ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. A comprehensive programme of " talkie " subjects and a sound synchronised picture, " Tho Street Angel," make attractivo entertainment at tho Strand Theatre. One of tho most interesting teatures of the " talkie " lilms is the opening oi' tho Ncwcastlo-on-Tyiic IJridgo by His Majesty tho King, whoso speech has been perfectly recorded. Tho cheers at tho enormous crowds and oven tho noise of tho horses as tho King and Queen arrivo with traditional pgeantry me fully audible. The appearance of Mr. George Bernard Shaw, who is heard in a ciiaracteristically humorous speech, is ono of tho most entertaining subjects. Miss Gertrude Lawrence, England's famous comedienne, is charming both in action and in voice as she sings a most suitablo song, " I Don't Know." " Chic ' Sale is the leading figure in "Tho Star Witness," an all-" talkie " comody which provides very amusing dialogue. There is also a I'ox Moviclono News, which includes an address to an enormous crowd ny Mr. A 1 Smith, former Governor of Now York. " The Street Angel," tho principal attraction, is a delightful romance in Naples between an artist and a girl of poor circumstances. Their happiness is overshadowed by past events in tho girl's life, which is responsible for -much pathos. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrcll, who will bo remembered in " Seventh Heaven," again appear together in the leading roles. A perfect accompaniment is provided by the famous Rosy Orchestra of New York. PLAZA THEATRE. Depths of tragedy aro sounded by A 1 Jolson in "Tho Singing Fool," a special Warner Brothers' "talkie" production, which will commence at tho Plaza Thcatro on Friday. Jolson is recognised as one of America's foremost entertainers, and in this picture it is claimed ho is given every scopo for the display of his rcmarkablo capabilities. In "Tho Singing Fool" ho is said to bo revealed as one of tho most powerful emotional actors on tho screen, and his creation is a decided contrast to his work as a comedian. Appearing first as a singing waiter in a New York cabaret, hp marries a rcvuo artist, who abandons him and their child, to whom ho is passionately devoted. Tho child later dies, an occasion for the introduction of Julson's famous song, "Sonny Boy." Betty Bronson and Josephine Dunn aro seen in tho leading feminine roles, and other well-known players in tho supporting cast arc Reed Howes, Arthur Houseman and David Lee. As an overture tho New York Philharmonic Orchestra is heard in "Tannhauser." Tho programmo of supporting "talkie" subjects includes solos by Giovanni Martinclli, tho leading dramatic tenor of the Metropolitan Opera Company, a Howard Brothers' comedy and singing number, "Between tho Acts of tho Opera," "In a Monastery Cell," which includes a number of songs by wellknown artists, and pieces by Mischa Elman, tho famous violinist. . RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. "Tho Michigan Kid," tho story of the love of two men for ono girl in the snow and ice-bound wilderness of Alaska, is the main feature of the programme showing at tlie Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres. The picture abounds in dramatic situations, ono of which is tho escape of a party down a river flowing through a burning forest. Conrad Nagcl and Renec Adoree act (he principal parts, while tho supporting cast includes Lloyd Whitlock and Fred Esmclton. Gilda Gray appears as an alluring dancing girl in tho Paramount production, " Aloma of tho South Seas," which will also be shown. The entrancing beauty of a coral island and the life of a lonely whito man cast among its dusky inhabitants is perhaps an old subject, but tho story is unfolded with such invigorating freshness that it is bound to appeal. The nativo dances by Miss Gray are an attractive feature of tho film. Tho supporting cast includes Percy Marmont, Warner Baxter and Julanne Johnston. REGENT THEATRE. Murder, mystery and drama all play their part in the sensational "talkie" production, "The Bellamy Trial," the principal attraction at, tho Regent Theatre. Tho introduction of "talkie" dialogue and sound synchronisation adds to the. dramatic nature of the story. The plot is unfolded in a courtroom where a man and a woman arc on trial for murder. Tho weight of evidence is against tho two accused and tho resulting dramatic dialogue is recorded in a realistic manner. Tho unexpected acquittal of tho accused provides an exciting climax to the story. Leatricp Joy plays Hie difficult role of tho accused woman, while the strong supporting cast includes Margaret Livitijjstonc, George Barraud, Betty Bronson and Kenneth Thompson. , A variety of "talkie" subjects is included in the supporting programme. Joseph Began, (lie Irish tenor, and Ella Shields, a male impersonator, add to the high standard of tho entertainment. Bailey and Barnuni, two American comedians, render humorous numbers. Selections on tho piano by Vincent Lopez arc well produced. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A romantic role is played by Dolores Del Rio in "Revenge," the picture heading the current programmo at the Majestic Theatre. As Rasclia, "an untamed siren of a woodland camp in the Carpathian mountains, sho tames men as well as bears. Jorga, however, a, fearless bandit, suddenly appears at, a wedding banquet and bears Rascha away into a rocky retreat. How llascha's hatred for Jorga gradually changes info love and how the two find happiness is told in a series of exciting incidents. Lerov Mason plays tho role of Jorga, while tho strong supporting cast includes James Marcus, Joso Crispo and Rita Carcwo. Tho supporting programmo includes an Evo's review, a Majestic Magazine, a comedy, and a U.F.A. production, "Wicked Kasimir." Miss Margot St.. Lawrence Toner gives a piano interpretation of the valso in E minor (Chopin) and "Toccata" (Debussy). FI LLER-11A Y WAIID THEATRES. Attractivo programmes are to lie presented at the various suburban theatres under tho Fuller-Hayward management, this evening. Emil Jaunings' fine picture, " The Patriot," and " A Woman Against the World " will bo screened at tho Princo Edward Theatre, and "The Further Adventures of tho Flag Lieutenant" and "Outcast" at the Capitol. " Four Walls " and " The Matinee Idol" will bo shown at the Edendulo Cinema, while at tho Grey Lynn Cinema. "Home James " and " Avalanche " will bo tho attraction. " Take Mo Home" and " Pay As You Enter." two good comedies, will bo shown at tho Parish Hall, Dcvonport. HIPPODROME THEATRE. Tho fascinating film of tho great Ivlondyke gold rush, " The Trail of '98," will bo presented at tho Hippodrome Theatro this afternoon and evening. The story, which abounds in dramatic situations, opens with news of llio discovery of gold, which was announced in San Francisco bv successful miners. The film depicts the nation-wide rush which began toward the goldfields and shows the sufferings arid tho disappointments they faced in the strugglo for gold. Ralph Forbes and Dolores del Rio have the | principal romantic roles, Tho scenic effects arc a feature of tho production.