ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20302, 9 July 1929, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. EMI the thrills of a typical Edgar Wallace story are revealed in a startling manlier in "Tho Terror,," tho Warner Brothers all-talking picturo which heads an [enjoyable prograinmo at tho Plaza Theatre, fl'ho film, which abounds in unexplained happenings in a mysterious English conn try houso, is intensely interesting through ont, and the identity of "The Terror' is disclosed :in an unusual climax. The talking aud sound effects are remarkably clear and add considerably to the realism which is a leading feature of tho film, tho reports of revolvers and weird sounds in tho dark providing a suitable atmosphere of mystery for the rather uncanny story. Tho leading roles aro played by May McAvov, Lo".iso Fazenda. A. 11. Francis and Holmes Herbert, all of whom givo sterling performances in difficult roles. Tho supporting programme of shorter talking tilrns includes items by Jc-a Kremer, the celebrated Russian dramatic soprano, the Foui Aristocrats and Roger Kahn, who leads an excellent, band in a series of popular numbers STRAND THEATRE. Adapted from the play, "llalf-an-IIour," by Sir James Barrio, tho dramatic 'talkie" production, "Tho Doctors Secret," heads tho current prograinmo at the Strand Theatre. Tho story tells of a disillusioned wife who deserts her rather brutal husband, leaving him a note ol e.xplana tiou, together with her rings and jewels. Tho man to whom she llees is killed in an accident and tho woman's secret is known only to a doctor. Ruth Chattertou plays tho difficult role of the wife, Robert Edeson that of tho doctor and H. B. Warner the part of the husband. Other important roles are played by John Lodcr and Nancy Price, The subordinate "talkie" film 3 include musical numbers by 'Tho Squire Octette," a I'ox Movie tone News depicting events of world-wide interest, and a musical act by Eddie Peabody and ills orchestra. In addition there is an "all-taikio" British comedy, "Nap." A feature of tho programme is a British synchronised picture, "Tho British i'leet." Tho manoeuvres of a number of warships in fighting formation aro excellently presented. REGENT THEATRE. 'An entire musical comedy is included in "Close Harmony," the all-talking picture which is now showing at the Regent Theatre. The leading roles aro played by Nancy Carroll and Buddy Rogers, and other members of the large cast are Harry Green, Jack Oakie and "Sheets' Gallagher. Tho film has been directed by John Cromwell, who has a sound knowledge oi stage technique, which lias enabled him to make an aceurato reproduction of the theatre settings which predominate in the picture, 'lhe story was .written by Elsie Janis and Gene Markey, 'and reveals a happy romance in a setting of unusual interest, 'lho theme deals ,with the careers of Marjorie Merwm, the leading dancer ,atid singer at the Babylon Theatre, and A 1 West, a promising youi;g musiciaa whose performance is a feature of tho programme at the same theatre. , r lho supporting programme includes items by Borrow's Harmonica Band, songs by Ruth Etting, a number by Smith and Dalo, the Jewish comedians, and various other features of interest. Selections on tho Wurlit/.er arc'played by Mr. 'Arthur G. Frost, tho well-known musician. TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. Tho colour and romance of life in the South Seas is said to be vividly presented in tho First National production, "His Captive Woman," which will commence at tho Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres on Thursday. Adapted from the Donn Byrne novel, "Changeling," the story is unfolded in the night clubs of New York and ori the islands of the South Seas. Tho theme concerns a New \ork girl who flees from justice to the South Seas, where she is followed by a policeman. The adventures of the two in the Pacific islands inako a "dramatic story that culminates in a courtroom scene of great intensity lhe leading roles aro played bv Dorothy Maekaill and Milton Sills. The supporting feature will bo 'Tho Girl on tile Barge, from the story, by Rupert Hughes, starring Jean Hersholt, Sally O'Neill and Malcolm MacGregor. RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. Jean Hersholt, one of the most celebrated character actors of the screen., l as tho leading rolo in "The Battle of the Sexes," the principal attraction at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres. Iho story concerns J. C. Judson, a business man, and Mario Skinner, a money-seeking girl, who relies upon her beauty to enslave susceptible and rich men. Judson i 3 infatuated with Marie and many complications arise before a happy conclusion i 3 reached. Prominent members of tho cast include Phyllis Haver, who is said to bo at her best as the mercenary New York girl, Belle Rennett, Don Alvarftdo, Sally 0 Neil, Wiliiam Bakewell and John Batten. An absorbing story is unfolded in the supporting fc,i ture, "The Jade Cup." i:i which there is & particularly strong cast-. MAJESTIC HJEATKE. "'Tho Cohons and Kellys," a Universal comedy-drama, is the principal film to bo presented at tho Majestic Theatre on Friday. Tho film, which has been adapted from the Aaron Hoffman story, "Two ,Blocks Away," was directed by Harry Pollard, and is interpreted by a large cast of well-known players Charlie Murray, George Sidney and Vera Gordon play tho leading roles,' while the supporting cast includes Kate Price, Jason Ilobards, Olivo lTasbrouck. Nat Carr, Bobby Gordon and Mickey Bennett. '1 he story concerns two families living in tho East Side of New York, and the amusing adventitres which befall them when one family inherits a fortune. .IIEUGHA N CONCI'M ITS. Tho famous actor and singer, William Houghan, will give a series of four concerts in•;the Town Hall, commencing on Thursday ovening. Mr. Houghan, who has one of tho finest bass voices in the world, has a very oxtensive repertoire. He has been exceptionally well received elsewhero, and American critics have been very enthusiastic over his ability. Mr. Hen gban will be assisted by Miss Maud Bell, the we! known English 'cellist, and Miss Gladys Saycr, a famous pinnisto. Booking arrangements n-e advertised. I i . PUCCINI MUSICAL SOCIETY. The Puccini Musical Society, under the conductorship of Signor Costantini, will present an attractive programme of vocal and instrumental items in the Town Ilali concert chambei next Tuesday evening. Items will include selections from tinoperas "Rigoletto," "La Favonta" and "Cavalleria Rusticana," which <vj]j } ;n ~e n. dorod by a I a ice number of talented ! artists. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. j Bright comedy is the principal feature of tho onjoyablo programme now being presented by Mr. Frank O'Brian and his Ravellors at. St. James' Theatre Mr. O'Brian is responsible for ,n large portion of the humour and is seen to advantage in a series of sketches. The programme includes songs, dances and entertaining sketches, and the Versatile Eight provide a series of popular ballets. Mr. " Tinv" Douglas and his baud have an extensive repertoire of novel numbers, and other popular members of the company are Janice Hart, Mario Ward and Gordon Norviilo. Hooking arrangements are advertised.

JUBILEE SINGERS. Enjoyable entertainment is provided by Forbes Randolph's Kentucky Jubilee Singers at His Majesty's Theatre. Negro spirituals and quaint plantation songs aro included in the programme, which should prove popular. Booking arrangements are advertised. COMMERCE STUDENTS. Tho .Auckland University College commerce students will hold a mock bankruptcy meeting in tlio collego buildings tomorrow evening. Mr. Julius Hogben will net as official assignee' and Mr. L. W. Swan as accountant.