ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20570, 22 May 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Norma Shearer lias Iho leading role in "The Trial of Mary Dugan," which will 1)3 shown at tlie Regent Theatre for the last limn to-day. The picture is chiefly notable for jtlio (atmosphere of suspense preserved throughout, most of tbo action taking place in fhe courtroom, where a beautiful igirl is being tried for murder H. 15. Warner and Lewis Stone appear in the leading male roles. Tomorrow "The Laughing Lady," the stoiy of a well-known socicfly. woman who becomes involve:) in a fashionable .scandal, will commence a Season.. Ruth Chatterton, who has had a meteoric rise i" screen famo since sho made her Jirr-t an pearance in ' Sins of the' Father?."' g!\es a convincing portrayal in the leading lolc. Miss Chatterto.i, who will bo remembered for her work in "The. Doctor's Secret" and "Madame X.," is particularly suited, to the role she plays in this picture. She is cast ns the wife of a wealthy banker, whose interest in ; his,business has caused him to neglect his family. The manner in which slip attempts to regain her husband's affections forms the basis of an interesting plot. There is a talented supporting cast. i ST. JAMES' THEATRE. A triumph of film production is reached by "Disraelii" the adaptation of Louis N. Parkerp play, which is the main feature of Jfhe current programme at St. James' Theatre. George Arliss, who created the part of the great statesman when the piece was first produced in 1911, gives an effective portrayal in the leading role) Disraeli is presented as he was in 1875, 70 years of age, and Prime Minister, with Gladstone in opposition. Although j not strictly conforming to history, the story is well constructed and is built round the purchase of the Khedive's Suez Canal shares. In addition a love story is introduced in the winning of Lady Clarissa, one of Disraeli's great admirers, by Lord Deeford, a political opponent of Disraeli until won over by the statesman. The supporting cast includes Anthony Bushel!, Joan Bennett, Doris Lloyd and David Torrence, wliilo Shayle Gardner, formerly of Auckland, has a small part as a doctor. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The present programme at -tlm Majestic Theatre, comprising "Men Are Like Thajt." "Dark Streets'', and a Mickey the 'Mouse cartoon, will lie shown for the last timo this evening. "Men Are Like iThat") is a well-con-structed comedy depending for its humour on the character of Anlyev Piper, who is portrayed by II al Skclly. The second picture, "Dark Streets." deals with the rivalry of two brothers who are on opposite sides of the law. Jack Mulhall, who plays the dual role of the two brothers, succeeds in giving a distinct characterisation in each part. Charles Rogers plays in lite leading rolo in "Half Way to Heaven," a Paramount production, which will commence a season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Ho is brought into the limelight; as a daring performer in a carnival troupe and takes part in a series of exciting incidents. CIVIC THEATRE. A realisation of the good-natured farcical elements of the "Taming of the Shrew" has led to the successful screen production which is the chief attraction of the current programme at the Civic Theatre. United Artists have recognised the necessity of interpreting Shakespeare's genius by the leading screen artists in assigning the chief roles to Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. A convincing characterisation of the fiery. ! hot-tempered Katherine is given by Mary Pickford, whib an equally effective porI trayal is presented by Douglas Fairbanks ' as the overbearing, swaggering Pctruchio. The supporting cast is well chosen, Clyde Cook being outstanding in the "Vole of Grumio, Petruchio's long-suffering, henchman. On Saturday the picture "Let's Go Places," will head the change of programme.

STRAND THEATRE. Colleen Moore is presented in "Footlights and Fools," the chief picture of the current .programme at tile Strand Theatre, in a characterisation contrasting sharply with most of her roles. In addition to frequent moments of comedy there are scenes calling for emotional acting of a highly dramatic nature. Th» new technicolour process has been employed to present more vividly a series of 'stage episodes in which occur spectacular ballets lavishly costumed. Incorporated in the production are several vocal numbers, including "If I Can't Have You" and "You Can't Believe My Naughty Eyes." A full programme of supporting films is also shown. TUDOR THEATRE. A series of thrilling episodes is unfolded in swift succession in the picture "The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu," which is now being shown at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. The' picture, which lias been adapted from the novel by Sax Rohmer, is interpreted by a strong cast. Tomorrow " Dangerous Paradise," in which Nancy Carroll appears, will commence a season. RIALTO THEATRE. Bebe Daniels has tlio leading rol<?_ in "Rio Rita," the spectacular musical comedy now being shown at the Rialto Theatre. Tho picture contains scleral attractive vocal numbers, while there . are a number of scenes filmed in technicolour. There is a talented supporting cast. The shorter subordinate films aro of au attractive nature. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Spectacular stage presentations are a feature of "Paris," which heads tlio current programme at tho Prince Edward Theatre. Irene Bordoni has the leading role. ARCADIA THEATRE. The screen version of Owen Wister's novel "The Virginian" is now being shown at the Arcadia Theatre. Gary Cooper and Mary Brian have the leading roles. STUDENT PLAY. "All Quiet on the Waterfront." tho musical extravaganza of tho Auckland University College Students' Association, will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre for three more nights. Ihe play contains a farcical plot of the typical musical comedy typo, which has been used as a vehicle for tho introduction of innumerable topical references. Mr. A. 11. H. Fryer-Raisher and Miss Joan Ilankiu have . tho loading roles. ROYAL AUCKLAND CIIOIR. A concert will bo given in the I own Hall (his evening by the Royal Auckland Choir, when an attractive programme will bo presented. Part-songs will be renderou by a choir comprising SO male voices, while solos will l>e sung by Miss Naomi Whalley. Miss Ina Busworth will piav violin solos..