ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20341, 23 August 1929, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. A programme of carefully selected films which promiso to ho highly enjoyable will bo presented at (ho Majestic Theatre 10-day, when tho principal feature will bo a United Artists sound-synchronised production, "Lady of (he Night," directed by D. W. Griffith, one of tho pioneers of tho film industry. The picture has been adapted from (ho story by Karl Volmooller, and is said to bo a faithful reproduction of the original. Excellent j Bound effects have been incorporated in the film, which is interpreted by a la;'gc east of famous players. In tho leading role, that of a beautiful Spanish dancer, Lupo Velcz is said to give the most outstanding portrayal of her career. ller singing of tho theme song, "Where is the Sung of Songs for Me," which was specially composed by Irving Berlin, should add considerably to the merit of the film, which includes a number of other new vocal selections sung by the leading players. Miss Velcz is supported by William Boyd, Jetta Goudal, Albert Conti, George Fawcett and other actors of note. Tho story deals with the career of Karl von Arnim, military attache to the' Prussian legation at Paris, who discovers that his fiancee, Countess Diane des Granges, is unfaithful to him. He denounces her, and Diane, who resents his attitude, plans a sweeping revenge. She approaches a beautiful dancer from one of tho cafes of the underworld, and bargains with her to attract the attention of Karl. She thon contrives to have tho man marry the girl, and at the wedding feast makes a scathing denouncement. The mariner in which her plan acts makes ail unusual theme for tho picture. Tho supporting programme will include "A Russian Wedding," sung by the Moscow Art Singers, the Fox Movietone News, George Robey, the English comedian, in "The Barrister," and a, film depicting the funeral of Earl llaig. A selection of orchestral numbers will be played by the Majestic Octette, under Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh, before tho commencement of the usual film programme. PLAZA THEATRE. A story of intrigue and adventure is revealed in "The Midnight Taxi," the Warner Brothers' all-talking picture which is now showing for an extended season at tho Plaza Theatre. Antonio Moreno and Helens Costello play the leading roles and aro supported by a cast of prominent players. The picture, which was directed by John Adolli, deals with the career of a young man whose love of adventure leads him to select bootlegging as an occupation. He enters into a deal for the supply of a large quantity of illicit liquor, but complications occur when lie is paid in stolen bonds. He is accused of having stolen them, and has considerable difficulty in proving his innocence. lie is tracked by a woman detective, a role played by Hclene Costello, and tho film is brought to an appropriate conclusion when tho bootlegger abandons his illegal calling and marries the girl. The supporting programme of shorter talking pictures includes songs by Alan Prior, the Australian tenor, a pianoforte duet by Ohman and Arden, vaudeville numbers by O'Neill and Vermont, and a comedy sketch by Daphne Pollard. " THE MAN I LOVE.". Two popular young players, Mary Brian and Richard Arlen, have the leading roles in Paramount's latest all-talking picture of thrills and romance, "The Man I Love," tho principal feature at tho Roxy Theatre. Mary Brian's voice is heard for the first time froin tho screen singing "Celia," the song written especially for her. The picture deals with the adventures of two young lovers. The boy goes to New York, and, when the girl follows him there, sho finds ho has yielded to the charms of a wealthy society woman. Through this woman's influence ho has made a great success. The girl's efforts to reclaim him are fruitless until, in an exciting incident, another lover of tho society woman wounds the boy. Baclanova, the Moscow Art Theatre prima donna who has had a quick rise to fame on the American screen, lias the role of tho wealthy society woman. Inimitable humorous dialogues aro introduced by Harry Green, of vaudeville fame, and the irresistible Jack Oakie. The rest of the cast includes some of the best character artists in Hollywood. In addition there is an excellent supporting programme. LYRIC AND GRAND. The United Artists' sound-synchronised film, "Tho Awakening," and the Fox production, "Tho Veiled Woman," head the programmes to be presented at the Lyric and Grand Theatres to-day. The principal feature, "The Awakening," is an absorbing story of love and war in Alsace. Miss Vilma Banky, well known as the partner of Ronald Colman in "Two Lovers" and many other productions of note, appears as a leading player for the first time in this production. The theme deals with the adventures of a young Alsatian girl and a notorious German officer. The theme song, "Marie," which was composed by Irving Berlin, recurs frequently during the film, aud is said to add considerably to the merit of the picture. Other members of the cast arc Walter Byron, Louis Wolhcini, George Davis. William A. Orlamond and Carl Von Hartman. Liu Tom and Paul Vincent i havo tlio leading roles in the supporting attraction, "Tho Veiled Woman." The story is laid in Paris and tells, in a series of gripping incidents, of the efforts of a woman to regenerate the man sho loves. Iler tremendous sacrifice and her ultimate reward provide a theme of outstanding interest. The subordinate films are of high standard. REGENT THEATRE. Now in its third week, tho all-talking film "Tho Broadway Melody," continues to attract largo audiences at the Regent Theatre. The story doals with the vagaries of life in the New York theatre world. In addition to comedy, drama and pathos the film evidences capable direction, skilful photography and excellent acting. Tho leading roles aro portrayed by the well-known artists Charles King, Bessie Love and Anita Pago. A number of enjoyable songs aro rendered from the stage, including "Love Boat," "You Were Made For Me," and "The Broadway Melody." A feature of tho film is a revue presentation, "The Wedding of the Painted Doll." Tho supporting programme includes items by the Revellers' quartette and William O'Neal. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " The Donovan Affair," an nil-talking Colombia production, heads tho eurrrcnt programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Jack Holt plays tho role of a blustering detective, and is supported by other leading actors. The story concerns tho plotting of au unscrupulous gambler, Donovan, who incurs tho enmity of a number of people. Whilo at a dinner Donovan is mysteriously stabbod and a series of amazing complications ensue beforo the identity of tho criminal is revealed. A full supporting programme is also screened.

ARCADIA THEATRE. An enjoyable talking picture, "Tho Shopworn Angel," heads tho current programme at the Arcadia, lheatro. Miss Nancy Carrol appears in tho leading rolo and gives an excellent performance. A number of shorter films aro also screened. CONCERT AT HOSPITAL. An enjoyable concert was given in the children's ward of tho Auckland Hospital by Mr. Neville Carlsen and his concert party last evening. The visit was arranged by Mr. A. Hamblin, of the Methodist Central Mission. Tho following artists took part:—Miss Jean Cowper, Mrs. R. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy and Messrs. A. Hamblin, N. and C. Callsen, Fitzyalrick and Evans.

STRAND THEATRE. A new aspect of New York nighfc lite has been cleverly handled in "Speakeasy," (he all-talking Fox Movietone picture which heads the programme to be presented at the Strand Theatre to-day. The film, which was directed by Benjamin Stoloff, was adapted from tho play by Edward Knoblock arid George Rosener, and is said to include a large number of scenes which could not bo produced on the stage. The film deals with the career of a young lady reporter, whose quest for news leads her into little-known parts of the east side of New York. Lola Lane, a celebrated stage player, is said to be at her best in the leading feminine role, and she is supported by Paul Page, Henry B. Walthall, Helen Ware, Warren Hymcr, Stuart Envin, Sharon Lynn, Ervillc Alderson, James Guilfoylc and many other leading actors. Alico Woods, a New York journalist, is assigned the task of interviewing Paul Martin, a noted pugilist, on the night of his final contest. In company with another reporter she visits a notorious "speakeasy" which Martin frequents, and hears over tho radio that he is bepig badly beaten at the stadium. On his return, Alice attempts to speak to him, but is rudely repulsed. She returns to the office, and the next morning tho paper publishes a "faked" interview in which Martin is said to be planning a return bout. The results of the girl's bold move form the basis of an exciting story. The supporting programme will include two all-talking comedies and tho Fox Movietone News. ST. CUTHBERT'S CONCERT. An audience which filled the Town flail concert chamber was attracted by the aunual concert •by pupils of St. Cutlibert's College last evening. A most interesting programme was presented and some of the vocal numbers were particularly fine. The items by the college choir were delightful, tho songs being excellently chosen. There was also concerted singing by forms of some of the younger girls, revealing voices of great purity. A short play, "The Laughter Bureau," was most successfully presented. Pianoforte solos were given by Miss Mary Davis and Miss Helen McCarthy and duos by Miss Betty Coleman and Miss Owen Gardner, A number of the girls appeared in a charming gavotte and several displays of physical culture were admirably executed.