ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20383, 11 October 1929, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

Tho popular comodian, Mr. Jim Gerald, and his company of supporting artists, are now presenting . a bright rovne, "Happy Days," at St. James' Theatre.. Mr. Gerald, who is one of tho most talented humorists that has ever appeared in Auckland, onjoyed a successful season at tho old Opera llouso soino yoars ago, and his present season promises to bo equally well supported. ilo is responsible for a great proportion of tho humour in " Happy Days" and his clever jokes add considerably to tho merit of tho production. The revue abounds in now singing and dryicing numbers by members of tlio largo supporting company. Booking arrangements aro advertised. , TIVOLI THEATRE. - Tho otcollcnt sound-synchronised and talking programmo which marked tho innovation of "talkie" entertainment at tho Tivoli Theatro last evening augurs well for tho popularity and success of tho vonturo. Tho theatro lias also been completely renovated and incorporates tho latest ideas in theatre comfort. "Betrayal," a sound-synchronised Paramount production, which is tho principal fcatnro on the attractivo programmo, is an outstanding success. Tlio story is a drama of every-day life in tho pictnresqno surroundings of a .sequestered village in Switzerland. Human intorest, comedy and pathos all play their parts in this dramatic production. In a little village nestling amid tho majestio snow-clad Alps of Switzerland Andro Frcy, a young and romantic Vienneso artist, finds sublime happiness. His romantic temperament is clearly revealed when ho meets Vroni, a beautiful Swiss daughter of tho etornal snows. Beneath tho majestic splendour of tlio mountains they plight their troth. Andro is called to Vienna and upon his return discovers Vroni is to bo married to Poldi Moscr, the Mayor of tho village. Tho inevitable complications of tho etornal triangle then ensue. The powerful naturo of tho story is increased when Vroni and Andro aro killed while tobogganing. Tho fires of revenge within Poldi gradually dio down and he absorbs hirnsolf in caring for his two small sons. As Poldi Emil Jannings, tho celebrated German actor, wins fresh laurels for dramatic acting. His conflicting thoughts and his anguish of soul are vividly presented. Esther Ralston as Vroni and Gary Cooper, as Andre also appear to advantage. A feature of the film is its remarkable photography, which affords an index to the little-known lifo of Swiss people. The quaint and colourful dresses, tho gaily-decorated sleighs, and tho gaiety of tho village festivals aro also depicted. A comprehensive programmo of talking and sound synchronised snbjocts is included in tho-entertainment. A comedy and singing act of sidewalk conversation by the Howard Brothers, as they enicrgo from tho opera, in which they give imitations of the artists they havo just seen and hoard, affords excellent entertainment. Another talking subject, "In a Monastery Cell," includes many well-known pongs by popular artists. Tho theatre is splendidty adapted to tho introduction of talking pictures, and the talking installation last evening proved an outstanding SUCCCS3. LYRIC AND GRAND. Tho atmosphero of the fashionable London night clubs—tho resorts of men of all stations of life—is said to havo beon successfully transferred to th.o screen in the British production "Piccadilly," which heads the double-feature programme at the Lyric and Grand Theatres to-day. The leading roles are played bv Anna May Wong, Jameson Thomas and Gilda Gray, who are supported bv Hannah Jones, Cyril Richard and King Ho-Chang, a Chineso actor who makes his first appearance in "Piccadilly." Tho film deals with the career of Shosho, a Chineso scullery-maid in a London restaurant, who is discovered to bo a clever dancer. The manner in which sho achieves fame and the disastrous results of her popularity make an exceptional theme for tho film. Romance mixed with mischief and amusing mystery is said to mako up tho entertainment provided in "Tlio Naughty Duchess," tho supporting feature. Tho thomo of this comedy-farco was adapted from the novel "Tho Indiscretion of tho Duchess," by Sir Anthony Hope. Tho role of tho mischievous and provocative "Naughty Dnchess" is played by tho beautiful actress Eve Southon, while tlio notable cast includes H. B. Warner, Duncan Rinaldo, Gertrudo Astor, Martha Matton, Herbert Evans and Mnudo Turner Gordon. The duchess enters upon her career when she enters the train compartmont, in the Paris station, of the Duke of St. Maclou and asks him if ho will bo kind enough to pretend that sho is his wifo, so as to throw two detectives off tho scent. But they aro not easily deceived and many complications ensue before tho duke can explain tho position. STRAND THEATRE. A romance of life in the smaller States of .America, "Coquette," a* United Artists' all-talking production, offers excellent entertainment at tho Strand Theatre. Iho idol of the screen, Miss Mary Pickford, has her first talking role in this production. Tho naturo of tho part is also a dopartnro from Miss Pickford's usual juvcmle characterisations, and at the closo of iho story sho is seen as a pathetic and tragic figure. The thcino concerns tho lovo affairs of Norma Bosant, tho village coquette. The happy tenor of hor lifo is changed into gloom when her lover is killed by her hasty-judging father. How she is called upon to choose between saving her father's lifo and slandering her dead lover's character forms a dramatic climax. Prominent members of tho cast aro Mack Brown, John Sainpolisand Matt Moore. Tlio excellent supporting programme includes items by tho Flonzaley Qnartctto, saxophone numbers by Ruth Glanvillo, and an amusing comedy. PLAZA THEATRE. Past years with their glory and ignominy, their romanco and bitter conflict, aro said to bo revived in " Tho Divine Lady," Corrine Griffith's first _l' irst National Vitaplione picture which will bo screened at tho Plaza Theatre to-day. Adapted from tho popular novel by E. Barrington, and directed by Frank Lloyd, whoso many famous screen successes havo placed him in tho front rank of producors, "Tho Divine Lady" tells tho story of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, and of tho great victory at Trafalgar that won tho day for England and cost it the lifo of its greatest admiral. _ Tho supporting talking films will comprise items by an orchestra of 60 players, banjo numbers by Rov Shock and a selection from " Aida," by Martinelli, the Metropolitan opera singer. RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. A splendid double-feature programme, comprising "Stolon Pleasures" and "The Luck of the Navy," is being presented at tho Rialto and Epsom Regent' Theatres. The first attraction, "Stolen Pleasures," is a powerful drama of domestic lifo. The woll-known actress Dorothy Revier is cast as the beautiful wifo of a successful society man. Tho two quarrel and live apart. While at a cabaret tho woman soes her husband there with another woman. A fire breaks out and she is forcoci to jump from a Recond storey window. llow she makes hor way to tho city in her scorched clothes and runs into an unexpected situation, which leads to tho reconciliation of husband- and wife, makes an interesting story. The supporting feature, "The Luck of tho Navy," is a fast-moving comedy-drama of naval intrigue. CAPITOL THEATRE. A drama of tlio underworld lifo of Now York. " Speakeasy," will bo presented at tho Cnpitol Thent.ro this evening. The film is interpreted by a large cast of skilled players, and the sound and talking effects are remarkably clear. Tho picture deals with the career of a young lady journalist and abounds in exciting scenes.

BOXY AND C&Ut'AI.ACK

The mysteries of spiritualism have been deftly blended with criminal life in "Tho Hole in tho Wall," tho Paramount alltalking production which is now showing at tho Roxy and Crystal Palaco Theatres. Directed by' Robert Floroy, tho film is of an unusual typo and the settings, which aro weird and awesome, lend tho picture considerable realism. The leading players, Claudntto Colbert and Edward G. Robinson, liavo had oxlensivo stage experience, and thoir speaking voices add to tho merit of tho production. They aro supported by David Newell, Nelly Savage, Donald Meek, Alan Brooks, Louiso Closser Halo, Katherino Emmet, Marcia Kagno, Barry Maccollum, George McQnarrio and jlelcn Graho. " The Hole in the Wall" is an adaptation by Pierre Collings of a play presented on tho Broadway stage about seven years ago. It centres round a gang of criminals who employ tho aid or a medium and .spiritualistic means to gain their own ends in a series of daring crimes. Tho weird and uncanny manifestations of spiritualism are heavily stressed in tho picture. Tho story deals with a band, of criminals who have their headquarters ■ in the seanco chamber of Madame Mystera, a medium who aids the criminals by gaining information from her wealthy clients. After a particularly daring loobory Madame *3 killed, and a young girl, Jean Oliver, takes her place, and quickly assumes leadership of the gang. Sho is bent on wreaking vengeance on a woman who has wronged her; and the advontures and romances make tho basis of a thrilling plot. To-morrow another Paramount all-talking _ release, ■" A Dangerous Woman," will open at the Crystal Palaco. REGENT THEATRE. A production of considerable dramatic merit, "Madame X," is tho principalattraction on tho talking-film programme bfeing screened for an oxtondea season at tho Regent Theatre. Adapted from tho well-known stage play by Alexandre Bisson, tho film was directed by Lionel Barryiriore, and was released as an " alltalkio "by Motro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Mr. Barrymorc, who has had considerable stage and screen experience, appeared as Doylo, tho detectivo, in " Abas Jimmy Valentino," and his knowledge of tho film industry has enabled him to make a masterpiece of " Madame X." The theme is one of unusual interest.' Her life ruined by an unhappy marriage, Jacqueline, the principal character, leaves her home and sinks into obscurity. Her refined nature rebels against her sordid environment, and after a long struggle she regains her proper station in life. As Jacqueline, Miss Ruth Chatterton gives an excellent portrayal, acting the difficult part of ai woman who ages prematurely without losing all her beauty. Tho varied and novel shorter talking films aro of a high standard. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A comcdy-farce into which has been wovon a subordinate mystery drama, the Fox Movietone all-talking picture "Masquerade," will commence a season at tho Majestic Theatro to-day. The story concerns Dan Maitland, a young bachelor, who is puzzled by the movements of a mysterious and beautiful girl who ransacks his rooms. Later, ho unwittingly aids her to rob his own safe, and tlm action of tho storv becomes fast and fnnons until a surprising climax is reached. _ Alan Birmingham, who plays a dual role, is tho principal, while there is a strong cast. Tho supporting members will include a U.F.A. film, "Eaglet's Nest," a Fox Movietone News, a Pot Pourri review, and an all-talking comedy, "In Holland. EMPRESS THEATRE. Jack Holt, the popular actor, plavs the leading role in ''The Donovan Affair, tho all-talking picture which is now showing at the Empress Theatre. Dorothy Rcvier heads tho large supporting cast and appears to advantage opposite Holt. The sensational portion of tho film commences when Donovan, a notorious gambler, is stabbed in tho back in the dark after a dinner. A number of guests at dinner, _ all hostilo to Donovan, come under suspicion, and tho plavera of these roles, by clever acting, assist to mako the film a very exciting one, with a thrilling climax. A full supporting programme is shown. ARCADIA THEATRE. Tho solving of two mysterious murders forms an ingenious plot for " Tho Canary Murder Case," the " all-talkie" which is now showing at tho Arcadia Theatre. William Powell has tho leading role. v ■ CONCERT "AT HOSPITAL. Tho. Methodist City Mission concert party, led 'by Mr. Novillo Carlsen, gave another of its regular concerts in Ward 28 of tho Auckland Hospital last evening at tho invitation of tho mission hospital visitor, Mr. A. Hamblin. A varied programme was presented and was much appreciated. Those who contributed were Miss Jean Cowpcr, Miss Nancy Nov, Mr. and Mrs. Goorgo Davies, Mr. A. Hamblin, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Georgo Carlsen and Mr. Neville Carlson.