ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19866, 9 February 1928, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Fresh from his brilliant success in "Bert Hur,"" Ramon Novarro heads the cast in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's latest production, "The Road to Romances" which will have its initial screening at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Based on the famous Upvel, "Romance," by Joseph Conrad, the picture tells of buccaneers in the Caribbean Sea, their island lair, their depredations on peaceful merchantmen, and" the island's corrupt Governor, Don Balthaser, who disputes with the hero for the love of a beautiful girl—a trail of real romance leading across dangerous seas—of adventure, peril, gallantry, manly devotion and tender love. The photography and technique is described as fautless, while the acting of both principals and supporting artists has received the highest praise. Of this aspect of the picture, a uoted critic has written: —"In the role of Captain Jose Armando, Ramon Novarro is dashingly brilliant. He is also the tender, devoted lover to the life. Opposite him, Marceline Day is both talented and winsome. Roy D'Arcy invests the part of Don Balthaser, the cunning Governor, with inimitable realism, providing £ splendid foil for Novarro's fbrceful acting." Mr. Ernest McKinley, the well-known Southern tenor, will sing "Waiata Poi" and "A Fat Little Fella," while the Majestic Orchestra, will play "II Guaramy" as an overture. The Majfestic Magazine, Eve's Review and a comedy complete the programme. NATIONAL AND LYRIC. The reclamation of the arid lands of the Arizona desert and the construction of the huge Laguna Dam form the basis of the story of "Tracked by the Police," the Warner Brothers' picture which commences showing at the National and Lyric Theatres to-day. The wonderful dog, Rin-Tin-Tin, who appears in this production, is said to display even greater understanding, courage and agility than in his previous successes, while the capable cast includes many popular players, such as Virginia Browne Faire, Jason Robards, Dave Morris and Tom Santschi. An added attraction on the same programme will be "High School Hero," a story dealing with the life and problems of the typical high school student. Acclaimed by critics as having captured all the glamour and spirit of youth, this picture combines romance, humour and sport in a manner described as delightful. All the players in the cast are young, the leading roles being filled by Sally Phi'pps, Nick Stuart, John Darrow and David Rollins. A feature is the appearance of Charles Paddock. the world-famous sprinter, as an athletic coach, a role which he is said to fill with great success. STRAND THEATRE. Based on the world-famous stage play by Austin Strong, "Seventh Heaven," which is at present screening at the Strand Theatre, has been universally described as one of the finest productions in the history of the film industry. The picture tells of two of the humblest types of Parisians, Chico, a cleaner of the sewers, and Diane, a waif of the streets. Yet their story is one of achievement and spiritual exaltation. To the dispirited Diane, Chico is a radiant optimist, who bids her "Look up" and believe that life is good, who rescues her from the perils of the street and lavishes his affection on her. Diane's faith in "le bon Dieu," her womanly effect, her wistful and appealing beauty, stir the depths of Chico as he has never been stirred before, and he realises that he loves her; that his mean garret has become a Seventh Heaven, and that "le bon Dieu" has spread his blessing on them. The acting of the principals alone is a revelation, while supporting characters are finely cast. A special prologue precedes each screening of "Seventh Heaven," which is accompanied by a skilfully-arranged music score. • REGENT THEATRE. A new comedy team, Chester Conklin and George Bancroft, will be seen together for the first time in "Tell It To Sweeney," the Paramount comedy which opens a short season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Conklin has been for years one of the best-known humorists on the screen, his most recent successes being "We're in the Navy Now," "McFadden's Flats" and "Cabaret," whifo Bancroft will be remembered fos' Ms capable characterisations in "Old Iron- j sides" and "The Rough Riders.'" The i story of "Tell It to Sweeney" de»ss with the rivalry between two enginedrivers employed by the same company. Their mutual animosity comes to a head at the railwavmen's picnic and a series of highlyamusing episodes culminates in a ludicrous trial of strength which serves to unite them as friends. Included in the well-chosen supporting cast are Jack Luden, Doris Hill, Franklin Bond and William Tooker. On the vaudeville side of the programme the clever Kwong Sing Wah troupe, which has been delighting audiences for the .past week, will present an entirely new entertainment. The usual excellent short supporting pictures will bo screened, while Arthur Frost will give a new series of numbers at the organ. GRAND THEATRE. Syd. Chaplin's reputation as a clever comedian, already established by his performances in "Charley's Aunt,' "The Better 'Ole" and "Oh, What a Nurse," cannot fail to be further enhanced by his characterisation of a timid young poet who is forced to pose as a big game hunter in "The Missing Link," which will continue for another week at the Grand Theatre. A nervous young man, carried away by accident on a steamer bound for South Africa, is compelled to adopt the role of one of the greatest living sportsmen. Arrived on the West Coast of Africa, he is invited to hunt down a great ape-like monster known as the "missing link." Once the jungle is reached, the absurd situations in which the hero finds himself follow one another with lightning rapidity. Cannibal chiefs, lions, tigers and "the missing link" all combine to create diversion after diversion in an unending stream of merriment. And then there is the figure of Akka, an almost human chimpanzee, who takes a leading part in the hilarious series of adventures which take place in a bungalow in the heart of the jungle. Whenever the harassed poet seems to have succeeded in gaining a moment's respite, the figure of the monkey appears to torment him anew. Akka accomplishes all that a human comedian could do to provide a foil to Chaplin, at the same time performing innumerable monkey tricks of the most absurd nature. •> "TIP TOES." Received in Australia with as much' enthusiasm as was "Rose Marie," the new J. C. Williamson musical play, "Tip Toes," which will open at His Majesty's Theatre next Wednesday evening, was hailed everywhere with the greatest enthusiasm. After the first night of "Tip Toes" in Melbourne, a critic wrote:— "The action of 'Tip Toes' was frequently interrupted by demands for numerous encores, both for the musical numbers and the wonderful dancing, and at the close of the performance each of the principal artists had to come before the curtain to bow their acknowledgements to the applause of the delighted audience." A sensation was created by Josephine Head, Mdlle. Ramona and Albert Hugo, international dancers from the Folies Bergere, Paris, whose brilliant dancing proved a revelation to Australian playgoers. The company to present 'Tip Toes' has Been selected with great care and regardless of cost,' The two principal comedians re Mr. Cecil Kellaway and Mr. R. BarrettLennard, both of whom were instrumental in making "Katja" and "Frasquita" successful in New Zealand and Australia. Miss Beryl Walkeley last appeared here very successfully in "Lilac Time," and Miss Thelma Burness in "Wildflower" and "Katja." Others in the cast are Mr. Leyland Hodgson, baritone, Mr. Roy Russell and Mr. George Walsh, all of whom are well-known artists. Booking arrangements for "Tip Toes" are advertised.