ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20481, 5 February 1930, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"LOMBARDI, LTD." Leo Carrillo, an actor of considerable histrionic ability, will appear at His Majosty's Theatre next Wednesday in "Lombardi, Ltd.," an amusing comedy dealing with the adventures of a dress designer. His aesthetic susceptibilities aro considerably offended by the neces sity of fitting beautiful gowns designed for slim, graceful figures, on the plump frames of wealthy clients, and his perturbation gives rise to some extremely amusing incidents. A notable feature of tho play is tho inclusion of a mannequin parade, in which twelve gorgeously - gowned models appear ugainst a charming background. The specially selected cast includes Barbara Luddy, Cecil Man neriug, Brandon Peters, and Rowena Ronald. CIVIC THEATRE. Gloria Swanson, tho well-known screen actress and one with an enviable reputation as a player of dramatic parts, is earning renewed popularity in ' " The Trespasser," her first talking picture, which is now being shown to enthusiastic audiences at tho Civic Theatro. Tho picture is a study of prido and prejudice. Miss Swanson appears as a typist, who elopes with the son of ono of Chicago's wealthiest men. Tho father has tho marriage annulled and orders his son to take a bride of his own social status. The typist is befriended by her former employer and at his death is left living in luxury with her infant son. Then comes her greatest battle—the desire to shield her son, conflicting with tho knowledge that the father can best ensure protection Her struggles against the laws of convention make an absorbing story, and the interest is maintained until the bapp.y climax is reached. Robert Ames, William Holden, Purnell Pratt and Blanche Frederici have subordinate roles. The supporting programme includes the popular " Blue Danube Waltz," arranged as an overture bv Mr. Ted Henkel, several enjoyable numbers by Mr. Fred Scholl on tho Civic grand organ and some novel variety items. " Charming Sinners," a Paramount " talkie " adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's well-known story, will be shown at the theatro for the first time on Saturday. The film, which deals with tho problems confronting a woman whoso husband in addicted to flirting, is interpreted by Ruth Chatterton, William Powell, Clivo Brook and Mary Nolan at the head of a strong cast. STRAND THEATRE. Walter Huston and Claudette Colbert, two well-known stage players, appear in " The Lady Lies," the main feature of tho current programmo at the Strand Theatre. Tho story deals with a serious Social problem, presenting the case of a wealthy widower who desires to marry again. Tho girl he loves is not of his own social class, and strenuous opposition to the match is made, by his two children. Realising the extent to which their happiness depends upon his action, tho widower feels compelled to await his children s permission before marrying, and for a time family .relations aro considerably strained. Eventually, however, a conciliatory arrangement is reached, and the picture comes to a happy ending. A persistent undercurrent of humour runs through the production, mainly owing to the presenco in tho cast of Clwules a prominent stage comedian. The supporting features are of a high standard, including a number of accur-atelv-reproduced items by Dr. Hugo Reiscnfeld's symphony orchestra. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. " Gold Diggers of Broadway," which, by reason of its wonderful natural colouring, effectively combines both stage and screen, is now entertaining record 1 louses at. St. James' Theatre. r lhc film, a Warner Brothers' and Vilaphono "talkie," is a. bright story concerning a boy, who. wishing to marry a chorus girl, fears the opposition of his uncle, upon whom ho is entirely dependent. Another gill undertakes to persuade the undo to take a more lenient view of tho stage, and the uncle is ultimately converted in a thoroughly amusing manner. Tho picture_ is interpreted by a notablo cast, llic P'j ll " cipal is Winnie Lightner, who supplies tho comedy with which (lie production abounds. Nick Lucas, widely, known as " the crooning troubadour," is heard in several enchanting songs, Ann Pennington is seen to advantage iu some pleasing dances, while an attractive feature is the gorgeous chorus ensembles. A programme of excellent talking and singing items is also presented. REGENT THEATRE. The atmosphere of life at a typical coeducational institution in America Jias been transferred to the screen in ' So This is College," the main feature of the current programme at the Regent Iheatre. The storv deals with (wo devoted friends ! who become estranged through the in- | struinentality of a pretty girl student who flirts with each of them in turn. | The next, change will bo made on Friday, when " Illusion," a story dealing with a troupe of circus performers, will commence a season. Nancy Carroll and Charles Rogers have tho principal roles. ROXY AND CRYSTAL PALACE. "Hurricane," an all-talking epic, of the sea, produced by Columbia Pictures, will head the new programme to be shown at tho Rosy and Crystal Palace Theatres to-day. Hobart Bosworth, as a master of a sailing vessel in the South Seas, has tho leading role. He is known by his crew as " Hurricane" Martin. Having been deserted by _ his wife about 20 years previously, he thirsts for revenge. Circumstances throw tho woman in his path and to punish her ho plans to marry her daughter to a pirate. Unexpected events intervene, however, and tho captain learns that the girl is his own child. MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE, Tho popular actress Mary Pickfonl, has her first talking role in " Coquette," which heads tho attractive entertainment offered at tho Moulin Rougo Theatro. The picturcsqiio country of South America forms the background for tho story in which Miss Pickfonl is cast as the hollo ol a small village. A number of enjoyablo supporting " talkie " films complete a well-balanced programme. PICTURHDROMH THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is provided in tho film " Tho Dangerous Woman," which will bo screened at the I'icturodroino Theatre, Milford, this evening. LYRIC THEATRE. " Tho Wheel of Chanco," an intensely dramatic picture with a cleverly conceived plot, heads tho current prograi at the Lyric, Theatre. Clara Bow and Esther Ralstoil appear in " Children of Divorce," t.lio supporting feat urn. LA BCALA THEATRE. Dorothy Burgos:! has tho leading rolo jn " Pleasure Crazed," tho main featuro of tho current programme at, the La Scala. Theatro, IlowiVk. Good supporting features aro shown. ARCADIA THEATRE. An entertaining revue, " The Follies of 1920 " beads the current programme at Ihe Arcadia Theatre. An amusing comedy in which the two comedians Clark and MeCullougli appear is also shown. MUNICIPAL BAND. A programme ft musical items will be rendered iu the Domain (bis evening by (ho Auckland Municipal Band.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Sue Carol. Walter Catletfc and David Rollins, all popular with local picturegoers, play the leading parts in " Why Leave Home ? " the amusing farce now showing at the Majestic Theatre. A strong east appears in support. The story, which earned exceptional popularity in the stage version, " Cradle Snatcliers,' concerns the infidelity of three husbands and the ingenious and hilarious manner in which their wives lead them to seo the error of their ways. The larger scope of talking pictures has allowed the addition of many original features which considerably eah.tnco the comedy. The new programma to commence <1 season at theatro on Friday is headed by " The Girl From Havana," a William l<ox " talkie," starring Lola Lane and Paul LUNA PARK. Largo numbers of pleasure-seekers continue to be attracted to Luna Park, Auckland's favourite amusement centre. Of outstanding interest is the populai scenic railway with its hairpin bends and steep grades. Other features include the caves, through which one travels by boat amid a fairyland of coloured lights and fantastic carvings, the whip, the dodg-ems, the wheel, the caterpillar, tin fun factory and the merry mix-up. Wlity. the extensive range of pleasure device is completed a variety of enjoyable hibitions caters for patrons. No visit It Auckland is complete without an aftei noon being spent at the park. A bii" servico is run from Endcan's Buildings