ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20217, 30 March 1929, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "Tho Patsy," which will commence a short season at His Majesty's Theatre this evening, is said to be the most succesful play of its kind ever staged by the J. C. Williamson Company in either Sydney or Melbourne, where it broke all records for a comedy production. Miss Irene Homer is said to play her role to perfection. *' In every part of her performance," a writer wrote recently Miss Homer is neat, sure and effortless." It is said that Mr. A. S. Byron's fine charac-ter-acting as the father of the " Patsy " has stamped him as one of the best artists who has ever appeared in Australia, and Mr. Brandon Peters, who was personally selected by Sir George Tallis tor P" 1 of Tony Anderson, is also a most delightful American actor. Miss r.ileen has scored her best triumph in the role of the insufferable, snobbish elder sis.cr, and Mr. Sam Wren, who was specially engaged for " The Patsy," made himself very popular in Sydney in the character of Billy Caldwell. Miss Vera Gerald plays tne important part of the querulous Mrs. Harrington. The booking arrangements are advertised. ST . JAMES* THEATRE. Continuing an extremely successful season, tho popular comedian, George ua - lace, and the members of his company, wi.l present an entirely new programme 01 revue entertainment at St. James Ibeatre this afternoon and evening. Associated with tho leader are Marshall Crosby, .-l Meredith Jim Romaine, the two Dudleys Miss Marie Nyman, the Six Rascals, and'other capable artists. The jazz band will play new novelties on the stage. REGENT THEATRE. A story of political intrigue, into which there has been deftly woven a fascinating romance, is graphically unfolded in ' Tho Mysterious Lady," the main feature ot an" excellent programme presented at the Regent Theatre on Thursday evening. The picture is unusual, not so much perhaps for its story as for the able interpretation of tho players in the leading roles. Bun thero is oue personality which dominates with a beauty and sincerity of expression such as it is rarely one's privilege to see. It is that of Greta Garbo as Tama, The Mvsterious Ladv," of unfathomable emotions yet delightful intimacy. She carries her audience with her, as no other is able, through every phaso of feeling, releasing them as a true artist does at the exact moment and embarking upon some fresh emotion. As a beautiful Russian spy who falls in love with a young Austrian officer whom she has disgraced. Greta Garbo plavs with feeling and distinction, making a true heroine of a character which in less competent hands might have been despicable. The officer escapes from an Austrian prison seeking on the woman who has caused his downfall. Ho is recognised in enemy territory, but his life is spared when the repentant woman shoots the chief of the Russian spy service and secures documents to clear his name. The role of the officer is played by Conrad Nagel, who sweeps aside, with the natural ability of the master actor, the difficulties which his part involves. There is a tenseness of action in the scenes, hardly a vestige of comedy, but above all there is a continuity in the sequences that makes it impossible for interest to flag. Capable support is given to the leading players by Gustav von Seyfiertitz, Edward Connelly, and other prominent artists in the subordinate roles. There is an interesting gazette of English, American, and Australian topics, and in this evening's pictorial programme there will be included a Max Davidson comedy, " The Boy Friend." A further attraction will be the appearance, commencing aj, tho matinee to-day and thence twice daily, of Gautier's dog bricklayers, famous throughout the world, who will be remembered for their visit to New Zealand a few years ago. These remarkable animals climb ladders, carry bags of cerncnl, and perform leaping feats with almosthuman intelligence. No lack of comedy, too, is promised in their performance. The Regent Operatic Orchestra, under Mr. Maurice Out tridge, provides an excellent programme of incidental music.

LYRIC AND GRAND. Proof of the progress of the British film industry is afforded by two notable productions, "The Constant Nymph" and "Tommy Atkins," which he-ad tho programme whicii will commence at the Lyric and Grand Theatres to-day. In "The Constant Nymph." which has been adapted from the popular novel by Margaret Kennedy, / Ivor Novello, who plays the role of Lewis Dodd, is said to be afforded the greatest acting opportunities of his varied screen career. Delicacy of touch and meticulous attention to detail are claimed to make the picture a. living story. A musician of merit, Lewis Dodd frequently visits Sanger, an unknown English composer, in the Austrian Tyrol. The death of Sanger leaves his three daughters, of whom Tessa is the, youngest, homeless. Their uncle and their cousin Florence arrive at the Tyrol to take the children home. Lewis, to tho dismay of Tessa, who passionately loves him, becomes engaged to Florence. Complications follow, and Lewis, realising that he really loves Tessa, prepares to flee with her when Providence intervenes and shows "the only way." As Tessa Mabel Poulton shares with Ivor Novello the honours of acting. Tho establishing of British rule, at the expense of many lives, in the outposts of the Empire, is vividly depicted in the supporting picture, "Tommy Atkins." His father killed on active service in tho Sudan, Harold Wilson, heir of tho Earl of Petherton, is entrusted to tho care of a friend, Mason. The usurping master of Petherton Castle bribes Mason tc conceal Harold's identity. Harold and his ousin, Victor, become rivals for Ruth, the carl's ward. How Harold, although unsuccessful at first, eventually gains tho affections of Ruth and inherits his rightful title, is said to make a story packed with exciting and unexpected developments. The strong cast includes Lillian Hall-Davis, Walter Butler, Ilcnry Victor and Shayle Gardener. STRAND THEATRE. The sinister machinations of i mysterious international spy organisation, involving murder, robbery, and violence, from the themo uf tho U.F.A. production "The Spy," which commences at the Strand Theatre to day. The society takes advantage of the general chaos and unrest resulting from tho Great War to plan and execute its sinister deeds. The detection of this mysterious organisation is entrusted to No. 326, one of the most capable and resourceful agents in the secret service. A lame Russian banker, Max Haghi, is the unknown master-brain controlling the spy system. Alarmed at the activities of No. 326, Haghi sends a girl accomplice, Sonia, as a decoy to trap him. Sonia and No. 326, however, fall in love. How, after a series of dramatic and thrilling adventures. the identity of the spy is disclosed and how, in the hour of victory for the secret service, Haghi takes his own life, are said to make ono of the most amazing pictures ever screened. As the mysterious and sinister leader, Haghi, Klein-Rogue is said to be given ample scope to display his remarkable ability for chameleon-liko changes and disguises. The strong supporting cast includes Gerda Maurus, Willy Fritsch, and Lupu Pick. Tho supporting programme includes a Strand Magazine, a comedy and a Yorko Gray stage presentation. " The Grecian Temple.*' featuring Miss Tsobel Brooks and the pupils of Miss Cecil Hall. EDENDALE PICTURES. Two excellent pictures will be shown at tho Edendale Pictures this afternoon and evening, The first, an interesting comedy of married life, is entitled "Phyllis of the Follies," and stars Alice Day and Matt Moore. "The Greatest Love of All," starring George Beban, a well-known character act-or, will also b» shown.

PLAZA AND TIVOLL The double-feature programme, starring Be be Daniels in "What a Night" and Corinne Griffith in "Outcast," screened at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres on Thursday evening, was of exceptionally high standard. The first picture, "What a Night," a swiftly-moving comedy-drama of political intrigue and newspaper life, gave Bebe Daniels ample scope to display her flair fcr humorous characterisation. The efforts of an enterprising newspaper to expose a connection between ! Mike Corney, a dangerous gang leader, and a political employer, Patterson, led to a succe&sion of dramatic situations. As Dorothy Winston, the blundering, although well-meaning, of an advertising magnate, Bebe Daniels frequently interwove a strand of comedy into the dramatic fabric of tho theme. The supporting picture, "Outcast, ' with both the sombre underworld and the colourful city of San Francisco as a background, related the story of the regeneration of a derelict girl. Corinne Griffith realistically portrayed the life of an orphan girl in the slums. Romance in the form of a dramatic meeting with a voung man, who changed the tenor of her ways, was delicately blended into the story. The outcast life c' the girl, Miriam, was reclaimed by an inspired love for her new acquaintance, Geoffrey. As tho regenerated woman Corinr.c Griffith revealed in subtle shading, the innate cunning of a pure woman to win the man she loved. The inevitable complications of the eternal triangle that occurred before Miriam finally von her husband lent an added note of interest to tho picture. .Edmund Lowe, as tho voung man, who, by chance, exercised "such a good influence on Miriam s future life, gave a faithful and convincing performance. A strong supporting cast combined to make the picture s. signal success. A splendid supporting programme includes remarkable scenes of the disastrous Dunedin floods, the the speedwav at Mangerc, and the_ Ngaruawahia regatta. Excellent music is provided by Mr. Howard Moody's orchestra at the "Plaza Theatre and by Miss Anderson's Tivoli orchestra. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The romance and drama of the New York underworld, teeming with thrilling situations and relieved by flashes 01 comedy and humour, make up the picture "Romance of the Underworld, which commences at the Majestic Xheatre today. The story is that of a girl, Judith Andrews, doomed to a sordid life as hostess in an underworld restaurant, who determines to rise superior to her surroundings. By dint of perseverance she becomes an efficient secretary and the memories of her old shady life fade awaj. Judith, without revealing her past, marries her employer. Suddenly her happiness is threatened by the ghosts of tho past. Derby Dan, a crook of the underworld, attempts to blackmail her. Her happiness, however, is regained by a detective, Ed. Burke, who, under dramatic circumstances, saves the young wife from the clutches of her former companion of the underworld. Mary Astor is said to play a dramatic role as tho girl of faith and courage reaching toward the light of happiness amid the black depths of despair. Others in the cast include Robert Elliott, Ben Bard and John Boles. Tha supporting programme includes an Eve's Review, comedy, a Majestic magazine and a Yorke Gray stage presentation in which Mr. Jack Gordon will sing "High on the Hilltops." As an interlude, Mr. Whiteford Waugli's Majestic Orchestra will play "Looking Back."

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE, The popular comedian, Buster Keaton, lias an excellent role in his latest film, " The Cameraman," which is to be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. Keaton is well-known for the ridiculous postures he adopts in his comedies, and his solemnity in all situations. As a news-reel cameraman for a film company he has numerous amusing adventures, and the picture is fully up to the standard previously created by him. Various supporting films will also be shown. EMPIRE THEATRE. The new cowboy actor, Rex Bell, has the leading role in "Taking a' Chance," an exciting outdoor drama, to be shown at the Empire Theatre this afternoon and evening. Also on tlje programme is "Pay As You Enter," a comedy of tramwavinen who are rivals in love. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. A lengthy programme of pictures at the Milford Picturedroine this evening will bo followed by carnival dancing. The principal pictorial attraction will be "Just Married," an excellent comedy, starring James Hall, and a strong supporting cast. SIP. HARRY LAUDER. The famous entertainer, Sir Haro* Lauder, will commence a* season of nine nights at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday, April 17. Sir Harry is bringing with "him an entirely new company of international stars. Accident is the reason of Sir Harry Lauder's present visit to New Zealand. Ordered by his physician to retire temporarily from the stage and t&ke a sea voyage, Sir Harry came to New Zealand for his favourite hobby, fishing. As the result of an inundation of requests for a professional appearance Sir Harry cabled to Sir. E. J. Carroll in Englnnd to arrange for a> brief tour. Seekers of genuine entertainment thus have an unexpected opportunity of seeing and hearing this great entertainer. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. " Bird in Hand," the popular play written by the famous playwright John Drinkwater, will bo produced by tho Little Theatre Society in tho Town Hal! concert chamber on April 10, 11, 12 and 13. This will be the first time that this successful play has been produced in New Zealand. Ihe play is at present enjoying seasons in London, New York and Sydney. Booking arrangements are advertised. LUNA PARK. Weather conditions permitting, Luna Park will be open this afternoon and evening During the period in which the park has been closed, new attractions have been added, and enjoyable entertainment is provided for patrons. Numerous sideshows and the Palais do Danse should also provo popular. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will p!av at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternbon. The programme includes the selections "Bohemian Girl " and " Maritana," the overture "Crown Diamonds," instrumental solos and other numbers. Another interesting programmo will bo rendered by the band on Easter Monday. ORGAN RECITAL. A special Easter programmo will be played by Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, at a recital in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. Tho programme will comprise selections of Easter music from the works of Bach, Mailly, and Handel, two compositions by Gigout, Bendel's Wild Rose, Boccherini's Minuet, and the Hallelujah Chorus.

MISS EDITH HARRHY. A vocal and instrumental concert will be given by Miss Edith Harrhy, the Welsh pianist and composer, in the Lewis Eady concert hall next Tuesday. An attractive programme, including new compositions by Miss Harrhy, will be presented. Miss M. A. Bosworth, violinist, and Mr. Len Barnes, baritone, will appear with Miss Harrhy as associate artists. The arrangements for booking are advertised.

NATIONAL THEATRE. " Wild Cat Hetty," a British Dominion! Film, featuring Mabel Poulton, is the main attraction of the pictorial programme to commence at the National Theatre today. A prominent cast of English players has been assembled, including Eric Bransby Williams, Pauline Johnson, M&ria Ault and Frank Stanmore. The story concerns a young scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea that environment and his scientific efforts will make a lady out of Hetty, a little untamed product of the slums whom he has met. At first the experiment is a failure, but a transformation gradually takes place, and the jjirl becomes refined. Tho scientist's experiences are said to include some very amusing situations, with which there is mingled a suggestion of patjios. One of these occurs when a young artist paints the girl's portrait, makes advances and jeopardises her reputation, much to tha delight of the supercilious ycung lady and the disgust of the young scientist, who has grown to love her. The story is adapted from the plav by Florence Kilpatrick. An additional attraction will fc* a demonstration on the stag* of the " Tils Trot," by Mis 3 Ruby PhOips and Mr. Hugh Champion. supporting programme will include a coraedy tvnd tha latest gazette. An excellent programme of music may be relied upon from Mr. F. Bartlett's Orchestra. TUDOR THEATRE. A fascinating comedy-dramca of Parisian ! society, " His Private Life,'* now screening at the Tudor Theatre, Rereuera, affords the popular actor, Adolphe Menjou. excellent opportunity for clever acting. As the lover of one woman he is involved ia complications when a married worn»n endeavours to attract him. A supporting feature is "Red Wine, a story of modtrn youth. The theatre has recently bun taken on lease by Mr. L. L. Speedy, and in the course of a few days a policy announcement will be made by htm. CAPITOL THEATRE. Interesting acrobatic and aoveity tnrns aro provided by the Black and Whit® American comedy artist*, who are now appearing at the Capitol Theatre. "Prep and Pep," an interesting film of Amert* can college life, and the endeavour* of a boy to uphold the good reputation gained years earlier by his father at th# college, featuring David Rollins and Nancy Dresel, will be screened, together witii "The Greatest Lov» of AIL," starring George Beban. This programme and various supporting features will be shown at afternoon and evening sesa'oos. THE IZARD SISTERS. Attractive musical programmes will b«> given by the Misses Constance Izard, violinist, and Margaret Izard, 'celiist, at r<*> citals, under the Stanley concert direction, in the Town Hall concert chwnbw on next Tuesday, Thursday and Satiny day. Mr. Bernard Page, Wellington city organist, will act as accompanist. Th» Misses Izard recently achieved a triumph" in Brussels as artists of the highest merit, and a most enjoyable series of ,coacerts should be witnesed in Auckland.* Transferable season tickets will be issued at reduced prices, while students' concessions will also be granted for both rngt* and season tickets.. Details of booking arrangements are advertised.