ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20323, 2 August 1929, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE WOLF OF WALL STREET."

• Discarding for tho most part that rugged exterior which ho has assumed in most of his recent pictures, George Bancroft embarks upon a now role in "The Wolf of Wall Street," the Paramount all-talk-ing picture which is to commence a season in Auckland at tho Plaza Theatre today. It is claimed that by his natural power he gives his latest role a treatment that holds one in complete suspense throughout (he film. Tho story centres round (ho New York Stock Exchange, Bancroft playing tho part of a stock broker who brings ruin upon himself voluntarily upon the collapse cf his domestic life. Tho story offers wonderful opportunities for gripping drama and dialogue, which have been captured in an exceptional manner by .action and voice on tho part of Bancroft and the supporting cast, which is composed largely of players who have had previous experience on the stage. Included among them are Baclanova, Nancy Carroll, Arthur Rankin, Paul Lukas, Brandon Hurst and Crauford Kent. "Love, Tako My Heart," is the theme song of "The Wolf of Wall Street" and it is sung in the picture by Baclanova, who was a former dramatic soprano with the Moscow Art Theatre. It is an exceptional cast and one which should assure the greatest success for the film. As the picture progresses, so does its dramatic intensity increase. So engrossed is the broker by his work that ho becomes entirely oblivious to his wife's social activities, the trend of which is suddenly forced upon him when he discovers her in the company of his partner in business. How he works vengeance upon the two serves to make one of tho most interesting stories ever filmed. A splendid programme will be presented of singing, musical and comedy items. It consists of numbers by Rob Spike's orchestra and follies entertainers, Beniamino Gigli and Guiseppe Delmn singing "Del Trompo A! Liniitar," the well-known duet from Bizet's opera "1 he Pearl Fishers," (lie Brox Sisters, a charming vocal (rio. Edward Everett Ilorton and Lois Wilson in "Miss Informa(ion," an alltalking comedy, and a Paramount musical novelty, "Old Black Joe." a "talkie" cartoon. GRAND AND LYRIC " The Three Passions," Reg Ingram's film version of Cosmo Hamilton's new novel, is the main attraction of the programme to bo presented to-day at the Grand and Lyric Theatres. The leading roles are played by Alice Terry and Ivan Petrovitch, the former appearing in a new role, one in keeping with the modern spirit of the picture. Hitherto seen is an exemplary character in the greater number of her films, she appears in " I hree Passions " as a rather frivilous English society girl, with a taste lor cigarettes, cocktails and late hours. Shayle Gardner, a former Aucklander, heads the supporting cast, which includes Claire Eames, Leslie Faber, Gerald Fielding and Andrews Engleman. The story, which tells in a graphic manner the conflict of the three passions, love, gold and religion, abounds in dramatic situations, and a powerful plot is ably interpreted by tho talented cast. Viscount Bellan'iont, a self-made man of great wealth, makes money his one god, and shows a cynical attitude to his son's religious tendencies, which serves to strengthen the young man's decision to enter the Church. His fiancee. Lady Burlington, uses her influence to prevent him taking holy orders, a step which would necessitate the. breaking of their engagement, and a dramatic climax is reached when she is finally successful. A further attraction is nn excellent Tox production, " Protection." REGENT THEATRE. The mysterious murder of a prominent film actor forms the theme of "The Studio iVlurder Case," the Paramount allI talking picture which is being shown at the Regent Theatre. Many of the scenes depict a "talkie " studio during the making of a film, and the secret of talking pictures is revealed in an interesting manner. Tho actor is found stabbed to death on the deserted stage of a Hollywood studio, public indignation is aroused, and the police detain a number of suspects. Several people had good reason for killing him, as he caused trouble in many quarters. After close examination of the various suspects, the polico make an arrest, only to find they are mistaken when the identity of tho real murderer is unexpectedly revealed. There is a splendid programme of shorter talking subjects, including a clever comedy dealing with the adventures of a bashful voting master at a giris' college. "'What Women Did For Me." a Rathe Sound Mews and Audio lleview. and an amusing talk on bird life. The programme is completed by a dramatic sketch and selections on the Wurlitzcr by Mr. Arthur G. Frost. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A story of Irish country life is unfolded in " The Lily of Killarney," a British International picture, which is the main attraction of a double-feature _ programme to bo shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. It is the screen version of Dion Boucicault's famous stage play, " Colleen Bawn," and is interpreted by a cast of unusual brilliance. The principal roles are played by Pamela Parr, Cecil Landeaa Gillian Dean and Denis Wvndham. Actually filmed on the banks of Killarney, the picture exploits a theme that, is fresh and original. The hero is a young Irishman, who is expected by his" widowed mother to marry a wealthy heiress, but instead he is secretly married to a girl from the peasantry. Complications ensuing from the discovery by a dwarf that the girl has interrupted the mother's plans, and his attempt to, kill j her are brought to a happy and dramaI tic ending whan tho two lovers arc brought together again. A further attraction is a Fox production, "The Veiled Woman," a story of Paris, with tho contrast ot a quiet and peaceful little hamlet in southern France. Tho story concerns a woman's sacrifice, and a man's misdeeds and his reformation for her love. The leading players, Lia Tora and Paul Vincenti, are supported by a splendid cast,. The supporting programme includes tho Majestic Magazine and Eve's Review.

" THE DONOVAN AFFAIR." A thrilling story of mystery and intrigue is revealed in "The Donovan Affair," an all-talking picture which will be presented at the Roxy Theatre. Queen Street, on August 10. The story is melodramatic in subject, but has been treated in a light style by the director, Frank Capra, and drama and comedy are said to be interwoven in a clever manner. Jack Holt, a popular leading player, is seen in the role of a blustering detective, and although tlio pa-rt is a decided contrast to those in which he has previously appeared, lie is said to give a convincing portrayal. Tlio greater part of the humour is provided bv. Fred Kelsey and Ethel Wales, who arc supported by a iarce cast of talented players. The film deals with the career of Donovan, an unscrupulous gambler, who makes many enemies. ITe is invited to a dinner, where the guests are all hostile to him. and in order to relieve the situation he proposes to show the Qualities of a jewel he possesses, which will shine in the dark. The lights are turned out .and Donovan is mysteriously stabbed. 'Hie various guests are suspected of the crime, and the identity of the criminal is revealed in a thrilling climax. IIOSPITA L CON CERTS. Entertainments arranged by Mr. AHamblini. hospital visitor of the Methodist Central Mission, wore given at the Auckland Hospital last evening and on Wednesday evening The concert party of .Mr. Neville Carlsen provided several items which were greatly appreciated.

"THE BROADWAY MELODY." Combining one of the finest spectacles seen on the screen with a human story in which comedy, drama and pathos are deftly woven, "The Broadway Melody," which will open its Auckland season at the Regent Thcatro to-morrow, provides all the elements of a musical comedy, song, dance and story, against a background of such magnificence as could not bo provided on the stage. The story is essentially one dealing with tlio theatre, the trials and hardships, the constant striving, the good humour and cameradene and the many hard- knocks in the lives of revue artists. The plot, which is'unfolded with quick action which never flags, concerns the lives of three performers, a song writer and ballad singer and two girls, who stage an act known as the Mahoney Sisters. All three are struggling to win a place among the highly-paid artists of Broadway and it is with their efforts to bring about success that the picture deals. The singer-com-poser is the first to meet with- good fortune and as the result of his influence the two girls are given their chance. However, they do not meet with equal success and they become separated. The different attempts of the two girls to bring each other happiness give the story many unexpected twists. Interwoven with the picturisation of the story are glimpses of famous Broadway revues, culminating in a scene of brilliance, "The Wedding of the Painted Doll," photographed in colour, while a number of catchy airs, specially written for the picture, run through it. The film is ali-talking, the dialogue sparkling with wit and colourful idiom. All the roles have been filled with the thought of making the most of the. talking and singing sequences and an excellent choice has been made. Charles King, a notable figure on the New York musical comedy stage, Bessie Love and Anita Page are the principal figures. All give splendid performances, the singing of Charles King being especially pleasing. A comprehensive programme of shorter talking subjects will also be presented. , ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. A charity eoncert arranged by the Auckland Musicians' Union will be held in St. James' Theatre on Sunday evening. An orchestra of 75 local musicians will be conducted by Mr. Colin Muston, and will play the celebrated "1812" overture. The orchestra will be augmented by the Auckland Artillery Band. An attractive programme will be presented. CENTRAL MISSION CONCERT. An enjoyable concert and social was given at the Methodist Central Mission, Airedale Street, by the Women's Progressive Club of the Y.W.C.A. last evening. The following artists took part:—Mesdames S. Walker, Topp, Ferguson (president of the club), Phethean, Dartlett, Misses L. Cunningbam, Boa, Bcnfell, and Messrs G. and N. Carlsen. The club is taking a great interest in the mission and is holding a concert shortly in aid of funds for a new piano