ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20244, 2 May 1929, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE WRECKER." The two new theatrical artists, Miss Josephine Wilson and Mr. Clayton Greene, wh" will. mako their first appearance in New Zealand at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday night next in the .initial production of " The Wrecker," the sensational railway mystery play, havo both had distinguished careers in London. Miss Wilson began her theatrical career at. tho age of 16, when sho joined Ilenry Bainton's Shakespearean company, to play small parts on tour. From leading roles with this organisation, she passed to tho Savoy Theatre, London, in order to play the principal part in " Paddy, tho Next Best Thing." Afterwards she hccarne one of London's most popular dramatic stars. Clayton Greene has supported the late H. B. Irving, Miss Irene Vanbrugh, Forbes Robertson and Sir Charles Wyndham. and ho has appeared successfully on Broadway under Charles Frohrnan's direction. Mr. Greene is also producer of "The Wrecker," which was written by Arnold Ridley, who also wrote " Tho Ghost Train." The other members of tho company are talented artists. Box plan arrangements for a six nights' season are advertised. REGENT THEATRE. The many people who desire to see the best that this latest development of the motion picture industry, (ho "talkies," can produce, will not be disappointed in "The Bellamy Trial," which will bo presented for a further extended season of another week at the Regent Theatre. It is a sensational murder mystery drama, featuring Beatrice Joy, and combines dialogue and sound synchronisation. Audiences hear the characters speak from the screen with remarkable realism. The mystery is skilfully unfolded in a courtroom, and the story, which has been taken from tho novel by Frances Noyes Hart, has been capably handled both with respect to screen and dialogue by the director, Monta Bell. Although one of tho earliest dialogue films since the recent rise of the "talkies," "The Bellamy Trial" is recognised as one of the best yet made, and is being awaited with interest by both Sydney and Melbourne. The supporting programme oi "talkie" subjects is also of a particularly high standard, and in itself is excellent entertainment. The next change at the theatre has been heralded as one of the most remarkablo films ever produced. It is "White Shadows of the South Seas," a story of adventure and romance, directed by W. S. Van Dyke. It is a sound synchronised picture which includes a certain amount of talking, and the photography has been declared tho most beautiful scenes of the South Seas ever filmed. The story, which was produced on the island of Tahiti, deals with tho amazing adventures of a be;*hcomber physician, who earns the enmity of the whites by his friendship with the natives. Monte Blue and Raquel Torres ) appear in the leading roles. TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S.

Adolphe Menjou's latest Paramount picture, "Marquis Preferred," is the main attraction of a double-feature programme to be presented at the Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres to-day. The story is typical of those in which Menjou has been seen in tho past. Debts overwhelm the Marquis d'Argenville. His creditors bear down on him, and he to his tailor, his valet- and his chel: forming a corporation to promote a rich marriage for him. Then he sees a girl who is secretary to an enormously wealthy family, and, posing as a clerk in a book store, manages to become acquainted with her. Meanwhile his friends have found him a wealthy wife and, dazed by the collapse of his romance, the marquis agrees to go through with the .marriage. The girl's father pays his debts, but immediately after the wedding the marquis leaves his wife, telling her she can get a divorce on the grounds of desertion, A year later he is a clerk in a book store, happily married to his former love. The leading feminine role is played by Nora Lane and Chester Conklin is a member of the cast. "Eileen of ihe Trees," a romantic drama by the well-known author, H. de Yere Stacpoole, is a second attraction. The story is . that of a young girl who is the slave of two crude characters of a London mews. A young aristrocat meets her by accident and quixotically takes her to the country estate of his family where a romance rapidly develops. William Freshman, Randle Ayrton, Dora Barton and Gibb McLaughlin are prominent members of the cast. STRAND THEATRE. "Tho Street Angel," a sound synchronised production, directed by Frank Borzagc, is the principal attraction on the current programme at the Strand Theatro. The plot is unfolded against the colourful background of Naples and the photographic treatment alone is a feature of the picture. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell act the principal parts, while there is a strong supporting cast. The story tells of the vicissitudes of a little waif of the waterfront and a vagabond artist. How the two find happiness makes an absorbing romance. An excellent musical accompaniment to the picture is provided by the Roxy Theatre Orchestra of 110 players. In addition a variety of "talkie" supports is offered. The former Governor of New York, Mr. Al. Smith, gives an interesting address. A feature of the entertainment is the opening of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Bridge by tho King. The famous English comedienne, Gertrude Lawrence, appears in a novel "talkie" film, while Mr. George Bernard Shaw delivers a humorous speech. The well-known American - stage and screen artist. Chic Sale, plays the leading role in "The Star Witness," which is claimed to be the first all-talkie comedy. RI ALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. Bright entertainment is provided in "Tho Gate Crasher," a comedy-romance featuring Glen Tryon and Patsy Ruth Miller, which is the main attraction of tho programme to be presented at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres today. The story concerns an amateur detective who falls in love with an actress, follows her to New York, and sets to work to solve the mystery of tho disappearance of her jewels. Amusing situations arise in tho theatre, in a spectacular night club and in the artist's hotel. The story is both romantic and farcical and provides Tryon with tho besl; comedy he has made. The struggle of the vaudeville stage against tho power of tho motion picture has been cleverly illustrated in "Excess Baggage," which is a further attraction. The point of view of vaudeville actors and the struggle as it affects their living and lifo itself is particularly stressed and in a manner to make excellent screen entertainment. The acting, both on and off tho stage, of the principal characters. William Haines and Josephine Dunn, is of a high standard. LYRIC AND GRAND. A romantic role is played by Dolores Del Rio in "Revenge," which is the principal attraction of tho programme to be presented at the Lyric and Grand Theatres to-morrow! As Rascha, an untamed siren of a woodland camp high up in the Carpathian mountains, she tames men as well as bears, gleefully ruling both into submission. But she meets her match in Jorga, a fearless bandit, who faces her whip and scornful eyes with unconcern. At a wedding banquet he suddenly appears with hi? men and, sweeping Rasclia into his arms, dashes away into a. rocky retreat. The girl's father and his gipsies, armed for battle., rush into Jorga's cave, determined to kill hini ( nud marry the girl to a gipsy. Rascha, 1 however, outwits her father, saves Jorga, and rides away with him to love and happiness. Dolores Del. Rio plays this romantic role with dash and skill, and Leroy Mason is splendid in the rolo of Jorga. Others in tho cast are .Tames Marcus, Joso Crispo and Rita Care we. The outdoor scenes in particular should appeal, and some humorous scene showing bears and their cubs at plav are bound to amuse. The picture was directed with particular skill by Edwin Carewe. There will be a comprehensive programme of supporting pictures.

PLAZA THEATRE. In "Tho Singing Fool," Al JolsonV widely-heralded Vitaphono picture whi'F is to be presented at tho Plaza Theatf? , Ehortly, it is claimed -that he proves hi.au> self master of the new art of talking pi?f 1 lures. His songs, wK'ich include many new ones as well as the well-known old ones, are said to be given with a beauty and naturalness which is little short of marvellous, and his ype.i&'ing voice also rings true. "Tho Singing Fool" provides the famous entertainer wflfth a story of wide appeal. First seen as s> waiter in a New York cabaret, in love wifcu a beautiful revuo artist, lie later be<V>mcs the owner of a pretentious night ck'b. Ho marries the revue artist, but she casts him into the depths of despair by deserting him and their little boy. l T &r the sake of the child lie goes on until svord comes from his divorced wife that the l"jy is dangerously ill. At the bedside fx'e father sings the songs of old brokenly sV* tho hoy breathes his last, and back a.+» the theatre tho crowd clamours for his songs. It is said that never have such heights of emotion been reached in any picture, and that "The Singing Fool" is the greatest "talkie" film ever produced. Betty Bronsou and Josephine Dunn appear in tho leading feminine roles, and other ivell-known players in the supporting cast are Reed Howes, Arthur Houseman and David Lee. An overture, "Tannhauser," will be given by the New York Philarmonic Orchestra. The programme of supporting "talkie" subjects includes solos by Giovanni Martinelli, tho leading dramatic tenor of the Metropolitan Opera Company, a Howard Brothers' comedy and singing number, "Between tho Acts oi: the Opera," "In a, Monastery Cell," which includes a number of songs by wdl-knawn artists, and numbers by Mischa Elman, the famous violinist. MAJESTIC THEATRE. An absorbing theme is said to, bo revealed in the British International picture, "Show Life," which will commence at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. The film was directed by the famous Continental diiector, Rich a r.'] Eichberg. The cast includes Anna M'<y Wong, the clever Chinese actress, and Henry George, who played the role of Grot in "Metropolis.'' Song, a little Malay girl of misfortune, is rescued irom the assault of some sailors by a vaudeville artist, John Houben. Song helps Houben to eke out an existence in the vaudeville world. Her loyalty and devotion enables them to endure the vicissitudes of their precarious calling.' Houben, however, loves a famous dancer, Gloria Lee, and neglects Song. Houten loses his sight and the faithful Song cares for him and steals the money for a successful operation. Song's sacrifice and devotion are told to Houben and he hasten's to the cabaret where she is dancing..' Surprised at Houben's Song falls during her sword dance and is fatally wounded. Houben then realises the supreme sacrifice Song has made. Anna I May Wong plays the role of Song and Henry George that of Houben. while there is a strong supporting cast. The supporting programme will include a Yorke Gray presentakn of a musical comedy duo, Mr.: Wilfred Scott, baritone, and Miss Agnes. Sterling, pianiste. There will also be a; Majestic News, a comedy and a further scries of the national songs which have proved so popular during the past fewweeks. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A dramatic story of the famous Klortdyke gold rush, "The Trail of '98," is the principal attraction at the Crystal Palace.- Theatre this evening. The rivalry of two men for one woman and the luro of the hidden gold cause a series of thrilling situations which are brought to a, climax when Dawson City is burned to> the giound. Dolores Del Rio and Ralph Forbes play the leading roles. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA.. The Bohemian Orchestra will inaugurate its sixteenth season at a concert in the Town Hall this evening. The orchestra, under Mr. Colin Muston, will render a. varied programme of carefully selected numbers. Mr. Len Barnes will appear in barito:ae solos, including; "The Erl King" and an aria from "IJn Ballo in Maschera," while Mr. Trevor de Chve Lowe will render 'cello solos. MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. Betty Balfour plays a vivacious role irt "Paradise," the principal attraction at the Moulin Rouge Theatre this evening. The story tells of a girl's adventures on tha Riviera. In addition two comedies and a scenic will be screened. SUBURBAN THEATRES. Entertainment of a, high standard is offered at various suburban theatres this evening. "The Patriot" and "A. Woman Again st the World" will be screened this afternoon and evening at the Prince Edward Theatre. The Capitol will present "Outcast" and "The Further Adventures of the Flag Lieutenant." The programme at tho Empire Theatre comprises "Price of Fear" and "Beware of Married Men." Tho attractions at the Edendale Cinema are "Four Walls" and "The Matinea Idol." "Adoration" and "Husbands for Rent" will be shown at the Grey Lynn Theatxe. The Parish Hall, Devonport, will present "The Last Command." HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS. The Metro-Goldvryn-Mayer production "The Trail of '9B'' heads the current, programme at the Hippodrome and Empress Theatres. A story of the famous Klondike gold rush, the picture abounds in dramatic and exciting incidents. Against the background of the struggle lor existence in a land where only tha. Jit survive is outlined a theme -of selfsacrifice and bravery. A special feature of the production ir. the excellence of the scenic effects, which are claimed to surpass anything that has hitherto been recorded. A frail canoe shooting treacherous rapids, a devastating avalanche of snow, and the vast ice wastes of the Arctic regions are a few of the unique scenes. The leading roles are played by Dolores Del Rio and Ralph Forbes, who give convincing portrayals.