ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE DESERT SONG." The spectacular musical comedy "The Desert Song" is attracting large audiences at His Majesly's Theatre. The play includes catching tunes, whirlwind dancing and witty dialogues. A male chorus of 40 voices and a grand ballet of 60 dancers are features of the presentation. The picturesque settings, smart uniforms and gorgeous costumes are of outstanding interest. A matinee will be held this afternoon. Booking arrangements aro adver : tised.

REGENT THEATRE. Tho Four Marx Brothers, prominent American comedians, aro tho principals in "Tho Cocoanuts," the Paramount alltalking musical comedy which will commence at the Regent Theatre to-day. The stage version created a sensation in New

York, enjoying a season of immense popularity for nearly a, year. All tho infectious comedy, delightful dancing and popular melodies which captivated audiences •'ave been admirably captured by the camera. The production is a triumph for tho Marx brothers. Besides his inimitable acting, Harpo plays the harp. Although be violates all accepted technique, he is considered one of tho most accomplished artists in the United States. Chico, who is a pianist of note, is also an excellent comedian, employing an unusual finger technique that is always provocative of much laughter. Groucho, considered by many to be the funniest of the four, contributes most of the comedy, although ho nover smiles. Zeppo, the youngest, is also a clever comedian. Mary Eaton and. Oscar Shaw, who supply the romance, aro each heard in several vocal numbers, tho former singing "When _ My Dreams Come True." a number specially composed for the production by Irving Berlin. The story has been set amid the romantic background of Florida, and the theme is a satire on the real estate boom. A debutante, who is staying at an expensive hotel with her socially ambitious aunt, meets and falls in with an impecunious hotel clerk, who indulges in

"get rich quick" schemes with dire results. The dancing of tho ballets is one of the spectacular and beautiful parts of the film, 60 gorgeously attired girls performing. In iddition to the main feature a comprehensive selection of enjoyable "talkie and sound supports will be shown. These include an amusing comedy, an Audio Review and a topical irazette showing world-wide events.

GRAND AND LYRIC. Threo pictures of diverse interest and offering the best in entertainment, comprise the programme which is attracting enthusiastic audiences to the Grand and Lyric Theatres. The first attraction is "Burning Daylight," a First National production, starring Milton Sills, the wellknown actor of dramatic roles. The picture has been adapted from the life-story of Jack London, the famous American author. Doris Kenyori appears in support of Sills. " Soft Living," an enjoyable comedy-romance, with the vivacious Madge Bellamy and Johnny Mack Brown in the leading parts, is the second feature. "Soft Living" tells of a _ city girl who marries a handsomo millionaire from the timber country for his money, arid later falls in love with him. Miss Bellamy plays the role of Nancy Woods, who makes a living as a secretary to a famous divorce attorney. She decides she is capable of enjoying the luxuries of life and resolves to marry a rich husband. Her chance comes when sho meets Stackney Webb, who falls in love with her. After they arc married Nancy, to her horror, finds that, her original plan has been a mistake. Webb learns of her scheming, and to punish her takes her to the timber coun- I trv, where he leaves her alone to her household duties. The comedy in these scenes is subtle and hilarious and leads to the climax, when Nancy finally confesses her affection for her husband. Included in the cast arc Mary Duncan, Olive Tell, Joyce Compton, Henry Kolher, Thomas Jefferson and Tom Dugan. The film was adapted from the original story bv Grace Mack. Andre Tourneur and" G. H. Mulcaster have the main roles in " Sacrifice," which is the third attraction. The screen version has been adapted

from the stage play, and proved very popular last evening.

STRAND THEATRE. p " Behind that Curtain," a talking pic- t ture abounding in tense moments, is tho s principal featuro on the programme which is showing at the Strand Theatre for an extended season. The story- opens in London where a barrister engaged upon investigations which promise to involve John Beetham, an explorer, and Eric Durand, j an unscrupulous adventurer, is murdered, j In a series of thrilling events, which fol- j low tho crime, Sir Frederick Bruce, of ] Scotland Yard, fills a prominent place. , How Durand's young wife learns of her ) husband's past and, to escape his harsh treatment, seeks the protection of Beet- 1 ham. so implicating him in the murder, is presented with finished skill. Warner Baxter. Lois Moran, Gilbert Emery and Philip Strange appear in the leading roles. The programme includes an Eve's Review, a Fox Movietone News and a " talkie " comedy, " The Ladies' Man," featuring Chic Sale as a country boy in town. STRAND, HAMILTON. Excellent, entertainment is promised in " Lady of the Night," the absorbing talking, singing and sound picture produced by D. W. Griffith, which is showing at the Strand Theatre, Hamilton. A notable cast is engaged, and tho film should prove popular. " Tho Terror, Edgar Wallace's comedy drama, will commence at tho theatre next Wednesday. EDENDALE THEATRE. "Interference," the all-talking melodrama, which will bo shown at the Edendale Theatre this evening, is based on (ho famous play of tho same name that, ran for over two years in London. The principals in this gripping drama are Doris Kenyon and Powell. Tho supporting picture, with Hoot Gibson in the leading role, is "The Winged Horseman," while a talking comedy and the latest news aro also included. CAPITOL THEATRE. George Sydney and Jean Hersbolt. have tho leading roles in " Give and Take," the Universal talking comedy which heads the programme at tho Capitol Theatre. The film abounds in bright comedy, while tho supporting features aro of a high standard. The story concerns a. yonng man who tries to apply advanced ideas on commerce to his father's business, with highly amusing rauiltu. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A special programme for children will bo screened at the Prince Edward Theatre this aftornoon. The features comprise "Steamboat Bill. Junior," "Power" and "Making tho Grade." An excellent supporting programmo will bo at both the matinee and the evening session. ARCADIA THEATRE. The powerful talking picture "Tho Wolf of Wall Street" will conclude a successful season at tho Arcadia Theatre to-day. Tho other pictures aro of a high standard. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. Tho successful singing and talking film "Lady of tho Night" is tho principal attraction at tho Picturcdromo Theatre this evening. Tho other pictures are of an entertaining nature. VICTORIA THEATRE. William Cody has tho leading role in "Eyes of tho'Underworld," which will bo screened at the Victoria| Hieatre, Devonporh, this afternoon and this evening. The supporting features include "Red Ueels" and "talkie": films..

PLAZA THEATRE. An exclusive topical feature of unusual tcrest opens tlio current programme at ic Plaza Theatre. It is a sound picture

of the trooping of the colours, the ceremony on tlio Horse Guards' parade, London,' on the King's Birthday. This annual military ceremonial is one of the most spectacular events in London, which no visitor misses. In the picture a splendid view is given of the impressive military movements, in which the Guards and their massed bands aro seen, while the music is very clearly heard. This is one of the best of tlio films showing events of importance and interest which has been introduced to the cinema. "Conquest," a talking epic of the air, is full of thrills and dramatic action, based on a lovo theme. Monte Blue is cast as an intrepid airman (Don Overton), who, with his navigator, Jim Farnhani, played by 11. B. Warner, makes two South Polar flights from tho Bay of Whales, and tho second time, in tho heart of winter, he succeeds. The scenes showing the huge tri-motorod plane in flight over tho snow wastes, with the accompanying roar of tho engines, aro very impressive. The plot concerns tho lovo of the two airmen for the 0110 girl (Diana Holden), winsomely portrayed by Miss Lois Wilson. It is an American expedition, and wireless keeps the plane in touch with civilisation throughout the anxious hours of the flight. Storms force the plane down, and after anxious days the navagator is rescued, alone. He returns to New York, is acclaimed a hero, but .is distrusted by Dr. Gerry, played by Tully Marshall, a very perceiving elderly man, who deduces

from Farnham's nervous state that all was not as he said. Diana agrees to marry Farnhani, although her heart was with Don Overton when the flight was made. Dr. Gerry wrings from Farnhani the truth, that ho left his companion injured but alive. A dramatic turn is given to events by the death of tho doctor in a motor smash while on his way to tell Diana. The marriage takes place, and the plot becomes very intense with the return of Don Overton, who had been rescued, and comes home quietiy with his heart full of hatred for the friend who had deserted him. Don takes the heroic course of maintaining silence rather than destroying the married happiness of Diana. Her father, builder of the plane used for tho flight, arranges another expedition, and Farnham and Overton go south again. Farnham overhears Diana's confession to her father than Don still lias her heart. This time the flight succeeds, but on the return Farnham, in jealous rage, attacks Overton, and lht>

plane crashes. Farnham is injured, and Overton rescues him. More fine acting is seen when Farnham reconciles himself with the man lie wronged so deeply and makes his own solution of a terrible position. All the supporting films are interesting. A Paramount sound news is followed by a sound cartoon, featuring Oswald the lucky rabbit, and a bright comic, "Weak Knees." Joe Mong, a Chinese boy, entertains with jazz numbers, and "The Honolulu Boys" are an accomplished trio of instrumentalists and singers. BOXY THEATRE. " Gentlemen of the Press," a fascinating story of newspaper life, is the chief attraction on the fine programme at the Roxy Theatre. The cast is composed of several Broadway favourites, including Katherine Francis, .Charles Ruggles and Betty Lawford. The film has been treated in a finished manner and the result is a splendid production. An excellent budget of shorter talking pictures will support the chief attraction. NATIONAL THEATRE. The popular artists, Charles Farrell and Greta Nissen, have the leading roles in j " Fazil," an absorbing drama-romance, which heads the attractive programme at the National Theatre. The supporting feature is " Hie Duke Steps Out," featuring William Haines, Karl Dane and Joan Crawford. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Conrad Nagel and Bessie Love appear to advantage in " The Idle Rich," the all-talking film which heads the programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Miss Love, who will be remembered for her fine work in "The Broadway Melody," gives another excellent performance, and the leading players are supported by a i strong cast.

EMPRESS THEATRE

" The Wheel of Life," a Paramount talking picture with the popular Richard Dix in the principal role, is the main feature on the splendid programme which is attracting enthusiastic audiences at tho Empress Theatre. Dix is cast as a British soldier, and acquits himself well in a role which calls for much action. Supporting pictures of a diverting nature are shown.

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. Tho principal picture to be shown at f the Moulin Rouge Theatre this afternoon j and this evening is "The Lone Wolf's Daughter," the first talking picture to have Bert Lytell and Gertrude Olmstead in the leading parts. The supporting programme includes a comedy and a topical film. Booking arrangements are adver- ; tised. ST. BENEDICT'S HALL. A novel entertainment in aid of the bazaar funds has been arranged by Miss Beresford and will bo given in St. Benedict's Hall this afternoon and this evening. Further particulars are advertised. ROTORUA MAORI CHOIR. The Rotorua Maori Choir will give a recital of hakas, poi dances and songs iu the Town Hall next Friday and Saturday evenings. Fifty performers will contribute to an enjoyable programme, which will include numbers by the Rotorua Quartet, and solo items by Ana Hato and Dean Waretini, gramophone recording artists. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The last concert of its season will be given by tho Bohemian Orchestra in the Town Hall on Thursday, December 5. Tho programme comprises works by Wagner, Thomas, Ed. Geiman, Schubert, i Bach, Godard and Tschaikowsky. Music lovers arc assured of excellent cntertaiu- , mcnt. Booking arrangements are advert tised. 1 STUDENTS' RECITAL. An attractive recital will be given by tho students of Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Tow* soy in the Lewis Eady Hall this evening. Tho programme will include vocal and musical numbers. MAORI MISSION CONCERT. ' A demonstration of Maori dancing, singing and exorcises will be given under the auspices of tho Methodist Maori Mission in tho Town Hall next Monday evening. Tho programmo will commence with a community singing, followed by a Maori welcome to tho Maori delegates by Rev. Tahupotiki Iladdon, senior superintendent. : of Maori missions. An item, "The Maoris ■ at Home," showing their games and favourite choruses, should bo of special interest. Other numbers will bo the songs "Waiata Poi," "Home, Little Maori, Home," "Ilino o Iline," "E Pari ra," "Tho Ratana Hymn," "Waiata Maori," and "E Ihu o 'to King nui," together 1 with a wide selection of liakas, poi dances I and choruses in Maori. f ORGAN RECITAL. Tho usual Sunday organ recital in the Town Hall will bo given to-morrow evening, when works by Bach i and Goldmark will bo included in the 1 programmo. Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play "Lo Cygne," by Saint-Saens, - Best's "Concert Fantasia on Old English e Airs" and Tschaikowski's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."

MAJESTIC THEATRE. With an established reputation as a silent screen player of rare ability, Billie Dove, the principal of "Careers," which opened its season in Auckland at tho Majestic Theatre last evening, showa that she is equally capable in talking productions. The picture is one demanding more than a mere pleasing speaking voice, which Billie Dovo reveals that she possesses, for the dramatic is exploited to the fullest extent, calling for the very

best on tho part of the players. < An undercurrent of the sinister and sordid is delicately handled, to produce a film which is a masterpiece in direction. Success with such a cast was undoubtedly assured from the start, for besides Billie Dove it includes such notable players as Antonio Moreno, Noah Beery, Carmel Myers and Thelma Todd. They are all players of experience, but it is doubtful whether any of them have ever appeared to better advantage than in "Careers.". The atmosphere of the story is essentially Eastern, but, unlike many other pictures with similar settings, nothing is forced, and everything is convincing. The story is that of a young French magistrate who is settled in ap Indo-China town and is denied promotion owing to his wife's disregard of the advances of the president of the colony. Incensed at his treatment tho magistrate decides to visit the capital to complain to the governor, but his wife inadvertently discloses this fact when she calls on the president to learn why her husband has not been advanced. Enraged at this breach of diplomacy the president informs tke governor and blocks any chance of the magistrate's success. Learning of this the girl consents to do anything that the president wishes if he will refrain from informing the governor. Seeing that he has her at his mercy at last, the president says that he will make some pretext for speaking to the governor. _ A native musician, who has been waiting in the apartment for an opportunity to steal, is discovered, and in the ensuing combat the president is killed. How the girl reveals to her husband the reason for her visit to the president, and dissociates herself from the events which follow, makes an absorbing story. The intense realism of the picture and its impressive drama is relieved by a number of scenes of a lighter nature. Among these is the appearance of Andre de Segurola, celebrated baritone, of th 6 New York Metropolitan Opera House, whose voice is reproduced with remarkable effectiveness. In addition, Carmel Myers is heard in a pleasing number, "I Love You, I Hate You," which she introduces i»i an im-

portant role in the story. Throughout the picture the dialogue is remarkably effective. The supporting programme is one embracing many subjects of interest. It includes a sound picture of the "Scoufc Jamboree" recently held in England, selections by Gene Morgan's orchestra, "Screen Snapshots," introducing Chester Conklin, who conducts an interesting tour of Hollywood, showing a number of wellknown film artists, and a Fox Movietone News, presenting among others Edison and Henry Ford. THE MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will give the 14th concert of the season in the Town Hall this evening. The excellent programme will include a series of selections from tho compositions of Wagner. Instrumental solos will be rendered by Messrs. McLennan and Davies and vocal solos by Miss Nellie Lingard and Mr. Wilfred Scott. An attractive programme will be presented by the band at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. The numbers will include Sullivan selections, instrumental solos, bright marches and hymn tunes. DRAMATIC RECITAL. The pupils of Mr. W. Russell-Wood 1 will appear in a costume and dramatic recital at the Lewis Eady Hall on Saturday, November 30. Children's plays and elocutionary items will, be given, while the senior pupils will be heard in some advanced dramatic and humorous work. The dressing promises to be original and effective. Miss Cecil Hall is arranging the dances and Miss Hope Asher will sing. Booking arrangements are advertised. . RATIONALISTS' CONCERT. An address on "A Philosophical, Ethical and Critical Glance at Affairs" will be given by Mr. R. F. Way at the Rationalists' concert in the Majestic Theatre tomorrow evening. The pictorial programme will comprise "Peaks of Destiny," a Pathe Review, and a U.F.A. gem, "Murder."

PUPILS' DANCE RECITAL. The pupils of Valeska will present a recital of singing and dance numbers in the Town Hall concert chamber next Friday evening. Two acts of the famous "Coppelia" ballet will be given, and other items which should prove popular are "Story-book Land," and a novel perj forming animals presentation.

OPERA RECITAL. A grand opera recital in costume will be given by Madame Irene Ainsley with: advanced pupils and Mr. Arthur Ripley next Thursday. The programme includes scenes from " II Trovatore," " Carmen and " Aida." The ballets have been arranged by Miss Daphne Knight, while the chorus is from Madame Ainsley s opera class. Booking arrangements are advertised.