ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"ALL THE KING'S HOUSES."

Miss Irene Vanbrugh and Mr. Dion Boucicault and the excellent J. C. "Williamson supporting company will continue to present "All the King's Horses" at His Majesty's Theatre until next Thursday evening. On Friday and Saturday they will make their farewell appearances here in the delightful comedy, "Nell o' New Orleans," which is being staged by special request, as a large number of people were unable to obtain seats during its brief revival recently. Saturday's farewell performance is likely to prove a memorable one, on account of the popularity of Miss Vaiibrugh and Mr. Boucicault.

"THE VAGABOND KING." It is reported that already a largo number of applications for seats has been received for the approaching season of the J. C. Williamson, Limited, musical play, "The Vagabond King," which is to have its New Zealand premiere at His Majesty's Theatre next Tuesday evening. Under ordinary conditions, "Tho Vagabond King" would have been staged in Melbourne after its record season in Sydney, but "Tlio Desert Song" is still attracting largo audiences there, although it has been running for close on six months, so New Zealand playgoers will see "The Vagabond King" earlier than originally intended. Unfortunately, only brief seasons in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch can bo allotted to "The Vagabond King," as it is duo to be staged in Melbourne during Easier week. Theatregoers will bo glad to welcome James Liddy again, as ho made himself immensely popular by his fine work in "The Student Prince." It is said this excellent artist is at his best as Francois Villon, and so is Miss Strolla Wilson, who is also a favourite with New Zealanders, principally because of her excellent singing in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Arthur Stigant and Cecil Kellcway are also in the cast of "The Vagabond King," and there arc 25 other principals in the production. There is also a full operatic chorus and orchestra. The box plans will be opened at Lewis Eady, Limited, next Friday morning. To avoid crushing a queue will be formed from 7 o'clock, and the plans will be opened at nine o'clock.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Clara Bow has the leading role in " The Fleet's In," tho fine comedy-drama which heads the current programme at the Majestic Theatre. As one of many paid partners in a largo danco hall, the heroine becomes the subject of rivalry between two sailors of tho American Fleet, in por£ after a training cruise. Both men seek to win her favour and further establish their individual reputations in the field of romance. One of tho men enters a dancing competition with the girl in the hall, and they arc declared the winners. He makes little further progress with his suit, and arranges with a friend to stage a fight with him, so that ho may become a " hero "in the eyes of the girl. From then on prospects begin to appear brighter for him, but another fight, through which he is arrested, brings matters to a climax. Tho supporting programme includes a danco presentation and an interesting film showing Etna in eruption. Excellent music by the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. Whiteford Waugh, completes the programme.

STRAND THEATRE. A mother's devotion to her children is graphically portrayed in " Four Sons," the principal feature now showing at the Strand Theatre. The story opens in Bavarian Tyrol, where Mrs. Bernle and her four sons are living happily .in their old home. The war brings many changes, and three sons join the army, while_ the fourth, who had left for America some time before, marries a beautiful girl and prospers in New York. The war arouses conflicting emotions in him, but love for his adopted country overcomes his duty to the fatherland, and he joins the American colours to fight against his brothers. On the battlefield he meets Andre, his youngest, and only surviving, brother, who shortly afterwards falls in action. After the Armistice Joseph sends for his mother to come to America, and a happy conclusion is reached. The cast is headed by Margaret Mann, as the self-sacrificing mother, and includes Earle Foxe, James Hall, Charles Morton, George Meeker, Francis X. Bushman, jun., and Juno Collyer. The supporting programme includes an interesting Strand Magazine, a comedy and an overture by tho Strand Orchestra, under Miss Eve Bentley. A. prologue precedes the screening of " Four Sons."

REGENT THEATRE. Syd. Chaplin is at his best in " Skirts," tlic clever comedy now showing at the Regent Theatre. " He is supported by a large cast of well-known English actors and actresses, chief of whom is Betty Balfour, a.s his wife, while- Annie Esmond plays the part of Agatha Martin, his mother-in-law., Tli<e story revolves around the life of a newly-married man who rebels against the domination of an austere mother-in-law, and the picture abounds in humorous situations. Comedy of a different type is presented in " Skyscraper," the second attraction on the programme, a story of the lives of men who huild the towering structures of Now York. The story, which concerns the friendship of two stoelworkers, passes from the humorous to the dramatic, showing every phase of the arduous lift- led bv such toilers. Williard Boyd and Alan Halo appear in the principal parts, while Sue Carol has the leading feminine role. On the stage Freddie Hodges and Ivy Towc make their appearance in their final series of novel dances. RI ALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. " The Matinee Idol," an enjoyable film starring Bessie Love and Johnny Walker, is* the principal feature now showing at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres. Tlio supporting east includes Lionel Belmore, Ernest Milliard, Sidney D'Al brook and David Mir. The story revolves round the career of Don Wilson, a famous negro impersonator. Following a rehearsal Wingato, the manager, decides that a novelty act is required to complete the company. He and Don visit a small country town, where tha actor joins a queue applying for a position with tlio Bolivar Tent Shows. The comedian is engaged by Ginger, the daughter of the proprietor, and tries to play a melodramatic role. The manager is watching from the audience, and decides that the'crude acting of the country players would provide an excellent comedy if transported, intact to New York. He engages tho company, and tlio act proves a success until Ginger discovers his deception. Don, who is in love with the girl, is greatly concerned, and many exciting situations arise before a happy ending is reached. The second feature is " Irish Hearts," a bright comedy, with May MeAvov i:i the/leading role.

TUDOR THEATRE. Harold Lloyd is at his best in "Speedy," the principal feature to be shown at tho Tudor Theatre this evenintr. The story revolves round tho career of an irresponsible youth who places Ins interest in baseball above his work, but finally succeeds in winning both .fame and fortune. Tho second attraction is " Tho Ring." a thrilling story of boxing life, starring Carl Brisson and Lillian Hall Davis. A full supporting programme will also bo screened.

ALFRED O'SHEA CONCERTS. Tho famous tenor, Mr. Alfred O'Shea, will givo tho second of his four concerts in tho Town Hall this evening. The programme includes Gounod's "A Leve Toi," "Where'er You Walk," by Handel, "Eleanore," by Coleridgo Taylor, and many other fine selections. Numerous request items will also be presented. Mr. O'Shea, who has sung as principal tenor with both Melba and Toti Dal Monte, sings folk songs and excerpts from opera and was very well received at his opening concert on Saturday evening. He is assisted by three local artists, Misses Ina Bosworth, violiniste, Mavis Grcvatt, harpiste and T. Halpin, pianist.

REVUE AT ST. JAMES'. Another splendid programme is now being presented by the popular George Wallace Revue Company at St. Jamos' Theatro. Mr. Wallace is at his best as a detective's assistant in a clever burlesque "Bald Heads," and the complications caused by his efforts to arrest, a member of a criminal gang are humorous in the extreme. The jazz band is beard to advantage in "Rhapsody Russe," and excellent singing is provided by Marie Nyman, Marshall Crosby and the Dudleys. An enjoyable trombone solo is played by Miff Myers, and other members of .the company contribute to the success of the entertainment.

EMPIRE THEATRE. "The Fortune Hunter," an amusing comedy with Syd. Chaplin in the leading role, is the principal feature to be sho.vn at the Empire Theatre this evening. The story concerns an ambitious young man who sets out to win the affection of the town's most popular girl, and abounds in humorous situations. The second attraction is "The Glorious Trail," a West-ern-film starring Ken Maynard The supporting programme includes a comedy and a gazette.

LUNA PARK. The many attractions at Luna Park continue to amuse large numbers of patrons, the scenic railway and the dodg-ems proving very popular. The Palais de Danse is well patronised by dancers, and there are many side-shows. A series of .other novelties is also provided, one of the most attractive being Starlight, the boxing kangaroo.

CAPITOL THEATRE. An excellent double-feature programme will bo presented at the Capitol Theatre this evening, when the principal feature will be "His House in Order," the screen version of Sir Arthur Wing Pinero's celebrated stage success. Tallulah Bankhead, fhe famous actress, makes her debut on the screen in this film, which reveals the story of a woman, worshipped by her husband, but really leading a doable life. The second feature is "The Fortune Hunter," <*' bright comedy with the popular Syd. Chaplin in the leading role. A full supporting programme will also be presented.