ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19939, 7 May 1928, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. A remarkable picturisation of Harold Bell Wright's popular novel, "The Shepherd of the Hills," is the chief attraction on the excellent double-feature programme now showing at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres. The scene of this production is laid in the fastnesses of tho Ozark Mountains, and shows the strange primitive descendants of the early pioneers. Cut off from the outer world by the rugged nature of the country, these people lead a life close to nature and are governed by the basic code of their ancestors. Against this picturesque setting a story possessing a rare beauty and charm is enacted. Alec. R. Francis, Mollie O'Dnv, John Boles, Matthew Betz and Ramaine Feilding have the leading roles in the carefully-selected cast. A second attraction will be "Ladies' Night in a Turkish Bath, a First National comedy, in which Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall appear together. The story, adapted from a stage farce by Avery Hopwood, concerns the misadventures of a young man and his prospective father-in-law in a Turkish bath on ladies' night. Chased by policemen, they flee into the building, only to find that the young man's fiancee and his companion's wife are inside. Included in the supporting cast are Jimmv Finlayson, Reed Howes. Ethel Wales and Sylvia Ashton. A full supporting programme is shown at both theatres.

RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. The principal attraction on a doublefeature programme, to be presented at tho Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres this evening, will be "Adam and Evil," a Metro-Goldwyn farce, in which Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle appear together for the first time. Both these players are well known in sophisticated comedy roles, and in "Adam and Evil" they are perfectly cast. The story concerns the married life of Adam and Evelyn Trevelyan, who are disturbed by the appearance of Adam's twin brother from Brazil. The arrival of this brother causes immediate complications, as no one can distinguish the husband from the returned traveller. How Adam's beautiful young wife becomes hopelessly bewildered by Alfred, and how Alfred's sweetheart insists that Adam is Alfred gives a wonderful opportunity for clever comedy. The irresistible Cody is seen in the dual roles and his performance has been hailed by critics as one of the greatest humorous characterisations seen on the screen. Aileen Pringle, who is the wife, also reveals herself as a most accomplished comedienne. Included in the cast are Roy D'Arcy, Gwen Lee, Hedda Hopper and Gertrude Short. The attractive supporting programme is headed by "Fangs of Destiny."

"THE KING OF KINGS." "The King of Kings," which has now entered the last week of its Auckland shewing at Everybody's Theatre, has had a most successful season which may be taken as an indication of the manner in which the Gospel story, the greatest drama in the history of the world, has been presented. No matter whether it has met with criticism or with unstinted admiration, this Cecil B. De Mille picture has made a greater appeal to the people than any other picture yet produced. Its attractive qualities are many and varied. Not alone on account of the august and sacred nature of its theme, but also because very high degree of technical perfection attained in its presentation, the picture is ono that cannot fail to make a profound and lasting impression on everyone who sees it. Dealing with the supremo drama of all time, the life and death of Christ, it could not be otherwise than intensely dramatic.

ORGAN RECITAL. A very fine programme was presented by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, to an appreciative audience in the Town Hall last evening. Opening with "Hosannah" (Dubois), the programme included an arrangement by Parry as a choral prelude of "Abide With Me." This item was followed by a Gavotte and Minuet by Handel, and Bach's Prelude and Fugue in G, two numbers which proved very popular. In Boellman's second suite the organist admirably captured the delicacy of the prelude, followed by the flowing melodies of the second movement. Deep expression was attained in the andantino, the suite concluding with a swinging march, well adapted to organ treatment. The programme also comprised "Berceuse," the organist's own composition, "Angelus," an old Breton melody, specially arranged for organ and ». bells, and "Postlude," the concluding item. EVANS-GANGE CONCERTS.

Although it is, now seven years since the world-famous singers, Miss Amy Evans and Mr. Fraser Gange were last heard in New Zealand, they are among tlio best-remembered of the artists who have appeared here. Their performance as soloists with tho Choral Society in the performance of "The Messiah" is an outstanding event in musical history here. Since their departure from the Dominion both singers have greatly enhanced their reputations, their reappearance in England being hailed with delight by their many admirers. Their later visits to the United States wore so successful that they were obliged to remain in America for four years to fill all their engagements. The return of Miss Evans and Mr. Gange to tho Dominion is, therefore, sure to be keenly anticipated by music lovers. Their first concert in Auckland will be next Saturday evening in the Town Hall, and will be followed by a second concert tho following Tuesday evening, included on the fine programmes which have been drawn up are gems from grand opera, Italian songs, modern and classic English ballads, national songs of Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and several German numbers. The solo pianiste and accompanisto is Miss Enid Conley. Booking ar rangements are advertised.