorts, night clubs, fashionable homes and other playgrounds of the rich. The production lias sumptuous cosmopolitan settings, and is calculated to please the most exacting audiences. Reviewing the film a leading critic said: "It is an epic ot the jazz age, a parade of beauty, wealth and happiness." An excellent collection of supporting pictures will include a New Zealand scenic, " Rotorua Rambles , the Majestic Magazine; Sugar .Daddies," an amusing comedy; Lve s R_oview; and an iEsop Fable cartoon. n music the programme this week will be exceptionally strong. In addition to wide range of music by the Majestic Orchestra, solos will be sung by Mr. Birrcll O'Malley.

GRAND THEATRE. Jackie Coogan has appeared in countless parts, but never before in a military role, which he does in " The Bugle Cad, the Metro-Goldwyn film billed to commence at, the Grand Theatre to-day. In this gripping outdoor drama the juvenile actor plays the part of a bugle boy stationed under his father's command at a cavalry post on the frontier in the days of the early West. At that period it was common for very small boys to be used as buglers, and they often accompanied their regiments into action. Consequently, the present generation is accorded a fascinating opportunity of studying one of these heroes, as portrayed with astonishing sincerity by Jackie Coogan. A very touching love story concerning the boy's father and his second wife,_ who suffers much embarrassment and pain before she succeeds in occupying the mother niche in Jackie's heart, adds a tremendous Vuman anpeal to the picture. Claire Windsor heads a particularly strong muster of supporting players, including Herbert Rawlinson, who takes the part of Jackie's father, and Tom O'Brien, who is responsible for much of the comedy, as Sergeant Doolan. A furtlier attraction will bo " Movie Land," described as one of Lupino Lane's best comedies.