ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20333, 14 August 1929, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

inS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tho first of throo brilliant comodies, "Applesauce," will bo presented by the new J. C Williamson, Limited, Comedy Company at His Majesty's Theatre nest Saturday evening. Written by Mr. Barrv Conncrs, tho autlior of "Tno Patsy,' "Applesauco" is u domestic comedy iu whicn humour is provided by family bickerings, rival loven, witty dialoguo and unexpected incidents. Miss Ruth Nugent and Mr. Alan Bunco are said to bo two of tho best comedy artists who havo ever appeared in Australia and New Zealand. Other artists who will mako their first ap. pearanco in Auckland aro George Henry Trader, a noted Now* York characteractor, Miss Viola Fortesque, a celebrated American comedienne, Miss Gertrude Augarde, Miss Sadie Bedford, Frank H. Fox and Miss Phoebo Martyn. Sidney Stirling and Reginald Nowson aro woll known to players of New Zealand. During tho brief season "Laugh That. Off" and "Pigs" will also be staged. Booking arrangements aro advertised.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Tho Majestic Theatre will open as a "talkio" theatre on Friday, when "The Awakeninu," a sound-synchronised United Artists picture, will be tho principal attraction. Vilma Banky, oue of the screen's foremost players, who appeared opposite Ronald Coleman in "Two Lovers" and other successful productions, has her first starring role in "The Awakening." Sho is supported by Walter Byron, Louis Wollioim, Coorge Davis, William A. Valamond and Carl von Hartmann, who aro said to acquit themselves well in a story of levo and war in Alsace. The theme soug. 'Marie," was written by Irving Berlin, tho famous composer, and recurring frequently throughout tho picture, is said to be an attraction in itself. The supporting programme will include Bransby Williams in Dickensian characters, and the famous comedian, George Robcy, in "Tho Barrister."

ROXY THEATRE. An exciting detective story is revealed in "Tho Donovan Affair," tho principal film uow showing at the Roxy Theatre. A nopul.n plaver in many other roles, Jaclc Holt is the leading player ac, Inspector liillian, a blustering police officer who is investigating one murder when another occurs. Jack Donovan, played by John Roche, is an unscrupulous gambler, who makes many enemies by his methods. Ho i? invited to a dinner, where the guests are all hostile to him. The lights are turned out for Donovan to demonstrate the qualities of a jewel he possesses and which is said to shine in the dark. Ho is mystoriously stabbed, and suspicion falls on a number of his follow-guests. Tho plot lends itself to interesting treatment and the excitement and mystery havebeen wall sustained by tho director, Frank Capra, and the woll-chosen cast playing under his direction. A full supporting programme is screened.

PLAZA THEATRE. A story of intrigue and adventure is revealed in " Tho Midnight Taxi," tho Warner Brothers' picturo which will opon a season at the Plaza Theatro on Fridav. Written by Gregory Rogers, the story is interpreted by a notable cast headed by Antonio Moreno and Hcleno Costello. Other prominent players are Myrna Loy, William Russell, Robert Agnow, Tommy Dugan, Pat Hartigan and Jack Santoro. Tho picturo, which was directod by John Adolfi, deals with the career of a young man whoso lovo of adventure leads him to select bootlegging as an occupation. Ho enters into a deal for the supply of u largo quantity of illicit liquor, but complications occur when ho is paid in stolen bonds. Ho is accused of having stolen them, and has considerable difficulty in proving his iunocencu. Ho is tracked by a woman detective, a role played by Helena Costello. and tho film is brought to an appropriate conclusion when the bootlegger abandons his illegal calling and marries the girl.

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S. An attractive double-feature programme will bo presented at tho Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres to-morrow, when the principal film will bo " Tho Whirl of Life," a British International picture. Adapted from tho story "Tho Confession," by Clara Ratzka, the film is interpreted by a largo cast of well-known players. Fay Waltcn, Henry George and Louis Lt-rch play the leadiug roles, and aro supported by Harry Hardt, Erna Morona, Arnold Hasonclever, Szake Szakall, Jutta Joe aud Grote Roidwald. Tho story deals with tho lives of a brother and sister who cannot reconcile themselves to life with their stepmother. They join a circus as acrobats, and their subsequent adventures form the basis of an unusual plot. Tho second film is " Adam's Apple," a bright comedy in which Monty Banks appears at his best.

STRAND THEATRE. Lifo on tho Mississippi forms au unusual background for " Show Boat." Carl Laemmle's Universal production which is now showing for an extended season at tho Strand Theatre. Tho celebrated actress Laura La Planle plays the leading role, and her singing of simple river songs is ono of the most cnjovablo features of tho film. Hitherto seen chiefly in light roles, Miss La Plnnte displays considerable dramatic ability in the rolo of Magnolia, a girl brought up on tho " Cotton Palace," a show boat owned by her father. Joseph Schildkraut appears to advantage as Gaylord Ha venal, a debonair rascal who loves Magnolia, and his acting is superb throughout. Tho leading players aro supported by Otis Harlan and other actors of repute, and in tho first part of tho film, which depicts tho stage presentation by Ziegfeld, there appear several noted stago personalities.

REGENT THEATRE. An interesting story of stago lifo is revealed in " Tho Broadway Melody," tho Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer all-talking and sing-' ing picture which is now being presented for an extended season at tho Regent Theatre Capable direction, skilful photography and excellent acting by a largo cast of carofully choson players, combine to mako tho film 0110 of tho most enjoyablo yot shown in tho Dominion. In the action of tho film aro inclndod a number of new songs and a series of dancing nunibeis, one of tho latter, a revuo scene entitled " Tho Wedding of tho Painted Doll," being in colour. Mr. Charles King, Miss Bessie Lovo and Miss Anita Pago appear in the principal roles, and are soou to advantage in a story of unusual interest. A full supporting programmo is aluo shown.

"GENERAL POST." "General Post," tho brilliant comedy of Harold Terry, will bo presented by the King's Players for three nights in tho Town Hall concert chamber, to-morrow evening. Tho performers aro all well-known Auckland amateur artists. Tho prococds will be devoted to tho Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ana the King's School Chapel and King's Collego swimming baths funds. Arrangements for booking are advertised,

EXHIBITION OF DANCING. A demonstration of Greek, operatio and folk dancing will be givon by tho Auckland Society of Artistic Physical Development in tho Lewis Eady Hall this evening. Sovoral operatic dances, under the direction of Madam Edith Baird will bo presented, and songs will bo given by Miss Amy Hansard. Booking arrangements aro announced.

MUNICIPAL HAND CONCERT. Henry Litloff's grand overture sympbouiquo, "Maxrutlian Robespierre," is tho outstanding item to bo Riven by tho Municipal Bund in tbo Town Hall next Saturday evening. Mr. HaJ C. McLennan will render on the flu to and piccolo "Rippling Streams," and in conjunction with Mr. Plieloung, clarinet, ''Los Echos dos Bois." The vocalists of tho evening, Miss Ida Holmes and Mr. Fred Baker, with Miss Tholma Gordon at tho piano, will sing some charming ballads.