ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20421, 25 November 1929, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" THE DESERT SONG." Tho bright and spectacular musical comedy " Tho Desert Song " was greatly enjoyed by largo audionces at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday afternoon and evening. Tho next matinee will bo on Saturday. It is an incomparable production, special features being a male chorus of 40 voices, and a grand ballet of 60 dancers. Catching tunes, witty dialogues and picturesque settings make tho play one of outstanding interest. Booking arrangements are advertised.

REGENT THEATRE. Assailed from start to finish by gales of laughter, "The Cocoanuts," tho first musical comedy to bo brought to tho talking screen, opened its Auckland season at tho Regent Theatre on Saturday evening. This Paramount "talkie" is almost unbelievably good fun. Both in dialogue and pantomime, tho four Marx Brothers aro masters of expressivo clowning, and tho comedy moves at such a break-neck pace that tho film could bo seen two or three times and there would still be something now at which to laugh. "Tho Cocoanuts" is an elaborate "talkie" version of a musical comedy in which the four Marx Brothers played on Broadway, with tho ac cording to Now York reports, is regarded as their divine right. On tho screen it may be mpro comic than musical, but there are catchy numbers from tho prolific pen of Mr. Irving Berlin and alluring spectacles of whirlwind dancing. "Tho Cocoanuts" does not consist of a few song and danca numbers grafted on to a story of back-stage life. It is a complete entertainment with a typical musical comedy plot. Tho Four Marx Brothers aro irresistible. First there is Groucho Marx, who appears as a Florida hotel proprietor with a magnificent fund of optimism. Ho is entrusted with tho cream of the dialogue and fires off a long succession of absurdities with great solemnity of countenance. It is impossible to keep track of his many comic quips, but among tho gems of the production are a scene in which he attempts to sell Florida real estate, and another in which ho acts as master of ceremonies at a festive dinner.

His two brothers, Harpo and Chico, depend more on clowning for their success, working the most ridiculous "gags" imaginable and running riot in some of the maddest pranks of comedy over seen here in any form of entertainment. Harpo disdains tho uso of the human voice, but mobile features, combined with tho uso of a motor-horn attachment on a walkingstick, allow him considerable power of expression. Both are accomplished musicians, Harpo playing the harp, while Chico uses the most bewildering finger technique in a pianoforte selection. The musical side of the production is well catered for by Miss Mary Eaton and Mr. Oscar Shaw. Miss Eaton has a fine musical comedy voice and she is also a dancer of rare ability. Her singing of "When My Dreams Come True" leaves nothing to bo desired. The work of the ballets has to be seen to bo believed. A young army of tall, slim girls, all bewilderingly alike, step through complicated measures with rare precision, and they have received somo excellent treatment from the camera. Foreshortened shots are particularly effective, and one ballet, in which a number of girls are photographed from above in tho shape cf a huge rose, is outstanding. In the supporting cast Miss Kay Francis wears somo beautiful gowns. The entire production is admirably mounted and dressed and the photography is in keeping with tho recording. A fine sceno from "Rigoletto," embracing "La Donna e Mobile" and tho famous Quartette, and a short comedy in which Mr. Raymond Griffiths, as a gentleman burglar, indulges in bridge postmortems, complete a programme which can stand comparison with anything that has been shown at tho Regent sinco "talkies" camo to stay.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is offered "at the Majestic Theatre. The principal talking feature is "Careers," in which Riliio Dovo has her first "talkie" role. Antonio Moreno, who appeared opposite Miss Dovo in "Adoration," has the leading masculine, role. Other notable players are Thelina Todd. Noah Beery, Holmes Herbert, Carmcl Myers, Robert Frazor and Sojin. An enjoyable' melody, "I Love You," is rendered by Miss Myers, while there are other excellent singing numbers. Miss Dovo is cast as the beautiful wife of a British official in Indo-China. To save her husband she risks losing her good name and many further complications ensuo before tho film is brought to a satisfactory conclusion. A variety of attractive shorter films, including singing and dancing numbers, completo a wcll-balancqd programme.

STRAND THEATRE. The Fox talking production, "Behind That Curtain," is attracting largo audiences at the Strand Theatre. The story opens in London, where Hilary Gait, a barrister, is' engaged by Sir George Mannering to investigate the past of a certain man. Gait is visited by a famous explorer of tho East, John Reetham. Later Gait is discovered murdered with a pair of Chinese slippers on his feet. The action then swings to India, and after a number of thrilling incidents a dramatic climax is reached. Warner Baxter, Lois Mornti and Gilbert Emery play the leading roles, while there is ii strong supporting cast. The supporting programme comprises an entertaining Evo's Review, an interesting Fox Movietone News and an excellent comedy. A film showing the running of tho Melbourno Cup is also screened.

PLAZA THEATRE. Aerial exploration in tho Antarctic regions forms the theme of "Conquest," tho talking film which heads the current programme at tho Plaza Theatre. Based on tho novel, "Tho Candle in tho Wind," by Mary Imlay Taylor, tho picture shows Monte Blue and 1L B. Warner as aviators, with Lois Wilson in the leading feminine rolo. Edmund Broeso and Tully Marshall are prominent members of tho cast. Tho aviators are compelled by a blizzard to make a forced landing on tho ice-fields and one of tho men is seriously injured. In a panic of fear tho uninjured man leaves his companion to die and returns to tho outsido world, where lie is acclaimed as a herb. Tho complications that ensuo when his former conv panion, who has survived tho rigors of tho polar regions, returns, make an absorbing story. There is an excellent sup. porting programme.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Richard Dix has the principal role■ in the all-talking Paramount picture Iho Wheel of Life," which heads tho programme at the Empress Theatre Cast as a British soldier, Dix acquits himself well in a part requiring much action. A splendid supporting programme is also shown.

ARCADIA THEATRE. "Through Different Eyes," an all-talk-inc melodrama, heads tho current piocrammo at the Arcadia Theatre. lio Supporting features include several snoit "talkies."

CIVIC THEATRE. Reservations for tho gala opening performance of tho Civic Theatro can now be made at the booking office, Civic Theatre corner. Tho new theatre has aroused considerable public interest, and tho oponing performance should bo well attendod. Further details aro advertised. 1

" SYNCOPATION." "Syncopation," claimed to bo ono of tho most successful all-talking pictures ever made, will bo screened for tho first timo in New Zealand at tho Roxy Theatre on Wednesday. Tho first o? R.K.O.'s "Radio" pictures, "Syncopation" is a musical extravaganza, in which ,an interesting and romanic story has been combined with tho latest American jazz numbers. Fred Waring's " Pennsylvania!^," a'world-famous jazz orchestra, provide tho music, which includes ".Tencho," "I'll Always Bo In Love With You." "Do Something," "My Inspiration is You," and many other of tho newest jazz numbers. For' the past seven years tho "Pennsylvanians" havo travelled in Amorica attracting record audiences _ivherover they have appeared. In addition to their successes in America, they have played in London, Berlin and Paris wit.li equal success, and now by means of tho talking screen, they will be heard in Auckland. In addition to playing several instruments, oach member of tho "Pennsvlvanians' " orchestra is an accomplished singer, and they provide excellent vocal as well as instrumental entertainment. Tho cast of the film includes Barbara Bonnott, Bobby Watson, lan Hunter, Morton Downey, Osgood Perkins, Mackenzie Ward, Verrco Teasdalo and Dorothy Lee. Tho film, which was directed by Bert Glennon, was adapted from tho novel "Stepping High," by Geno Markoy, who also wrote tho dialogue for tho picturo. The production, which gives a vivid insight into American vaudeville life, deals with tho careers of Bennv and Flo, partners in a dancing act, who gain sudden fame. They buy a fashionable house, but Benny's happiness is damped when Winston, a young club-man, falls in love with Flo. The manner in which tho former partners find happiness makes an absorbing theme for the film. Thero will bo a complete supporting programme of shorter talking features.

MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERTS. Tho Municipal Band, under Mr. Christopher Smith, presented an enjoyable programme in tho Town Hall on Saturday evening. Wagner's music predominated in tho band numbers, selections being played from "Tannhauser," "Rienzi" and "The Valkyries." Sousa's suite "At the King's Court" was given a spirited rendering and tiho intermezzo "A Memory Garden," by Farman, also received appropriate treatment. Mr. Wilfred Scott was hoard to advantage in Hermann Lohr's "For the Green" and Ilunn's "Invictus," while Miss Nellie Lingard sang "To the Angels," by Zardo, and Bratt's "Horses of the Dawn." Mr. Hal. C. McLennan'e fluto solo "Will of the Wisp" and a cornet solo by Mr. J. Davies completed an enjoyable programme. Miss Thelma Gordon acted as accompanist. Tho band also gave a series of popular numbers at tho Zoological Park yesterday afternoon. Items by tho band included tho hymn, "Supplication"; Ansell's suite. "The Shoe": selections from "Tho Gondoliers" and "The Pirates of Penzance," the intermezzo "In a Persian Market" and the- hymn "Nutbourne." Mr. Hal. C. McLennan played Illancheteau's " Sparkling Dewdrops" as a piccolo solo and Mr. J. Davies contributed a cornet solo, "The Carnival of Venice."

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " Tho Idle Rich," now showing at the Crystal Palace Theatre, is an all-talking picture starring Conrad Nagel and Bessie Love. Tho leading players aro supported by a strong cast. Miss Love, who will be remembered for her fine work in the " Broadway Melody," gives an excellent performance.

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. Bert Lytell has tho principal role in " The Lone Wolf's Daughter," the talking picture which heads tho current programme at the Moulin Rouge Theatre. Tho film abounds in exciting scenes, and should prove popular. Tho supporting programme will include a topical, a scenic and a bright comedy.

ARTILLERY BAND CONCERT. Popular band numbers wero played by the Auckland Artillery Band in Albert Park last evening. There was a good attendance and the. programme was greatly enjoyed. Numbers by tho band included "In a Persian Market," tho overtures "Light, Cavalry" and "Pique Dame," and other favourite selections.

ORGAN RECITAL. An attractive programme of organ selections was played by tho city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, in tho Town Hall last evening. Items included Goldmark's "In tho Garden," a selection from "Le Cygne," by Saint-Saons, Best's "Concert Fantasia on Old English Airs," Bach's "Toccata, Adagio and Fuguo in C-," and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," by Tschaikcnvsky.

ROTORUA MAORI CHOIR, The Rotorua Maori Choir will give a scries of hakas, poi dances and songs in the Town Hall next Friday and Saturday evenings. Among the 50 performers who will contribute to an enjoyable programme, are Ana Hato and Dean Waretirii, tho gramophone recording artists. Included also arc members of tho Rotorua Quartet.