ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20152, 12 January 1929, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

VANBRUGH-BOUCICAULT SEASON. Tho Irene Vanbrugh-Dion Boucicault season wiil open at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday night, when " All the King's Horses " will bo staged here for the first tinio The season promises to prove as successful us those they have just terminated in Sydney and Melbourne, whore all known records were broken. As the approaching season is to mark their farowell appearances in Auckland, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management have decided to present the very popular artists m as many of their most successful plays as it is possible to stage during the ap prouching limited visit. Therefore, quick changes will have to bo rnado, and only three representations can be staged oi "All the King's Horses," which will be followed by "On Approval," which will be staged next Thursday and the two following nights. On Monday, January 21, and the two following evenings, " The High (load " will be played. Then will bo staged in rapid succession " Caroline," " Belinda," " Nell 0' New Orleans," " Mr. Pim Passes By " and " Aren't We All." In " All the King's Horses " Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault are seen at their very best. Booking arrangements are advertised. MAJESTIC THEATRE. l\vo unusual films of widely different appeal, and an enjoyable supporting programme, provided excellent entertainment at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Tho Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. J. White-lord-Waugh, played many popular selections, and a novel item entitled "'lhe Band Came Back," The entire orchestra, with the exception of the pianist, left their places and disappeared into the wings, while the pianist played a few bars of a well-known composition Then one by one the players returned, each taking up his part until the whole orchestra was once more combined. The effect was exceptionally striking, and the number a tribute to the efficiency of both players and con ductor. The Majestic Magazine, showing items of world-wide interest from various countries, added to the success of the programme. The principal feature was "The Ring," an exciting film of boxing life, starring Carl Brisson, supported by Lillian Hall Davis and a strong cast, including lan Hunter, Gordon Harker, Harry Terry and Forrester Harvey. Jack Sander, a boxer employed at a carnival side-show, is badly beaten on being unexpectedly matched with a champion. His dogged fight attracts the attention of a famous promoter, and after a term of thorough train ing. he is again matched with the champion, this time in a bout for the heavyweight championship of England. His young wife, unaccustomed to town life, frequents night-clubs with her husband's rival, and attends the match indifferent to Jack's fate. Realising that he is losing because of her lack of interest, she regrets her neglect, and gives him the will to win. Carl Brisson, who makes his first appearance on the screen in this film, gives a convincing portrayal in the leading role, while the. other players are at their best. The second feature was "Golf Widows," a clever comedy concerning the career of a young insurance agent who creates an amusing series of complications for two of his clients, their wives and his fiancee. The leading roles are played by two popular comedians, Vera Reynolds and Harrison Ford. NATIONAL THEATRE. Lt would be impossible to imagine a picture more complete in essential detail or conveying a more vivid impression than the Paramount masterpiece, "The Legion of the Condemned," which is attracting large audiences each evening at the National Theatre. There were many who thought that masterful production, "Wings," which preceded it, almost the acme of film achievement, but those who have seen "The Legion of the Condemned" must realise that it was merely the foundation for something greater, something which has incorporated much from its predecessor Although with a war background the story is entirely different from that of "Wings," but it is obvious that many valuable experiences were gained from that great attraction. The story is of a young newspaper reporter, who disappointed in love, joins the legion, becomes a daring pilot, and wins many decorations. One day he is called upon to carry to a spot in enemy territory a secret service agent, who turns out to be the gill he had believed unfaithful to him. After a series of narrow escapes from the enemy the two return safely to their own territory, saved by fellow-member of the legion. Ihe production was directed by William Well-in.-in. who directed "Wings," and as members of the cast in support of Gary Cooper and Fav Wiay in the leading roles are su<h "aces" as Captain S. C. Campbell, Edward Parsons and Robert do Couedic. The film includes special synchronised sound effects. Ihe suppouting programme includes a Paramount Weekly News and Christie comedy, and a special novelty, "Cruising the Arctic." The National Operatic Orchestra, under Mr. F. BartleH. plays music from "Maritana." in addition to appropriate music for the main picture. REGENT THEATRE. There are many dramatic moments in "The Drag Net," which heads the doublefeature programme now showing at (he Regent Theatre. As a detective, George Bancroft, recognised as one of the greatest lighters on the screen, forsakes his usual villainous role and assumes one which gives him scope for a striking performance. The story concerns a gang of thieves, a woman member of which offers the detective her love if he will join them in theii nefarious work. The choice he makes and tho dangers he encounters in adhering to his decision have been pictured in a thrilling manner. Evelyn Brent has the leading feminine role, and in the supporting cast are William Powell, Fred Kohler and Leslie Kenton. In the seco,nd feature, "Beau Broadway," a story of the prize-ring. Lew Codv is seen as a promoter and Aileen Pringle as a sophisticated woman of (he world who gives him some uneasy moments before she makes up her mind where to centre her affections. TUDOR THEATRE. The reaction of modern warfare is conveyed to the screen in an appealing story, "Roses of Picardy," which heads the programme now showing at the Tudor Theatre, Rernuera The picture is based on the book "The Spanish Ferm,'' by R. 11. Mottram and has as Ihe central char acter a competent, self-assured woman in love with a young philanderer who has gone to the war Then there conies a young Englishman, who returns to (he village, disillusioned and demented after his first, experience of a night attack, and craving her sympathy. Ihe part of the girl is nolv taken by the well known English act rest- Lillian Hall-l>ivis, and thai of the young Englishman by John Stuart. A particularly fine supporting programme includes a study in ieehnieolour, "The Tennis Girl " British and American gazettes, an Aesop Fable and a comedy. PLAZA AND TIVOJLI. Richard Barthelmess has the leading role in "Out of the Ruins," the principal film now showing at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. The supporting casi, which is headed by Robert Frazor, includes Marian Nixon. Ernilt* Chautard,, Bodil Rosing, Eugene Pallette and Rose Diorie. The picture revolves around the career < f a young French officer, Pierre Duniont, who falls in love with Yvonne, (tie beautiful sister ol Pan!' Gilbert On hi- return to the front aftei a short period of leave in Paris Pierre wounds himself, hoping to be sent hack on sick leave His wound is dressed at the field hospital, and he goes to Paris, instead of rejoining his regiment He is sentenced to be shot as a deserter and many exciting adventures follow before a happy ending is reached. The ollie, attraction i.i "Anybody Here Seen Kelly an appealing film starring Bessie Love and Tom Moore.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Tho success with which George Wallace manages to bring forth magic plums from his inexhaustible basket of originalities each week keeps audiences at St. James' Theatre continually guessing. Last evening the programme was again changed. New songs, dances, sketches and comedy followed one another with striking rapidity. Mr. Wallace's droll miming one can never tire of; it breaks out in tho most unexpected places, taking the house by storm with its artle3Sncss. As Horace, the wandering 'hobo in the palace of an Eastern potentate, he exercises his wilish tricks to the uttermost, his husky (ones voicing tho funniest of sentiments, his uncertain feet stumbling awkwardly over (he most ridiculous obstacles. When he accidentally falls off tho back platform and disappears completely from sight the audience can hardly contain itself; when lie makes an heroic entry and speaks noble words the effect on the house is beyond description. Horace unwittingly kills the " oojah bird ' and, according to the custom of the country, is promptly enthroned in the palace of the sultan, to rule for a night and a day, more or less. His encounters with obstreperous slaves, angry lions and harem girls would fill the pages of a Ben Travels farce. His song, " Ethel," had some exceedingly jocular moments. In " Laugh, Clown, Laugh," the popular comedian showed his versatility in a more serious direction —a fine piece of work wedged in with the lighter fare contributed by the jazz band, which, as usual, gave entertaining -nusical items with occasional vocal assistance. A brief sketch " Night Lights," introdGced more Wallace comedy, with the Thames Embankment for a picturesque background and a procession of villains, flower girls, millionaires and policomen for a supporting cast. Mr. Wallace certainly knows how (o cram his sketches with comic types Mr. Marshall Crosby was in fine voice with ' Friend of Mine " and " I am the Sultan." Miss Mario Nvman put the requisite feeling into " Sunny Bov," M iss Maida Jones looked very attractive as (he dancer, and the Dudleys were responsible for an amusing mixture of the vaudeville variety. The Six Raspals danced with their customary precision, introducing some acrobatic work of distinct novelty, while Mr. E. Beechnm's orchestra gave valuable assistance. The programme will provide revue-lovers with good entertainment for another week. LYRIC THEATRE. Life behind the scenes of a travelling tent show is introduced in " The Matinee Idol," which is the principal feature of the programme now showing at the Lyric Theatre. The plot revolves round a company playing during the turbulent times of the Civil War, and touring the country under canvas. The performance is witnessed by the manager of a Broadway revue, who is in search of a novelty act for his show. He engages the company and brings it into New York. There the company meets with defeat and after several humiliating experiences returns to the tent. A clever romantic interest is woven into the plot and numerous novel situations are introduced. Bessie Love and Johnnie Walker head a capable cast which includes Lionel Belmore, Ernest llilliard and Sidney D'Albrook. In "Rinty of the Desert," the second feature, Rin Tin Tin, the wonderful dog actor, is allotted the principal role. As a desert outcast lie makes his way to a city, where he is adopted by an old man and his diiughter and plays a prominent part in freeing them from the clutches of a gang into whose grasp they have fallen. The cast includes Audrey Ferris. Carrol Nye, Paul Panzer and Otto Hoffman. The excellent supporting programme includes a comedy and a gazette. FOX FILMS PRODUCTION. Every man appearing in the Fox Films production, "Four ftoris," which will be shown at the Strand Theatre shortly, is a former member of the German army. Following the stay of John Ford, the director, in Europe, several months of which he spent in Germany, it was decided that only ex-soldiers would be considered for the highly important parts. Among the players are the Archduke Leopold, whose first screen appearance is made in this new production, and Captain Carl von Haartman, a former member of the German Air Service. In the important roles are Margaret Mann, who plays the leading feminine role of (he grandmother, and Earle Foxe, the noted comedian, in the villainous characterisation of Von Stomm. Francis X. Bushman, George Meeker, Charles Morton and James Hall appear as tlie four sons, and it is around them (hat most of the action revolves. June Collyer, August Tollaire. Albert Gran, Hugh Mark and Michael Mark also have important roles.

CONCERTS BY IRISH TENOR. Mr. Alfred O'Shea. the noted Irish tenor, is to give a brief series of concerts in the Town Hall, commencing on Saturday, February 2. Mr. O'Sliea lias just completed a farewell tour throughout Australia. where lie was received with the greatest enthusiasm. He will break his journey at Auckland on his way to America,.and this is the last opportunity the public will liavo of healing him for many years to come. Mr. O'Shea is equally at home in the classical music as in the folk songs and national melodies of Ireland, England and Scotland. LEWIS EADY HALL CONCERT. The Friday evening concerts held during the latter part of last year in the Lewis Eady Mail were recommenced last evening with an attractive programme. The Versatile Pirates Orchestra from the Pirate Ship Cabaret gave a novel stage band presentation, and Miss Betty Whitelaw, a well-known soprano, was heard in several solos. Some of the pupils of Mademoiselle Yaleska presented a novel sont; scena, " The Honeymoon Cottage," which proved a most enjoyable number. CHILDREN'S TRE A SURE- II UNT. An unusual attraction will be provided by the management of the Pirate Sliippe Cabaret on the shore at Milford this afternoon, when a treasure-hunt will be staged for the benefit of children. A largo number of boxes containing " treasure " to appeal to children will be buried in the sand within a roped-off area close to the cabaret. Adults will not be allowed to participate in the search. A carnival dance will be held at the cabaret in the evening, and patrons may be assured of nn enjoyable evening with the excellent facilities provided at the cabaret and with dance music played by the Versatile Pirates Orchestra. A late vehicular ferry service bay been arranged for (he convenience of motorists from Auckland. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. An attractive double-feature programme will be shown at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. The principal film is "Loves of An Actress," with Pola Negri in the leading role, while "Wickedness Preferred," starring Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle, will also be screened. The supporting programme includes a comedy, a scenic film and the latest cazette. P.IVOLI THEATRE. Two fine pictures will be shown at the Rivoli Theatre. Howick, this evening. "The Merry Widow," starring the popular John Gilbert, is the principal feature. Set in the picturesque little kingdom of Montehlunco. the film abounds in unusual scenic effects iiTid the story of the love of a prince for <ui actress makes nn appropriate theme for Ibis enjoyable production The second attraction is "Gateway of the Moon." an unusual picture with Doloies del Rio, tin* star of "Raniona." in the- leading role. A full supporting programme will also be presented.

STRAND THEATRE. As a peasant soldier in the Russian army, an officer for a day, to bo reduced to the ranks disgraced, John Barrymorc has in "Tempest," which commenced a season at the Strand Theatre last evening, a character strangely suited to his capacity for dramatic acting. Barrymoro and the other members of a fine cast have been gjven an excellent opportunity to make a notable picture. In his first picture of modern times, Barrymorc shows himself an actor of high rank. Imprisoned and in despair ho is a little readier to listen to the sinister arguments of revolutionaries. While other prisoners are allowed to arm for war, Ivan Markov is kept in solitary confinement, ready when revolution comes to listen to its leaders, uncouth fanatics and careless soldiers. In an orgy of death sentences and mock tribunals, of which Markov is a member, ho is able to save the princess, daughter of his old general and benefactor, but, rejected again, this time by tho populace, he escapes over the frontier with the princess and a friend, Sergeant Biilba. As the general, George Fawcett is the same kindly disciplinarian as in "Anna Karenina," while Louis Wolheim is a likeable, blustering soldier as Buiba. Sometimes petulant and haughty, later, fallen with the revolution, but still proud, Camilla Horn as the Princess takes full advantage of many opportunities for dramatic acting A pleasing stage prologue was presented on the stage, with Miss B. Stuart a? the soloist. A LaurelHardy comedy, "Sailors Beware," revealed these two comedians as purser and steward on a tourist liner. The latest, pictures of topical interest made an interesting Strand Magazine. Enjoyable music was provided by the orchestra directed bv Eve Beritlev.