ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Ingenuity of treatment, superb acting and perhaps die most perfect photography over obtained make ''The Broadway Melody," the Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer alltalking film now showing at tho Rogont Theatre, 0110 of tho finest films presented in Auckland. Entertainment of the highest order i» found in every scene, while singing and dancing combine with a plot of unusual interest to produce an atmosphere of realism and tenseness throughout (ho entire film. Musical numbers of various types form appropriate interludes, as the iilm deals with theatre l.fo. The most unusual scone in the film is that representing "Tho Wedding of tho Painted Doll," a stage revue, interpreted by a largo number ot dancers and singers. It lias been photographed in colour, and is a valuable addition to tho production. Miss Anita l'ane. a talented young Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer star, gives tlia best performance in tho film, although the work of Miss Bcssio Love and Mr. Charles King is of a particularly high standaid. A full supporting programme is presented.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The Majestic Theatre will present its first programme of talking pictures on Friday, when (bo principal feature will be "Tho Awakening," n. United Artists synchronised picture. In a story of love and war in Alsace, Miss Banky, previously famous as the partner of Ronald Colman in "Two Lovers," and many other productions of note, appears for the first time as the leading player in "The Awakening." The theme song, "Mario," which was composed by Irving Berlin, recurs frequently during the film, and is saiil to add considerably to the merit of tho picture. Other members of the cast are Walter Byron, Louis Wolheim, George Davis, William A. Orlamond and Carl Von Hartman. Tho supporting programme of all-talking pictures will include Brarisbv Williams in Dickensian characters, and George Robey, the famous comedian, in "The Barrister."

ROXY THEATRE. Tlio popular film player, Jock Holt, plays tho loading role in "Tlio Donovan Affair," tlio all-talking picture which is now showing at, the Roxy Theatre. Dorothy Revier has the leading feminine role, and tlio rest of the cast, includes several well-known actors. Tho film, although of a melodramatic nature, has been treated in a light stylo by the director, Frank C'apra." There are numerous amusing incidents in the picture, and these are provided largely by Fred Kelsey aud Ethel W'altis. Tho sensational portion of tho film commences when Donovan, a notorious gambler, is stabbed in tho back in the dark after a dinner. A number of guests at dinner, all hostile to Donovan, come under suspicion, and the players of these roles, by clever acting, assist to make the film a very exciting one, with a thrilling climax. A full supporting programme is show n.

STRAND THEATRE. A story of romance and adventnre in an unusual setting is revealed in "Show Boat," Carl Laemmlo's Universal production, which is now showing for an extended season at the Strand Theatre Tho film, which has beeu produced oil a lavish scale, was directed by Mr. 11. Pollard, and deals with life on the Mississippi River, in one of tlio famous show boats. Tho spirit of river life has been faithfully transferred to tho screen by Mr. Pollard, and the film is interpreted by a large cast, headed by Laura La Planto, the celebrated comedienne. In her latest film. Miss La Planto gives a highly dramatic performance, and is supported by Joseph Scliildkraut, Otis Harlan aud many other well-known players.

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. Two films of widely different interests will ho presented at the Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres on Thursday, when the principal feature will be "The Whirl of Life," a British International picture. The leading roles are played by Fay Maiten, Henry George, Louis Lereh and Harry Hardt, 'while the supporting cast includes Erna Morons, Jutta Jol and other artists of note. The story deals with circus life, and abounds in thrilling incidents. There is also a romance woven into the main plot, which is cleverly evolved, the climax taking a most unexpected form. The second attraction will bo a Cinema Art comedy, "Adam's Apple,"'-starring the well-known player Monty Banks.

PLAZA THEATRE. George Bancroft has the leading role in "The Wolf of Wall Street," the alltalking picture which heads tho current programme at the Plaza Theatre. Well known for his acting in numerous roles of the rugged type, Mr. Bancroft is admirably suited to tho part of an unscrupulous' Wall Street broker. Tho film gives a uniouc insight, into American business methoefs. and is centred round Wall Street, tho huh of New York commerce. Bancroft appears as a man who discovers that his wife is attracted by a rival broker. To wreak vengeance on the pair, Bancroft risks all, and his efforts to regain his wife and continue a successful business career bring tho film to an unexpected climax - . 1 iie supporting film includes a number by Gigli and Do Lnea, fongs by the Brox Sisters, a celebrated trio, arid other "talkies'" of interest.

11l ALTO AN'D EPSOM REGENT. A Met ro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, "Show People," is' the principal film now showing at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatre?. William Haines and Marion Da vies piny the. leading roles, olid the cast of well-known players includes Douglas Fairbanks. John Gilbert, Norma. 'lulrnadge, Mae .Murray, Rod La Rocque, Rcriec Adoree, Lea trice Joy, Georgo K. Arthur. Karl Dane, Ailecti Pringle, Estelle Taylor and Polly Moran. The story concerns tho amusing adventures of an ambitious girl who goes to the city to cnlcr the films, and tho production is one of the most enjoyable comedies yet presented in Auckland. The second film is "In Society," another comedy, with Hoot Gibson in the principal role.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Bright humour pervades tho row programme which Mr. Frank O'Brian and his company of Revellers arc now presenting at St. James' Theatre. The bulk of llie comedy is provided by Mr. O'Brian, who displays astonishing versatility in a number of sketches and scenes. A clever ballet, which appears in a series of unusual dance numbers, is an additional attraction. while music is provided by Mr. "Tiny" Douglas and his band. Miss Janice Ilart is prominent throughout the programme and is supported in songs, dances and sketches by other popular artists.

EXHIBITION OF DANCING. The Auckland Society of Artistic Physical Development will give an exhibition of dancing in the Lewis Eady Ilall tomorrow evening. The programme will include demonstrations of Greek and operatic dancing, and the operatic dance, "Roses All tlio Way," will be given under the direction of Madame Edith Baird. Booking arrangements uro advertised.

NATIONAL THEATRE. "Hold 'Em, Yale," an interesting production starring Rod La Rocque, heads tho current programme at the National Theatre. Viola Dana plays the leading role in tho second feature, "Kosher Kitty Kelly," a bright comedy. A full supporting programme is also screened.