ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20563, 14 May 1930, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The Warner Urol hers* production, "On With tho Show," filmed, entirely in natural colours, which is showing at St. James' Theatre, reproduces the features of a musical comedy. In addition to an interesting story dealing with the financial difficulties in which a musical comedy company finds itself tlio picture possesses magnificent stage scenes with spectacular displays of colour and skilled ballets. The choruses are well rendered and give a musical background to the story. The strong cast includes Hetty Compson, Arthur Lake, Sally O'Ncil, Joo E. Brown and Louise Fazenda. A full supporting programme, including vocal and instrumental items, completes the programme. "Disraeli," with George Aiiiss in the loading role, will commence u season at St. .lames' Theatre on Friday. Tlie story opens with the adjournment of Parliament without Disraeli having the finances or power to carry out his plans at a lime when agitation is running high against him as "a foreigner and a Jew." .Joan Bennett. Florence Arliss, Doris Lloyd and Anthony Bushcll are also # iri the cast.

STRAND THEATRE

The efforts of a, Puritan mother from tho small American town Newton Centre to prevent the. marriage of her son to a French actress provide the basis of the story of "Paris," the chief feature of the current programme at the Strand Theatre. Her activities in Paris result in a series of diverting complications. At first repelled by Parisian life, she becomes more enamoured with its pleasures than her son and finally becomes engaged to the actress' leading man. Irene llordoni has the leading rolo of the French actress, Jack Buchanan that of her leading man and Louise Closser llale that of the American mother. Outstanding characteristics of the production arc the finely executed revue scenes and tho inclusion of several popular vocal numbers. "Footlights and Fools," a picture with Colleen Mooro in tho principal part, will be the main picture of the cliango of programme at the Strand Theatre on Fridav.

REGENT THEATRE. The trial for murder of an attractive chorus girl forms the plot of "The Trial of Mary Dugan," which is now being shown at tho Regent Theatre. Overwhelming evidence is accumulated against her, and it seems almost impossible for her to establish her innocence. At *.ho critical moment her younger brother arrives in the courtroom, and asks permission to conduct his sister's defence. The remainder of the picture deals with tho masterly manner in which the young lawyer shatters tho case established by tho prosecution. The picture is chiefly remarkable for tho fine atmosphere of suspense preserved throughout. Norma Shearer, who appeared with success in "The Last of Mrs. Cheyncy," has the leading role, and she i.-i supported by 11. B. Warner and Lewis Stone. The shorter supporting features are of an entertaining nature.

CIVIC THEATRE. "Atlantic," a film adaptation of Ernest Raymond's play "The Berg,' which heads the" current programme at the Civic Theatre, is an all-British picture, produced by British International Tictuics, Ltd., at Elstrec. Although not possessing a customary film plot, the picture gives a powerful portrayal of the emotions of men and women at the moment when the ship Atlantic is doomed through striking an iceberg. The representation of character is well executed and furnishes an inspiring example of British courage ann fortitude. Important roles are filled by John Longden, Franklin Dvall and Arthur Hardy. "The Taming of tho Shrew" will bo tho principal featuro of the change of programme at the Civic Theatre on Saturday. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks have tho chief roles.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

The screen adaptation of Sir James M. Barrio's play "The Old Lady Shows Her Medals" is being shown for a revived season at the Majestic Theatre under the title of "Seven Days' Leave." Gary Cooper takes the part of tho soldier who is about to desert, but is won back lo dutv by the unknown London charwoman who adopts him as her son. The character of the old lady is effectively portrayed by Beryl Mercer. In addition, Nancy Carroll 'appears in "Dangerous Paradise," a romance of the. South Seas based on incidents of Joseph Conrad's novel ' V ietory." Other prominent members of tho cast are Richard Arlcn and Warner Oland. Tho change of programme at tho Majestic Theatre on Friday will bo headed by Hal Skellv in "Men are Like That," and bv Jack Mulhall in "Dark Streets."

TUDOR THEATRE

The light, musical operetta, "J ho Lovo Parade," starring Maurice Chevalier, will bo shown in tho Tudor Theatre, llemuera, this evening. Tho story is set in a little old-world State, and shows how a gay young count conquered his queen's heart. Many popular songs aro included in tho production, among them being "Paiis, Stay the Same," "My Dream Lover," "Let's Be Common" and "Song of tho Grenadiers." There is a strong supporting programme of humorous features.

EDENDALE THEATRE

"The Da rice of Life," an all-talking drama, starring Nancy Carroll and Hal Skellv, will bo shown at. the Iv.lendalo Theatre this evening. Tho picture takes the form of a Broadway rovuo in full natural colours. Tho supporting features include a. Paramount Movietone News, a singing cartoon entitled "After the Ball," song numbers by Dorothy Heimvich, and a Paramount Movietone comedy.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE

Tho screen version of Sir James Barrio's play, "Tho Old Lady Shows Her Medals," under the title of "Seven Days' Leave," is being shown at the Prince Edward Theatre. Gary Cooper and Beryl Mercer are the principals.

ALEXANDRA THEATRE

"Tho Wonder of Women" is tho principal picture of tho current programme at I lie Alexandra Theatre. Lewis Stone and Leila Hymns have the leading roles.

ARCADIA THEATRE.

The popuhir players, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. have the leading roles in "Sunny Side Up," which is being shown at the Arcadia Theatre.

VICTORIA THEATRE.

A well-conceived plot, is woven into the action of "Tho Canary Murder Case," which is the main picture of tho current programme at the Victoria 'Jhcatre, Devonporl. William Powell heads a wellbalanced cast.

MUNICIPAL CONCERT.

Continuing the series of municipal concerts, the Municipal Band will present a programme of band and solo numbers in the. Town Hall on Saturday evening at eight, o'clock. Vocal items will be contributed by Mrs. Hai McLennan, ami Miss Gordon will bo the accompanist.

ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR

The Royal -Auckland Clioir will give :i foiiccrl. in lliu Town Tlnll on Thursday, May 22 Tin? soloists selected urn Miss Niicimi Wli.illnv, <■>f l'.ilinerslon North,, aiul the Alices Moore.

ROXY THEATRE.

Two nil-talking features will be 6hown at tilo Roxv Theatre this evening. The first is "Courtiu' Wildcats," in which Hoot Gibson plays the leading rolo. Ho poses as a weakling in order to avoid being sent to work in tho family foundry. He finds himself after adventurous episodes attached to :i "Wild West Show, and immediately starts on tlio arduous task of courting "Calamity June," a pretty performer. Thrills and laughs alternate throughout the picture. A play by Booth Tarkington and Harry Leon Wilson forms the basis of "Cameo ICirby," the second featuro on the procramme. The picture is a romance of the Southern Slates in the year 1850. The story is set in New Orleans, at Mardi Gras time, and tlio hero is a professional gamblor who plies his trade on the rivor boats. There are several songs, including "Romance," "After a Million Dreams," "Home is Heaven," "Tankard and Bowl" and "I'm a Peaceful Man." Tho supporting programme includes ji Fox Movietone Romantic.

"THE DRAKE CASE."

The all-talking mystery film "The Drake Case." is being shown at tho New I)c Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, and at the Empress Theatre, Newton. At both theatres there are full supporting programmes. WEST END THEATRE. "The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu," which heads the current programme at the West End Theatre, is a thrilling mystery story. Maurice Chevalier has tho loading rolo in "Tho Love Parada," which will commence at the West End Theatre tomorrow. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Betty Compson appears in tho leading female rolo in "Woman to Woman," which is showing at tho Crystal Palaco Theatre. George Barraud and Juliette Compton are also in the cast. GRAMOPHONE RECITAL. A gramophone recital arranged by tho La Gloria Gramophone Company will bo given in tho La Gloria concert hall on Saturday evening. Mr. C. B. Plummer will conduct the recital, which will bo arranged to suit all musical tastes. Famous singers, instrumentalists, humorists and orchestras will bo heard.