ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19916, 9 April 1928, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. As the bright message boy on an Atlantic liner Jackie Coogan, in "Buttons," the new attraction at the Majestic Theatre, adds to his reputation as a juvenile artist. The story is more than a mere collection of scenes evolved to present a child actor in situations where ho can do clever things and exhibit wisdom beyond his wars. The drama concludes with the wreck of an ocean liner, and this and other scenes make the picture a remarkable 0110. Appearing first as an orphan coster-boy, Jaekio attempts to gratify a craving for the sea by stowing away on a liner at Southampton. He is taken from his hiding place by the chief steward liefore the vessel casts off. but the captain, a part played by Lars Hanson, is sufficiently interested to order that the waif should bo trained as a marine cadet. Within a year the coster-boy lias become "Buttons" under the captain who befriended him. " Buttons " and the ship's gymnasium instructor aro responsible for tlie humour of the picture, their efforts including the parboiling of a passenger in a Turkish bath. The plot is based on tho discovery made by " Buttons " that the captain's fiancee is au adventuress in an intrigue with a foreign passenger wlio travels in lavish style, by tho exercise of his wits. " Muttons " achieves a denouement. bv operating tho fire-alarm and confronting the schemers with .the captain. The good intention is not appreciated, and

"Buttons" and bis friend tho instructor are placed in the cells. The liner strikes nil iceberg, an incident which tho science of the photographer portrays with realism and skill. The vessel, still the subject of a trick long perfected by cameramen, sinks rapidly. At the last, minute the unpopular steward redeems himself with the audience by fighting his way to the ship's cells and liberating the prisoners. " Buttons " remains alone with the captain while tho lifeboats vanish. This act of heroism gives tho captain an opportunity to realise the motive behind the pranks with the fire-alarm. Needless to say, Buttons and the captain do not sink with (he ship. A musical novelty, "In a Bird Store," is presented by tho Majestic orchestra. This item seems to run the full gamut of the bird language, and tho delicacy of the rendering is such that at times tho audience is left wondering whether some of the notes arc not actually sounded by the variety of caged birds used in the stage setting. " Putting "Pants 011 Philip " is a comedy dealing with the predicament of a kilted Scotsman plunged into American associations. A gazette and an excellently-produced film of a New Zealand wheat harvest complete the programme.

REGENT THEATRE. Drama and comedy have been skilfully contrasted in the new programme at the Regent Theatre, where a crowded house was delighted with the initial screening on Saturday evening. Excellent quality of tone and good technique and interpretation marked the playing of the theatre's Operatic Orchestra under the baton of Mr. Maurice Guttridge, the rendering of Axiber's "Massaniello" as an entr'acte affording the musicians an opportunity for an artistic performance. Selections from popular operas and light numbers added to the pleasure the music gave. Revealing fine understanding of the emotions of the composers whose works lie so well played, Mr. Leslie V. Harvey delighted with his playing at the Wurlitzer. His playing of Melody in F (Rubensfein) and Charmaine was excellent. The principal feature on the pictorial programme this week is the much-heralded Paramount picture, "The Spotlight," a fascinating romance of a New York working girl who experienced a meteoric rise from obscurity to fame in tiie theatre world of Broadway. From an awkward,*unsophisticated stage aspirant, with gawky manner, blonde nair and freckled face, she was transformed into a dazzling brunette beauty—the famous Russian actress, Olga Rostova ! Out of the unknown a new name flashed with Broadway's night lights, a name that created a sensation in the social world. Olga Rostov* was the toast of clubs, the talk of clubs, the idol of the city. Yet Olga Rostova was an enigma. None knew her, no one was aware of her past ; everyone spoke -<>f her. Romance and love can|e into her life when Monsieur Norman Brooks saw her over the footlights. It was then that this woman, who kept so strangely aloof, and who charmed with her ravishing beauty, discovered that to attain happiness and love she would have to tear aside her mask. She would have to reveal her secret to this dashing, debonair young man who had won her heart. Portraying the dual role of the struggling blonde and the worshipped actress, Esther Ralston is refreshing because of her simplicity and rare grace. The exotic gowns she wears were the centre of admiration. As the tall, polished and suave lover, Neil Hamilton wins new laurels by reason of his captivating manner, while Nicholas Soussanm, the talented Russian, splendily enacts the part of Daniel Hoffman, the theatre manager who created tlie new stage star. Minor pictures include the Regent Review, detailing world topical events, a cat cartoon, " Tired Wheels," an interesting picture of " The Electric Railways of Victoria," and an exceptionally clever comecjV, of the gilded East and the rough American West, dealing with card-sharpers and tricksters, entitled "Find the King." with Edward Everett Horton in the lead. Much interest was again taken in tlie ladies' diving competition for amateurs, 16 semifinalists competing. The final will be decided on Thursday.

PRINCESS AND TIVOLL Richard Bartlieliness, who has not appeared on the screen for some time, lias returned, and given one of the greatest performances of his successful career in "The Patent Leather Kid," the First National attraction now showing at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres. He appears in an entirely now type of role, portraying a young East Side pugilist, with most of the faults of his environment, a hardened, selfish youth, whose regeneration by fire is the theme of the story. The title of the picture, which is bis nick-name, fairly syrnpolises (ho character lie represents. The young boxer is in love, after his own fashion, with the Golden Dancer, a cabaret performer who, through hoi* devotion and self-sacrifice, is destined to help him find his manhood, but. if is not until the outbreak of war that Hie turning* point is reached. Tho Kid is drafted into tlie Tank Corps, and it is at this point that sonic of the most dramatic scenes of the picture are introduced. A second feature is "The Stolen Bride." a dramatic romance; featuring I'illio Dove, and Lloyd ll'uglies.

" TilK KING OK KINGS." "The, King of Kings," Cecil 11.. do Mille's production, based oil the life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues its successful Auckland season at Everybody's Theatre. Probably no other motion picture production has so roused Die interest of critics, press, clergy and public alike. It has been the object of remarkable praise wherever it has been shown, members of every religious denomination uniting in expressing their great appreciation of the wonderful effort that has been made to bring tho Gospel story to Iho screen. "The King of Kings" will bo shown twice daily at de luxe sessions during the whole season. A speciallyselected orchestra, under tho baton of Mr. Howard Moody, plays a beautiful score, which includes excerpts from "The Messiah," "Elijah." and "Lohengrin." Miss Phyllis Hazel and Mr. 11. Richards also give arias during the screening.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. " The Climbers," the principal attraction on the current programme at the National and Lyric Theatres, is a romantic drama laid in the Spain of one hundred years ago. The story concerns numerous stirring adventures of a duchess who is banished l'rom her home and becomes an exile amid bandits. Irene Rich, Clyde Cook, Forrest Stanley, and Myrna Loy head the capable cast. A second feature is "Tho Wizard," a gripping mystery story in which Edmund Lowe takes tho leading role.

STRAND THEATRE. "Tho Circus," tho only comedy Charlie Chaplin lias produced for over two years, continues to attract largo crowds to the Strand Theatre. Ilis latest production, which has been awaited with great interest, presents the. Chaplin at whom millions have laughed, the Chaplin of "Shoulder Arms," "Pay Day" and "The Pilgrim," the pathetic little man with the old bowler j hat and cane, the wriggling moustaclio and the feet shod with boots of incredible size. While it contains many whimsical turns and a pleasing romance, the story is devoid of any extreme pathos or tragedy. Although the action centres round a big three-ring circus, Chaplin does not appear in the usual garb of a clown, but in his own peculiar habiliments of old. The picture has a plot—the tramp, chased by a policeman, enters the ring in a circus, and his methods of eluding his pursuer throw the crowd into a fever of delight. lie joins the circus, and by his humour in upsetting the magician's act and "doubling" for the tight-rope walker bo becomes the star turn. With this material at hand, the irrepressible Chaplin has indeed added to his fame as a comedy star. Ho is the central figure in many vastly humorous sequences. Several of his actions aro evidently impromtpu, and these are particularly pleasing. Every available opportunity lor comedy ho has turned to advantage. There could be nothing belter than his method of cajoling a baby to give him a bite of his food, and in his "make-believe" heroic manner of defending a girl from her cruel father. His adventures with a policeman and a pick-pocket in the "mirror maze" at, the circus arc full of subtle humour. The supporting programme includes an excellent film showing the beauties and famous historical spots of Old England and an enjoyablo overture by the Strand Symphony Orchestra, while a stage novelty, "The Tiny Tots' Circus," precedes the screening of the main picture.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A special vaudeville programme will he presented at the Prince Edward Theatre this afternoon. Jazz melodies will be sung by "Tlie Snappy Three" and items will lie given by a company of Maori entertainers from Rotorua. Rov Newton will give comic songs, and Reed Howes will appear in "The Courageous Pool." ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist, Mr. Maughan Harnett, gave an enjoyable organ recital in the Town Hall last evening. A splendid programme of appropriate music had been arranged, commencing with the choral prelude, "Christ is Risen Again" and "Easier Lilies." Following a minuet by Mozart the organist received applause for Bach's Prelude and Fugue in O, another popular item being Schubert's "Ave Maria." A festive march by Smart and an intermezzo, "Meditation on 'Christe Redemptor Omnium'," were other splendid items. The fine programme closed with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.