ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE DESERT SONG." There will be a matinee performance of " The Desert Song " at His Majesty's Theatre this afternoon beginning at 1.55, and this evening's production will start at 7.55. Tin season, which is proving the most successful ever enjoyed by a Williamson attraction in Auckland, will terminate next Friday evening, and the company will leave for Sydney on Saturday morning. To cope with the large number which are nightly endeavouring to obtain admission the management will stage two matinees next week, on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

GRAND AND LYRIC.

A splendid variety of entertainment is offered in the double-feature programme which is attracting largo and appreciative audiences to the Grand and Lyric Theatres. The first feature, "The Big Hop," "3rves to introduce Buck Jones, the popular actor of outdoor parts, in a new type of role, that of an aviator. Iho sfory deals with a rash young cowboy who gets '' air fever " and determines to fly across the Pacific. A wealthy young woman finances the flight and then tries to turn the boy back because the venture is suicidal, and she has suddenly discovered that she loves him. It is, however, too late to stop the aeroplane which is already over the ocean, but a series of unexpected pvents ensues and brings the film to a thrilling climax. Many, exciting incidents showing the adventures of the young aviator in the air have been incorporated, and much merriment is caused when ho is inadvertently tipped out of the plane and is unable to locate the release cord of his parachute as he is hurtling toward tlio earth. Jobyna Ralston appears opposite Jones, and is supported bv Ernest Hilliard, Charles French, Charles Clary, Duke Lee, Edward Hearne and Jack Dill. _ George O'Brien has the principal role in "East Side, Wc.t Side," the romantic tale of and East river barge-boy who rises to engineering fame in New York. Some excellent fighting scenes have been included and in these O'Brien, with his magnificent physique, appears to advantage. A New York paper says of the film that "it tells more about New York than any twenty deliberately informative volumes dealing, with the environs of Manhattan." Virginia Valli has been admirably cast in the leading feminine role, and J. Farrell Macdonald, Dove Davidson, Sonia Nodalskv. Juno Col Iyer, John Miltcrn, and Holmes Herbert also appear in the imposing cast. Supporting pictures offering entertainment of a high standard will also be screened.

PLAZA THEATRE. "On Trial," a realistic Warner Brothers' mystery drama heads the attractive programme at _ ihe Plaza Theatre. The picture, which is in essence a condensation of the most dramatic elements of a score of famous murder trials, opens with a Court scene on the first day of the trial of a person charged with murder. The accused, friend and debtor of the victim has confessed to the crime. The testimony of the widow of the slain man's secretary, of the prisoner's little daughter, of his wife, and of the doctor who examined the dead man, gradually unfolds a dramatic story._ Not until the final dramatic moment is the solution clear. Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell and Lois' Wilson capably enact the main roles, and are individually responsible for excellent portrayals. Supporting these players aro Holmes Herbert, Richard Tucker, Jason Robards and Johnny Arthur. The splendid budget of shorter films shown in addition to the main picture includes a Paramount Sound News, a sound cartoon, "A Moonlight Romance," and a song by John Charles Thomas and Vivienne Sigel.

NATIONAL THEATRE. A fino double-feature programme comprising "Desert Nights" and "Secrets of the East" is being presented at the National Theatre. The first attraction, "Desert Nights,"' is an absorbing story of the South African diamond mines, in which greed, desire, love and hate all play a part. The theme deals with the daring robbery of a diamond mine in the little-known interior of the Dark Continent. The popular John Gilbert, who plays the leading role, gives one of his best portrayals, while Ernest Torrence and Mary Nolan also appear to advantage. "Secrets of the East," the supporting feature, is a story of the legendary city of Atlantis. The picturesque scenes describing the palm-bound cities of the East are features of the production. In addition, there is a gazette and a comedy, while enjoyable music will be provided by tho National Orchestra

PICTUREDROME THEATRE. The popular comedian, Charles Murray, lias the leading role in "Vamping Venus," which will bo screened at the Picturedrome Theatre, Milford, this evening, Dancing will also be held.

EDENDALE THEATRE. The all-talking comedy-drama, "The Idle Rich," featuring Conrad Nagel and Bessie Love, heads the attractive programme at the Edendalo Theatre. The supporting feature is "His Lucky Day," starring Reginald Denny, while thero are several excellent shorter films.

ARCADIA THEATRE. The excellent "talkie" film, "Through Different Eyes," will be screened for the last time at the Arcadia Theatre to-day. The successful talking production, "The Rainbow Man," will be presented next week.

VICTORIA THEATRE. The popular Richard Barthelmess is the principal in the talking and singing picturo "Weary River," which heads the current programme at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. The splendid "talkie" subordinate films include numbers by the Howard Brothers and other novelties.

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is provided in the "talkie"- film "The Bachelor Girl," starring Jacqueline Logan and William Collier, junior, which is being presented at the Moulin Rouge Theatre. The other talking features are of an interesting nature.

HAMILTON THEATRES. The successful screen production, "Kid Gloves," will bo presented at the Strand Theatre, Hamilton, this evening. The Theatre Royal will open as a "talkie" theatre next Monday, when the powerful drama, " Interference," will be screened. Tho well-known actor of dramatic roles, William Powell, has tho leading part, while there is a notable supporting cast. Tho next feature will be " Smiling Irish Eyes," starring the vivacious Colleen Moore.

CAPITOL THEATRE. The accomplished actor, George Bancroft, is largely responsible for the success of " Thunderbolt," tho Paramount all-talking attraction, which is being screened at the Capitol Theatre. Tho other films include a Paramount sound news, a Fox News, and a singing cartoon, " Daisy Bell."

CIVIC THEATRE. Reservations for the opening performance at the Civic Theatre may be mado at tho booking office in tho Civic Theatre building. The opening of this luxuri-ously-equipped theatre will be an outstanding event in tho theatrical history of New Zealand. A total of 1900 scats has already boon reserved, a large number still being available. Full particulars are advertised.

RECENT THEATRE. / " The Cocoanuts," the hilarious Paramount musical comedy which is showing at the Regent Theatre, has proved so popular that ail extension of the season has been made. The picture, the predominating element of which is comedy, presents the four Marx brothers, and is an elaborate version of'the play in which they made an outstanding success on the Broadway stage. The brothers appear to advantage in their respective parts in the film, and the story has lost none of its appeal in its transference to the screen. The production is a triumpth for the four principals. Besides his inimitable acting. Harpo plays the harp. Although he violates all accepted technique, he is considered one,of the 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 the funniest of the four, contributes most of the comedy, although ho never 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, the former singing " When My Dreams Gome True," a number specially composed for the production by Irving Berlin. The background of the film is in Florida, where a debutante is spending the winter in an exclusive hotel with her socially ambitious aunt. The girl and an impecunious hotel clerk fall in love, n,nd the latter's indulgence in money-making schemes in connection with the real estate boom bring upon the couple a number of humorous complications. A spectacular feature is the dancing of a wonderful ballet of 60 gorge-ously-attired girls. A fine scene from " Ricoletto," embracing "La Donna e Mobile" and i'ie famous ouartette, and a short comedy, in which Mr. Raymond Griffiths appears, complete an enjoyable programme.

ROXY THEATRE. "Syncopation," a delightful musical extravaganza combining the latest American jazz numbers with an absorbing romance, is the splendid all-talking picture wlich forms the chief attraction ■ on the successful programme now showing at the Roxy Theatre. Bobby Watson and Barbara Bennett appear in the principal roles, those of Benny and Flo, forming the dancing team of Sloane and Darrel. They reach Broadway in a speciality dance act in a new revue. The success turns Flo's head and she prepares 'to leave Benny when the revue fails, but changes her mind when she finds that he has signed up with the agent of a night club at a largo salary. A round of social affairs introduces Winston, an unscrupulous society man, who exercises an influence over Flo. She leaves Benny and signs a new starring contract in a Broadway revue. How Flo proves a failure without Benny, and how Winston deserts her in an hour of need, and the re-establishment of the old team of Sloane and Darrel, makes an interesting and gripping story. Music throughout is supplied by Fred Waring's "Pennsylvanians," the world-famous jazz orchestra, which travelled through America attracting large and enthusiastic audiences wherever it appeared. Popular numbers played by this inimitable combination are "I'll Always Be in Love With •You," the theme song, "My .Inspiration is You," "Love Tales of Alsace Lorraine," "Sweet Mystery- of Life," "Tin Pan Parade." "Mary," "How About Me ?" and "Jericho. An entertaining programme of shorter talking pictures will be shown, in addition to the main feature.

MAORI CONCERT. An enjoyable programme of Maori songs, poi dances jand hakas was given by the Rotorua Maori Choir and assisting artists in the Town Hall last evening. There was a large attendance and the concert proved very successful. The wellknown recording artists. Ana Hato and Dean Waretini, were heard in several duets, and they also contributed solo items. Outstanding porformjinces were given by. a male quartet, consisting of Messrs T. Morrison, G. Rogers, J. Hakarai.i and Rotohiko Haupapa, who sang "Juanita" and "Annie Laurie," in addition to several Maori numbers. The stage, decorated to represent part of a Maori pa, made an appropriate setting for the choir, which was heard in "E Pari Ra," a series of Maori love songs, and other interesting selections. A feature of/ the entertainment was the opening item, "Powhiri," an old traditional Maori ceremony, which included songs, dances and games. The girls gave several graceful poi dances, including the Waero, the more difficult "version of the traditional Maori dance, and the canoe poi, which represents the voyage of the Maoris from Hawaiki to New Zealand. Several realistic hakas by the male members of the company completed- an attractive programme. A new prograriime will bo given in the Town Hall this evening.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Richard Dix is east in one of his best roles in "The Wheel of Life," the splendid all-talking film which heads the programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Dix takes the part of a British officer and, in an absorbing romance dealing with military life in India, he gives ag! outstanding performance. The fine supports include a news reel, a Lady Love sound cartoon, "Screen Snapshots," depicting May McAvoy's wedding, a Dixie cartoon and an hilarious "talkie" comedy, "Framing of the Shrew."

EMPRESS THEATRE! ' An appealing romance of newspaper life is hnfolded in "Gentlemen of the Press," a delightful all-talking production, with Walter Huston and Katherine Francis in the leading roles, which is showing before large audiences at the Empress Theatre. The excellent selection of short featurettes includes a Lady,. Love cartoon, a two-reel all-talking* comedy, "Framing of the Shrew," "a news reel, and "Screen Snapshots," a colourful pictorial record of May McAvoy's wedding.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The principal attraction on the threefeature programme at the Prince Edward Theatre is "What Next?" a full-length comedy. In addition will be screened "The Guns of Loos," with Henry Victor and Madeline Carroll in the principal parts, and an entertaining comedy-drama, "My Friend From India."

DANCE RECITAL. The pupils of Mile. Valerie Valeska presented an attractive programme o' operatic, character and fancy dances in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. One of the most interesting items was a special acrobatic dance, in which the performers displayed remarkable skill and agility. The second half of the programme included a niovel presentation of Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffman," in which numbers of talented young dancers were seen. The principal parts were taken by •Miss Jean Ferguson and Messrs. G. Turr and Len. Wilson. A graceful solo number was given by Miss Eileen Olsen, .while another attractive item was the jazz quartette, "Beautiful."

ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, will give a recital in tho Town Hall tomorrow aftornoon The programme will include works by Bach, Wolstenholme and Widor, Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Best's "Fantasia on Old English Airs."

RATIONALISTS' CONCERT. An address on "Rational Feeling in Relation to Mental and Physical Health" will be given by Mr. R. J. Terry at the Rationalists' concert in the Majestic Theatre to-morrow evoning. The pictorial programme will comprise a Pathe Review, a U.F.A. gem, "Uphill and Down," and "Blue Danube."- Particulars are advertised. • - . -

v MAJESTIC THEATRE. A dainty little Irish love story is "Smiling Irish Eyes," which commenced its Auckland season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. In it the audience is introduced to a new Colleen Moore, more Irish and also more charming than the little miss whose shadow has already captured many hearts. The story is the ageold one of the young Irish lad who leaves his native bogs and hills to seek fortune in America, leaving his colleen behind him to dream of his love and pray for his success. It is a simple enough theme, but it is presented with a truth of local colour and a sprightly gaiety which make it evergreen. Undoubtedly the chief attraction of the picture is to hear Colleen Moore talking and to hear her singing several bright little folk songs. The enthusiasm with which she invests the part of th i roguish Kathleen O'Connor gives the picture a lively freshness which makes .a rather ordinary plot a delightful piece of entertainment. James Hall seems perfectly at home in the part of Rory O'More, the young lover of Kathleen, who makes his fortune on the stage in New I'ork. The theme song," Smiling Irish Eyes," is sung by him with excellent effect, and the catchy little me'.ody must have gaiued many admirers last night. The humorous side of the story is in the capable hands of Claude Gillingwater and Robert Homans, who provide some sidesplitting low comedy in the parts of Shamus and Michael O'Connor, this two uncles of Kathleen. One of the most entertaining portions of the picture, as far as local colour is concerned, is tho presentation of Kil'.arney Fair, whera tho lads and colleens from all round the countryside have gathered to spend their money and have a gay time. The story is not without its sad parts, and there arc occasional tears, with true Irish laughter smiling through. The programme commences with a full orchestral rendering of Massenet's "Phedre" overture, by the Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra. This is followed by a Fox Movietone News, which is well up to the standard previously set by films of this type, included in its contents being the answer to a thought projection problem presented on a previous programme. John Barclay, who gives a number of operatic impersonations, is' an entertainer of outstanding ability. His impersonations include those of "Faust" and Kipling's "Colour-Ser-geant," and a novel item in an Indian setting is the song "Pale Moon." His voice is a rich baritone, and all of his selections are well worth hearing.

BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. An excellent programme has been arranged for the final Bolfcmian Orchestra concert of the season, which .jyill be given in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. Over 100 performers will take part, and the programme should be well received. A feature of the entertainment will be Tsehaikowsky's "1812" overture,' which will be played by the orchestra, assisted by the Auckland Garrison Artillery Band. The number should be highly effective, as the band will lend the necessary strength in the battle music, and the conflicting themes should thus be admirably brought out. Schubert's "Cradle Song" and Bach's charming "Aria on Gr String," arranged by Mr. Coli-v Muston, will be played by the string orchestra, and should add colour to the programme. One of Edward German's most characteristic compositions, "Theme and Six Diversions." will be presented by the orchestra, for the first time. German has been hailed as the successor of Sullivan, and his music has the same brightness and tunefulness. The orchestra will also play the overture to Wagner's "Tannhauser," a well-known favourite, which should receive sympathetic treatment. Thomas' "Raymond" overture will complete the orchestral numbers. The famous recitative and air, "Caro Nome," from Verdi's "Rigoletto" will be sung by Miss M.. O.'Grady, who will also be heard in "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark," which will havti a flute obligato. Mr. R. Richards, the popular baritone, should acquit himselii well in Wagner's "Star of Eve," and also in "Sons of the Sea," by S. ColeridgeTaylor. A French horn solo, "Berceuse." played by Mr. Harry Benn, will complete an attractive programme. Booking arrangements are advertised.

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY. The Auckland Choral Society will proRent Handel's famous oratorio "The Messiah" in the Town Hall on Thursday, December 12. The full chorus of the society will be augmented by the Royal Auckland Male Choir - and the Otahuhu Male Choir, while members of the various church choirs of the Auckland district will be present. Mr. Colin Muston will act as conductor, and Miss E. Whitelaw as leader. Solo numbers will be rendered by Miss Lilian Woods, Miss Doris Moore, Air. Arthur Ripley and Mr. Arthur Colledge. The box plan arrangements and other particulars are announced.

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. Another attractive season will be provided by the Auckland Little Theatre Society in the Town Hall concert chamber for four nightis, commencing next Wednesday. Three short one-act plays, "The Monkey's Paw," by W. W. Jacolss, "God, and Mrs. Henderson," by Harold Chapin, and the Sir James Barrie success, "The Twelve-Pound Look," will be presented. Details of booking arrangements are advertised.

DRAMATIC RECITAL. A grand costume and dramatic recital will be given by the pupils of Mr. Walter Russell-Wood, in the Lewis Eady Hall this evening. The items will include songs by Miss Hope Asher and dances arranged by Miss Cecil Hall. Details are advertised.