ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20288, 22 June 1929, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. Give and, Take," all-talk-ing picture, which is said to. combine bright comedy with tense drama, is the principal' film to be presented at the Plaza Theatre to-day, Jean Hersholt, one of the foremost players of dramatic roles on the screen, has the leading role, and his speaking voice is said to be particularly clear, as he has had considerable stage experience. Hersholt won praise by his acting in " The Student Prince," where ho was admirably placed in the role of the kindly old tutor, "Alias the Deacon," and other successful .productions, and his portrayal of the part of John the owner of a prosperous fruit canning business, is said to he a revelation in character acting. * His make up is excellent, and transforms him into a typical fond father who is rather dismayed by the sweeping business methods of his only son, of whom he is immensely proud. George Sidney, one "of the most celebrated comedians in America, is seen in a congenial role,' that of Kruger, the factory foreman, and he makes the most of the opportunities offered for the exercise of his popular type of humour. Sidney, who gained fame by his comedy acting in " The Cohens and Kellys," " Potash and Perlmutter in Hollywood," and kindred productions, relies on the incongruity of his actions and poses to attract 7 his audience. Other well-known members of the large cast are George Lewis, Shilron Lynn, Sam Hardy and Charles Hall Mailes, seen in the role of Drum, a grasping bank president. The story concerns John Bauer, whose_ son returns from college with advanced ideas on commerce, and applies them to Eis father's business. The resulting complications abound in humorous situations, and the film should prove one of the most enjoyable presented in Auckland. The supporting programme includes items by the Florentine Choir,' Eddy Peabody, in " Banjoland," the Volga Boatmen Quartette, and the Geisdorf Sisters in a vocal selection entitled " Crooning Melodies."

GRAND AND LYRIC. Excellent film entertainment is being presented at the Grand and Lyric Theatres, where a William Fox production, " The Sin Sister," heads- an enjoyable programme. Nancy Carroll, who plays the leading role, is one of the most attractive actresses on the screen, and she is at her best in her latest production, which gives ample scope for her dramatic ability. The film abounds in thrilling situations and retains the interest throughout, culminating in an unexpected climax. Miss Carroll is seen in the role of a woman living in the northern districts of Alaska, exposed to adventure and Hardships in a mining town. "The Silent House," the screen version of the celebrated stage play, is the second feature at the Grand. Gibb McLaughlin heads the large cast, which includes Mabel Poulton, Arthur Pusey, Kyoshi Takase, Albert Brouett and Frank Perfitt. The producer, Walter Forde, lias obtained many novel effects, and the Chinese sets are claimed to be accurate in every detail. The story opens in China, where Richard Winsford robs a Chinese idol of a precious jewel, thus incurring the enmity of Dr. Chan Fu, an influential Chinese, who follows Winsford .to London and finally kills him. In an endeavour to recover the stone Chan Fu comes into conflict with Winsford's nephew, and a series of exciting complications occur before a satisfactory conclusion is reached. At the Lyric the second attraction is " Dressed to Kill," a story of crime in the underworld," with Edmund Lowe in the role of Mile-Away Bafcry," a mastercriminal. REGENT THEATRE. " Interference," a dramatic production dealing with the effects of misdirected love, heads the enjoyable programme now -showing at the Regent Theatre. The film, which is an all-talking Paramount production, is interpreted by a large . cast, including William Powell, who gives a memorable portrayal in the role of Philip Voaze, a cynical young man of questionable morals, Clive Brook, Evelyn Brent, and Doris Kenyon. The one redeeming feature of Voaze was his love for his fiancee, Deborah Kane, until he met and married Faith, a beautiful girl ignorant of his past life. Shortly, after the marriage Faith realises her mistake, and when Voaze is reported killed, she marries Sir John Marley, an eminent surgeon. The story opens with Voaze's reappearance in London, and a series of unforeseen situations arise, culminating in an appropriate conclusion. The supporting programme includes items by Eddie Cantor, the comedian, Elinor Glyn, the novelist, and other interesting features. STRAND THEATRE. William Powell, who has achieved fame on account of his acting in the role of villain in a series of enjoyable films, plays his first part as hero in " The Canary Murder Case," the Paramount alltalking picture which heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. The large cast includes James Hall, Louise Brooks, Jean Arthur, Gustav Von Seyfferti'tz, Charles Lane, Eugene Pallette, Lawrence Grant, Ned Sparks, Louis John Bartels and E. H. Calvert. The speaking voices of the various players are exceptionally clear, and add to the merit of the production, winch is one of the most thrilling mystery film's yet shown in Auckland. The story concerns the mysterious murder of " The Canary," a notorious Broadway dancer, who is found strangled in her apartment. As the detective, PRilo Vance, William Powell is at his best, and the manner in which he solves the mystery provides an interesting theme for the film. The supporting programme includes a British comedy, " Mr. Smith Wakes Up," and* shorter productions of interest. x

FULLER-HAYWARD THEATRES. Enjoyablo films, will be. presented at Various Fuller-Hayward suburban theatres to-day. The Pincushion Rovuo, a troupe of clever vaudeville artists, will appear at the Prince Edward, whore "The Ringer" and "Seven Footprints to Satan" will also bo shown. " New Year's Eve " and " Pride of the Force " will be presented at tho Grey Lynn Cinema, while "The Gate Crasher" and " Eileen," a film interpreted by a largo cast of wellknown players, will bo the principal features at the Parish Hall, Devonport. " Jimmy's Millions," and " Girls Gone Wild," . starring Sue Carol arid Nick Stuart, will be followed by dancing in the Foresters' Ilall, Birkenhead. MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. An excellent film programme will be presented at the Moulin Rouge Theatre this afternoon and this evening, when the principal, film will be " Strong Boy," an unusual typo of comedy starring Victor MoLaglen in a congenial role. The story concerns the carter of a railway porter, and the manner in which he wins success and his sweetheart at the same time - provides an appropriate theme. The second attraction is " Honour Above All," a sporting drama with Leatrice Joy in the leading role. , CHILDREN'S PICTURES. A film programme that should appeal to all children-\yill bo presented at the Lyric Theatre this afternoon, when tho principal attraction will bo " The Sign of Font," a film dealing with the adventures of the immortal Sherlock Holmes. The second feature is a comedy, "Charlie Among the Cossacks," a clever cartoon in which a miniature Charlie Chaplin is seen in a sories of amusing adventures. Other films to bo shown include a gazette and a travelogue of Mongolia.

INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT, A concert of instrumental music will be presented:)by Misses P. Judson, pianist©; L. Walls, ' violinisto; and M. Wright, 'coll'iste, in the Theosophical Hall next Wednesday, evening. An attractive programme has been arranged.

. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Seascapes of rare beauty arid the tropical luxuriance of a treasure island, where, in spite of the memories of an old buccaneer, romance eventually blossoms, allow of a picturesque background for some creditable acting in the British film, "A South' Sea Bubble," which is one of the principal attractions' on the current programme at the Majestic Theatre.' Ivor Novello has associated with him Annette Bensort, Benita Hume and others in an entertaining tale of treasure-seekers, who, though losing the buried jewels which they have sought, learn of the greater treasure of happiness. The activities of an eccentric but amiable old millionaire, Mr. Isinglass,■ lend a touch of quaint comedy to the film, A very different type of picture, "Not Quito Decent," a drama of mother-love, is the additional attraction. The title really refers to the mental attitude of many people toward the stage and its morals, but the picture conveys in a singularly effective manner an idea of the tragedies which the glamour of the stage and places of amusement often hide. Principal entertainer and part-owner of a night club, "Mame" Jarrow, played by Louise Dresser, I'ecognises and endeavours to protect the young country girl who is seoking fame on tho stage. June Collycr has the part of tne girl, and both actresses have roles eminently suitable to their ability. Marjorie Beebe, Allan Lane, Paul Nicholson and Oscar Apfel are other prominent members of the cast. The supporting programme is of the consistently high quality associated with th 6 theatre, and includes a variety of topical pictures and glimpses of typical English scenery. The recent visit of the French Legion to London and other events are fuliy pictured, together with an Eve's Review of interest to women. Prominence is given to tha cultivation of early spring flowers in the Scilly Islands, ready for the English market. The musical side of the evening's entertainment is fully and capably attended to by the Majestic Orchestra, conducted by Mr. J, Whiteford Waugh, in delightful incidental numbers.

NATIONAL THEATRE. An excellent double-feature programme comprising " The Last Laugh" and "Tens of Money" is being presented at the National Theatre. The well-known screen actor of dramatic roles, Emil Jannings, acts the principal part in the first attraction, " The Last Laugh." The story is a character study of an old man who has been reared in the lap of poverty and who unexpectedly amasses a large fortune. The role of the pauper suddenly transformed to a millionaire is said to give ample scope for Jammings' flair for dramatic acting. The second feature is "Tons of Money," an enjoyable comedy of an unusual type. As the leading players, Leslie Henson and Floi Le Breton are said to give one of their best performances. The film has an interesting plot and is replete with humorous and exciting incidents. An excellent xylophone solo is given, as an entr'acte, by Mr. T. Gee. Incidental rnusio of a %igh standard is rendered by the National Orchestra, under Mr. F. Bartlett.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A thrilling story of motor-raping is told in "Speeding Venus," the principal film now showing at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Priscilla Dean, a popular actress, plays the leading role, and is at her best in a part demanding unusual ability. The story concerns a modern-girl who drives a racing car in a transcontinental race against an express. The second attraction is "My Official Wife." a melodrama of Tsarist Russia, starring Irene Rich and Conway Tearle. A matineo specially chosen for the entertainment of children will be presented this afternoon.

"REVELLERS" AT ST. JAMES'. Excellent entertainment is provided by Mr. • Frank O'Brian and his popular "Revellers" at St. James' Theatre. The programme comprises novel dancing and singing numbers, together with both humon and dramatic Prominent members of the cast are Janice Hart, Bert Lee, Mabel Morgan, Joe Hudson, Ernie Brooks and Marie Ward. The booking arrangements are advertised.

HEUGHAN CONCERTS. The celebrated singer, William Heughan, will give a. series of concerts in the Town Hall on July 11, 12, 13 and 15. Mr. Heughan, who combines considerable dramatic ability with a powerful bass voice, will be assisted by Miss Maud Bell, 'cellist, and Miss Gladys Sayer, pianiste. The singer has an extensive repertoire of favourite selections, and his concerts have proved popular in Australia. Booking arrangements are advertised. MAORI CONCERT. Over 100 pupils from St. Stephen's School for Maori Boys and the Queen Victoria School for Maori Girls will give a Maori concert in the Town 3^ all next Saturday evening. The programme will include Maori songs, poi dances, hakas, and native games, and should of exceptional interest. The accompaniments will be played by. an orchestra _of 20 members led by Miss Edith Whitelaw. The stage will be suitably decorated for the occasion, and there will be special lighting effects. The concert has been promoted by Mr. Colin Muston in order to obtain a piano for the boys and to establish a scholarship for the girls, _ and will be under the patronage of Archbishop Averill, the Mayor and the principal musical societies of Auckland. Booking arrangements are advertised.

ORGAN RECITAL. An attractive programme will bo presented by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. Items will include Stewart's sonata, " The Chambered Nautilus," the two choral preludes, by Bach, Boillmann's " Suite Gothique," the pizzicato from " Sylvia," and an arrangement of the old English air, ■" The Jolly Miller." , MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will present an enjoyable musical programme at the Zoological Gardens to-morrow afternoon. Items will include the marches " Sylvia " and " Glenavy," the overture "Harmoniana," the waltz "Luna," and a novelty dance, " My Coquette." PUCCINI MUSICAL SOCIETY-. The Puccini Musical Society, under the leadership of Signor Costantini, will give a concert in the Town Hall concert chamber on Thursday, July 18. The programme will include popular excerpts from opera, which will be rendered by soloists and a strong chorus.