ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20251, 10 May 1929, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"IN OLD ARIZONA." Something distinctly new in tho development of talking pictures is promised in "In Old Arizona," the first all "talkie" Western picture, which will be presented at the Strand Theatre to-day. The film is said to have been brilliantly produced, with one of those simple stories which strike home entertainingly, its photography is perfect and the reproduction of voice and sound leaves very litt»«for improvement. It brings to the screen not only the realistic settings, but also tho natural outdoor sounds. "In Old Arizona"' tells a colourful, dramatic tale, and its background of creaking stage coaches and cracking whips is something new. Its incidents revolve round the Cisco Kid, a notorious bandit, for whose capture, dead or alive, a substantial reward is offered, and his romance with Tonia Maria, a passionate half-caste girl. Sergeant Mickey Dunn, of the United States cavalry, is ordered to capturo the' bandit. He sets out for Wolf s Crossing, where the Mexican girl has her home, and learns of tho periodic calls there of the Cisco Kid. He falls in lovo with the girl, and by offering her tho reward persuades her to betray the Cisco Kid. proves the undoing of both, the Cisco Kid seeking vengeance in his characteristic way. Warner Baxter, who has been eminently successful in silent pictures, came to the screen after many years of experience on the stage. In that branch of his work his' voice is said to have been one of hi.- chief assets, and none of its charm is lost in the recording by Fox Movietone. In the role of the Cisco Kid he appears as a handsome, daring and vain bandit. Edmund Lowe is seen as Sergeant Dunn, a role which is stated to bo equal to his inimitable portrayal of Sergeant Quirt in "What Price Glory." This time, however, ho is heard as well as seen. Dorothy Burgess, as Tonia Maria, makes her first appearance on the screen, and it is claimed that she is revealed as one of the most promising players on the screen to-day. "In Old Arizona" is the first feature production to be produced by Fox Movietone. One sees and hears not only every important character in the story but also the minor players as well, and the minor players must be 1 recognised as among the best ever assembled for any picture. The cast includes Farrcll McDonald, Roy Stewart, Henry Armetta and James Marcus. "In Old Arizona" is based on a story by Tom Barry, the well-known playwright, who also wrote the dialogue. A splendid all"talkie" supporting programme of Fox Movietone celebrities will also be shown. It includes Ben Bertiie, tho jazz artist, and his orchestra of 16 players, Royal Hawaiian singers in "Honolulu Melodies," and the appearance of Beatrice Lillie, the English stage comedienne. Another sub ject is a Fox Movietone News of events of tho day in talk and sound.

PLAZA THEATRE. In " Tho Singing Fool," Al. Jolson's widely-heralded Vitaphone picture, which is meeting with such success at the Plaza Theatre, ho proves himself a master of the new art of talking pictures. His songs, which include many new ones as well as tho well-known old ones, arc given will) a beauty and naturalness which is littlo short of marvellous, and his speaking voice also rings true. "The Singing Fool" provides tho famous entertainer with a story of wide appeal. First seen as a singing waiter in a New \ ork cabaret. in love with a beautiful revue artist, ho later becomes tho owner of a pretentious night club. He marries the revue artist,, but she casts him into the depths of despair bv deserting him and their little boy. For the sake of the child he goes on until word comes from his divorced wife that the boy is dangerously ill At the bedside the father sings brokenly the songs of old as the boy breathes his last, and back at the theatre the crowd clamours for his songs. It is doubtful whether such heights of emotion have been reached in any picture before. Betty Bronson and Josephine Dunn appear in tho leading feminine roles, and other well-known players in the supporting cast arc Reed Howes, Arthur Houseman and David Lee. Hie programme of supporting "talkie" subjects includes solos by Giovanni Martinelli, the leading dramatic tenor of the Metropolitan Opera Company, a Howard Brothers' comedy and singing number, "Between the Acts of the Opera," "In a Monastery Cell," which includes a number of songs by well known artists, and numbers by Mischa Elman, the famous violinist.

LYRIC AND GRAND. A powerful story is told in "Show Life," a. British international picture, which will eornmenco at the Lyric and Grand Theatres to-day. Tho famous Continental'director, Richard Eichberg, has taken every opportunity afforded by the dramatic nature of tho theme to make an outstanding production. At the opening of Iho story Song, a Chinese girl, is befriended by John Hon ben, a vaudeville artist, whom she helps to earn sufficient for food and shelter. He later deserts her for a: beautiful revue artist. Upon Houben losing his sight tho faithful Song cares for him and steals money for a successful operation. Learning of Song s sacrifice Houben hastens to her. only to seo the culmination of a tragedy. Anna May Wong plays the role of Song, while that of Houben is taken by Henry George. The inimitable screen comedian, Buster Keaton, has a congenial rolo in "Steamboat Bill, junr.," tho second attraction on tho programme. "Steamboat Bill" is faced with ruin when a, rival, King, builds a faster boat. The situation is further complicated when Bill, junr., falls in love with Mary King, daughter of the rival owner. A toicnado sweeps the town and all tho vessels are carried away. Young Bill then proves himself a capable organiser After many amusing incidents an understanding is reached and the rivals are reconciled The strong cast includes Ernest Torrence, Tom Lewis, Tom MeGuiro and Marion Byron.

.REGENT THEATRE. Its combination of scenery, story and colourful characters makes "White Shadows in the South Seas," which is attracting crowded houses at the Regent Theatre, a splendid picture. It is a sound-synchronised film, taken from Frederick O'Brien's book of the same name, yet in reality the only thing taken was the name itself- Of course, there is the same basic theme underlying both works the theme of the hideous effects of white man's civilisation in the South Seas This is portrayed graphically in the film The story concerns a dishevelled beachcomher physician, living precariously on a tropic island where _ white traders drive the native remorselessly in quest of pearls He argues vehemently against this state i t affairs,,, irking in particular one trader of obnoxious type. He .r lured aboard a plague-ridden schooner, and eventually finds himself in a previously unknown portion of the southern atolls and 'slands. where he is idolised by the tribe. Native feasts, dances, rites and general life are pictured to perfection The leading roles are played by Monte Rltie and Raquel Torres. The supporting programme includes a newsreel showing the tragic circumstances under which Lee Bible met his death on Dnytonn Beach, a Pathe sound news stirring scenes at the inauguration of President Hoover and entertaining vocal numbers by Marion Harris. A further attraction is "Confes sion," c two-reel, all-"talkie" drama, directed by Lionel Barrymore, with Eddie Nugent, the reporter of "The Bel Inmv Trial."

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE ' An absorbing story i* unfolded in "Beggar? of Life,' the principal attraction at the Moulin Rouge Theatre this ovening. Tho supporting feature is " Blue Skies," starring Helen Twelvetrees and Frank Abbertson.

"THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS:" The record tour of tho Midnight Frolics will bo brought to a close at His Majesty's Theatre during a brief season, beginning on Wednesday night next. The opening night will signalise the reappearanco here of Miss Mona Magnet, one of the cleverest comediennes England has known during tho past ten yearj. Miss Magnet was brought out to Australia five years ago by the J. C. Williamson, Limited, management for the production of " The Peep Show " and on that occasion she created a furore ol enthusiasm. In no part of New Zealand is Clem Da wo more popular than in Auckland. Gregory Ivanoff, the brilliant violinist, is also popular with theatregoers and so are William Perryman, Les. White, Dorothy White and Gertie Cremer. The jazz band of 12 members will present a number of The latest successes.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Based on some of tho most thrilling adventures of the men who manned the British mystery ships during the war, "Q-Ships," which will bo shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day, has been made with the full co-operation of the Admiralty. The story is told of the havoc caused to Allied shipping by the submarine menace, and of tho idea, born of necessity, to combat it with decoy boats which would lure the submarines to their doom. In many thrilling scenes it is said to show the overthrow of the German naval morale and' the subjection, of tho submarine peril by the magnificent work of the unknown heroes. It is claimed that no trouble or expense was spared in assembling the material and personnel for the film, and that the result is a convincing reproduction of history. Another attraction is "True Heaven," featuring George O'Brien and Loss Moran. It is a drama which has an incident of the war for. its theme. There is no fighting, and there are no actual battle scenes, but the plot is said to be full of action. Tho story is that of a man and a woman who meet under strange circumstances. They fall in love, but an amazing climax is reached when the man, on a secret mission in an enemy uniform, is trapped by the girl, an enemy spy. The final scenes deal with her desire to save him and the feeling that it is her duty to surrender him to be shot as a spy. The supporting programme will include a Majestic Magazine and a U.F.A. production.

SUBURBAN THEATRES. Excellent entertainment is offered at various suburban theatres this evening. The Prince Edward Theatre will present " Naughty Baby " and " London Love." The programme at the Capitol Theatre comprises " Captain Lash " and " A Woman From Moscow." " Golf Widows " and " Riley the Cop " will be screened at the Empire Theatre. The sensational •picture " The Spy " will be shown at the Edendale Theatre. The Grey Lynn Cinema, will present " Revenee " and " Homesick." The Parish Hall's attractions are " Red Hot Speed " and '' Adoration." CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. An attractive double-feature programme will be presented at the Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. Joan Crawford and Nils Astber play the leading roles in " Our Dancing Daughters," a swiftlymoving story of the care-free life led by modern youth. Humorous situations abound in the second attraction. " 'Er Go, Gallagher," starring Harriso! I Ford and Elinor Fair. "THE KING OF KAWAU." "The King, of Kawau," or "Seventy Millions," will be presented by the Auckland University College students at St. James' Theatre for ;i season of seven nights, commencing next Friday. The play has been produced by Mr. J. A. S. Coppard and concerns " The King of Kawau " and his financial difficulties. The manner in which he "raises £70,000,000 forms the theme of the play. The production comprises bright and original songs, clever sketches and special ballet numbers. The ballets have been designed and arranged by Valeska. An excellent musical programme has been arranged by Mr. T. Sparling. The booking arrangements are advertised.