ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20384, 12 October 1929, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

DUSOLINA giannini

1 That Now Zealanders should have tho »ipportunity of hearing tho glorious young soprano Dusolina Giannini practically at tho outset of :i career which promises to lie one of the most remarkable in musical history is duo to tho enterprise of Mr. E. J- Gravestock, who has brought, to this country a host of musical celebrities, including Backhaus, Charles Hackott, tho late Jean Gerardy, Lipkovska and Rosina Buckman. In introducing Giannini to Australia and New Zealand Mr. GravoUtock declared his firm belief that this young singer would immediately be recognised as the indisputable successor to Jlelba, Clara Butt and Galli-Curci—and this in spite of the opposition of modern "mechanical music. Tho enthusiasm aroused bv Giannini in Sydney and Melbourne would .seem to justify Mr. Gravestock's prediction. Commenting on (lie. fact of some hundreds being turned away from a matinee performance, tho Melbourne Argus said:—" Such a happening honours the artist and vindicates I ho musical name of the city. This was the seventh concert of a series which might, easily continue for several weeks, so keen is tho delight of all intelligent music-lovers in Giannini's wonderful art. . . . Discerning listeners realise that, they are in the presence of one of the great singers of the world." Two concerts will bo given in the Auckland Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday, October 22 and 24.

PLAZA THEATRE. 'A sweeping panorama of the stirring ! 'days at tho closo of tho 18th century doi pitting the epic struggle between Franco and England for supremacy of the seas is presented in " Tho Divine Lady," the First National Vitaphone production which ■was screened before a large and apprecia- ' five audience at the Plaza Theatre last, evening. Woven into tho historic and dramatic nature of the film is the immortal romance of Lord Nelson and Lady HamilI .ton. The successful manner in which the nmbitious undertaking of presenting liisj- torv and romance side by side is accom- , plished is another triumph for sound- ' synchronised productions. The story first t relates the meteoric rise of Emma Cadogan ■from a child of humble extraction to her high social position as tho wife of Lord 'Hamilton, British Ambassador to the ; Court of Spain. As the " divine lady," [•Lady Hamilton, Miss Corinne Griffith ' gives an outstanding portrayal. Her . natural beauty and coquetry make a universal appeal. Her spontaneous gaiety wins the temporary friendship of Charles Greville, the unscrupulous nephew of Lord . Hamilton, who, playing upon her affection for him. sends her to Spain. His longcherished hones of inheriting his uncle's • fortune are scattered when Lord Hamilton !,makes Emma l\is wife. No longer is •JCorinne Griffith cast as the unsophisti- : cated country girl: she is now seen as ! ithe attractive Lady Hamilton, an accomplished musician and singer, and tho idol of the Spanish Court. Her finely-moulded features, her delicate, tapering fingers, and her passionate nature, that so inspired the celebrated artist, Romney, arc faithfully delineated. Meanwhile, the fiery cross of Napoleon had flashed through the European constellations, and her title of . i" mistress of the sea " challenged England, Ttho declared war on France. With scurvy-stricken orews the British Fleet j under Captain Nelson anchors in tho picturesque bay of Naples to re-provision. Lady Hamilton, by the permissible licence of the producer, is instrumental in breaking Spain's neutrality in tho war, and ICelson secures fresh stores. In tho dream city of Naples, its rock-bound shores ■washed by the white-crested waves emblematic of England's power, Lady Hamilton and Nelson, portrayed by Victor Varconi, discover their mutual love, and are responsible for convincing emotional acting. Vivid reproductions of tho battles of the Nile and Trafalgar are features of the picture. The reverberating thunder of cannon, the crash of falling masts and the cries of the dying are all recorded. Through the pall of smoke, stabbed by the glitter of steel, is seen tho heroic onearmed figure of Nelson directing the battles. The final scenes showing Nelson lying mortally wounded on the Victory after the defeat of the French Fleet, with the visionary figure of Lady Hamilton hovering over him. are of unusual merit. Victor Varconi and C'orinne Griffith share the honours for acting and characterisation, while H. B. Warner, as Lord Hamilton, and the other players appear to advantage. There is no dialogue in the picture, the action of the story being too fast. The realistic sound effects add considerably to the absorbing nature of the film, while several enjoyable songs are Tendered by Corinno Griffith. Splendid entertainment is offered in the variety of shorter " talkie " films. Of outstanding interest is "Celeste Aida," from Verdi s famous grand opera by Giovanni Martirelli, the celebrated .Metropolitan opera star. Sung amid the impressive settings of a long-forgotten age, " Celeste Aida " with its stirring passages is a conspicuous success. A feast of music is provided in the overture " Evolution of Dixie," played by the Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra of 60 players. Novelty items by Roy Sheck, a versatile musician, together with an amusing cartoon, " A Horso Talc," featuring " Oswald " the rabbit, and an entertaining gazette, complete an attractive And well-balanced programme.

STRAND THEATRE. A star -who featured prominently in Jnoving pictures for many years, Mary Pickford makes a welcomo reappearance in "Coquette," her first "talkie," which is now showing for an extended season at the Strand Theatre. Mary Pickford made lor reputation in "little girl" roles, but in her latest film, a "United Artists alltalking release, she has an entirely different, part, that of a sophisticated young fwoman. Her speaking voice, which has Sever previously been heard from the screen, is pleasing, and her acting is of ■* high standard throughout. The film, rwhich is directed by Mr. Sam Taylor, is fcased on the successful stage production by George Abbott and Ann Preston Bridgers. The story deals with the career of an attractive .girl who flirts with a nurnfcer of men until sho meets one whom she teally loves. There are many dramatic i|p moments in the picture, which should continue to attract large audiences. The I'jpporting programme includes an instrumental item by the famous Flonzalcy ,Quartette, the, Fox Movietone News, a comedy featuring George Robey, and " items by Ruth Glanville, the. American laxophonist.

FULLER-HAYVVARD THEATRES. Excellent entertainment will be provided Fuller-Hayward suburban theatres this •fternoon arid evening. Special long programmes will bo shown at the I'rinco Edward Theatre. An exciting racing picture, " Tho Whip," heads the programme, *nd is followed by a bright comedy-drama l "Love Over Night" and a further thrilling film of adventure, " Underground." - Both talking and silent, films will bo shown at tho Victoria Theatre, Devonport, where the principal feature will bo " Love Over Night." Tho supporting " talkies " will include a sketch, " I Want My Man," !*vith Daphne Pnllard, tho famous English comedienne. At the Grey Lynn Cinema n fine double-feature program mo will bo •creened. Tho features are " The Exalted Flapper," with Sue Carol, and a domestic drama, "Matrimony."

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "The Dangerous Woman," a dramatic. «fory of life in Central East Africa, is the current attraction at the Crystal Palace ffbeatre. Mount Eden. Tho film is regarded as ono of the best of its kind yet produced at the Paramount studios. The Btory is sefc in a part of Africa where the resident British Commissioner is the sole representative of law and order. Clive Brook plays with distinction the part of the commissioner, angered by the flirtations and scheming of his Russian wife, •cted by Baclanova. This domestic discord is followed by many sensational and Mysterious happenings, leading up to an Unexpected climax.. A good supporting programme will also be screened at both fcatinee and evening sessions to-day.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

A film in which drama and comedy arc intensified by perfect dialoguo and sound sequences, "Masquerade," was presented before a crowded house at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Louis Joseph Vance wrote "Tlio Brass Bowl," the story from which tho film was adapted, and the screen version is a decided success. Directed by Russell J. Birdwoll for Fox Movietone, tho picture is rich in comedy, and is full of action. Alan Birmingham distinguishes himself in tho dual rolo of the popular young clubman and tho notorious burglar, and ho plays both parts with equal success. As Dan Maitland, tho young millionaire, he gives a restrained portrayal in keeping with the character lie represents, and as Anistv, the burglar, ho makes a smooth villain. Somo extremely clever photography, by me,lns of which Birmingham is seen' in two roles at the same time, lends unusual realism to the film, which baffles tho audience to the last. In tho rolo of a beautiful young girl who is seeking to freo her father from prison, Miss Leila TTyams is suitably cast. Her voire. which is clear and distinct, added to her skill as an actress, show her to advantage in "Masquerade," and she makes a particularly dainty heroino. Tho comedy, which comes' in welcome contrast to the more serious portions of tho picture, is provided by Clyde Cook, the diminutive English humorist, whose Cockney accent and Cockney impertinence lead t<> some of the most, enjoyable scenes in the film. lie appears as Ma if land's valet, and his complete bewilderment at the quick action of the film and the swift, changes of scene uives good cause for tho laughter with which his appearance is invariablv granted. Cook was always popular in silent, comedies, but in the "talkies" he is better than ever. Other members of tho largo supporting cast are Farrell Mac Donald, who makes tho most of the part of a thick-headed detective, and Arnold Lucy. Tho film deals with the exploits of a young millionaire who returns from abroad to find that his apartment has been ransacked. He believes that a cirl is responsible, but matters are complicated when Anistv. a notorious thief, who bears n striking resemblance to the hero, becomes involved. The supporting programme is headed by a comedv, "Tn Holland," in which Clark and McCullough. the wellknown artists, have a series of exciting adventures at the hands of an excitable Dutch tulip-grower and his pretty daughter. The Kentucky Jubilee Singers provide a series of negro melodies, and a Russian sin cor also contributes a selection. A U.F.A. release, "Eaglet's Nest." depicting the adventures of a hardy young mountaineer, and the Fox Movietone News, complete an enjoyable programme.

BOXY THEATBE. Spiritualistic melodrama, and the activities of criminals are clevei/ly coupled to make " The Hole in the Wall," now showing at. the Roxv Theatre, an unusually mystifying film. " Weird and awesome settings lend realism to the film. The title refers to the author's conception of a small cranny in a wall separating this visible world from the spiritualistic world, and through which favoured persons may gain occasional glimpses of that world beyond. A gang of criminals is in the confidence of a spiritualistic medium, Madame Mvstora. who aids them to prey upon her credulous clientele of wealthy people. The activities of the police introduce new pli.-.ses into the story and lend further excitement. Claudetto Colbert, one of the most popular young leading women on the Broadwav stage, was cast, for tho rolo of Madame Mvstera, and fills it with considerable ability. Several other actors with stage experience are included in the cast. Excellent supporting pictures are also screened at all sessions.

REGENT THEATRE. A film of unusual interest, "Madame X," will commence tho final week of its season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Adapted from tho well-known film play by Alexandre Bisson, tho film was directed by Lionel Barrymore, and was released as an "all-talkio" by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. In tho title role, Miss Ruth Chatterton gives a fine portrayal, and her work in" the final scene sets a new standard in dramatic acting. She plays tho difficult part, of a woman who ages prematurely without, losing all her beauty, and throughout the entire film her acting is of the best. Other players are Lewis Stone. Holmes Herbert, Raymond Hacket and Eugenie Besserer. The story deals with tho life of Jacqueline, a beautiful young girl, who marries a man who does not understand her. She runs away and gradually sinks lower and lower in society, until she is mixing with an undesirable class of people. Tho manner in which sho finally redeems herself is told in a powerful climax. The supporting programme includes a variety of shlvtcr talking pictures.

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. Talking and silent pictures of a high standard will be shown at the Moulin Rouge Theatre, Rcrnuera, this afternoon and evening. An additional attraction in the evening will bo the playing of the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. J. Whiteford Waugh, during the pictures and for the, dancing to follow. r l lie. principal feature will bo " Black Magic," with Henry B. Walthall and Josephine. Dunn. A bright programme of talking and singing supports will also be screened.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Talking drama replete with action and thrills, " The Donovan Affair " is drawing large houses to the Empress Theatre during its present short season there. The popular actor of outdoor roles, Jack Holt, has tho part of a blustering detective in tho picture. Excitement reaches a high pitch when Donovan, a notorious gambler, is mysteriously stabbed among a £roup of society persons. A full supporting programme of talking pictures is also shown.

riCTUREDROME THEATRE. Adapted from tho Elinor romance " The Man and the Moment" is the entertaining film of married lifo to lie shown at the I'icturedrome, Milford, this evening. Dancing will follow the pictures.

CAPITOL THEATRE. The Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road, now fitted with tho latest Western Electric talking apparatus, will this evening show tho bright talking drama "Speakeasy." A fino programme of short talking pictures will be shown in support.

COMEDY OPERETTA. In aid of the effort to establish a Rover section of the Boy Scout movement in Auckland, .Miss Lillian Braithwaito and tho pupils of Madame Valeska will present the comedy operetta " The Bosun's Bride" in tho Town Hall Concert Chamber this evening.

W.E.A. PLAYS. « The members of tho W.E.A. Drama Class and Dramatic Club will present three short plays in the Technical College Hall, Wellesley Street, this evening. On Tuesday evening Dr. Raymond Firth will givo a free public lecture under the auspices of the association in the University Collego Hall. Ho will speak 011 Ihe Human Sido of Savago Life, ' and will illustrate his talk with lantern slides.

ARCADIA THEATRE. The fine mystery drama " Tho Canary Murder Case" will be shown for the last fimo at the Arcadia Theatre to day. Next week's attraction will be " The Wolf Song," a fine singing picture.

GARDEN FAIR. A garden fair, in aid of the Salvation Army annual self-denial appeal, will be held at the Grango Children's Home, Clifton Road, Heme Bay, to-day. Many attractive stalls have been arranged, and the function should prove very popular. Further details are advertised.

ORGAN RECITAL. The programme selected by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Harriett, for tomorrow evening's organ recital in the Town Hall will include suitable compositions by Mendelssohn, Bach, Saint-Saens and Tschaikowsky. Hollins' " Spring Song " and Barrett's " Coronach " will also be played.