ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20490, 15 February 1930, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The brilliant comedy, "Lombardi, Ltd.," will be presented for onlv five more nights at His Majesty's Theatre. Matinees will ljo hold to-day and on Wednesday. The military comedy, "August, 1914," will commence a season at tho theatre next Saturday ovening.

"AUGUST, 1914." Tho successful war comcdv, "August, 1914," will commence a short season at His Majesty's Theatre next Saturday afternoon. Mr. Ernie Lotinga, one of London's most popular burlesque comedy artists, will make his first appearance in New Zealand in this production. Other prominent members of the company arc Kathleen Barbor, and Karyl Norman, an accomplished female impersonator. The play ran for over a year in London and recently terminated a record season in Australia, and should meet with an enthusiastic reception by Auckland audi ences. Three other plays, "Polico Force," "Khaki" and "Full House," will also bo presented by Mr. Lotinga and his distinguished company. Booking ar rangomenls for "August, 1914," are advertised.

CIVIC THEATRE,

The all-talking programme to be shown at the Civic Theatre for tho first time to-day is headed by "Sunny Side Up," a musical comedy starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, the well-known combination which made an outstanding triumph in "Seventh Heaven." Although each has a different type of role, both players are said to eclipse their previous portrayals. The background of the film is New York's upper east side. During the Fourth of July celebrations two New York people are preparing for the festivities in decidedly different atmospheres. These aro Molly Can- (Janet Gaynor), of Yorkville, and Jack Cromwell (Farrell), tho son of a wealthy man of Sea Cliff, a fashionable suburb. Cromwell, disgusted with his frivolous companions, drives off in his car. Without realising. his directions ho turns into the Yorkville street in which Molly lives, and an accident to his motor-car brings about a chance meeting with tho girl. They immediately fall in love, but the course of their romance is interrupted by the intervention of a series of unexpected events. It is only after the pair undergo many vicissitudes that tho happy climax is reached. Appearing in support of the principals aro Sharon Lynn, Frank Richardson, El Brendel, Marjorio White, Joe Brown, Mary Forbes, Alan Paull and Peter Gawthorne. The musical comedy was written specially to suit the peculiar talents of Miss Gaynor and Farrell by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson, and in this respect it is unique. Miss Gaynor proves her versatility by playing a comedy role, broad in places, but occasionally bordering on pathos. Both principals are heard in pleasing vocal numbers. "I'm a Dreamer, Aren't- Wo All? " is sung by Miss Gaynor, who is said to possess a voice of particularly pleasing qualities. Tho two principals sing "If I Had.a Talking Picture of You" as a duet. Among tho most spectacular presentations is the "Water Carnival" number, which, like several other scenes, is filmed in technicolour. The programme will also include a new selection of shorter films and supporting variety items. Notable features will be new numbers by Mr. Ted Henkel's stage band and Mr. Fred Scholl on the Civic grand organ.

GRAND THEATRE

"The Flying Marine," one of the most exciting and spectacular aviation films yet shown in Auckland, heads the present "talkie" programme at tho Grand Theatre. Three screen favourites in Ben Lyon, Shirley Mason and Jason Robards, who will be favourably remembered for his sterling performance in a prominent role in "The Isla of Lost Ships," have tlw principal parts* A strong cast of lesser players lends valuable support. Steve Moran is the "Flying Marine." Arriving at his brother's airport he becomes enamoured of Molly, a childhood friend, with whom his brother, Mitch, is secretly in love. Mitch generously stands aside for his young brother's happiness. On tho busiest day Steve takes the muchneeded plane and flies off with tho girl, returning late in the day. As tlie airman approaches tho landing-ground lie purforms some daring "stunts" in order to alarm Mitch. His performance brings him to the attention of a moving picture director, who promptly engages him to act in aerial pictures. The interest heightens as the plot unfolds tho entertaining story of Steve's exploits, and tells in a- highly-dramatic, climax how Mitch and Molly are finally reunited. 1 In addition to the main film, several excellent supports of an enjoyable nature are presented.

MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. An abundance of humour is provided in "The College Coquette," which is being screened- at the Moulin .Rouge Theatre. The principals are Ruth Taylor and William Collier, jun. A gazette and a- comedy are also included in the splen did "talkie" programme.

LYRIC THEATRE An amusing light comedy, "The Goodbye Kiss," featuring Johnny Burke, Sally Eilers, and Matty Kemp, will be shown at the Lyric Theatre this evening. The second feature on an entertaining programme is "Sporting Goods," in which the ever-popular Richard Dix heads tho cast. Screenings are being given at 2.30 and 7.45 p.m.

VICTORIA THEATRE. Comedy is the keynote of the present programme of talking pictures at the Victoria Theatre, Devonporfc. Tho principal feature is "The Fall of Eve," a comedydrama, starring Patsy Ruth Miller and Ford Sterling, while the. supporting programme is of the usual high standard.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The popular comedian, Chester ConkJin, enacts the main rolo in "Taxi 13," the hilarious "talkie" which will bo screened at tho Prince Edward Theatre this afternoon and this evening. Several short films of topical interest will also bo shown.

EDEN DALE THEATRE,

Ono of the finest outdoor "talkies" yet produced, "In Old Arizona," in which Edmund Lowe, Dorothy Burgess and Warner Baxter have the chlof parts, is tho main attraction on the fine programmo to be presented at tho Edondale Theatre to-day. The supporting programmo includes a Fox Movictono News, Fox Sound News and a two reel comedy.

ARCADIA THEATRE. "Tho Black Watch," a stirring picture of revolt on tho Indian frontier, is proving vory popular at tho Arcadia Theatre. Victor McLaglen, in the chief role, gives a vigorous interpretation of the young captain forced to undergo shame for the ihifi-

PICTUREDROME THEATRE. "The Woman Disputed" is the principal attraction at the Pictiiredrome Theatre, Milford. this evening. Jazzing will also bo held.

CAPITOL THEATRE. The powerful talking drama, " The Black Watch," will conclude a successful season at the Capitol Jho.itie to-day. Splendid portrayals are given by Victor McLnilcn and Myrna Loy. A diversity of entortuining "talkie" subjects is included i» the supporting programme.

MAJESTIC! THEATRE. The new picture at the Majestic Theatre, "Hard to Get," provides . endless entertainment of the lighter kind and its story, the scene of which is laid in New York, holds just the right balance between comedy and melodrama to give the variety the seeker after amusement desires. Bobby Martin was a mannequin in a fashionable modiste shop in Now York. In spite of the humble surroundings in which she lived with her family she managed to present a good appearance in smart clothes bought on the instalment plan. It so happened that frequently while she was waiting on the corner for a car, philanthropic gentlemen, passing;)!) automobiles, offered to give her a lift, which she saw no harm in accepting, it was through a chance acquaintance of this kind that she met Dexter Courtland one morning and Jorry on another. Dexter, being a millionaire of philandering habits, invited Bobby to have lunch with him, an invitation which she accepted, although she was much more taken by the sprightly Jerry with his flow of merry conversation. Now she thought it would be an amusing deception to fool Courtland into thinking that she was a wealthy society girl. It happened that she gave the home address of Courtland's moLher as her own. Even when ho knew that Bobby was trying to fool him, Courtland was fascinated by her beauty_ and innocence and pursued her with invitations. On an evening she was spending at home, her brother brought Jerry to the house as his guest, which led to a closer acquaintance with Jorry, who invited her to take a ride with him in his car. The following night Jerry's car broke down, Courtland arrived first, and she went out with him, steering him to Jerry's favourite rendezvous. Jerry sought another girl and met them there accidentally. Bobby and Jorry wore annoyed, but Jerry abandoned the girl he had taken while Bobby found it safer to walk home after her experience- with Courtland. Soon their misunderstanding was settled and Bobby discarded her fino clothes to become a wife to the straightforward Jerry. Dorothy Mackaill, in the leading role, acts and talks to fit the part, her beauty being not the least of her attractions. She is supported by Charles Delaney, Jack Oakie and Louise Fazenda. The supporting programme includes an amusing cartoon, some fine views taken on a lionhunting expedition in Africa and a musical interlude.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE

Universally acknowledged to be the most perfect colour picture yet produced, "Gold Diggers of Broadway," a Warner Brothers' and Vitaphone all-talking production, is now enjoying an exceptionally popular season at St. James' Hi eat re. The film, which was made by the technicolour process, concerns the adventures; both romantic and humorous, of four New York stage girls, who indulgo in extensive "gold digging" operations among their wealthy admirers. Winnie Lightncr has the leading role, others seen and heard to advantage being Ann Pennington, Nick Lucas and Conway Tearle. Considerable interest should centre in "The Desert Song," the "talkie" version of the famous musical comedy, which is the next attraction to bo presented at tho theatre.

' ROXY THEATRE

The struggle of a young woman against the forces of pride and prejudice forms the theme of the talking picture, "The Trespasser," the principal attraction at tho Roxy Theatre. Miss Gloria Swanson, who plays the fitlo role, is cast as a typiste who elopes with the son of ono of Chicago's wealthiest men. The father has the marriage annulled and orders his son to take a bride of his own social status. The typiste 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 the knowledge that the father can best ensure protection. ller struggles against the laws of convention make an absorbing story, and the interest is maintained until the happy climax is reached. Robert Ames, William Holden, Purnell Pratt and Blanche Frederici have subordinate roles. There is an excellent short supporting programme.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND EMPRESS

Two splendid talking pictures, "Light Fingers" and "Acquitted," comprise the entertainment offered at the Crystal Palace and Empress Theatres. Ralph Theodore, who lias the leading role in the first attraction, "Light Fingers," is cast as a successful detective who matches his wits against a gang of unscrupulous criminals. Dorothy Revier, one of the most popular actresses of the screen, has the principal feminine role, while excellent portrayals are given by the other members of the cast. A stirring drama of the underworld is unfolded in the second feature, "Acquitted," in which Lloyd Hughes, Sam Hardy and Margaret Livingston appear. In addition a variety of interesting shorter "talkie" films is screened. Matinees will be held to-day at both theatres.

DANCING AT LUNA PARK

In spite of the unfavourable weather conditions, a large number was present at tho (lancing competitions at Luna Park last evening. The winners of the classes were:—lrish Jig (under 9). K. E. Simon. 1; Betty Browne, 2; Joyce Cain, 3. Irish Jig (9-11 years) : Dagmar Jensen, 1; Olive Evans, 2; Patricia Boyle, 3. Sailors' Hornpipe (11-13 ydSirs): Gladys Cain, 1; Joy Lodder. 2; Jean Armour, 3. Irish Hornpipe: E. Crook, 1; Ireno Long, 2; Kathleen Reed, 3. Tho contests, which are arranged under the auspices of the National Highland Dancing Society, will be continued this afternoon and this evening, when a varied selection of fancy and national classes will be judged. In addition, the usual entertainments at tho park will operate.

MUNICIPAL BAND. Tho Municipal Band will play in the Zoological Park to-inorrow afternoon and in Albert Park in tho evening. The afternoon's programme includes some fine numbers, notably a charming selection from Weber's "Preciosa" and tho overturo "Dawn of Peace." Othor items are "Sanctuary qf tho Heart," "The Phantom Brigade," "Madame Pompadour" selection and ilyll "Softly Unawares." In tho- overling an excellent programme will include "Marche des Moujiks," "Raymond" overture, valses "Rouge ot Noir and "Amorettan Tanz," three numbers from Ansell's tuneful suite, "The Shoe," Handel's celebrated "Largo" and a fine selection from Squire's most popular songs.

,VIOLIN RECITAL. An announcement of interest to mnsicloveris of Auckland is the appearance here of Mr. John Dunn, ono of tho world's greatest violinists, on Thursday, 'March 6. Mr. Dunn will givo a recital in the Town Hall and will bo assisted by Mr. Colin Muston and several members of tho Bohemian Orchestra.