ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 21 September 1929, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" RIO RITA" SEASON. Enjoyable entertainment is offered at St. James' Theatre, whero . the . popular musical comedy "Rio Rita" is attracting largo nudiencos. Sot against the pictnresguo background of the! Rio Grando the play, with its striking Mexican costumes, is a feast of colour.' The story provides ample scope for excellent acting and singing numbers. Prominent mem-; bcrs of the cast are Miss Gladys Moncrieff, Mis,s Janetto Gilmore, Mr. Davo Mnllcn, Mr. Charles Nonrian and Mr. Lan IredaUt. Matineos will bo held this afternoon and. on Wednesday. The booking arrangements for the remaining five nights are advertised: ? , REGENT THEATRE. Cast in a rol6 of the type that lifts won him famo all over the world, Adolphe Menjou is heard speaking for . the first time on a local screen in "Fashions In Love," the Paramount talking production which heads the attractive programme to commence showing at the Regent Theatre to-day. Declared ,hy critics in pther countries to be the best picture that this Eopular actor has ever made, "Fashions In ovo" is the story of a master musician whose playing evokes the admiration of numerous women. Although always protesting against their praise ho yields to their flattery, and allows himself to become involved in a scries of flirtations, which become known to his wife. She understands his personality, and knows that there is no seriousness in his love- | making, but a time comes when she der cides that ho should be taught a lesson. To this end sho avails herself of the opportunity offered when the musician temporarily falls in lovo with a young girl > who idolises him on account of his artis? try. Putting herself in the background, the wifo soon finds that the girl has a husband who is willing to aid her in 4 scheme of retribution, and when , tho musician and the girl arc discovered in •a cabin in tho mountain's together a series of complications ensues. It is claimed that Aclolpho Menjou has never been seen to such advantage as in tho role of Paul de Remy, the musician round whom tho theme revolves, while Fay Compton, tho celebrated English actress, appears 1 as the wifo. Sho is said to add to her previous triumphs in this part, her fine screen presence being augmented by tho charm of hor English voice. -Others in tho cast include Miriam Seegur, who has been a prominent figure on the London stage for a number of years, John Miljan, Robert Welfare, Joan. Standing and Russell Powell. A fine selection of short ieatures is included in tho supporting programme. "Bird in tho Hand," a .Christie comedy, heads the subordinate films, which include numbers by the Harmony Boys, the famous recording artists, and a singing cartoon, "Mother Pin a Rose On Mo."

STRAND THEATRE. .* "Hie Black 'Watch," the thrilling Foi all-talking production, continues to attract crowded audiences to the Strand Theatre, where it is entering the third week of a successful season. The story deals with the career of Captain Donald King, of the Black Watch, who is summoned to the War Office on tho eve of his departure for France with the regirnont. lie is entrusted with a dangerous mission in India, where a large body of natives, led by Ynsmani, a beautiful halfcaste, are planning to revolt against British rule. The manner in which lie quells the threatening uprising makes a thrilling theme for the production. The popular Victor McLaglen £ives a splendid performance as Captain King, and opposite him, in the role of Yasmani, Myrna Loy gives an excellent interpretation. Other members of the notable cast' are David Rollins, Lumsden • Hare, Mitchell Lewis, Cyril Chadwick, Claude Kingand Francis Ford. Tho supporting programme .include* shorter talking pictures of.interest. ; ■ - :■ ~>■ .

GRAND AND LYRIC. Tho dramatic sacrifice made by a criminal to save his daughter from disgrace and ruin forms tho theme of "Forgotten Faces," the chief attraction on a splendid double-feature programme . 'now showing at tho Grand and Lyric Theatres. The stoiy, which is one of powerful emotions, concerns tho efforts of a convict who is on parole to protect his daughter from the efforts of his worthless wifo to drag her down to tho wife's level, Included in the picture is a pleasing romance woven round the life of tho daughter, who is brought up by wealthy people and is unaware - what her father has been. Clive who ranks among the most talented actors on the screen, Baclanova, Mnry Brian and William Powell are tho chief figures in a splendid cast. ■ The second attraction is "Tho One Woman Idea," a Fox Films production dealing with the love of a Persian princo for tho wife of an English aristocrat. Part of the background of tho picture is provided by scenes of Oriental splendour, in which a story of romance, intrigue and passion is unfolded. Rod La llocquc, Marceline Day, Sharon Lynn and Sally Phipps are tho principal players. MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. "Tho Woman Disputed," the drama of an outcast woman's redemption, in which Norma Talmadgo has tho greatest role of her carcor, will be presented at the Moulin Rouge Theatre tin's evening.. The character of Mary Ann Wagner, heroine of the film, has been described by critics as ono of unusual strength and fascination. Her life is a drama of regeneration, romance and conflict-between self,and Sacrifice. Two men, inseparable fall in lovo with her, and on the outbreak Of war the 1 men join opposing forces. The resultant adventures of the three form tho basis. of' an unusual plot; Suo Carol has tho leading role in the second film, "The Exalted Ilapper," which deals with'tho adventures of a young princess who visits America. A special programme will be presented at the matinee performance.

SUBURBAN THEATRES

Attractive programmes will be presented at the various FuUer-Hayward suburban theatres this afternoon and this evening. Throe fino films will bo «hown at the Prince Edward Theatre, where tho principal feature will be the screen vorsion of Zane Grey's book, "The Sunset Pass," starring jack Holt. Supporting films will bo "Modern Marriage" and "Tho Lost Patrol." At* tho Grey Lynn Cinema "Tho Veiled Woman," with Lia Tora, and "Piccadilly," with Anna May Wong, will bo tho chief attractions. "Cioar the Docks" and "Tho California!! Mail" will bo screened at tho Devonport Parish Hall, and "Joy Street" arid "A Woman on Trial," featuring Pola Negri, head the programmo at the Birkenhead Parish Hnll. NATIONAL THEATRE. "Forbiddon Hours," a romance of lovo and youth, starring Ramon Novarro and Renee Adoree, is tne principal attraction at the National Theatre, The supporting foaturo is "Beautiful, But Dumb," an entertaining comedy-drama in which the vivacious Patsy Ruth Miller is the star. Tho shorter films are of an interesting nature. ■ J - :

« ARCADIA THEATRE. The picturesque outdoor drama "In Old Arizonrl-" will bo shown for tho last time at tho Arcadia Theatre, Newton, this evening. Tho next attraction will bo "Sins of tho Fathers,!' starring Emil Jannings. ' . . '

PICTUBEPROMB, MILFORD. A bright comedy, "Oh, What a Night," starring Misa Bebo Daniels, has been secured for tho Milford Picturedrome this eyonirig. Two hours of dancing will follow th» pictures.

PLAZA THEATRE. A splendid '.'talkie'' melodrama occupies first place in the new programme at the Plaza Theatre, and a large audience last evening enjoyed its thrills and excitement. ' "Thunderbolt" mixes its drama with sonje amusing comic relief alid the talking and photography are good ,to hold the attention. Thero srn several highly . tense situations, such as the polico raid on a cabaret, with the hero, a sort of twentieth century Dick Turpin, effecting a sensational escape under the very noses of a corps of armed detectives, and the scenes in the death cells at Sing Sing prison, with the hero plotting the death of his hated rival in love behind tho bars of his iron cage. These scenes make good theatrical fare and grip the emotions, George Bancroft, who promises to become a screen favourite of the first magnitude,, has a role in this picture splendidly suited to his masculine qualities. As JimV Lang, nicknamed "Thunderbolt," he plays the part, with considerable strength and 'dramatic ability, of a leftder of the underworld, a criminal of importance, who is sought by tho polico on charges of murder and robbery. His love for the girl Ritzy is one of his redeeming features. To please herj ho risks capture and takes her to a night club, only to suffer the blow of being told she no longer loves him. When th* situation reaches its most dramatic point the club is raided and Thunderbolt just" manages to escape. Removed for awhile from the presence of her persistent lover,, the girl meets and falls in love with a bank clerk, who promptly earns tho enmity of Thunderbolt, doubly more daneorous now that his place has been usurped by someone else. Only too well aware ,<jf the danger to which hep fiance is exposed,; the girl betrays Thunderbolt to the police, and in time procures his capture. He is sentenced to death for murder and incarcerated in Sing- Sing to await the final punishment. There he is consumed with rage and' bitter fury,-' not against tho girl, who still commands, his affection, but against' tho man who has taken her from him. He forms a< grim resolution to kill his rival, who iff eventually "framed-up" by Thunderbolt's gang anil also sentenced to the dread penalty on a charge of murder. Thus the two men come to face each other, like caged, animals, in opposite cells, and Thunderbolt is compelled to witness tha marriage in prison of the girl to his hated rival. This final act brings out all tho malignity in his nature. He plots a desperate revenge —to kill the lad by feigning repentance for tho *'framc-up.' He asks, as a last favour, that ho-be -permitted to shako hands with each of. his fellow prisoners, intending, when he' reaches his rival's cell, to kill him. This is the moment when the audience/ is' keyed up to a pitch of intense excitement, but the blownever falls. Thunderbolt, brutal though he bo, has the makings of a gentleman, and 'goes to his death with a laugh, firm in tho knowledge that the girl is safe m tho arms of a man she really loves. George Bancroft. goes, tbrouh these scenes with. compelling strength find a" voice, that carries well in the new screen medium. In addition to the main picture ther© are several entertaining supports, * some 'cello solos by Horace. Britt, being notable wonderful truth' of the reproduction. Miller and Farrell sing'catchy airs at the piano, and a jazz band plays dance tunes to the accompaniment 01 some humorous antics.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. An absorbing mystery drama ideally suited to talking picture purposes the Paramount attraction " The Canary .Murder .Case " will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, for a short season commencing to-day The leading players are William Powell, who has the role of Philo Vance, the amateur detective, James Hall, as one of the persons suspected of murdering the "Canary," and Louise Brooks, who takes the name part. The suspense is cleverly maintained throughout to make-one of the most enthralling mystery ",' pictures shown for some time. V

EMPRESS THEATRE. Eibt-class: entertainment , comprising tho two talking pictures " Strange Cargo " and " The Office Scandal " will bo offered at the Empress Theatre, Newton, to-day. An absorbing mystery is unfolded in the first attraction, "Strange Cargo," tho action of which takes pjlace on a pleasure yacht at sea. Tho principal roles .are in the capablo hgads of Lee Patrick, June Nash, George Barraud, Frank Reichor, Claude King and Warner Richmond, Phyllis Haver has the leading role in the'second picture, a powerful. story of - newspaper life. CHILDREN'S PICTURES. "A special matinee programme; for children will be presented at the Lyric Theatre this afternoon. The principal film will be "That's My Baby,'' in which Douglas McLean appears in the leading role. The story deals with the amusing adventures which befall a young man.who finds a'lost baby at a fair. His efforts to restore the child to its parent are said to .result in a number of humorous scenes. The [supporting programme will include „a comedy and a gazette. ORGAN RECITAL. Hie programme arranged for the organ recital to be given by Mr. Maughan Barnett in the Town Hall to-morrow evening will include works by Bach, Mailly and Peace. Other items will be Guilmant's dramatic "Funeral March" and "Hymn of Seraphs," Wagner's "Star of Eve" and two popular minuets by Mozart and Beethoven. SUNDAY CONCERT. Tho series of Sunday evening Rationalist concerts in „tlie Majestic Theatre .will bo continued t'p-morrow evening, starting at seven (o'clock. In addition to a number of suitable moving .pictures Mr. Norman Torry will speak oil "-Tho Major Adventures of a Minor Novelist." • - MUNICIPAL CHOIR. The programme for the Municipal Choir

concert in the Town Hall this evening will include choral works by Mendelssohn, Byrd and McEwen, Gorman's "Rolling Down to Rio," and a quaiut old English nir, "The Farmer's Daughters." Miss Mary MacCormick will sing "A. Birthday Song" and two songs by Hagem-in. Miss Jean Allen, will play ft number Of instrumental selections.' Mr. E. Randal will bo tho organist for choir pieces, and Mr. Leo. Whittakor will accompany. The city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, will conduct and play organ solos. . . BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. ' Tho Bohemian Orchestra will give the third concert of the current season in tho Town Hall on Thursday evening. Conducted by Mr. . Colin Muston, and led by/ Miss Edith Whitelaw, the orchestra will play a number of enjoyable selections from the works of well-known composers. The programmo will include "Hungarian March," by.Berlioz; "Beethoven's "Egmont Overture," the famous intermezzo from Masoagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Tho Bumbla Bee," by RimskiKorsakov. Madame Cora Melvin wiU sing t\v;o solo numbers, and will be heard with Mr. N. Day in " In a Garden of Roses.." Particulars of the opening of the box plan are advertised. MUNICIPAL BAND. An excellent programme; will- be presented by ths Municipal Band at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon a£ three o'clock. Among the numbers to be played are the overture "Semiramide," a selection from "Lucia di Lamme'rmoor," the inarch "Viva , sceno, "In a Persian . Market".; . >S(;ona, "The Miserere Scene," from '"lT'Ttovatore''j n selection the pperas of Offonhachj with" bright marches 1 arid hymn tunes. Mr. E. Pholoung will render the j clarionet solo ."Concertino," by Weber, and a piccolo solo will be played by Mr; H. C. McLennan*

.MAJESTIC THEATRE: Emotio™," ihfck commenced a season at tho Majestic Theatre yesterday, is a fihn of considerable, merit, de- : picting the Bturing of two young men who involved in exciting episodes during: a. lioliday cruise on' tho San Francisco coast. It is one of the best silent films. released in Auckland. Excellent supports and a ! specially augmerited orchestra under Mr. Whiteford Waugh contributes to a first-class programme. Tho orchestra is responsible for a musical treat in the rendering' of Liszt'g ' ' "Liebestranm." For excellence of production. "Masked Emotions" ranks high among recent productions, and as a silent film it long be, remembered for its realistic acting and beautiful scenes. The story concerns two young men, Brain Dickerv, played by -George O'Brien; andTlmd Gilsou ( David Sharpe),. a young college freshman, who arc engaged upon a ' holiday cruise, when they unexpectedly find themselves involved in startling adventures. Putting into Split Apple Island, a lonely outpost,-they accidentally-; come upon an almost deserted schooner ( being used for , the illegal transfer of Chinese, unknown t& the captain and- his beautiful Goodcll, played " by Nora Lane. Unwittingly, through s desire to make .the girl's acquaintance, they are drawn into startling advontures. " which ultimately lead to the exposure of the illicit trade and a happy conclusion, in which Dickery turns to the girl in a new'ftfund love, Tho Story centres around' picturesque coastal scenes and the photo- * graphy throughout is excellent. No effort has been spared to make the film an * artistic triumph. Several of the scenes are notable, for sheer, beauty of produc-. tion, the ruggfed -country washed by tho Pacific being admirably depicted. The action throughout moves quickly and the - theme lends itself to a presentation of fast-moving, action... ( George O'Brien, . whose wore has been proved in previous productions, mates an admirable adven- ! turer,, carefree and suited to the role'of: 11 one wild is forced/to find- his happiness,;-,;i only after strenuous trials. Nora Lane, as the girl, proves to .be an actress of outstanding ability. lifer role is a difficult' ' one, calling for-emotional aptitude. The y; fiJmis one which should have a wido appeal, both for., the love story, which runs . through it and for its exciting theme.

ROXY THEATRE. j Another remarkable all-talking produc.lion from the Paramount studios, MA Dapgerous Woman," commenced a season' at the Roxy Theatre yesterday. Tho film, '" which was directed by Rowlcnd Lee, is one of the most interesting ;' < talkies" o£.. tlie season, and should enjoy considerable . popularity. A notable cast appears-in tho ' leading roles, and each player gives a fino performance. Clive Brook, who made such an outstanding figure in "Interference," is again seen in a suitable part* $ He. is supported,,by. Baclanova, the. Rbs- ; ;. "sian actress, Neil Hamilton, Leslie F<in-

ton, Clyde Cook and 'Snitz Edwards. " The 1 ' slory deals withvtb*''careei''-Mf a:-British 1 commissioner ,of.- ; a? colony iiifCphtral; East. Africa. In; spite .ot-.the .infidelity., o?. his g&i wife, he cannot, renounce Ker of ? hef magnetilr perStmali'ty,'/which invariably attracts impressionable young man; The: commissioner's younger brother is sent out-«. from England, as ail assistant, .and the,, Russian wife immediately sets, about attrading the new arrival. Hie older brother is horrified to see his wife ensnaring the boy, and- so plans her death. The unexpected results of his plan make a' theme of absorbing,interest, which -cul-'. , minates in an .unexpected climax. : J;

I;JASPER'S CONCERT. ' ; The seventh annual-Concert arranged fey the Rev. Jasper Calder will be held in tho ■ Town Hall on Tuesday evening, in aid'of -City fbnds. The of a very varied nature , and includes items by Mr. Ernest Sncll, .Misa Irene Frost, the Nifty, Three, Misses Laura . and Ida Walker, Mr. K. Vf. Liddle.'ltfr. ' Norman Tate, 1 Mr. H. Chatxvin, the' Kin- ' leys, choruses by the Mission Choir,' and a; unique gymnasium display by A. * members. A dramatic sketch, '■'Sherlock-,.-; IMmes,'' will- ba staged,-; -tfie players - , being the Rev.: Jasper Calder (Holmes). Dr. Barraclough,, (Professor Moriartv) and Miss Edna Herrick; (Billy). Booking arrangements are advertised. NAVY LEAGUE SOCIAL. A social evening will be held, iu the Navy League rooms on Monday evening, ; . wlien an enjoyable-programme of musical items, arranged" .by Miss. Edna: Thomas, ~ will be presented. All members and - a friends are invited; . ■- V" "

'«A SCRAPE & THE PEN." "A Scrape o' the Pen," the well-known comedy by Graham Moffat, Will be pre-• . sented by the- St.-Andrew's- -Soteiety -in > the Town Hall concert chamber for a son of three nights, commencing-'toil - - Thursday everiingj of:: Wednesday , evening, as was originally >in production is being '-'directed 'by iMr, V _ Kenneth Brampton, and is said-'tohava .) been arranged-" jh ah : elaborate'-'* JnamMrtv : V Booking ar&ngembnts ■ ; *a^. { adtr©Ctised r . • ... .- v , .r; -.. «< NICOLA " SEASON. The * r Nicola,7t ' v assisted by a talented company, will''? commence a short season at St." James* Theatre next Friday '' Nicola * is well versed., in.; all the arts of stage magic and an exlubition of weird and unCanny tricks *is promised. Some' years have dapsed since—' Nicola's *' last appearance in New Zealand, and- his, forth- . cioming visit should be a welcome-one* The arrangements for booking and otlioti details are 'advertised. : _ ; \£' . .-.