ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19834, 3 January 1928, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATBE. Following the wonderful triumphs; of "Faust" and "Variety" comes another artistic success from tho same German studio, "Manon Lescaut," which is how being presented for a short season at the Regent Theatre. Adapted from the classic novel by the Abbe Prevost, the picture proves a wonderful success for Lya de Putti, who fills the title role. As Ma.non the picture gives har ample opportunities for her histrionic powers. One moment her vivacious gaiety sparkles out, only 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 bo the greatest actress of the screen to-day, As in the earlier productions, iropresslveuess of setting, ensured by the artistic Continental technique of suggestion rather than elaboration of detail, plays an important part. On the stage, Russo and Bradford, the two popular operatic singers,, will make a welcome reappearance for this week only. Mr. Maurice Guttridge and the Regent orchestra will play a special musical !?cors, including excerpts from "Manon." A complete supporting programme will be screened. MAJESTIC THEATRE. An enthralling story of society life atPalm Beach, America's most exclusive pleasure resort, "The Joy Girl,'' in which Olive Borden and Neil Hamilton have the leading roles, is the main attraction on the current programme at the Majestic Theatre. 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 resorts, night clubs, fashionable homes and other playgrounds of the rich. The production has sumptuous cosmopolitan settings, and i 3 calculated co please the most exacting audiences. In addition io tiie wide range of excellent music provided by the Majestic orchestra, solos will be sung by Mr. Birrell O'Malley, the wellknown young Auckland tenor. The (supporting picture programme includes! a New Zealand scenic, "Rotorua Ramblis," the Majestic Magazine, Eve's Review, an Aesop fable cartoon, and an amusing comedy, "Sugar Daddies-" HIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. With its highly appropriate tiitle, " Fast and Furious," the new Reginald Denny film which will be shown at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres today is splendid entertainment. The picture is a comedy of motor racing, and the comedy is maintained from the opening scene," with Denny scorching al.ong the road and finally emerging, greasestained, from the wreckage oiE his car# to the final scenes 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 till this fun-making Denny is . excellently supported. Lee Moran, who has been ussociated with Denny in piany oi the lather's pictures, is responsible for a good number of the laughs. Moran is an otd-ftime stage comedian and has continued bis line of fun and frivolity iia films. Playing opposite Denny is Barbara Worth.. The chief supporting picture will be " Rich But Honest," featuring Nancy Nash. NATIONAL THEATRE. Large audiences are being entertained this week by the current programme at the National Theatre. It is headed by "Carnival Time," a miniature "revue" presented by the Royal Australian. (Sunbeams. Composed entirely of children, this company presents a wonderful variety of acts, ranging from delightful ballet effects to acrobatic turns, songs and humour. There are no intervals. From the opening chorus to the picturesque. "Good-bye" one item follows another with the minimum of delay. An excellent supporting programme of pictures, headed by a melodrama entitled, "Singed," is also screened. Blanche Sweet and Warner Baxter play the lisading roles. STRAND THEATRE. "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 the centuries, are recreated ana live again in this miracle of motion pictures. 5 ' is but one of hundreds of glowing descriptions of "Ben Hur," which is still drawing enthusiastic audiences to the Strand Theatre nightly. Packed from beginning to end with mighty spectacles, somsi of the scenes of this picture, particularly those of the thrilling chariot races and the fight at sea with pirates' galleys, are of staggering immensity. The cast is one of the best assembled for any film. Ramon Novarro plays the title role, Francis X. Bushman is seen as Messsla, the Roman, and other striking characterisations are given by May McAvoy and Betty Bironson.