ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20086, 25 October 1928, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EMBASSY THEATRE. "Tho Jade Cup," tho loading feature on tho programme to commence at 1 ho Embassy Theatre to-morrow, is said to he original both in theme and in treatment. The story revolves round the mystery and malignant influence of ai\ ancient Chinese cup, which is reputed to bring death once | every year. According to expectations one of its possessors is killed, and a reformed inhabitant of tho underworld is charged with tho murder. Tho occurrence, however, has been witnessed through a high-powered telescope by tho accused man's fiance, who ultimately secures his release. Plenty of excitement is said to alternate with deft touches of comedy. Jack Luden has tho leading part, and is assisted by Evelyn Brent in the principal feminine role. Other members of tho east include George Cowl, Charles Dclancy, Eugene Borden and Violet Palmer. The second picture is 'Tho Devil Horse," featuring the wonderfid horso Bex in an exciting drama of tho West. The story deals with the pioneers and their battles with tho marauding Indians of hostile tribes. The climax is reached when a dance is in progress to celebrate tho approaching wedding of a white girl who has been lured away from (he garrison by Prowling Wolf, one of the braves. But tho daneo is brought to a sudden end by the dramatic and timely arrival of the "devil" horse, which the Indians credit with having supernatural powers. The human cast in support of tho horso Rex includes Gladys McConnell, Robert Kortraan and Roy Clements, GRAND THEATRE. The sinister doings of tho underworld with its degradation and unfathomable mystery forms the theme upon which Lou Chancy works in his latest picture, "Tho Big City," which commences to-morrow at, tho Grand Theatre. No more remarkable actor has appeared in this age of cinemas than Lori Chancy, whoso masterful portrayals may always bo counted upon to provido something quite out of tho ordinary. In "Tho Big City" Chaney plays tho role of a hardened gangster, who, with his associates, comes into conflict with a gang of jewel thieves. Marcelino Day plays tho leading feminine role —a shopgirl innocently enmeshed in the underworld pi of, and James Murray is seen as a young member oi the gang who reforms. Tho mysteries of the black lamas of Tibet provide a novel theme for "The Devil Dancer," the second attraction. Gilda Gray, the most accomplished dancer of the screen, is scon to advantage as the sacred virgin of the dread black lamas. Of English blood, but Tibetan temperament, the dancer lives a cloistered life until the arrival of a young British explorer, who falls in love with her and persuades her to escape with him. The ensuing adventures are partly duo to chance and partly to tho exotic temperament of the dancer, Takla. The colour!ul background of an Anglo-Indian settlement is said to provide an excellent setting for the versatile art of Miss Gray. STRAND THEATRE. A splendid and impressive reconstruction of naval warfare, "The Battles of Coronel and Falkland Islands," which is showing for an extended season at* tho Strand Theatre, is something quite uniquo in motion pictures. It is no mere adventure story, but an epic of the days when Britain fought to retain tho mastery of tho seas. To obtain accuracy, an Admiralty Advisory Committee super, vised all tho sets in conjunction with tho German naval experts, who were chosen for their technical knowledge and acquaintance with German ijaval etiquette. The story is a thrilling one. The Battle of Coronel, resulting in the total loss of the Good Hope and Monmouth, was fought off tho Chilian coast in tho eve of Sunday, November 1, 1914. Trustworthy information of the disaster did not reach the British Admiralty until November 5. The Invincible and the Inflexible were immediately detached from tho Grand Fleet, hurriedly refitted at Devonport, and under Vice-Admiral f?turdee sailed for the Falkland Islands on November 11. Other ships were picked up off the Brazilian. coast and the squadron reached the Falkland* on Deccv.r.bfr 7, a few hours in advance of Von Pp.... Before nightfall Oil December b tho whole German squadron (except tho Dresden) was at the bottom of tho sea. PLAZA AND TIVOLL Thrilling episodes in the air ctver the battlefields of France precede a romance in Paris, according io advance raports of Milton Sills' latest production, "HardBoiled Ilaggerty," which is the main picture on the programme to commence, at (lie Plaza and Tivoli Theatres to-day. The picture is liberally provided with comedy, in which Sills himself is said to take a prominent part, a departure from his usual custom. The drama is developed in a sequence .-wherein Jlaggerty's kindly rnajoy warns him against a girl whom he believes to bo French. The part of tho "French" girl is played bv Molly O'Day, and that of a cafe danctrr by Yola d'Avril. Arthur Stone, Mitchell Lewis and George Fawcett appear in the supporting cast. The second attraction is Harry Langdon and Doris Dawson in "Heart Trouble," said to bo, the former's most humorous undertaking hi his usual pose of completo inanity. The story is that of a youth of a small town, who sets out to accomplish a pnrposo and meets with defeat, at every turn. With perseverance, however, ho eventually achieves a gigantic success, but is all unconscious that he has accomplished anything.. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Ramon Navarro in a new role, that of an elegant young man in London society, will no doubt prove a strong attraction at the Majestic Theatre fi-om to-morrow. The title, "A Certain Young Man," is itself significant, but Navarro has never capitulated to the ordinary role and may usually bo depended upon for somefhinc refreshing. Tt is said (lint "A Certain Young Man'' amply justifies the public's faith in his versatile talent. The story finds him in the centre of London's social whirl as an ultra-modem young nobleman with, more admirers than he can remember. To escape them he decides upon a fishing expedition to the Continent with a bachelor friend. At Biarritz, however, ho rneefs a girl with whom ho falls in love. He proposes, but complications immediately arise through the arrival of a London girl, who cJevrrly intrigues him irifo a dramatic situation upon (lie strength of a. past friendship. The supporting cast is a strong one, and includes Ronee Adoree, Carmei Myers and Bert Roach. RI ALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. All tho glamour and the sadness of the New England of 75 years ago have been colourfully contrasted and transported to the screen in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which is to commence at the Ilialto and Epsom Regent Theatres to-day. Heralded as one of the greatest productions in the history of motion pictures, it has more than reached expectations, and has met with a reception which speaks for the wide popularity still enjoyed by the book from which it was taken. It was decided at the outset, it is said, to include in tho scenes of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" as much authentic atmosphere of those early days as it was possible to do. To accomplish this, tho producer, 17a"ry Pollard, pictured many of the sequences on the original locations, or as near to them as was feasible. Tho old classic has been played in nearly every language and has been staged in many forms, even as musical comedy, but never has it appeared upon such a stupendous scale as in this latest screen version. A notable cast includes Margarita Fischer, Arthur Edrnond ! Carow, George Siegmann and Gertrude j Astor,, I

REGENT THEATRE. Tho dramatic stor.y of a woman supposedly killed in a train accident and forced to maintain tho fjilso impression because slio Ims been unf/uthful to her husband, is the theme of "Tho Three Sinners," to be shown at tho Regent Theatre from tomorrow. The ro.'bo of the erring wife is said to show Pola. Negri a t her best, while tho supporting cast includes such wellknown players :>s Warner Baxter. Paul Lukas, Anders Tjjandolph and Ivy Harris. The story concctrns tho varied career of Gerda, Countess Walentin, whoso contented life lias been disturbed by the indifference of Ijer husband, an ambitious politician. Thetfo will be a full supporting program met, including nnothcr popular stage luux'l presentation, entitled "Fads and Fashions." EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Two big pictures combine to make an excellent entertainment at Everybody's Theatre to-d;uj,\ The principal attraction is a novel Western production, "The Flyin' Oowbqy," starring tho popular Hoot Gibson. Tho strong supporting caste is headed by Olivo Hasbrouck, who plays tho mlo of a wealthy heiress. Bill Hammond, a clever rider, meets Connie Lament at a Western ranch, and offends her by arranging a mock kidnapping. Ho manages to re-establish himself in tho heroine's guod graces, when a pair of bandits actually do carry off the girl. Tho second feature is "Jazz Mad," starring Jean liersL'iolt. Tho film graphically depicts tho struggles and ultimate success and fame of a German composer, who is living in New York with his daughter. This unusual production should bo very well received. TUDOR THEATRE. "Tho Devil Dancer," the remarkable picture af life among the Lamas of Tibet, will bo (shown for tho last time at the .Tudor Theatre this evening. Gilda Gray has tho chief role, that of a dancer in a temple hidden in tho mountains of that mysterious country. A splendid supporting attraction is "The Sunset Legion," a sfimng story of outdoor life. Tomorrow the new programme will comprise '"When Fleet Meets Fleet," a rornanco with the Battle of Jutland as the background. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. TliO popular Whirligigs Revue Cbmpany continues its successful season at tho St. Janusi' Theatre, having now entered its third week. Stiffy and Mo ale still entertaining audiences with their inimitable hurnnur, which never seems to becomo exhausted. A featuro of their programme is a topical sketch, "Tho Wharfies," which givqs ample scope for their bright repartee. A number of charming new selections are. played by the Charleston Six, led by Fmnk * Wilson, while Amy Rochelle and tlwj Radio Six arc responsible for several da;inty old-world melodies,• being supported by Peter Brooks, in fresh numbers. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tho London musical comedy success, *' Tho Girl Friend," will bo presented at His Majesty's Theatre for a short season, commencing next Wednesday, by J. C. Williamson's new company. This company is headed by a new musical comedy ! star, Annie Croft, who has a big London ; and American reputation. One critic de- ! scribes her as " the rarest and fan est of leading ladies." Tho company supporting her includes Reginald Sharland and Leo Franklyn, both from tho principal London theatres.' Popular artists also to appear arc Gus Bluett, May Beatty and her daughter, Bunny, James Hughes, who was last here with "Roso Marie," Mary Righy, Jack Dunne and Billio Lockwood. Together with tho chorus and ballet of Australian youth and beauty they make a combination that should appeal to all | amusement-lovers. Tho other production I which is to follow is " Hit the Deck," a J naval musical comedy with a tang of the sea. Box-plan arrangements are" adverI tised. | ■