ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 20 September 1929, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE.

' "Thunderbolt," a Paramount all-talk-ing production which should prove of ex- *' ceptional interest, will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. George Bancroft, one of the most talented dramatic players of the screen, is said to give A remarkable portrayal .in the leading role, and he is supported by a cast of well-known players. Fay Wray and Richard Arlcn, who have appeared as young lovers'in a number of previous successes, head the supporting cast, which includes Tully Marshall, Sugetiio Besserer, Jamos Spottswood, Fred. Kohler, Robert Elliott, E. H. Calvert, Goorge Irving, Mike Doulin, S. S. Stewart, William L. Thome and the famous dog, King Tut, Directed by Josef Von Sternberg, tho picture is said to be one of the most attractive of its type yet shown in Auckland. The talking and sound effects are said to be clear, and some unusual " shots" have been included in the action of the film. The stovv tells of the lawless career of " Thunderbolt" Jim Lang, a notorious criminal wanted on murder and robbery charges, who ventures out of biding to take his sweetheart, Ritzy, to a fashionable cabaret. Ritzy tells Lang she does not wish to see him again, "gs she had decided to abandon her criminal career. Lang's confederates spy on Ritzy, and report that she is living with Mrs. Morgan, whose son, Robert, a bank clerk, is in love with the girl. Ritzy, who is afraid for Bob's safety while Lang is at large, plans to havo her former lover trapped by the police. Ho is captured, tried, and sentenced to death. Whilo in prison awaiting execution, he plans a cruel revenge. Somo of his satellites involve Bob in a robbery, and the young man is also imprisoned. A cunning scheme comes to Lang, who ■ decides to pretend to forgive the boy, and to kill or maim him when ho gets closo enough. His plan is partly successful, but unforeseen circumstances ari3e and the film comes to an unexpected conclusion. In the rolo of Lang, Bancroft' is said to rise to new heights of dramatic acting, and he is said to be ideally suited to the part of a deadly underworld gang- . leader, who is ruled by a girl. The pictnro is exceedingly fast in action, and should appeal to all audiences. King Tiit, the clover dog, plays an important part in the picture, and his appearance should be an additional attraction. Tho supporting programme will include a number of shorter " talkies" of different interests. .

GRAND AND LYRIC.

A startling and intensely interesting '' 'drama is revealed in the Paramount production "Forgotten Faces," which will open a season at the Grand and Lyric Theatres to-day. Clive Brook, Alary Brian and William Powell form a combination of players in the leading roles which it would bo difficult to better.. The story is of a dapper criminal who, facing « life term in prison, takes his infant / daughter from nis degraded wife, and leaves her on tho doorstep of a wealthy family. Fifteen years later his vengeful wife succeeds in tracing the whereabouts of her daughter. She goes to the prison and taunts her husband with his helpless- '•? ness, and reveals her intention of dragging the girl to her own level. The man is released on parole, and immediately sets about to frustrate his wife's schem-

ing. She never sees him, but is con- ' tinnally reminded of his presence. The film, which abounds in exciting scenes of an tinoxpected naturo, was directed by Victor Schertringer, and should attract large audiences. The second feature will he a William Fox production, "The One Woman« Idea," with a large oast headed bv Rod La Rocque, Marceline Day and Sharon Lynn. The film deals with the love 'of a young Eastern prince for the wife of an English nobleman, and

is said to abound in interesting scenes. An Oriental atmosphere is said to have , been cleverly introduced by the director, and the film is rich in romance and adventure. > ;' .

STRAND THEATRE.

Jhe thrills of army life in India are / revealed in an unusual manner in "The Black Watch," Victor McLaglen's first •'talkie," which is now showing for an < extended season at the Strand Theatre. A notable cast is seen in support of McLa&len. Myrna Loy appears to advantage in/the rolo of Yasmani, the beautiful

leader of an army of fanatical Indian ifcribesmen, who are threatening revolt against British rule. The supporting cast includes David Rollins, Lumsden Hale, Hoy D'Arcy and many other loading players. Joseph Diskay, a noted operatic linger, appears in a suitable role, and Ijis fine voice is heard in several selections. Directed by John Ford, the film vas adapted from the story by Talbot Mundy, and deals with the career of Captain Kim* among the savage tribesmen of India. V.'\ superior officer tells him that the onl.y way to quell the rising is to gain the approval of Yasmani, and the

manner in which he ingratiates himself ■with her is told in a number of thrilling 1 scenes. The supporting programme includes a comedy, selections by a party of Hawaiian singei'3, and other short "talkies."

!■-. RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. A notable cast has been assembled in •"The Whip," the First National picture which will be shown at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres to-day and tomorrow. Dorothy Mackail I, Ralph Forbes, Anna Q. Nillson, Lowell Sherman and Alborfc Gran are tho principal players, and they, acquit themselves well in parts demanding unusual ability. The picture . abounds in thrilling scenes, and should attract large audiences. Tho story deals ■with the matrimonial troubles of Lord Brahcaster, who is angaged to marry Madame D'Aquila, a self-seeking woman who is marrying for money. Brancastor discovers her fraud, and leaves town for his country estate. On the way he meets with an accident, "which has most unexpected results. The second feature will be "The Harvest of Hate," an enjoyable production of unusual type.

EMPRESS THEATRE.

The excellent talking productions "The Leatherneck," starring William Boyd, and . " Gcraldine," featuring Marion Nixon and Eddie Quillan, hcaa the programme at the Empress Theatre to-aay. The principal feature on the new programme to-morrow will be " Strange Cargo." The action of the play takes place on Sir Richard Barclay's oceangoing yacht Sprite. The owner soon becomes unpopular with the large party of guests on-board the yacht and strange happenings occur. After one period in which the compass and lights of the ship nre affected, Barclay is missing and a, blood-stained knife is embedded in the floor. The mysterious characters in th* story include an armed stowaway and the ship's doctor, a man wanted by the police. The second attraction will be "The Office Scandal," in which Phyllis Haver is the principal. NATIONAL THEATRE. ;An attractive programme of silent films *>ll bo presented at the National Theatre to-day. The main feature is an absorbing drama-romance, "Forbidden Honrs," starring Ramon Novarro and Rcneo Adoree. The vivacious Patsy Ruth Miller has the leading role in the supporting attraction, "Beautiful But Dumb." The latest gazette and an excellent comedy are included in the shorter films. ARCADIA THEATRE. / Two talking pictures of an entertaining nature, "In Old Arizona" and "Btar Witness," head the attractive programme at the Arcadia Theatre. ■|j"' "NICOLA" SEASON. The world-famed magician "Nicola," supported by a large cast of versatile artists, will commence a season at St.. James* Theatre on Friday, September 27. A variety of novel, weird and uncanny tricks will be presented and a successful Beaton is anticipated. The arrangements for booking and other particulars are advertised.

BOXY THEATRE. Claimed to be one of the most dramatic talking pictures yet produced the Paramount production " A Dangerous Woman " will commence a aea&on at the Roxv Theatre, Queen Street, to-day. Tiie torrid heat of the tropics, the primitive life of the jungle, and the brooding mysteries of Africa, form the background upon which is woven the story of the lives of a few white people. Hero in a part of Africa where the resident, 'British Commissioner upholds the white man's law is flie story set. Clive Brook, the commissioner, is angry with the ilirtations that his Russian wife has with his assistants. The breaking point comes when her attentions with one of them leads to the man shooting himself. Brook can stand no more, and the household is broken up. To Brook comes the news that his brother is to bo his new assistant. To him ho must never let it bo known of the shadow in his domostic happiness. Brook and his wifo aro reconciled and the latter seems so penitent that Brook hopes that he can begin life Anew'. But when his brother succumbs to the wiles of his wife, and he sees his brother's life about, to ho ruined, he is forced to intervene. In desperation Brook poisons the lime juice which his wife is in the habit of drinking. Cook, a native servant, sees him do it and throws tho poisoned drink away, refilling the glass with water. The next morning Brook's wifo is found dead in bed with the drink untouched. How tho mystery is revealed makes an exciting climax. Tho difficult role of the wifo is played by the famous Russian actress Baclanova, whilo thero is a strong supporting cast. REGENT THEATRE. Adolph Menjou, tho suave player of man-about-town roles, has his first speakinn part in "Fashions in Love," the alltalking picture from tho Paramount studios, which will commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Menjou, whoso work in a number of previous successes has wOn him a considerable reputation, is said to have the most suitable part of liis career in "Fashions in Love," which has been adapted from tho stage play, "The Concert," bv Ilormann Bahr. Victor Schertzinger, who directed, is acknowledged to bo one of tho most capable directors in Hollywood, and ho will bo remembered for his work in "Redskin," "Forgotten Faces," and other enjoyable productions. Menjon is supported by notable artists. Fay Compton and Miriam Seeear. two well-known stage players, head the supporting cast, which includes John Miljan, Robert Welfare, Joan Standing and Russell Powell. Some enjoyable musical numbers have been included in the action of tho film, and tho theme song. "Delphine," was specially written by the director. The story deals with tho life of Paul do Romy, a famous musician, whose head is turned by the flattery of a number of infatuated women. Tho manner in which his wife contrives to keep his love makes tho basis of an unusual plot. A full supporting programme will bo screened.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

An exciting story of love and adventure is promised in "Masked Emotions," tho Fox production which heads the new programme to bo presented at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Adapted from the story by Ben Ames Williams, the film is interpreted by a large cast of celebrated players. George O'Brien, Norr. Lane and Farroll Macdonald are tho leading artists, and they are said to acquit themselves well in parts demanding unusual ability. Directed by David Butler and Kenneth Hawks, the film deals with the exploits of two friends, Bram Dickery and Thad Gilson, who aro enjoying an ocean cruiso in their sloop. They stumble upon tho activities of a party of Oriental smugglers, who capture Thad, and leave him almost lifeless on a small island. Bram finds his friend, and suspects that Emily, a girl whom they have met, and her father, are in league with the smugglers. After a series of exciting adventures, which occur in quick succession, tho smugglers are captured and tho film is brought to a happy conclusion. A full supporting programme will be screened. During tho season of "Masked Emotions," the Majestic Orchestra, which has been augmented by the addition of several other wellknown musicians, will present a special musical programme.

DENNIS BARRY RECITAL.

Leaving for a while the Shakesperean stage and drawing from an extensive repertoire of poetry, drajna and song, Mr. Dennis Barry gave his first recital of a season of three nights at the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The audience made up in enthusiasm for what it lacked in numbers and Sir. Barry was given a most cordial reception. Mr. Barry will bo remembered for his sterling work in romantic parts with Mr. Allan Wilkio and he carries the traditions of the romantic school into his recital work. He has a melodious speaking voice, a graceful manner and an undoubted sense of poetic and dramatic values. Of his elocutionary efforts Mark Antony's famous funeral oration from '' Julius Caesar " was the most popular, hilt his most finished work was dono in his recounting of Oscar Wilde's fairy tale, " The Happy Prince." Ho managed some excellent contrasts and seemed to capture the true spirit of Wilde. There was some fine dramatic characterisation in Laurence Housman's "Brother Wolfe," while A. A. Milne's " Natural Scienco" and Stephen Leacock's " The New Food " were given with tho appropriate touch of light humour. Mr. Barry also possesses a phasing light tenor voice and he used it to good effect in a number of Shakesperean and modem songs. A' delightful rendering was given to Chopin's " Lithuanian Song," while "Who is Sylvia?" with its lovely music by Schubert, was one of the gems of tho evening. Miss MargoC St. Lawrence Toner was responsible for fine accompaniments, sympathetically played, and her solo numbers revealed a blending of technique with rare artistry. Mr. Barry will continue his recitals this evening and to-morrow evening."

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE

Mary Brian and Richard Arlon are the principals in tho successful talking film " Tho Man I Love " which is being screened at tho Ciystal Palaco Theatre, Mount Eden. The powerful mvstery production, " Tho Canary Murder 6ase." is tho main feature on tho now programme to-morrow. Tho dramatic nature of the film is intensified by tho talking and sound-synchronised effects. Tho wellknows stars, < William Powell, James Hall and Louise Brooks play tho leading roles, while there is a strong supporting cast. The subordinate films comprise a number of all-"talkie" short items which have been specially selected,

ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY.

The St. Andrew's Society will present Graham Moffat's Scottish comedy " A Scrape o' the Pen " In the Town Hall concert chamber next Thursday evening. Special costumes and scenery have been designed for the production, which is under the capable direction of Mr. Kenneth Brampton. The booking arrangements for a season of three nights are advertised.