ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

'A stirring story of adventure on the seven seas in the glorious age of the clipper ship, "Across to Singapore/' ■which was shown for the first time at the Majestic Theatre last evening, to an appreciative audience, must deservedly lank as one of the finest sea pictures produced. Thrilling intrigue, mutiny, hand-to-hand encounters, and a charming romance iaid against the background of the open ocean in its tempestuous moods, all combine to make enjoyable entertainment. Based on Ben Ames Williams' "All the Brothers Wore Valiant," the picture shows the love and comradeship existing between the Shore family, four brothers who have sailed their father's ships since boyhood. Mark Shore, the 'ildest, is betrothed to Priscilla Crowninsmelcl, who is more attracted by the youngest, Joel. He is serving as mate on Mark's ship. As a Jesuit oi his learning that it is Joel that she loves, Mark commences to drink heavily and when a terrific storm is encountered. he is almost unfit to take charge ot the vessel, but is prevailed upon by Joel to assumo command. Tho ship reaches Singapore, where, after intriguing bv part of the crew, Mark is left ashore in a dive, while Joeji is taken home in chains. On his release Joel realises that his only chance to bring Mark home rehabilitated, is to persuade Priscilla to help search for him, a course which.would mean sacrificing his own love. On the voyago out to Singapore, a series of complications sets in which leads to the final exciting climax, where a pitched battle is fought for possession of the ship. >i feature of the picture is the beautiful photography in the sea scenes, while the storm is shown with remarkable realism. "Ramon Novarro and Ernest Torrence are excellently cast as Joel and Mark respectively, giving splendid portrayals in their dramatic roles, while Joan Crawford is (harming as Priscilla. On the musical side of the programme, the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. J. WhitefordWaugh, played a splendid series of selections, which greatly augmented the lvalue of the entertainment, while a flute and clarinet duo, "Lo, Hero the Gentle Lark," by Mr. Frank Poore and Mr. J. McGregor, was given with perfect artistry. The supporting picture programme included the Majestic News, a picturesque New Zealand scenic film, and a hilarious Van Bibber comedy. On the stage, the Midget Moselles, a remarkable troupe of juvenile performers, gave a pleasing song and dance interlude, comprising a Hungarian ballet, "Shine On, Harvest Moon," and "Ain't She Sweet ?" At the day sessions only these talented children present ;i full pantomime, "Cinderella," on a lavish scale. The production, which is under the direction of Miss Lillian O'Leary, should prove attractive to children of every age. PLAZA AND TIVOLI. An excellent programme, at present being shown at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres, is headed by a drama of the boxing ring, "On Your Toes." Reginald Denny takes the leading part, and his work is both clever and natural. The ! story concerns the transformation of a pusillanimous young man into a boxing champion. In order to revenge an insulthe received from the champion " Punch " Mello, Jack Sullivan, a boxing promoter, sets out to find a fighter to defeat the champion. In order to do so he goes to Virginia, accompanied by his young daughter; Mary. There he meets Elliott Beresford, the son of a former champion, Young Evans. The promoter is disappointed to find the young man just the opposite of what he expected. He is supported by his grandmother, but Mary persuades him to find work. As a taxidriver he knocks out Sullivan's new pro-

tege, and decides to become a fighter. Ha is defeated in the first fight, and deceives his grandmother by stating he is teaching dancing. From this point the plot takes a number of sensational turns until a satisfactory conclusion is reached. An excellent supporting programme is headed by " Life's Circus,' 'a drama full of unusual incidents. The story is written round circus life, with its tragedy and transitory success. The principal parts are taken by Mary Johnson, Kurt Gerron, Jtaymond van Riel, and Ernst van Duron. The circus performance seen in the picture is in itself a first-class entertainment; the sustained interest of the spectator in con stanfcly expecting something tragic to happen, is delicately handled. Humour is supplied by some eccentric turns in the circus.

STRAND THEATRE. The extended season of "My 13est Girl " at the Strand Theatre continues to be very successful, crowded audiences applauding the charming romance between a wistful shop girl and the wealthy son of the proprietor of the store where she works. It may safely be said the success of the picture depends on the admirable portrayal by Mary Pickford in the role of Maggie, and she shows that during her absence from the screen she has lost none of the wistful pathos, the sure and unerring touch of subtle comedy and the admirable flair for true drama at the crucial moments which have made her the idol of millions of picture-goers tho world over. As the girl of poor parentage forced to earn her living amid sordid circumstances, yet able to retain her high ideals, she has a role which suits her wonderful personality better than any other she has been seen in for a very long time. Her parents, whose finely-drawn characters form one of the features of the production, are played by Lucien Littlefield and Sunshine Hart, whose portrayals are striking in their fidelity to life. Charles Rogers is the leading man, while others of note in the cast are Hobart Bosworth, Carmelita Geraghty, Mack Swain and Evelyn Hall. An entertaining prologue is presented by M_dlle Valeska's " Tiny Tots " ballet, vno will be remembered for tlieir appearance with "The Circus." During the screening of " My Best Girl" the Strand Orchestra, under Eve Bentlcy, plays a tpeciaLly-arranged score.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A strong programme at the Prince Edward Theatre is headed by "The Ghost Train," a story full of interest and noted for its swift action. This picture will be supported by Greta Garbo and Lowell Sherman in "The Divine Woman," a drama of the stage. In addition, there will be two comedies, the Prince Edwsird News and a cartoon. RIYOLI PICTURES, HOWICK. The programme to be presented by Rivoli Pictures, Howick, this evening, will include two feature films, "Silk Legs," with Madgo Bellamy, and " A Gentleman of Paris," in which Adolphe Menjou takes the principal role. "Silk Legs" is a fascinating drama of love and business dealings. There will also be a comedy, a gazette, and a score of music by the Rivoli Orchestra. ' EMBASSY THEATRE. An interesting programme at present being presented at the Embassy Theatre is beaded 'by "Red Hair," starring Clara Bow, which portrays the humorous story of a mercenary manicurist's love affair. Clara, Bow has a part admirabily suited lo her, and the film moves from one situation to another with laughter as the connecting link between each. The story is that of a girl whose work in a hairdressing establishment provides maiv opportunities for wnm her companions teirn "gold-digging." Harold Lloyd in "College Days" will be shown at the afternoon sessions only. " ROSES OF JOY." A play, "Roses of .Toy," will be produced by Miss AiW.n Bercsford in the • - n i r v e ' oneh,,n B ;l > next Monday evening There will bo acts bv a number of children specially chosen for their ability to dance and sing. Some of the most outstanding sections of the C r 7 he •'W ' i c ? t T \ !G : cl '- v of knights," and Wonderful Fairies," Receiots will m aid of the Onehunga Free Kindergarten.

REGENT THEATRE. Once again a superb triple-feature programme was'presented to .patrons of tho Regent Theatre last evening. Adolpho Menjou plays perhaps his best role as the dashing Captain Ferreol in the Paramount. production, 'A Night of Myster.'.'' Debonair as ever, the popular Continental star excels himself as the gentlemanly young French officer. An oxcollent supporting caste includes Evelyn Brent, best remembered for her work with Emil Jannings, Nora' Lane and William Collier, junior, who played leading parts in ''Back Stage" and "The College Widow." The story, which is extremely dramatic throughout, opens at a party given by tho beautiful Gilberte Boismartel to tho popular Captain Ferroel, a one-time lover who is leaving France for duty in Africa. The picture centres round the fact that Captain Ferreol, while visiting his sweetheart in her boudoir, sees a man killed. The murderer threatens to expose him if he betrays the former's identity, leaving the young officer the choice of smirching his own name or ruining the reputation of his lover. The picture is full of incident, and works quickly to a particularly dramatic finish. An entirely different kind of film is "Fools for Luck," featuring the inimitable pair, W C. Fields and Chester Conkliu. The part of Richard Whitehead, a dishonest promoter, is admirably handled by W. C Fields. He plans to promote a fake oil well, and, with the moral support of the little town's leading family, appears likely to succeed, when he is checked by a small shopkeeper, Samuel Hunter, played by Chester Conklin. Humour of the most infectious kind runs through this clever comedy. An interesting travelogue and the Regent Gazette complete an exceptionally fine film programme. On the stage "The Eleven Rascals," a troupe of particularly clever juvenile acrobats, provide a most thrilling act. Tumbling and contortions of every kind, coupled with some really remarkable gymnastic feats make the turn both interesting and unusual. The music supplied throughout by tho Regent Orchestra, under Mr. Maurice Guttridge, is, if anything, above tho nsual high standard maintained so consistently by these accomplished artists. Appropriate airs accompany both pictures and the popular Rachmaninoff's Prelude, played as an entr'acte, was accorded an ovation

" THE BUSH CINDERELLA." Miss Dale Austen, who has recently returned from America, where she spent four months in the largo motion picture studios, will be seen in the New Zealand production, "The Bush Cinderella," which commences its season at the Strand Theatre next Friday. A modern ftory of New Zealand, it has been Droduced by Mr. Rudall Hayward, the maker of "The Te Kooti Trail" and "Rewi's Last Stand." The plot is a happy blend of situations which arß mostly humorous. A charming prologue represents New Zealand in 1900, when Miss Austen is seen in a flowered, wide-brimmed hat and long fur, ornamented with tiny bows. Tn a later stage of the production she is a very modern "Cinderella." The -atmosphere of the bush pervades the film throughout, and there are a number of scenes of great beauty. An English comedian, Mr. Jack de Rose, is said to give an excellent performance. Cecil Scott, the leading man, plays Hie part of a young naval officer, who meets Cinderella on a fishing expedition.

" WINGS." Amazing scenes unparalleled in moving pictures have been recorded in "Wings," tho outstanding Paramount picture of war in the air. A well-known pilot, "Rod" Rogers, was employed for one of the most thrilling death scenes ever acted. He represents an American aviator, mortally wounded and shot down in flames from an altitude of 6000 feet This act was accomplished with extreme realism. The scenes were recorded by means of a special electrically-driven camera fastened to tho front of the cock-pit of the aeroplane. Rogers took the machine up to a great height above the clouds, and then ignited it and plunged it into a tail-spin. In a vivid portrayal of a dying aviator he swung from side to side of tho cockpit as the machine rolled in a tail-spin When the aeroplane was but 1000 ft. above the ground the pilot suddenly "carne to, life." A few skilful movements of the controls and ho straightened the machine out to make a perfect landing. "Wings," starring Clara Bow, Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen, will be shown at the Regent Theatre for a special season commencing next Friday. AUCKLAND MUNICIPAL BAND. An attractive musical programme will be presented by the Auckland Municipal Band at the Zoological Park tomorrow afternoon. Two selections—"Der Freischutz" and "Reminiscences of Beethoven"—tho overture "Jubilant," two classical waltz numbers "Beethoven Echoes" and "Wein, Weib und Gesang," together with bright marches and other tuneful numbers are to be played. In the Town Hall to-morrow evening the band will play a charming programme, which will include the overture "Mignon," the Sullivan selections "The Mikado" and "Princess Ida," and other popular items. A fine musical concert will be presented by the municipal band in the Town Hall next Wednesday evening. The overture to Wagner's "Tannhauser" will be given in its entirety, also a selection from the same masters "The Flying Dutchman," a suito by Sousa, "At the King's Court," a Waldteufel waltz, "Tout Paris," and a grand selection from Hi o works of Tschaikowsky. Solos will be played by Messrs. Bowes and McLennan, and vocal numbers contributed by Miss Sarah Stagpoole, with Mr. Leo Whittaker at fcho piano. MISS BEATRICE ELLIOTT. A fine musical programme will bo presented at the second recital by Miss Beatrice F-lliott, dramatic soprano, in the Town Hall conceit chamber next Tuesday evening. Her numbers will include "Lin Swan" (Greig), "Weldseligkeit" (Joseph Marx), "Ono Fine Day" (Puccini), and "Chanson do Florian" (B. Goddard). Miss Elliott will bo assisted bv Miss Flo Allen, violiniste, and Mr. Leo Whittaker, pianist.

ARAPUNI PICTURES. Po!a Negri, in "The Secret Hour," heads the current programme at the Arapuni Picture Palace. There is in addition a comedy. "Sweetie." and a cartoon.