ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 12 August 1929, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ROXY THEATRE. Another "tnlkio" theatre was oponcd on Saturday, when the Roxy Theatre, Queen Street, presented "Tho Donovan Affair," an all-talking Columbia production. Tho Roxy is well suited for tlio screening of talking pictures, as tho formation of tho auditorium precludes any possibility of the talking and sound effects becoming distorted. Adapted from the stage success by Owen Davis, tho fdm is interpreted by a largo cast, and although tho leading player, Jack Holt, appears in a new role, ho gives a. satisfactory portrayal. Mr. Ilolt gives a fino performance as a bumptious and rather inefficient inspector, who confuses tho various clues as he stumbles upon them, and thereby adds to the mystery element of tho film. His attitude is one of suspicion toward everybody concerned, and ho decides that several different people aro responsible in quick succession, jumping from one decision to another. Tho groundless suspicions of the blustering detective provido some bright humour, and it is not until the final scene that (lie criminal is unmasked, and then by the ingenuity of ono of Killian's suspects. In the leading feminine 1010 Dorothy Revier gives a restrained performance. Her role is perhaps tho most difficult in the film, and Miss Revier is equally successful throughout. Other well-known members of the largo cast are William Collier, jur.r., Agnes Ayres, John Roche, Virginia Browno Fairo, Alphonso Ethior, Ethel Walls and Hank Maun. There is a refreshing element of comedy throughout the film, which relieves tho tension without detracting front the interest of tho main plot. Tho story concerns tho career of Jack Donovan, a notorious gambler, who is in lovo with tho wifo of a Captain Rankin. Rankin learns of the affair, and plans to bring it to an abrupt conclusion. He invites Donovan to a dinner party, where all tho guests havo suffered at the hands of tho gambler. During dinner Donovan exhibits a cats-eve ring, which he claims will shine in tho dark. The lights are turned out, and while tho guests are watching the ring there is a cry. Tho lights are turned on and Donovan is found stabbed to death. Inspector Killian is called in, and after a series of unexplained liappoiiings the criminal is detected and captured. The supporting programme includes shorter "talkies" of interest. A film showing tho Derby is very realistic, while "Screen Snapshots," a picture giving intimate glimpses of famous players, adds to tho merit o( tho programme. Other short films aro the Pat-he Sound News and Audio Review.

PLAZA THEATRE. An absorbing story of tho Stock Exchange is told in "Tho Wolf of Wall Street," tho all-,talking Paramount picture which is now showing for an extended season at the Plaza Theatre. As tho shrewd and unscrupulous broker of Wall Street George Bancroft gives a faithful portrayal. So absorbed is lie with his operations on the exchange that ho is blind to his wife's friendship with his partner. How he wreaks his vengeance upon the two makes an exciting story. The film abounds in those situations which offer ample scope for dramatic dialogue. Tho supporting cast is particularly strong and includes a number of leading players. The supporting programme of shorter "talkies" includes songs by Gigli and Do Luca, and items by other well-known artists. STRAND THEATRE. Life on tho Mississippi River forms the interesting background for " Show Boat," the Carl Laemmle production which is in its second week at the Strand Theatre. Tho talented actress Laura La Plante has the leading role, and her singing of river songs is a pleasing feature of tho entertainment. A number of enjoyable negro melodies are also sung by various mem.bers, including " 01' Man River." The story concerns tho romance and adventures of a young woman, Magnolia, brought up on a Mississippi show boat, under the instruction of her father and his puritanical and shrewish wife, two roles played admirably by Otis Harlan and Emily Fitzroy. Joseph Schildkraut is cast opposite Miss La Plante and appears to advantage as Ravcnal, a gambler.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Lon Chancy, onn of the most gifted dramatic players of the screen, lias tiio most suitable role of his career in "While the City Sleeps," the Motro-Goldwyn-Mayer production which heads the current programme at tho .Majestic Theatre. Made famous by his work in " West of Zanzibar," " London After Midnight" and many other successful films, Chancy appears in a new type of role in "While the City Sleeps," and his acting as Dan Coghlan, a plain-clothes detective, is of unusual merit. Coghlan's duties bring him into contact with an unscrupulous gang leader, Skeeter, who is suspected of having committed several daring crimes, and the detective discovers that ho is planning tho abduction of Myrtle, a girl with whom Coghlan is in Jove. The manner in which he frustrates the criminal is revealed in a thrilling climax. Tho supporting programme includes a stage presentation, a comedy, tho Majestic Magazine and a New Zealand scenic. REGENT THEATRE. Music, song and dialogue arc happily blended in " The Broadway Melody," tho Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr film which is now showing for an extended season at the Regent Theatre. The story deals with life in the New York theatres and combines tho essential elements of romance, drama and comedy. Some of the numbers sung from the stage arc " The Broadway Melody," " Love Boat." and " You Were Made For Me." In addition to the excellent acting and the capable direction, the skilful photography is a feature of tho production. A picturesque scene is "Tho Wedding of tho Painted Doll," which has been photographed in colour. Tho leading roles are played by Charles King, Bessie Love and Anita Page. There is also a variety of excellent supporting films. "APPLE SAUCE." "Apple Sauce," which is to be staged by the J. C. Williamson, Limited, management at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening, attracted large audiences in Melbourne during its lengthy season there, and had it not been for the timber strike it would probably have broken all records. Written by "the author of "The. Patsy," Barry Connors, "Apple Sauce" is said to be much more entertaining, and it has met with greater success everywhere it lias been staged than "Tho Patsy." RATIONALIST ENTERTAINMENT. An entertainment under the auspices of tho New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Rationalism was given in tho Majestic Theatro last evening. The function was well attended. A film, "I Will Repay," dealing with tho French Revolution,* headed tho programme, which included a shorter picturo, "Assorted Babies." A short address on "The Making of Good Citizens" was given by Mr. F. A. do la Marc, and Sergcant-Major Hallahan contributed vocal numbers. 'I ho comedian, Mr. Rex Yates, provided several humorous items. ORGAN RECITAL. An enjoyable programme was presented by tho city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnctt, in tho Town Hall lust evening. Items included one of Guilmant's sonatas, an adagio by Bach, Rachmaninoff's celebrated "Prelude" and "Chant dc Bonheur," by Lomare.