ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ROXY THEATRE,

Tho powerful talking mystery picture, "Strango Cargo," will conclude a successful season at the Roxy Theatre, Queen Street, to-day. The plot concerns the uncanny disappearance of Sir Richard Barclay while on his yacht in mid-ocean. Ho-.v the mystery is eventually solved makes an interesting film. Tho supportting attraction is "Tho Offico Scandal," a fast-moving story of newspaper life. Tho well-known actress, Phyllis Haver, is tho principal, while there is a strong supporting cast. Tho main feature on the new programme to bo presented to-morrow is "A Dangerous Woman." Baclanova, tho Russian actress, who was socn in the Georgo Bancroft success, "The Wolf of Wall Street," plays the title rolo in this tale of threo white men and one white woman in the jungle region of Africa east of tho Congo. The story has a gripping plot in which Baclanova changes tho happiness of all tho three men into disappointment amid tho mystic background of tho steaming jungle, with its native tribesmen and weird, aboriginal dances. Splendid support is given by Clive Brook. Noil Hamilton and Leslie Fenton as the white representatives of the British Government in this strange little outpost of civilisation. A large personnel of negroes is cast in tho picture to furnish tho tribal atmosphcro.

REGENT THEATRE,

Clara Bow's first talking picture, " Tho Wild Party," heads tho curront programme at tho Regent Theatre and Miss Bow gives ono of the finest performances of her career in tho rolo of a vivacious young college, girl. Humour plays no small part in its composition, for Clara Bow is a born cornedienno and hor delight, seems to consist, in getting into awkward situations and then wriggling out of them to everyone's embarrassment. Tho action centres round Winston College. a fashionable institution for cirls. Hero Stella Ames, played by Clara Bow, docs nil that is frivolous nnrl scorns nil that savours of industry. The arrival of Professor Gilrnoro (Fredric March) seems but another chance to bait the staff. A rather rndo awakening awaits tho scoffing ones, for handsome "Gill" proves no lover of tho facetious scholars. It is ho who brings about tho awakening of Stolia Ames. She falls in love with him and thero is a first-class scandal at tho college. The supporting programme consists of shorter "talkies." Eddie Cantor and a Zicgfold Follies chorus appear in a song and dance number, and there are also "talkie" topieals. Mr. Arthur G. Frost plays tho Wurlitzer organ.

STRAND THEATRE

One of tho most popular players of the screen, Victor McLaglen, has a suitable role in "The Black Watch," tho all-talking Fox Movietone picture which is now showing for an extended season at tho Strand Theatre. Myrna Loy plays opposite McLaglen, and tho supporting cast includes David Torrcnce, David Percy, Joseph Diskay, and many other artists of note. Tho story concerns the career of Captain Donald King, of the Black Watch, who is summoned to the War Offico on tho eve of his departure to Franco with tho regiment, and entrusted with a dangerous mission in India. A huge army of natives, led by Yasmani, a beautiful half-caste girl, are about to revolt against British rule, and King is instructed to work his way into the good graces of the Indian leader. Tho manner in which lie succeeds makes an unusual theme for the picture. The supporting programme r;f shorter "talkies" includes a comedy, "His First Lesson," and tho Fox Movietone News.

TIYOLI THEATRE

Tho film version of Ferenc Molnar's novel, "Prisoners," heads tho new programme to be presented at the Tivoli Theatre to-day. Molnar. who is one of the most celebrated of Hungarian playwrights, has had many of his plays adapted for the screen, but "Prisoners" is said to be the most suitable for film purposes, and should provo enjoyable. The leading role is played by . Corrinne Griffith, who is said to appear to advantage in a dramatic story of romance and intrigue. Tho film was directed by William A. Soiter, and the supporting cast includes James Ford, Bela Lqgosi, lan Keith and Julnnne Johnston, The story deals with the career of a young girl, a waitress employed at a cafe, who is convicted of theft. The young lawyer who prosecutes is attracted by the girl's honest appearance, and he makes investigations, which have most unexpected results.

PLAZA THEATRE

The underworld of New York forms a striking background for "Thunderbolt," tho Paramount all-talking picturo which will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. Joseph von Sternberg directed, and the film, which is interpreted by a largo cast of notable players, is said to bo one of tho most dramatic productions yet sliown in Auckland. George Bancroft, who definitely established .himself as one of the leading dramatic players of tho screen in "The Wolf of Wall Street," appears to advantage in the leading role, and ho is supported by Fay Wray, Richard Arlen, Tully Marshall, Eugenie Besserer, James Spottswood, Fred Kohlor, Robert Elliott, E. 11. Calvert and George Irvine. The film deals with tho career of "Thunderbolt"' Jim Lang, a well-known criminal, who ventures froip his hiding place to tako his sweetheart, Ritzy, to a fashionable cabaret. Lang fs arrested, . and while lie is in prison ho learns that Ritzy has fallen in love with a young bank clerk. lie -plans n cruel revenge, and tho film deals with the results of his plan in a highly dramatic manner. A full supporting programme will bo screened.

.MAJESTIC THEATRE,

The intrigue of tho court of Louis XIII. of Franco has been brought to the screen with exceptional realism in "Tho Iron Mask," the United Artists' sound-syn-chronised production which heads the current programme at the Majestic Theatre. Douglas Fairbanks appears in tho leading role, that of D'Artagnan, and his portrayal of the famous character leaves nothing to be desired. Directed by Allan Dwpn, the film is interpreted by a largo cast of well-known players, including Marguerite do la Motte, Dorothy Revier, Vera Lowis, llolfo Sedan and many others. The picture, which is based on the widely read stories by Alexandre Dumas, is ono of tho most interesting productions yet shown in Auckland, and abounds in thrilling scenes. Tho adventures of D'Artagnan and his three musketeers have been brought to tho screen in a realistic manner, and mako tho basis of an unusual plot. A full supporting programme is screened.

EMPRESS THEATRE,

Two splendid "talkie" productions, "Gcraldino" and "The Leatherneck," head the current programmo which will concludo to-morrow at the Empress Theatre. Tho talented actor, William Boyd, has the leading rolo in "Tho Leatherneck," which is a dramatic mystery film. The second feature, "Geraldino," is an entertaining story of tho efforts of a proud parent to introduce his daughter into tho bnsfc social circles. A series of singing and dancing numbers is included in thcpicturo. Another absorbing mystery production, "Strange Cargo." will be presented on Saturday. The supporting attraction will bo "The OfTico Scandal," a cleverly-written drama-ro-manco of tho newspaper world. Phyllis Haver is the principal, whilo assisting' her are Raymond Hatton and Leslie Fenton.

ARCADIA THEATRE.

An interesting story of life in tho great out-doors is unfolded in tho talking drama,, "In* Old Arizona," • which heads the programme at the Arcadia Theatre. The supporting films are of an attractive ? nat'ure.

"810 HIT A" SEASON.

The spectacular musical comedy, "Rio Rita," continues to attract large audiences at St. James' Theatre. A romancecoloured story of the Rio Grande, the play includes many attractive musical numbers and songs rendered amid beautiful settings. Miss Gladys Moncrieff heads a very strong- cast A fund of witty humour is supplied hy Charles Norman and Dave Mullen, wlnlo highly-diverting novelty dances are performed by Mis 3 Janette Gilmore. A matineo will be held on Saturday. Booking arrangements ore announced.

ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY.

Tho successful Scottish comedy, "A Scrape o' tho Pen," will bo presented by tho St. Andrew's Society for a season, of threo nights in tho Town Hall concort chamber, commencing next Thursday evening. The play, which was written by tho well-known playwright. Graham Moffat, will bo interpreted by a new cast of players under tho direction of Mr. Kenneth Brampton. Tho production is an ambitious one and should prove very successful. Booking arrangements aro advertised/.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE

The popular screen artists, Mary Brian and Richard Arlen, havo tho principal roles in "Tho Man I Love," tho main feature on tho attractive programme at tho Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. Tho singing by Mary Brian of tho theme song "Celia" is particularly enjoyable. Among the other players aro Baclanova, Harry Green and Jack Oakie. Tho splendid "talkie" supporting programme includes an excellent comedy, "Meet tho Missus."

NATIONAL THEATRE

The successful silent film, "The Man and tho Moment," heads the excellent entertainment offered at tho National Theatre. Tho dramatic nature of tho story gives tho principals, Billio Dovo and* Bod La Rocquo ample scope for convincing portrayals. Tho varied supporting programme is of tho usual high standard. while enjoyable selections are played by the National Orchestra, under Mr. F. Bartlett.

DENNIS BARRY RECITALS. A series of recitals with poetry, drama and song will be commenced l>y tho English actor-singer, Mr. Dennis Barry, in the Town Ilall concert chamber this evening. He will be assisted in pianofovto numbers by Miss Margot St. Lawrcnco Toner. Recitals will also be given tomorrow evening and on Saturday afternoon and evening.

GRAND CONCERT

A grand concert in aid of Anglican Rible Class camp funds will bo hold in tho Holy Sepulchre Hall, Burleigh Street, this evening. Tho programme will bo given by leading local artists.

" NICOLA" SEASON,

Tho well-known magician " Nicola" will commcnco a season at St. James' Theatre on Friday, September 27. It is some years since this versatile wizard was last seen in Auckland and a wellpatronised reception is assured. " Nicola" will present a number of new and novel tricks, in which ho will be supported by a talented company of artists. The booking arrangements for a limited season aro advertised.