ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19986, 30 June 1928, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE SILENT HOUSE.". "The Silent House," in which that noted actor, Maurice Moscovitch, is making his final appearance in New Zealand, is proving a powerful magnet at His Majesty's Theatre, the. company appearing before large and enthusiastic audiences. "The Ringer" and "The Terror" were immensely popular with Auckland audiences, but "The Silent House" has easily eclipsed them in this respect. The season, 'which is necessarily a brief one, promises to be a record one also. Box plan arrangements are advertised. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. With Australian successes and a versatile company of actors to recommend it, the musical comedy, "Archie," which commences its season at the new St. James' Theatre next Thursday, promises to be a great attraction. In Sydney it broke all records established by "No. No Nanette," and received from critics much favourable comment. The names of the actors alono are sufficient to mark the production as being above the ordinary. Jirnmie Godden will have the role of "Archie," a foolish and witless young man with a pretty wife, whose attractions he lias not the good sense to appreciate. Miss Elsie Prince's bright personality and talent prove popular with any audience. A feature of the play is the colour effect of the costuming, especially in the umbrella chorus. Booking arrangements are advertised. STRAND THEATRE. The presentation of a Douglas Fairbanks film has come to be regarded by picturegoers as a notable event, and the <rreat interest taken in his latest production, "The Gaucho," was shown by the crowded audience attracted to the Strand Theatre last evening at its initial screening. All the elements of adventuie, romance,, daring, and the lure of treasure which Fairbanks alone can fully exploit, are present in "The Gaucho, which must deservedly rank among his greatest successes. The story opens in a wild, mountainous region in the Andes, where a shrine visiteel by thousands of pilgrims has been set up as the result of miraculous cures. Over it preside an aged priest and a beautiful girl, a semimystic possessed of the power to heal. The shrine prospers until its wealth attracts the avarice of Ruiz, the cruel usurper, - who holds the country under his iron despotism. He sends soldiers to seize the city. At the same time a band of gauchos, or riders of the pampas, under the leadership of a daring chief, known all over the country for his courage, rides over the mountains in search of plunder. They are joined on the way by a wild, untamed mountain girl, whose fire and beauty attract the leader. Tlicy reach the city as the soldiers are taking possession and oppressing the defenceless townsfolk. By his personal daring the bandit chief forces the commander of the troops to yield the city to his gauchos, who enter and hold high revelry. At the height of his triumph he is "betrayed by a treacherous lieutenant, who dismisses the band with a fictitious message, and he is cast into prison. The mountain girl, who has become jealous of the attention he has given to the girl of the shrine, then summons the band to his aid. A series of stirring conflicts and exciting situations follows and paves the way to a satisfactory ending. As the gaucho chief Fairbanks makes a striking figure, admirably depicting the daring, resource and agility required of a bandit whose, exploits have amazed a whole country. The role of the mountain girl is played with unusual vigour by Lupe Ve'lez, while Eve Southern is excellently cast as the girl of the shrine. Prior to the screening of "The Gaucho," a colourful prologue, "Across the Andes," is presented on the stage by Miss Bettina Edwards -and her ballet, while the Strand Orchestra ns an interlude contributes a spltyidid selection in keeping with the South American atmosphere of the picture. The short supporting subjects include a Fox Varietv film, the Strand Magazine and a New Zealand scenic film showing Maori life at Rotorua. EMBASSY THEATRE. Fresh coifledy, song and dance is introduced at the Embassy Th&tre by the change of programme of " The Diplomats Revue Company. The new programme, which commenced yesterday afternoon, comprises a delightful mixture of all classes of entertainment. The strength of the programme lies in a revue, "South Seas." The story affords full scope for the humour of A 1 Mack, who is irresistibly funny, with the seriousness of Cecil Scott as a strong contrast. It is a very ingenious tale of life on a tropical island. There is the drunken "beachcomber,'' as played by Clyde Fields, who meets his end in a volcanic eruption. Al Mack and Cecil Scott are the principal figures—the former a "bootlegger" and the latter a customs officer. Their dialogue is particularly amusing and the audience never tjres of hearing Al Mack's witty repartee and witnessing his lurching walk. His eyes, too, aro a delight in themselves. During the performance of the piece, Colleen Hope and Cecil Scott entertain with pleasing songs. The ballet plays a prominent part, dancing in island r ostume. A sketch in which Bert Gilbert holds the attention is "A Breach of Promise." It is a courtroom scene, Gilbert being the defendant in the case. Much amusement is caused when he loses the case through his confession that he has served on the City Council. Ed. Warrington makes a welcome appearance in two sketches, "The Gong's Gone" and "The Spare Room." The first depicts a boxing match, the heavy comedian being matched against a light-weight. A "slow-motion" contest was responsible for much amusement. In the latter sketch, Warrington is a very impressionable lodger who misconstrues his landlady's intentions. A novelty musical act presented by Mildred and Connie Harris was accorded generous applause "So Blue" and "Dew-Dew-Dewy Day" were sung by Mildred Harris in her best and most entertaining manner Clyde and Yvette and the ballet appeared in a clever representation of the song, "'Under the Moon," and Colleen Hope gave the popular -song, "Breeze." Cecil Scott and Colleen Hope combined well in two songs, "Picardy" and "C'est Vous." A grand gala performance will bo given by the company next Monday and Tuesday evenings in aid of the girls' sports-ground fund., PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. Appearing first as a bus driver, then as a Chinese mandarin, and later as a brave rescuer who walks to safety across a chain of human bodies, Johnny Hines makes " Chinatown Charlie," now showing at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres, a picture that lovers of comedy and adventure should not fail to miss. The underworld of a great city, with its doubtful cabarets, narrow alleys and furtive criminals is pictured with great realism. Johnny Hines meets a charming young woman who is desirous of learning something about a jewel she has in her possession. On inquiry it proves to be an old Chinese relic of considerable value and with power when used by certain people. The sacret of its possession becomes known to members of a Chinese society and their many attempts to secure the precious jewel are frustrated by Johnny Hines. But when the girl is kidnapped the youijg bus driver is required to use all bis ingenuity to find her and release her from the clutches of the scheming Chinese. The second feature is "Wild West Show," a hilarious comedy drama in which Hoot Gibson, the popular Western actor, fills the chief role. He is seen as a cowboy who joins a travelling circus, which is booked to give a performance at the ranch wliere he was formerly employed. The show fails to please the critical audience, who wreck it amid scenes of wild disorder. From this point on a series of startling complications fills the story with suspense, while a note of genuine comedy nuns through to the end. The leading feminine role is filled by Dorothy Gulliver.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Variety is the keynote of the splendid entertainment presented at the Majestic Theatre last evening by Jasper's Limited, the talented company of artists who yearly contribute a series of concerts in aid of the Anglican City Mission funds. An excellent programme of songs, sketches and concerted numbers proved very popular with the large audience, who applauded the performers and the Rev. Jasper Calder, who conducted the Majestic Orchestra, to the full Aftei the opening chorus by the entire company, two duets were given by Ophir Reus and Hope Asher, followed by a choral song, "The Volga Boatmen." The next number, "Three Minutes With Jasper," a humorous monologue, was one of the outstanding features of the programme. Two , short sketches were then given, "When the Ladder Fell, a satire on newspaper insurance schemes, and "When the Opera Came to Church," in which various excerpts from the Gilbert and Sullivan operas were sung in a church setting'bv the church choir. "Red Tape," .mother 'bright sketch, proved to be a bright skit on the methods of the War Pensions Office. A humorous song by Charles Masseo, a chorus by the full company, and "Jasper's Medley," a composition comprising selections from popu lar songs of the day, concluded ; the entertainment. The chief pictorial offering was "Love Hungry, a comedy woven round the love affairs of a young journalist whose articles on affairs of the heart have gained him a reputation as an expert. Disaster befalls him when he attempts to put his theories into practice, and his attempts to win the girl with whom he has fallen in love give rise to many hilarious situations. Lawrence Gray and Lois Moran have the leading roles in this production, while Marjone Beebe and John Patrick are also included in the capable cast. The supporting picture programme comprises the Majestic Magazine, showing many interesting items of news from all over the world, and an English nature film which contains many beautiful scenes of life in the rivers and waterwavs of the Old Country. The Majestic Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh, plays a most enjoyable score of music, which enhances the pleasure of the entertainment. RECENT THEATRE. ' The dance tune, "The Last Waltz, gives its name to (he attractive picture at present featuring at the Regent Theatre. The plot centres round a gay prince of weak nature, whoso character is entirely changed by the love of his destined wife, whose part is taken bv Liane Haid. The scenes open at the royal palace amid the Central European snows, and travel on to the snow-clad hunting grounds of the crown prince, portrayed by Hans Albert von Schelttow, who is with his aide de camp, Dmitn Willie Fritsch). Suzy Vernon is excellent as the countess, with whom Dmitri falls in love, and over whom he has trouble with the prince, resulting in sentence of death. How his last favour of having a last waltz with his beloved, danced to the time-honoured tune to which he had his first dance with her, is granted, how he refuses to take advantage of his parole in order to escape and how his life is finally saved by the generous action of the prince, forms an interesting plot The second feature film is "The Showdown," in which George Bancroft is seen as Cardan, an honest oil-prospector beset by trials, w*ho sacrifices the wealth of a gushing oil-bore for the sake of the woman he loves. Evelyn Brent takes the part of Sybil Shelton, and Neil Hamilton is seen as her husband, Wilson, who goes to the tropics to prospect for oil. Owing to trouble m the prospectors' shanty Wilson and Cardan arrange to stake their wells on a panic of shown-down poker. How Cardan sacrifices himself for the sake of others forms an interesting conclusion. The entr'acte, "Masaniellx>," is ably rendered by tne Regent Orchestra, under the direction of Maurice Guttridge. An excellent gazette is also shown, including a film of clever acts by the sealions and diving nymphs, who will commence their season at the Regent next Friday. MILFORD PICTURES. "The Seventh Day" will head the programme at the Green Mill, Milford, this evening. A good supporting feature, "Strictly Confidential," will also be shown. The picture entertainment will be followed by a dance. ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for the recital in the Town Hall to-morrow evening will include interesting organ works by Mendelssohn, Bach, Dubois, and Wolstenholme, ana transcriptions of Rubinstein's Melody and Schubert's popular Military March. ONEHUNGA PICTURES. Reginald Denny's comedy drama, "That's My Daddy," will be shown at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, this evening. "The Whip Woman," in which Estelle Taylor takes the principal part, will be shown in the Foresters' Hall. " OUTWARD BOUND." The Little Theatre Society is to produce "Outward Bound." On its presentation in London this play created a sensation and is one of the most discussed pieces of dramatic work written during recent years. Mr. Kenneth Brampton is the producer. The exacting part of "Anne" has been given to Miss Nanie St. Clair-Whvte, who will make her first appearance with the society. Miss Si. Clair-Whyte has at her command a considerable experience of acting, gained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London. The first presentation of the plav will be on Thursday evening next. Booking arrangements are advertised PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "Argus" is still giving demonstrations at the Prince Edward Theatre. In addition a strong picture programme js screened, headed by "Westpoint," in which William Haines takes the leading role. A second film is " Slightly Used," a drama of ill-directed lives. May McAvoy and Conrad. Nagel take the principal parts. There is a good Supporting programme. Ern Beachan and his melody boys provide the music. CHARITY CONCERT. A concert in aid of the funds of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children will be held in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening. Two plays will be presented by leading amateurs, and there will be an .nteresting general programme. Booking arrangements are advertised. LYRIC THEATRE. A double-picture programme to be shown at the Lyric Theatre this evening comprises a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, "Body and Soul," and a comedydrama, "That Certain Thing." The former is a strong drama based on the novel, "The Branding Iron," Lionel Barrymore heading the cast. Viola Dana and Ralph Graves are featured in "That Certain Thing." BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The Bohemian Orchestra will give a performance in the Town Hall next Thursday evening, a well-selected programme having been arranged. The orchestra will render "Malaguena" ' (Moskowski), Dance of the Hours" (Ponchielli), "Enigma" (Elgar), and "Welsh Rhapsodic" (German). Two Bach selections, Air on G string and First Movement from Violin Concerto, No. 1, will be playud by the Juvenile Violin Choir of 40 performers. They will also render "Cavatina" (Paff), with orchestral accompaniment. A 'cello solo. "Variations" (Boellmann) will be played by Miss Molly Wright. Mr. Lawrence North will sing "Si vous L'Aviez Compris" (L. Denza) and "Onaway, Awake Beloved" (Cowen). Booking arrangements are advertised.