ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20309, 17 July 1929, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"SHOW BOAT." Claimed by leading American critics to j bo one of (lie most successful films ever j produced "Show Boat," a Universal all- j talking picture, will bo presented at tho | Strand Theatre shortly, llic film, which has been produced on a lavish scale, was directed by Harry Pollard, who is said to havo ma do a screen epic from the musical romance by Edna Ferbcr, which was staged by the famous producer, Flor enz Ziegfeld. As a novel the story won world-wide popularity, (lie stage version cnjnyed record seasons and tho "talkio production, which includes a large number of scenes and effects impossible on the is said to surpass tho others i;i realism, human intei'est and appeal. Mr. Pollard's achievement is outstanding in that he was not faced merely with the direction of a new and difficult typo of film, but he had to consider the comparatively new element of sound and talking effects, which required careful handling in all of the many singing sequences. Ono of the most notahlo casts ever assembled for ono picturo is seen in the leading roles and the supporting players include a number of well-known players. Laura La Planto, who has hitherto appeared chiefly in bright comedies, is said to givo the finest portrayal of her career in the role of Magnolia, a part demanding unusual dramatic ability. Joseph Scliild kraut, as Ravenal, a wastrel gambler, is said to be equally effective, his work in the moro dramatic scenes having won unqualified praise from leading American critics. Tho musical scoro was arranged by Joseph Cherniavsky, tho noted musician, and includes a series of charming numbers. "Old Man River" and "Lonesome Road" aro the most popular selections and are sung with tho sweetness which is a feature of all negro melodies. In the role of Partjienia Hawks, Emily Fitzroy is said to givo the finest work of her many years on tho stage and screen, while Otis Harlan has been admirably chosen for tho role of Captain Hawks. Another character which is said to furnish an unusual portrayal is Alma Rubens as Julie. Combining romance, pathos, drama and humour tho film reveals a story of unusual interest, which ] should appeal to all audiences.

REGENT THEATRE. ' Love and adventure in a typical Mexican setting form an ideal theme for "Wolf Song," the Paramount all-talking picture which will commenco a short season at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. The leading roles are played by Gary Cooper, Lupe Velez and Louis Wolheim, while the supporting cast of wellknown players includes Constantino Romanoff, Michael Vavitch, Ann Brody, Russell Colombo, Augustina Lopez and Gcorgo Rigas. The story opens in Kentucky, whero Sam Lash, a young pioneer, is planning to leave his cabin to visit tho towns in search of adventure. While passing through Taos he sees a beautiful Spanish girl, Lola Salazar, with whom he falls in love. Fearing the disapproval of Lola's father the lovers elope and are married, but Sam Hoon tires of married life, and leaves his bride, making a trip into the desert. Ho realises tho shameful manner in which ho has treated Lola and so returns, to be met by an indignant father-in-law. After a series of exciting adventures the lovers arc united and the film ends happily. Tho supporting programme will include "The Pusher in the Face," a Paramount all-talking comedy, starring Estello Taylor and Raymond Hitchcock, "The Carnival M.ln," a dramatic sketch -played by Walter Houston, and a Paramount sound cartoon, "Daisy Bell."

PLAZA THEATRE!. Colleen Moore is said to have tho most successful role of her career in "Lilac Time," tho First National picture which is the next attraction at tho Plaza Theatre. Other members of the large cast are Gary Cooper, Burr Mcintosh, George Cooper, Cleve Moore and Emilo Chatitard, who aro said to give memorable portrayals in a story of love and adventure in the Royal Air Force. The story deals with tho career of Jeannine Berthelot, a French girl, who falls in love with a British "ace," Captain Philip Blythe, who is quartered at her mother's farm near the French front. In spite of the fact that he is engaged to marry an English lady, Philip falls a victim to' the charms of the French girl and on tho evo of a raid declares that if he is not killed he will marry her on his,return. Jeannine watches the fliers high overhead and sees two planes, ono British and one German, fall in flames. Philip, is taken from tho wreckage badly injured and is removed to a base hospital, where his parents try to keep Jeannino away. The manner in which tho lovers are united maises a happy conclusion to tho film. A full supporting programme will also bo screened.

STRAND THEATRE. "four Devils." a thrilling story of circus life, is the principal film to be presented at tho Strand Theatre on Friday. Directed by Murnau, who was largely responsible for the success of "Sunrise," tho film is accompanied by synchronised music played by the orchestra of the famous Roxy Theatre, one of the principal musical attractions being the theme song, "Marion." Combining thrills, drama, romance and pathos the film is said to be one of the outstanding productions of the year and a large cast of famous players has been carefully chosen for roles demanding unusual ability. The principal players are Janet Gaynor, Nancy Drexel, Barry Norton, Charles Morton, Farrell McDonald and Mary Duncan, who are supported by a large cast, including a number of skilled acrobats and other circus performers. The story deals with tho careers of two brothers and two sisters, wlin aro employed as acrobats in a famous circus. Charles and Marion fall in love, but complications occur when a wealthy Parisienno attempts to lure tho young acrobat from his fiancee. The supporting programme of talking pictures will include tho Fox Movietono News, a speech by King Alfonso of Spain, items by Gertrude Lawrence and a comedy, "Tho Bath Between," starring Clark and McCullough.

MA.JESTfG THEATRE. The thrills of flying are said to havo been brought lo the screen in a realistic manner in "The Air Circus," the William Fox production which heads the programme to be presented at tho Majestic Theatre ori Friday. Tho greater part of the film ha 3 been mado at a flying school, where two youths plan to study commercial flying, and many exciting scenes in tho air havo been included iri tho production. Tho leading roles are played by David Rollins, Arthur Lake, Sue Carol and Charles Delauey and tho supporting cast includes Heinio Conklin, Louise Dresser and Earl Robinson. The second attraction will bo "Dream of Lovo," tho film version of "Adrienno Lecouvreur," an old French play. Joan Crawford is seen in tho leading role and is supported by Nils Asther, Aileen Pringle, Carmel Myers and many other well-known players.

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. An unusual story of mystery and adventure is revealed in "The House of Terror," tho First National picture which is the principal attraction to be presented at tho Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres to-morrow. Tho leading roles are played by Louise Fazenda, Chester Conklin and Thelma Todd, wliilo tho supporting cast includes James Ford, William Mong, Emilo Chautard, William Orlamond, Dale Fuller and Tenan Holtz. The story deals with the lives of an elderly Mother and sister, who are summoned to tho house of their uncle, a rich miser. He is in possession of a priceless jewel and when the pair arrive they experience a series of exciting adventures at tho hands of a mysterious hooded figure who is in search of tho jewel. A full suppot tmg programme will be presented*

" SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER." j Mr. Alan Wilkio and his company of ■ assisting artists will open a season of I ten nights at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening, when "She Stoops to \ Conquer," or "Tho Mistakes of a Night," will bo presented. Sheridan's plays, "The School For Scandal" and "Tho Rivals," will also be produced during tho season Goldsmith's comedy, "Sho Stoops to Con quer," is rich in comic situations, and tho players aro said to givo excellent studies in the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle, Kato Hardcastlc, Tony Lumpkin and Young Marian. A feature of the productions will bo tho eighteenth century costumes which aro worn Opportunities of seeing these enjoyable plays, which abound in bright wit and humorous dia- ■ logue, . aro arc. Booking arrangements | aro advertised. I

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA CONCERT. | A musical feast was pro%'idod in tho ; Lewis Eady Hall last evening when the 1 Aeolian Orchestra gave the second con | cert of its eighth season. Under tho baton of Mr. H. Hollinrakc tho orchestra > played a well-balanced programme in such fashion as to satisfy to tho utmost tho audience which filled tho hall. \ ocal solos by Miss Alma McGruer and Mr. Norman Tucker helped to make tho evening one of the most successful In tho history of the orchestra. As an overturo tho orchestra gave "Fidelio" (Beethoven) and followed with threo dances from "Nell Gwyn" (E. German) and Mozart's "Symphony in G Major." A Coleridgo Taylor suite was tlie fourth offering, and tho orchestral section of tho programmo concluded with Finck's "March of tho Giants." Miss Alum McGruer sang " Vissi d'afto," from " Tosca " (Puccini) and "Damon" (Strange). Mr. Norman Tucker gave " Lighterman Tom " (W. H. Squire) and "The Stockrider's Song" (W. G. James).

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "White Shadows in the South Seas," a film of unusual interest, dealing with the lives of the natives in the Pacific Islands, heads the current programme at (ho Crystal Palaco Theatre. A story of love and adventure is interpreted by a large cast of famous players, and the excellent scenic effects are a feature of the production. An additional attraction will be the appearance of Lester Sinclair and his Vagabonds in a humorous rcvuo entitled "Two Airmen."

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. "Further Adventures of tho Flag Lieutenant," a British production, is tho principal film now showing at tho Moulin Rouge Then tie. Tho film d,eals with the adventurous career of a young officer, and abounds in exciting scenes. Tho second attraction is "Red Heels," a film dealing with life on tho Continent.

COMMUNITY SINGING. Community singing will bo held in the Town Hall this afternoon between 12.30 and 1.30, when tho Blind Institute Band, under tho conductorship of Mr. E. W. Bowes, will contributo items. Mr. A. J. Hutchinson will preside, and Mr. V. Drew will act as song leader. The accompaniments will be played by Mrs. M. E. Osborne. A recital of the latest gramophone records will be held for half an hour prior to tho singing.