ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS.

BT. JAMES' THEATRE. ij] le " Whirl of Mirth" rovuo company [#t St. James' Theatro continues to ; jive up to its name. The programme presented for the first time last evening, ' -with Mr. George Ward, Mr. Charles Sherman and Mr. A 1 Maurice dispensing humour, Dutch, Hebrew and Cockney, was niont in tho iiaturo of a whirlwind of mirth, while there was the fine singing of Miss Patsy Hill and Mr. Vernon Sellars, tho syncopal ud melodies of t lie Charleston Symphonic; Six mid the spontaneous enthusiasm of tin 1 dancing oi tho ballet. It was a whirl ol mirth, music and dance ami gamed applause which was its just due from an appreciat.ve liouso. Mr Ward i? endowed with the ra.ro ability to employ one character mi a variety of charade i.-.dion-,. ll.' ii.nl mannerisms fashioned for every role ami some of his confidential asides were delightful. There were some really tine musical offerings in the new programme Ono could have wished for much more from Miss Hill, Mr. Krhiis and .Mrs. Kathleen Ward. Mr. Sell,it-; has that type of rousing baritone voice, perfectly suited to tho revue Stage, a id Ins "Sallv Horner" last evening was admirably given. He had other Holes fully equal to this, and with Miss Ulll he gave a novel treatment to "Kainona, ' the \oices of the singers and the artistii accompaniment by Mrs. Ward blending into a setting for an Indian lablean, beaulllullv staged. Mrs. Ward is a solo pianist, well above the average and her masterly rendering of the Andante from "Lucia di Lamniermoor," for the loft hand only, was much appreciated. The Charleston Ja/.z Band seems to possess never-failing popularity. Swinging from tins latest dance tunes into classi cal numbers and favourites of pre-war days, they played everything with amazing verve and accuracy Every one of the six band-men is a soloist, and Mr. Art JJewar made ono banjo sound like a band in itsol j. in his playing of Rubinstein's •'Melody 111 !•.' I here were short sketches in plenty. Miss Curley Sherwood, Miss Almo \ aldor, Mr Gus Dawson and Mr. I'i'ink Moran all taking prominent parts, while several light vocal numbers by Miss Collen llopo were given with refreshing gaiety. Iho ballet was splendid, and two of tho members, Miss Dell Barnes and Miss l'olly Sharpc, were seen in tho graceful steps of tho Yale Blues. The entire porgraninie was brilliantly mounted and sihould bo most* successful during I lie coming week.

STRAND .11 IK ATM E. Unique fur its startling realism ami its' great educational value " Lost in tho Arctic," u William Dux production, was exceptionally well received at the Strand Theatre last evening. This extraordinary film was taken by 11. A. Snow and Sidney Snow, who went to the Arctic to learn '.ho fate of four members of Yiltjalmur Steianssou's expedition, which had disappeared 15 years before, and to make a pidoml record of polar exploration. '1 ho steady progress of the littlo power schooner into the far north and the novel scenes occurring almost daily, make a picture of great interest. The battles of the mighty seal Lulls, v.'ho light furiously to the death for the leadership of the herd, a stampede of thousands of reindeer on catching their first gl.mpse ol! man, and the harpooning and final defeat of an enraged whale, are nil graphically portrayed. Another interesting feature is the taking alive of a giant polar bear. Across the treacherous icefloes tlio startled creature flees, the men i:i determined pursuit, until, enraged and a littlo afraid, the snowy bear turns and charges his persecutors. A Jassoo flies from a skilled hand, and the monarch of the ice wastes is dragged awav, an ignominious captive, destined t«. spend the rest of his days in an American zoological park. CJrim tragedy is ravenfed on arrival at Ilerald Island, a barren rock of forbidding aspect. There are found the remains of the lost explorers. A few dried bones enclosed in heavy»furs, a box or two of provisions and some scientific instruments scattered on tlio ice alone survive to tell the fate of tlio gallant explorers. A cairn of stones is hastily erected as a mark of respect to those who have given their lives for science, and the relief party s forcer! to hasten away before the pounding ice crushes their vessel to matchwood. Tho full supporting programme is headed by " Ladv of Victories," a brilliant t erhnicolour production portraying the inVnortal love story of Xa pole on and .Toseplnne. The leading roles are taken bv Ol.tn Matiesen and Agnes Ayres. The settings and costumes in this brilliant f'lm are on a magnificent scde. and an event, of great historical interest, is charmingly portrayed. A Charley Chase Comedy, a scenic showing the Andes, and ft gazette, conclude the pictorial section, while the Strand Orchestra, under Miss Eve Tlentley. plays many fine selections, including Wagner's " T'ienzi Overture."

PLAZA AND TIYOLL An unusual story of circus life is unfolded in "The Leopard Lady," which is the principal attraction of the programme now showing at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. The story is adapted from the successful stage play of that name by E. C. Carpenter and it has been entrusted to Jacequelino Logan, Alan Halo and Rober:; Armstrong to give it equal prominence on tho screen. Tho scenes aro laid in Austria. With the appearance of the circus in a town a mysterious murder occurs. Paula, a vaudeville actress, accepts the offer of tho police to become a leopard tamer that- she may discover the identity of Ihe assassin. She discovers that Caesar, a Cossack rider, owns a pet ap'v which lie disguises as a woman and sendi forth upon missions of murder. How site is finally confronted by the ape and brings about its destruction is dramatically pictured. The second picture is 'lhe \iyhl I'.ride," a coiucdv in which Jhtrrison I'Yird and Marie Provost- have tin' leading roles. Il is the story of a young woman who, v.hen about to'be married, observes her prospective husband ''hading miil/dcntially wifli one of the bridesmaids. She senses an excellent opI"! I unity in escape from (he marriage engineered I> v her father and promptly Sct.j aluml fiimllllanother husband.

XA I Ifi\Al J AND LYBIC. Warner Baxter and Margaret LivingStone have the leading roles iri "A Woman's Way," the graphic picture r>f l'aris and its strange underworld that heads ihe attractive programme now showing at the National and Lyric II lieatres. The story concerns the career of Liane, an alluring French dancing girl. -Wll *.# rises (o premiere danseuse at the l'aris Opera and vet is continually threatened by .lean, a icaloiis Apache, who tlireai ens to rnjn the lives of Ihe dancer •Hid young American who has fallen in Jove v.-ith her. A series of thrilling scenes bring this unusual production to an ap Jiropri.ite close The second feature is "I'T-et wing," an interesting film starring Harry Norton. Dorothy lanis and Ben Bind The picture revolves round the lives of Jaafar. the son of n powerful fcheik, 111. | Ihi iv ,i, a beautiful dancing gul. 1 In; Simoon, a magnificent Arab Mailing, ;,ho plays an important part in Hie |nrture, w )u. h : Imuld be enjoyed by

!' \i;m-:ll pictures. Two til.!' |,j,( n|-ns will bo shown nt the Pane-It Picture Theatre this evening The pupil ar actor, Adolphe Menjou, appears in "A Night cif Mystery." W. 0- Fields and Chester Conkiin. two noted comedians. ;ii n I he. stars in "Fools for Luck," n bib iri<ius coinedv. There is a good supporting programme. PUCCINI MUSICAL SOCIETY. The first concert- of the Puccini Musical Society will he given in the Town Hall Wneert, chamber on Thursday, December t, when a classical programme will bo presented. Tho full details will bo announced later.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Building upon a magnificent star featore, " Hangman's House," the Majestic Theatre has provided a programme for the coming week which compares favourably with any seen for a considerable time in Auckland. The initial presentation was made 'last evening, a crowded house lending its hearty approval. By itself, Hangman's House," from the wellknown Don Byrne story, is sufficient entertainment, but th<3 management has seen that the supporting pictures are of like calibre. Those who saw Victor McLaglen in " What Price Glory " and, later, " A Girl in Every Port " will welcome his reappearance in the pictorial ver sion of the novel. With Earl Foxo, most suave of villains, ho shares the honours. It is the history of their enmity which is the real theme of the story. Opening hi Algiers, whore " Citizen " Hogan is serving in the Foreign Legion to escape de.ith in his own country, Ireland, the locale swiftly changes to find him once more on his native soil. Dread Judge O'Brien, master of " Hangman's House," is near to death, but, before dying, he sees his daughter Conn married, happily, as he imagines, to John D'Arey. This is the man whom Hogan "lias sworn to kill for deserting his sister, to whom ho was married But Hogan finds revenge beset with many difficulties. A "wanted" man lie is forced to adopt various disguises to enable him to travel the country. The police, informed by IVArcy, capture him. but, following a thrilling escape from prison, lie.is again able to set about his grim business. Finality comes when D'Arey, Hogan and McDerniott, a young neighbouring landowner with whom Conn is in love, meet at

Hangman's House." There D'Arey shows his cowardice, and, by a trick, wounds his enemy. He meets his doom in a blazing house, which he himself has set on fire. The way is clear for Hogan's return to Africa, and the union of tho two young lovers. McLaglen's rolo is ono to which he is eminently suited, and his portrayal is a perfect piece or artistry. As the treacherous, scheming D'Arey, Earl Foxe [days most convincingly a part which calls for difficult acting. The programme opened with a New Zealand scenic showing tho beauties of tho River Avon, followed by a news reel of topical events. A nature film of life's struggle for existence was of exceptional interest, while a Stan. Laurel comedy infused ample humour into the offering. The Majestic Orchestra played attractively throughout, selections from Ihe Gilbert and Sullivan operas, given as an interlude. earning' well-merited applause.

IiIVOLI THEATRE. All the thrills accompanying the discovery and round-up of a typical gang of American '•gunmen" are contained in '"Partners in Crime." featuring Raymond Hatton and Wallace Beery, which heads an attractive programme now showing at the Rivoli Theatre, llowick. From the time the two find themselves unconsciously whirled into participating in the capture of the gang there is not a moment which does not praduce excitement and abundant humour. As a comedy the film must rank exceptionally high, and the amazing intricacies which follow upon the mistaking of one of the harmless pair for tho most dangerous member of the underworld are worked out with clever design and a fine appreciation of the true sense of comedy. A further attraction will be the appearance of Chun Yuen Tai, who will present a number of amazing conjuring tricks, illusions and lightning cartoons. The third main feature is "The Circus," which is undoubtedly one of Charlie Chaplin's greatest comedy achievements. The 11ivoli Jazz Orchestra will play the latest musical numbers.

TCDOR THEATRE. Karl Dai e and George K.' Arthur, the principals of "'Rookies" and "Circus Rookies," are seen at their best in "Detectives." the principal feature of the programme now showing at the Tudor Theatre, Remtiera. The story revolves round the careers of tho house detective of a fashionable hotel and one of the bcllbovs, both of whom are in love with tho stenographer, hois. A jewel theft in the hotel affords Lois an opportunity of making a definite choice between the two suitors. She offers her hand in marriage to the bellboy on the condition that he can outwit tin? defective in capturing the thief. After many adventures in Leroy's mystery house in the country, the bellboy fools the deter live, recovers the jewels and wins Lois. The programme consists fil l her of Irene. Rich and Clyde Cook in an amusing comedy, "Beware of Married Men." and "Tell It to the Judge," a comedy featuring Max Davidson.

RECENT THEATRE. Two fini 1 pictures and another novel stage band presentation combine to produce an excellent entertainment at tho Regent Theatre. The programme is headed by a Paramount production, "The Big Killing." with the inimitable comedians, Wallace F>eerv and Raymond Hatton, in the leading roles. As alleged expert sharpshooters these clever artists are i}t their best, the many unexpected situations arising throughout the film giving each ample scope to display his talent. the second attraction is "Tho Sawdust Paradise," a powerful drama set among the sideshows of a street carnival. The stage band presentation is a novel conception entitled, "The Evolution of Terpsichore," and shows the various dances that have gained popularity from tho minuet to tho varsity drag. The Regent Orchestra, under Mr. Maurice C.uttridge, plays many charming selections, including part of Rossini's "William Tell," as 1 lie entr'acte.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Excellent entertainment is promised by the strong double-feature programme to be shown at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening. Lionel Barrymore is the principal actor in Road House, the interesting drama which heads tho programme, while May McAvoy and Ralph Craves appear in " A Reno Divorce. There is a good supporting programme.

LITTLE 'I'IIEATI! E SOCIETY. The Little Theatre Society should gain further laurels by it.s twelfth season of three one-act plays by popular writers, which'will commence a four-nights' season in the Town Hall concert chamber on Wednesday evening. Harold Brig house's "Maid of France," Richard Hughes' "Danger," and A. A. Milne's "The Boy Comes Home,' should provide a first-class programme Booking arrangements arc advertised, HOY A L AUCKLAND CHOIR. The third concert of thoir season will tie presented by the Royal Auckland Choir m the Town Hall on Thursday evening. A splendid programme will include solo items by Miss Mina Caldow, contralto, arid Miss Molly Wright, 'cellist. The choir will render various part sojius, while there will also he new quartette items The box plan will open at Lewis Eady, Limited, on Tuesday.

.MUNICIPAL BAND. A bright and varied musical programme will bis 'presented by the Municipal Band at the Zoological Park to-morrow after noon, when tho following items among others will be played Overture, "Mirfll.i," selections, "Katja the Dancer." and "Reminiscences M Wales," waltz, "Las Ciolondrinas," intermezzo, ''Chanson Bohemieniie," cornet solo, "Souvenir de Bellini" (soloist, Mr. Bowes), cornet duet. "The Swiss Boy," soloists, Messrs. Da vies and Morgan, and grand march, "Marche Iferoir|iic." The band will also present a musical programme in the Town Hall next Saturday evening. A special all Schubert programme will contain specially-arranged numbers played for the first time by this popular combination. Miss Alma McOruer will contribute vocal solos and Mrs. A. IT. Ripley will lo the accompanist*

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "Tho Midnight Frolics," a company which includes Clem Dawe, a jazz band of twelve instruments, and a company of singers, comedians, dancers and musicians, is the next J. C. Williamson attraction at His Majesty's Theatre, and it will commence an extended season on Wednesday, December 5. The Frolics are well known in the Dominion, having toured twice before, and their return should be popular with theatre-goers Clem Dawe, whoso drolleries and original methods of funmaking are too well and favourably known to be forgotten, heads the list of comedians. The comedians supporting Clem Dawe .are Eric Edgeley and Les. White; comediennes, Gertie Creamer and Dorothy White; singers, Oscar Beck, William Ferryman, Lillian Crisp, dancer, Phyllis Amery; musicians, Giegory Ivanoff, tho trio, and the jazz band of twelve. The company's programmes include genuinely humorous and original sketches, rich musical numbers, haunting melodies and operatic .numbers, clever dancing, and all the ingredients of popular revue, which are unique in char acter and refreshingly enjoyable. Ihe company commences its Dominion tour in Auckland, coining direct from a record season of 16 weeks in Brisbane. Booking arrangements are advertised.

ST. PATRICK'S FAIR, ihe St. Patrick's Fair will conclude this afternoon and this evening in the Town Hall It will also be a cabaret night. The Elite Band will play suitable dance numbers.