ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20098, 8 November 1928, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" HIT THE DECK."At His Majesty's Theatre to-night the J. C. Williamson, Limited, management, will present their new musical comcuj company, including Annio Croft, Gus Bluett, Reginald Sharlgud, May Beatty and Leo Franklin, in tho initial New Zealand production of the latest London and New York musical comedy success, "Hit the Deck." Ono of the outstanding features of "Hit tlio Deck" is tho

famous "Hallelujah" song and chorus, which is said to bo most striking. In Melbourne it became even more, popular than the celebrated totem scene in "Rnso Marie." The colouring throughout "Hit the Deck," it is said, strikes a special note, the settings being beautiful. With a largo cast, a strong ballet and male chorus, sprightly popular music and attractive presentation generally, "Hit the. Deck" is expected to prove even 111010 popular hero than "The Girl Friend." As Looloo Miss Annio .Croft should he seen to even greater advantage than she was 111 tho opening opera, both as a singer and as an actress and dancer. Gus Bluett and Leo Franklyn, the two comedians, are said to be screamingly humorous as two jolly jack-tars. Miss May Beatty was specially engaged for the part of Magnolia, a coloured servant, in which she scored an outstanding success in Melbourne. Mr. Reginald Sliarland will appear in the role of Bill Smith, and ho shares with Miss Croft tho honours 111 some of tho song successes. A matinee will bo given 011 Saturday. REVUE AT ST. JAMES'. Tlio successful season which the Whirligigs Revue Company lias been enjoying at St. James' Theatre will conclude this evening, when it is expected St iffy and Mo, with their attendant dancers and singers, will ho at their best. Tho Charleston Symphonic Six have an extensive repertoire of attractive numbers, while Sadie Gale, Amy Rochello and Dan Dunbar add to the success of the entertainment. To-morrow evening will witness the reappearance of Georgo Ward and his new revue company for a short season. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, the principals of "Rookies" and "Circus Rookies," are said to have excelled themselves in "Detectives," the principal feature to commence at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Tho story revolves round the careers of the house detective of a fashionable hotel and ono of the bellboys, both of whom are in love with the stenographer, Lois, A jewel theft in tho hotel affords Lois an opportunity of making a definito choice between the two suitors. Tho victim of tho theft offers a large reward for the recovery of the jewels and Lois offers her hand in marriage to the bellboy on the condition that be can beat the detective to capture the thief. An alleged Egyptologist, Professor Leroy, is revealed as the culprit, who escapes, taking Lois hidden,in a mummy case. After many adventures in Leroy's mystery house in the country, tho bellboy fools (he detective, recovers the jewels and wins Lois. The supporting picture programme includes a scenic film, the Majestic News and a Max Davidson comedy.

"Tell It to the Judge." As an interlude the Majestic Orchestra will play a selection from "Lilac Time."

PLAZA AND TIVOLI. Tiichard Barlhelmess is supported by a notable cast in "Wheel of Chance," which heads the programme commencing at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Among these, Lina Basquetto and Margaret Livingstone are the best known in the feminine roles, while Alfred Santell is the most prominent of thoso in the male leads. The theme is based on the short story, "Roulette," by Miss Fannie llurst, and deals with the influence of environment upon twins, ono of whom, brought up by his parents, becomes a successful lawyer, and the other, brought up by a dissolulo woman, becomes a gangster. The scenes are said to alternate from Russia to New York, and the story abounds in excitement ».»d perplexing situations. Another promising feature is "Vamping Venus," in which tho inimitable Charlie Murray and Louise Fazenda have the leading roles. It is a story of life in modern New York and ancient Greece. Charlie Murray has been seen in many humorous characterisations, but it is said ho has never been funnier than as Michael Cassidv, who proves his political prowess in ancient Greece. STRAND THEATRE. The artistic settings and high calibre of the acting make "The Student Prince," Ht. present showing for an extended season at the Strand Theatre, one of the year's most notable productions. A well-arranged prologue, in which Miss Etta Field is ably supported by Eve Bent ley's Strand Orchestra, in selections from the " Student Prince," precedes this appealing film. Ramon Novarro is at his best as Karl Hcinrieh, the lieir-appamit to tho throne of a flourishing German State, who spends his youth in lonely seclusion, being under the constant vigilance of a score of attendants. On entering tho University of Heidelberg he has his first taste of life under tho guiding hand of Dr. Juttner, j bis kindly tutor. Unfortunately, he falls in love with Ivathi, a bumble country girl, whom ho plans to marry. The death of the King recalls to him the responsibilities of the throne, a State marriage is arranged, and Kathi is renounced. The attractive supporting programme is headed hy " Tho Virgin Queen," a brilliant tecbnicolour production, starring Forrest Stanley and Dorothy Dwan. REGENT THEATRE. The popular Clara Bow appears with tho equally notable Hichard Arlen in "Ladies of tho Mob," tho main attraction 011 tho programmo which is to begin at tho Regent, Theatre this evening. The forceful Arlen« is said to. play his greatest role sinco bis! part in " Wings" as a bank robber in this picture, while Clara Bow has, an entirely new rolo in a drama written especially to give her uniquo talents full scope. Tho story is said to give glimpses of the underworid of two largo cities, tho intimato lives of law-breakers and tho women who follow thcui to death or to prison. It is imbued with tho spirit of reckless abandon which inspires these men and women who spend their lives outside tho pale of society. On tho stage another of tho popular short, revues will bo presented by new artists, whilo the Regont Syncopaters will mako another bright contribution to the entertainment. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A Russian romance, " Tho Cossacks," featuring John Gilbert and Renee Adorce, is tho premier attraction on tho programme to begin at Everybody's Thoalre today. In tho production appears a troop of Cossacks, a troop which, it is stated, faced death on many war fronts in fighting for the Tsar and with tho White Army. Gilbert plays the part of a Cossack soldier fighting with a baud of Russians during tho Turkish wars, with Ronee Adorce as his sweetheart, a peasant girl, and Ernest Torrenco as his father, a fighting Cossack chieftain. Mary Alden, Dalo Fuller, Paul Hurst and others of note arc in tho largo cast. A mystery of tho Far North forms tho theme for " lii tho Grip of tho Yukon," tho second picture. It is said to bo a gripping story, practically, tbo entiro action being laid in and around tho frozen wastes of Alaska. Tho picturo borders on tragedy, but comedy relief is provided in plenty by Otis Harlnn. It is stated to be ono of tho greatest dramas ever filmed of tho frozen North.

TUDOR T HIiATH 15. " Partners in Crime," ail enjoyablo comody. starring Wallace Beery and Raymond Ilatton, is tho principal feature now showing at the Tudor Theatre. "Huntingtower," the screen version of John Buchan's novel, is the second attraction.

'national and lyric.

An English production, " The Great Well," in which Seena Owen and Thurston llall are tlio leading players, will bo the principal attraction on the double* feature programme to commence showing at UlO National and Lyric Theatres tomorrow. Tlio story is a, highly dramatis one dealing with lifo in India and England, and concerns the rivalry of two men for the same girl. Ono is a young engineer who has mado a name for himself by constructing a work known as tho great well, while the other is a major m flie Indian Army, who has no prospects, but who i$ preferred by the girl. In deference to her mother's wishes she marries the engineer, whose life tho major saved some time before. Later she is neglected by her husband, and the rival tries to win her affections. News comes of trouble at the well, and tho major learns of the failure from the wife, knowlodge which ho turns to account in fore, ing down the price of tho shares 011 the market.. On investigation, it is found that the well is capable of being repaired, and, l>y buying up (he depreciated stock, the husband ruins his rival, who dies in circumstances which suggest murder. A dramatic climax is reached when tho engineer is charged with the crime. A contrast is provided by the second picture, " Wickedness Preferred." a comedy iu which Lew Cody and Aileen Fringle are said to be seen to advantage. The bright plot concerns the adventures of a popular author of " cave-man " novels who u stranded on a desert island under circumstances similar to those described in his books, with surprising results. GRAND THEATRE. " A Certain Young Man," the enjoyahlo production which will commence at. the Grand Theatre to-morrow, shows Ramon Novarro in a now role, that of a young English nobleman with more admirers than ho cares to remember. A multiplicity of complications induces him to spend a holiday with a friend on the Continent. There, however, he meets a girl with whom he falls genuinely in love and to whom he proposes, but tho unexpected arrival of one of his female acquaintances from London places him in an awkward position. Further complications,' affording ample scope for a bright portrayal, full advantage of which is taken, arise through the woman's clever intrigue on the strength of their past, friendship. The leading feminine role is taken by Marcelinc Day, while Renea Adorce, Carmcl Myers and Bert Roach are in the supporting cast. Attractive short supporting subjects will also be screened. TA BERNACLE CONCERT. An attractive programme of vocal and organ numbers was presented before a large audience in the Baptist Tabernacle last evening. Tho organist, Mr. Arthur E. Wilson, played several fine items, including Bairstow's "Evensong," and Mozart's "Minuet in G." Tho Tabernacle Chorus Choir was heard to advantage in such enjoyable selections as Mendelssohn's "I Waited for tho Lord," and Hadyn's "Tho Heavens are Telling." Solos were rendered by Misses Mary Kemp and Ruth Grey and Mr. Clinton Williams. Mrs. T. Brame-Clarke wap the accompanist. BLIND BOYS' BAND. An extensive and excellent programme was presented by the boys' band of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind in the Lewis Eady, Limited, Hall last evening. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, presided over a large attendance. The Mayor referred to his keen interest in the institute, extending over 40 years. He paid a tribute to tho talent of the boys, who had attained marked proficiency in tlio period of 18 months in which tho band had been in eixstence, and lie referred to the help of tho Rotary Club in the provision of a set of English silver instruments. Mr. Baildon spoke of tho interest taken in the band by the late Mr. G. F. Cater, tlio first conductor, and said the boys were a credit to tlieir present conductor, Mr. G. W. Bowes. Tho programme consisted of band selections, pianoforte duets, recitations, part songs and a Braillo reading. Mr. Clntlia Mackenzie, the director of the institute, gave a brief account of its activities. A feature of the band was the almost perfect time kept. The players received an excellent reception and their items were much appreciated. The band is to make a tour of the Dominion, a trip which is to bo in part a reward for the interest of the' bovs and a means of bringing the work of the institute before the people of southern towns. The boys will leavo for Hamilton to-morrow, and the four, which will embrace towns from there to Bluff, will continue nntil December 9.