ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20537, 11 April 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

grand theatre. " The Shopworn Angel," which opens a season at the Grand Theatre this evening, is an appealing and beautiful story of the conflict between the ideal and the real in a woman's lite, and the struggle to he worthy of the lover who sees her as perfect. Nancy Carroll plays the part of Daisy, the sophisticated chorus girl, who incuts bv accident and fascinates I'rivato William Tyler. She herself finds his boyishness refreshing in contrast to the jaded companions she usually associates with and in the brief period before the troops are drafted off to t he front, the friendship of the two is openly acknowledged. One of her friends, however, persuades Daisy that Tyler loves her, not as she is, but as he supposes her to be. She does not want to deceive the young man any longer and breaks off the friendship. the order to embark for France shows Daisy how much she loves Tyler and a marriage is arranged. Overcome by emotion. Daisy faints at the altar and the coremonv is broken up. The troops leave, but Daisy has the knowledge of Tyler's love to enable her to live through the war vears until peace is declared, and her lover A varied selection of interesting supporting features is also shown.

CIVIC THEATRE. The thrills of the out-door life of tho "cowboys" are well presented in "The Lone Star Ranger," which is attracting large audiences to the Civic lheatre. Based on Zane Grey's novel of the same name, the picture tells of the change that the entrv of a pretty young girl made to the iife of a "cowboy," wrongfully outlawed and embittered against law and order. A feud 'between rangers and a band of cattle thieves supplies plenty of exciting encounters, hairbreadth escapes and feats of horsemanship. The supporting programme contains much of interest. The film showing the arrival of the Gov-ernor-General and his swearing-in in Wellington is outstanding. Topical events of world-wide interest are included in two other news gazettes. Two amusing comedies complete the pictorial side of the programme. Mr. Ted Henkel and the Civic Orchestra arid Mr. Fred Scholl on the grand organ provide much-appiecl-ated musical items.

STRAND THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier achieves great popularity in (ho tnlkie operetta, " The Lovo Parade," which is showing at the Strand Theatre. In the light-hearted French manner lie comes as an exile to the little kingdom of Sylvania. The young queen hears of his past history and summons him. to administer a reprimand. When she has audience with him, the reprimand is changed into an ofler of marriage, and as the Cabinet wishes to find a husband for the reigning queen, Count Alfred becomes the Prince Consort. Hie royal couple do not live happily ever afterward, for it is not long before the Consort finds it irksome to have to obey the orders of his royal wife. The solution of the difficulty is reached when Count Alfred is made king. The picture achieves its suecess not through the plot but through the tuneful musical numbers abounding and through tho charming personality ot Maurice Chevalier.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The Argyle Case." which is showing at the St. James' Theatre, is a mystery story which keeps the audience really mystified until the end. The plot concerns the unravelling of the mystery surrounding the death of John Argyle. a wealthy man, apparently 011 good terms with everybody. The murder occurs in the first few scenes, but 110 clue is given to the audience as to the identity of the murderer. Motives may be ascribed to two at least of the members of the household and each tries to shield the other. Alexander Kayton, private detective, with his two assistants, comes to the house to solve everything and he and his helpers provide not only clues in plenty, but also humour. REGENT THEATRE. " It's a Great Life is the main picture of the current programme at the Regent Theatre. The Duncan Sisters, who have the leading parts, are two recruits from the legitimate stage to the talking screen. In dance, dialogue and song they are equally impressive. Lawrence Gray fills the chief male role and the three principals together give a sterling performance. Many of the scenes are set behind the stage and are infused with a spirit of bright comedy. Laurel and Hardy appear in a short hilarious comedy, i IIC Hoose Gow," while a valuable contribution to the programme is furnished by Mr. Wiiiteford Waugh's orchestra in selections from "Maritana.'

" THE LOCKED DOOR." The question whether .1 woman should keep .1 secret, no matter how harmless it is, from her husband is the theme of " The Locked Door," which is to open a season at the Civic Theatre on Saturday. While the picture, abounds in witty dialogue, action has not been sacrificed, and there are many exciting incidents. Rod La Rocque, Barbara Stanwyck, William Boyd and Betty Bronson fill the leading roles and there is a strong supporting cast. The story concerns the after-effects of a life's attempt to screen an unfortunate episode in her life. Her secret would have been seen in its true light had she been frank about it, but by adopting an air of mystery she involves herself and others in danger and ruin.

BOXY THEATRE. The screen version of Thomas Hardy s well-known novel "Under the Greenwood Tree" is now being shown at the Ro.nv Theatre. The setting is in Wessex, and characters arc the collection of rural types familiar to readers of Ilardv. 'I lie story deals with the. love of a young farmer for (hp village schoolmistress, and of the manner in which they become estranged. The leading role is taken by John Batten, a voting Aucklander who has gained distinction in America.

VICTORIA THEATRE. The. final screening of " The Desert Sorig " will take, plate at the \ ictoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. Booking arrangements are advertised. MOULIN ROUGE THEATRE. ".Madonna of Avenue A" is tho main feature of Ihe current programme at the Moulin Rouge Theatre. The film is interpreted by a strong cast. Good supporting features arc shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. The story of a French girl who finds herself surrounded by soldiers of the Allied forces at the conclusion of the war is unfolded in "Marianne," which is now being shown at tho Empress Theatre. Marion Davies has the leading role. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Lola Lane and Paul Page liavo the leading roles in "The Girl from Havana," which is now being shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The picture has an entertaining plot, and is interpreted by a strong cast. OBSTETRICAL APPEAL. An entertainment organised on behalf of tho obstetrical appeal will take place at the Regent Theatre on Sunday evening. A film entitled "The Far Call," which is claimed to teach a valuable moral lesson, will bo shown. Items will be rendered by Mr. Ernest Snell, Mr. Alan McElwain, Miss Laura-Walker and Miss Ida Walker. Mr. Whiteford's YVaugh's orchestra will provide the accompaniment.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The .Columbia musical revue, "Broadway Scandals," which was presented before a large audience at the Majestic Theatre last evening, is a wormy successor to the list ol similar all talking, singing and dancing productions. 'lhe picture is modelled largely on the lines of a stage production and is most enjoyable. The plot is of the conventional, but popular type—two struggling artists casting wistful glances toward the, lights of Broadway; the success of the man owing to the patronage of a famous star and the temporary failure of tlie woman due to the star's jealousy; the separation and reunion of the lovers. Jack Lgan is cast as.the obscure artist, Ted Howard, who subsequently wins lame on the Broadway . stage,* and gives a pleasing portrayal. His nonchalant air and mannerisms make-a universal appeal. His singing of the theme song, " What Is Life Without Love?" is a feature of the film. The difficult role of the girl artist, who is doomed to remain hidden in the chorus, is played by the popular Sally O'Neil, who acquits herself well. She is heard to advantage in companv with Egan in the melody, " Does An' Elephant Love Peanuts?" Carmel Myers as the famous star, Yaleska, who is'the cause of the quarrel between the two artists, also gives a convincing characterisation. Excellent assistance is given by tho supporting cast. Interest in the picture is well sustained, _ the romance of the two lovers being interwoven into the stage presentations so as to give complete cohesion to the production. A portion of the film is in technicolour and adds considerably to the merit of tho picture. The dancing and chorus numbers are of a novel and entertaining nature and demonstrate still further the possibilities of the talking screen. The presentation abounds in appealing songs, whirlwind dancing and enjoyable musical numbers. The comic element has not- been neglected and is made Ihe more welcome by its appearance at unexpected moments. Of outstanding interest arc the melodies, "Can Vou Read In My Eyes?" " Would I Love to Love You?" " Kickin' the Blues Awav." " Rhythm of the Tambourine " and Love's the Cause of All My Blues." The subordinate films provide entertainment for all tastes. A Government publicity film describing trawling operations in the Ilauraki Gulf is particularly interesting. The manoeuvres of the " mosquito fleet" are traced from the time the fishing vessels glide down the Waitemata at the break of dawn until they return in the golden path of the sunset. " Micky tho Mouse " has a. fund of new antics to delight patrons in a novelty sound cartoon. "The Haunted House." The cartoon is one of the best of its series yet screened and unrestrained laughter is caused by the dancing of skeletons and ghosts in the haunted house. A rapid and comprehensive survey of recent world-wide events is made in a gazette. Portraits of a number of prominent people, including the Prince of Wales and Mussolini, are screened in this film and the audience is left to guess the titles. The skirl of bagpipes introduces the screening of " A Wee Bit of Scotch," which should appeal especially to the Scottish people. Manv well-known Scottish airs are sung and'national dances given in this attraction. The programme has been judiciously selected and should meet with a successful season.