ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20425, 29 November 1929, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE DESERT SONG.'I Tho musical comedy, "Tho Desert Song," is enjoying a successful season at Ilis Majesty's Theatre. Tho picturesque settings and the gorgeous costumes add to tho attractive nature of tho presentation. A matinee will bo given to-morrow. The season will conclude on Friday, December 6. Box plan arrangements and other particulars are advertised.

STRAND THEATRE. "Bulldog Drummond," tho film adaptation of the famous book by Sapper, will commence a season which gives every indication of proving exceptionally popular at the Strand Theatre to-day. The film, which is an all-talking United Artists production,- gives Ronald Colinan, who • will bo favourably remembered for sterling portrayals in dramatic roles, an opportunity to play -Jiis first genuine comedy part since he entered Amprican pictures. The story, which is familiar to thousands, deals with Hie thrilling, and at times humorous, adventures of Bulldog Drummond, a demobilised English olFic .r in search of excitement after (ho war. With a friend, Algy Longworth, ho advertises in a London newspaper for excitement, stipulating that there will be no objection to danger. He chooses one answer at random out of several thousand, signed "Phyllis B." and follows up. tho plea for help contained in it. A meeting placo is appointed, and Drummond iearns that while travelling with her uncle, an American millionaire named Travers, the latter has been taken prisoner by an unscrupulous Dr. Lakington, and his confederate, Peterson. He has been detained at Lakington's sanatorium, with the object of attempting to extort money and jewels from him by means of torture. Drummond and Algy are sceptical, and tho girl goes away in despair. Unlcnown to her, the two criminals, and Erma, who passes as Peterson's daughter, have followed Phyllis, and their sudden appearance, combined with Lakington's strange manner, convinces Drummond that there is something in her story. Phyllis is seized by the three criminals as she leaves and is taken to the sanatorium. Drummond, howover, effects a daring and spectacular rescue, returning later to releaso Travers, who is on the point of signing away a fortune as a result of the torture he has undergone at the hands of Lakington. By a daring coup ho enables Travers to escape, and is pursued by the gang. As a ruse, Drummond agrees to turn Travers oyer to tho criminals, but hurriedly dresses in tho millionaire's clothes, and Lakington and Peterson, unaware of tho substitution, carry Drummond off to the sanatorium. A series of exciting incidents ensues, and the interest is maintained at a high pitch until the picture closes happily with the triumph of Drummond and the defeat of the criminals. Although tho bulk of tho credit for the success of the production is duo to Colman, ho is supported by a capable cast, which is said to bo one of tho most talented yet assembled. Joan Bennett, is cast as Phyllis, and is .claimed to give an outstanding performance opposite Colman Other notablo players represented are Lilyan Tashman an Erma, Montagu Love as Peterson. Lawrence Grant as Dr. Lakington, Wilson Benge, Claude Allister, Adolph Milar, Charles Sellon and Tetsu Komai. Supporting pictures of a high standard will be shown.

REGENT THEATRE. "The Cocoanuts." the first talking musical comedy produced in thS Paramount studios, is now attracting largo and enthusiastic audiences to the Regent Theatre. The action of the film takes plaec in Florida and the story or is one which ridicules with much hilarity the real estate boom at Palm Beach and Cocoanut Grove. In accordance with tho rule for musical comedy tho plot is very slight. A social debutante is staying at one of the exclusive hotels with her socially ambitious aunt. A poor hotel clerk falls in love with the girl and incurs tho enmity of the aunt. How the clerk endeavours to make a large fortune to win the girl is told in a series of both exciting and amusing incidents. The greater part of the infectious'comedy with which tho film abounds is provided by the wellknown four Marx brothers, Grouch, Zeppo, Harpo and Chico. The roles of the boy and the girl in the play aro por trayed' by tho famous Broadway musical comedy players, Mary Eaton and Oscar Shaw. A "fine supporting programme is shown

EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. Esther Ralston has a suitable role in the romantic production, "Half a Bride," which is now showing at the Epsom Regent Theatre. The story deals with a girl who, at 21, has tasted all the experiences which life holds. As a final venture she plans a marriage with the companion of an evening, inspired by a mad impulse and a on Her father breaks up the ill-advised union by kidnapping her and taking her on a long sea voyage aboard his yacht. She escapes in a launch, but the young captain jumps after her. A storm arises, and they are cast ashore on a desert island, where tho girl is eventually brought to her senses. The second' film is "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," an exciting film, with a Spanish-American setting. Lily Damita, the! beautiful heroine of "The Rescue," plavs tho part of a spirited Spanish girl, while Ernest Torrenco appears opposite her. in tho leading male role.

PLAZA THEATRE. A thrilling murder trial lias been graphically brought to the screen in On Trial," tHe Warner Brothers Vitajrhorie film which heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. The _ picture is composed of a series of thrilling scenes, which are shown as each witness in the trial gives evidence. Tho, conflicting opinions of tho witnesses are not merely heard, but the scone is reconstructed in accordance with the idea of each witness, and the murdered man is brought back to life for the purpose of depicting tho crime more vividly. In tho leading role, that of the widow of the murdered man, Miss Pauline Frederick gives a remark-,-ble performance, which is the more effective because of its restraint. Other members of the largo cast are Bert Lytoll and Lois Wilson.- ' The supporting programme includes songs by .John Charles Thomas, baritone, a comedy and other short "talkies" of interest.

TIVOLI THEATRE. A glimpse into the intricacies of American financial life is given in "The Wolf of Wall Street,'* the all-talking production which will commcnco a season afs the Tivoli Theatre to-day. Tho film is said to he a true picture of the incessant rivalry between stockbrokers, speculators and financiers which exists in "VV all Street, tho hub of New York's financial life. In the leading role, that of a, rough and unpolished speculator, who has attained wealth and power on tho Stock Exchange, George Bancroft gives a particularly fine performance. He brings out in an admirable fashion the way in which men are gripped bv a fever for making money, and depicts the unscrupulous nature of successful speculation. The film has proved successful wherever it has been shown, and it should, attract large audiences. There will be a .full supporting programme

CIVIC THEATRE. The box plan arrangements for the opening night of tho Civic Theatre are available and bookings may be made at the theatre. A total of 1845 seats hns already been reserved, but the unusually largo seating capacity of the theatre provides for a much larger number. Full details are advertised.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. An absorbing story of American newspaper life is related in the talking production "Gentlemen of the Press," which heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. .Tho leading roles are played by tho accomplished artists, Walter Huston and Catherine Frances, while there is a notable supporting cast. Tho subordinate "talkie" features comprise "Bishop's Candlesticks." a "High Hat Musical Act" and a "Dixio'l singing and talking number,:

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Colleen lyloove's first talking picture, "Smiling Irish Eyes," will commence at llio Majestic Theatre to-day. The production, a romanco of Erin, was filmed at the First National Studios with an unusually strong caf>fc> including Jainos Hall, Claude Gillingwater. Aggie Herring, Robert Homans, Betty Francisco, Robert Eminett O'Connor, Julianno Johnston ana Tom O'Brien. Miss Moore has been provided with a congenial role in tho part of Kathleen O'Connor, whoso sweetheart, Rory O'iMooro, a labourer in the peat bogs, displays considerable talent as a composer of lovo songs. Rory is asked to play before some Americans who are tho guests of Sir Timothy Tyrone, his landlord, and they aro so impressed with his skill th.-tt ho is advised to go to New York, where ho would bo certain of a brilliant career. Kathleen pays tho passsage money to America and the boy soon secures recognition of his ability. Moaywhile, Kathleen, who has received no news and is unaware of his good fortune, is hoartbroken, and follows him to New York. Misunderstandings arise, and the girl finally returns to Ireland. The mannor in which, the lovers are happily reunited forms tho theme of an appealing story. The film throughout is liberally sprinkled with bright cbmedy episooes, a particularly amusing portion of the story occurring at an Irish country fair, where Miss Moore is given many opportunities for that typo of infectious humour m which she oxcells. The principal is said to reveal exceptional talent as a vocalist, singing severa* pleasing numbers, while she adds an effective recording voice to her delightful screen personality. bupporting the main picture will be an enjoyable and diverse selection of shorter talking films.

GRAND AND LYRIC. " Tho Big Hop," a thrilling drama of adventure in tho air, and "East Side, West Side," tho story of a river-boy on tho New York waterfront who roso to fame, are the entertaining pictures which comprise tho double-feature programme to bo shown at. tho Grand and Lvric Thoatres to-day. " East Side, West* Side " is tho story of a rugged man's career and tho story of Greater New York. lho scene sweeps from the river fronts, through tho slums, along the Bowery, up Fifth Avenue to Harlem and Washington Heights. Tho film many thrilling incidents and tho exceptionally strong plot provides good entertainment. J. Farrell Mac Donald", Virginia Valli, June Collyer and Holmes Herbert and George O'Brien head a notable cast. Buck Jones, tho popular player of outdoor roles, and Jobyna Ralston havo tho principal parts in " The Big Hop." Jones takes tho part of Buck Bronson, a wealthy ranch owner's son, who is put to work for tho first time in his life during tho annual stampede. Tho boy, however, Jongs for the life of an airman, and his wish is gratified when his horse becomes frightened at a plane above him and ho is thrown. The aviator, believing him to be seriously injured, descends and picks up the boy. Buck recovers consciousness while being rushed through the clouds to the hospital and, elated over his first experience, agrees to accompany the pilot on a Pacific nonstop flight. 'On his first flight as a mechanic, his friend playfully tips him out in mid-air with a parachute attached to him. An exciting succession of thrills follows, in which Buck is shown frantically trying to locate tho release cord of the parachuto while hurtling toward the earth. Ho is rescued by a girl, who falls in love with the airman at first sight and their adventures mako the basis of an absorbing plot. An entertaining programme of short supporting films will be shown.

ROXY THEATRE. The all-talking musical extravaganza "Syncopation" is attracting largo audiences to the Roxy Theatre. The tuneful music in -which the film abounds is rendered by Fred Waring and his popular "Pennslyvanians.'' Some of the enjoyable numbers are the theme song, 111 Always ■ 33e in Love "With You, . Pan Parade," "Sweet Mystery of Life," "My Inspiration is You," and "Love Tales of Alsace Lorraine." The Broadway stage forms an appropriate background for the romantic nature of the story. Bobby Watson and Barbara Bennett, playing in the leading roles as Benny and Flo, form the dancing team of Sloane and Darrel. They reach Broadway in a specialty dance act in a new revue. The success turns Flo's head and she prepares to sever her friendship with Benny when the revue fails, but changes her mind when she finds that he ha 3 signed up with the agent of a night club at a big salary. Winston, a society man, -who is later introduced, begins to win Flo. She leaves Benny and signs a new contract in a Broadway revue. How Flo proves to be a failure without Benny, how Winston leaves her in the hour of need, and how Benny finds her and starts the old team of Sloane and Darrel again makes an interesting and gripping story. A number of shorter singing and dancing features of a novel and highly-diverting nature is included in the programme.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Splendid entertainment of an unusual nature is provided in the Paramount talking picture "Redskin," the principal attraction at tho Empress Theatre. Tho production has been filmed entirely in colour and is a triumph for photographic technique. The popular Richard Dix, who plays tho leading role, is largely responsible for tho outstanding success of the picture. A feature of the production is the playing of the Paramount Orchestra of 75 musicians. A variety of singing and dancing features completes a wellbalanced and attractive programme.

PUPILS' DANCE RECITAL. An entertaining programme of singing and dance items will be presented by tho pupils of Valeska in the Town Hall concert phamber this evening. Two acts of the popular "Coppelia" ballet will be given and other items include "Storybook Land" and a novel performing animals presentation.

ST, JAMES' THEATRE. Variety and comedy are the outstanding features in the entertainment offered by Mr. Jim Gerald and his versatile company of revue artists at St. James' Theatre. The fact that tho company is in its eighth wefk testifies to the excellence of tho programme. The main attraction this week is an enjoyable revue, "The Naughty Earl." A matinee will be held to-moriow. Tho arrangements for booking arc advertised.

ARCADIA THEATRE. A powerful theme is unfoldod in the talking production "Through Different Eyes," which is being screened at the Arcadia Theatre. The other films are of a high standard.

ROTORUA MAORI CHOIR. Enjoyable concerts will be given by the Rotorua Maori Choir in tho Town Hnll this evening and to-morrow evening. Included in the party are the famous Rotorua Maori male quartette and the two gramophone recording artists, Ana Hato, soprano, and Deane Waretine, baritone. Tho hakas and pois performed by the party of 50 are said to be perfect. The sweetness, beauty and harmony of the vocal siflo of the entertainment is unparalleled, and the programme is a musical treat. The choir appear in picturesquo native garb and their experience in performing beforo tourists from all parts of the world has been matured by an ex(ensivo tour throughout the province. Booking arrangements are advertised.