ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20290, 25 June 1929, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

-"THE EESCUE." Adapted from the thrilling novel by Joseph Conrad, the film version of " The Rescue " will be presented at. the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Herbert Brenort has directed the translation from the famous book, and is said to have displayed that distinctive skill and imagination which lie showed in producing " Sorrell and Son" and "Beau Geste." "The Rescue " is a gripping tale of adventure, and the film is said to adhere closely to the original, which was written by a man with a first-hand knowledge of the sea. Ronald Colman fills the role of Captain Tom Lingard admirably. He has unlimited opportunity, of which he makes the most, and there are many critics who declare it is his finest contribution to the screen. A critic says: " Colman makes one of the best Conrad heroes we have ever seen, with his air of mystery, restraint and gloomy gallantry. He seems to understand perfectly that clear mixture of moroseness and quixotic honour which makes a Conrad hero." Lily Damita is Colman's new partner, and is said to give a vivid characterisation as Lady Travers. The thrilling events leading to the rescue of Lady Travers' husband from the natives give the picture its title. The story concerns an Englishman, Captain Tom Lingard, who has taken to gun-running in the Java Seas, to satisfy his craving for adventure. He goes ashore on an island to replenish his supplies, and is attacked by natives. The island's ruler comes to his rescue, with the result that the natives reject the ruler, and he is forced to flee for his life. • The Englishman promises to restore his throne because of the " king ' having saved his life, but when they are ready for their attack an English yacht enters the bay. ■ Travers, the owner of the yacht, is accompanied by his beautiful young wife, who causes Lingard to forget the cause of the natives. The film 'develops quickly, and reaches a startling climax. The scenic effects are a feature of the production, and the photography is said to be excellent, including many unusual scenes and glimpses of island beauty.

PLAZA THEATRE. Bright humour makes " Give and Take," the talking picture now . showing afc the Plaza Theatre, one of the most enjoyablo productions of its kind presented in Auckland. The story, which abounds in comic situations, 111 interpreted by a large cast headed by George Sidney, the famous comedian. _ One of the most popular of stage comedians, Sidney is excellent on the screen, liis work in "The Cohens and Kellys," "Potash and Perlmuttcr " and kindred productions establishing him in the first rank of players. In his latest success he is seen, m the role of Kruger, a factory foieman, and the part offers ample opportunity for the exercise of his original type of humour. Other members of the cast are Jean Hersholt, the dramatic actor, whose portrayal of the role of the kindly old tutor in "The Student Prince won instant approval, George Lewis, of Collegians " fame, Sharon Lynn, Sam Hardy, Rhoda Cross and Charles Hill Mailes. The story concerns a successful factory owner who has built up a flourishing business for the sake of his only son. When the boy returns from college he brings back a number of novel ideas on commerce, and applies them to the business he is to inherit, with most interesting results. The supporting programme -of shorter talking films includes items by Eddy Peabody, a banjo player, the Geisdorf Sisters, who are heard in Crooning Melodies," the Florentine Choir and the Yitaphone Symphony Orchestra.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Not Quite Decent," an interesting drama) of motherly love, heads the current programme at tho Majestic Theatre. The leading roles are played by Juno Collyer, who makes a dainty heroine, Louise Dresser, the principal, of " Mother Knows Bestwho is admirably suited to the role of Mame Jarrow, Allan Lane, Oscar Apfel, Paul Nicholson, Marjorie Beebe, Ben Hewlett and Jafck Kennedy. The story concerns Mame Jarrow, a former vaudeville artist, who is now the proprietor of a notorious night club. She meets Linda Cunningham, a girl who has come to tho city to enter the films, and tries to persuade her to return home, knowing the difficulty of succeeding as an actress. The girl is loath to leave the city, but Mame finally overcomes her reluctance, and the film ends happily. The second picture is " A South Sea Bubble," an English production, starring Ivor Novello. The story cencerns a young man who is 011 the verge of financial ruin, and decides to perpetuate a gigantic hoax to gain money. The plan is partially successful, but has unexpected results. An enjoyable supporting programme is presented.

STRAND THEATRE. An exciting " all-talkie" picture, by Pai'amount, " The Canary Murder Case," is the principal film now showing at the Strand Theatre. Adapted from the fascinating story by S. S. Van Dine, one of the nost popular writers of mystery stories in America, the film is interpreted by a strong cast headed by William Powell, James Hall, Louise Brooks and Jean Arthur, and including Gustav Yon Seyffertitz, Charles Lane, Eugene Pallette, Lawrence Grant, Ned Sparks, L. J. Bartels and E. H. Calvert. The story concerns the mysterious death of Margaret Odell, known as " The Canary," one of the most notorious of the many beautiful women on Broadway, who is found strangled in ■ her apartment. Philo Yance, a well-known amateur detective, is asked to handle the case, and.the manner in which he solves the mystery of the identity of the murderer, who has left no perceptible trace, makes an enticing theme-for the film. The supporting programme includes a British comedy, " Mr. Smith Wakes Up," a film showing the Armistice Day celebrations at the London Cenotaph, and an interesting news reel.

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. Glenn Tryon has tho leading role in " The Kid's Clover," tho principal film to bo shown at the Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres on Thursday. The supporting cast includes Kathryn Crawford, Russell Simpson, Lloyd Whitlock, George Chandler, Joan Standing, Florence Turner and Virginia) Salo. _ The story concerns a young garage proprietor who has invented an amphibian motor-car, which will servo admirably as a motor-launch with minor Adjustments. Ruth Travels, daughter of a millionaire, learns of tho invention, and persuades her father to test it. Unfortunately tho machinery lias been tampered with arid tho resulting adventures are claimed to bo highly amusing. The second film is " Saturday's Children," a drama of ma'rricd life, starring Corinne Griffith.

RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. Tho film version of tho novel " Kitty," by Warwick Deeping, is the principal picture now showing at tho Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres. The popular players, Estelle Brody, John Stuart, Mario Ault and Dorothy Cumming are seen in tho loading roles, and the supporting cast includes Winter Hall, Olaf Hytten, Charles O'Shaugnessy and E. F. Bostw.ick. Tho story concerns Alex. St. James, a newly-appointed army officer, who falls in love "with and secretly marries a beautiful girl of comparatively humble origin. His mother, ai proud aristocrat, learns of the marriage, and does her utmost to make tho girl appear unworthy in her son's eyes; Complications arise, but a happy conclusion is reached. A drama of tho desert is revealed in " The Wind," the second attraction. The loading role is played by Lillian Gish, who is surrounded bv a strong cast, including Lars Hanson, Montague Love, Dorothy Cummings and other well-known players. In tho role of a friendless girl who seeks .shelter and solace on her cousin's ranch in tho Texas ; desert, Miss Gish rises to new heights of artistry, and the production is highly realistic throughout.

REGENT THEATRE. A programme which should prove of exceptional interest, since ifc includes both talking and silent pictures, will be presented at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, wlien the principal feature will be " Show People," a Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer silent film interpreted" by a large cast o! famous players. The leading roles are played by William Haines and Marion Davies, and other members of the cast are' John Gilbert, Charles Chaplain, - Douglas' Fairbanks, Norma Talmadfce, Karl Dane, Leatrice Joy, George K. Arthur and Mae Murray. The story concerns an ambitious girl, who interests a film actor, and she enters the films with the actor's help. Instantaneous success turns her head, and she attempts dramatic work, for which she is not suited, being saved from ridicule only by the prompt if somewhat unorthodox methods of her benefactor, the comedian. The supporting programme includes a series of short " talkie 3, and Mr. Arthur Frost, the well-known conductor, will play the Wurlitzer organ.

REVELLERS " AT ST. JAMES*. A singing and dancing revue of an unusually high standard is being presented at St. James' Theatre by Mr. Frank O'Brian and his versatile company of " Revellers." The entertainment, which comprises a variety of novel and attractive numbers, caters for a diversity oi tastes. A feature of the production is the ballet dancing of the " Versatile Eight, while a farther attraction is the appearance of Tiny Douglas and. his orchestra of " Varsity Boys." Mr. Frank O'Brian has an inexhaustible fund of humour, while other members of the talented cast include Janice Hart, Bert Lee, Mabel Morgan, Joe Hudson, Ernie Brooks, and Marie Ward. The booking arrangements are advertised.

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. " Hay Fever," the well-known play by Noel Coward, will be presented by the Little Theatre Society in the Town Hall concert chamber for a season of Tour nights commencing to-morrow , evening. The strong cast includes many new players. The arrangements for booking are advertised.