ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20596, 21 June 1930, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" SARAH AND SON." The accomplished Miss Ruth Chatterton adds another to her list of triumphs with "Sarah and Son," which has commenced a season at the Majestic Theatro. After seeing "Sarah and Son" one can havo no doubt that Miss Chatterton is one of tho finest actresses yet presented to tho public by means of talking pictures. Her performances in "The Doctor's Secret" and "Madame X" served to introduce her to film audiences as a dramatic actress of extraordinary ability, and her subsequent pictures, "Charming Sinners" and "Tho Laughing Lady," revealed her as a consummate mistress of situations and dialogue. Now she appears as a fyplendid emotional actress, entirely freed from sentimentality, infusing into her performance remarkable sincerity. Tho theme of "Sarah and Son" is one which could easily be spoiled by tawdry sentiment, but it is refreshing to find that the most tense situations are presented with restraint and good taste. A gripping story of a woman's heroic struggle against tho fate which seems determined to keep her separated from her son provides plenty of episodes of tho type which show Miss Chatterton at her best. Her role is not an easy one, as it requires her to play tho part of a foreign girl whoso accent gradually becomes less broken with tho passing of time, but sho sustains tho character in a way which deserves high praise. In addition sho sings two songs in this picture, one of them beinj; a Gorman lullaby of singular charm. Miss Chatterton is ably supported by Philippe do Lacy, who plays tho part of tho child, and by Fredric March, tho lawyer who falls in lovo with her while assisting her to recover her child. Gilbert Emery and Fuller Mellish, Jnr., aro prominent among the remaining members of tho cast, particularly Emery, who can bo relied on to givo a fino performance of any role, and whoso pleasing English is always welcome. Tho supporting programme is a very strong one. In addition to the Universal news reel, in which various events, including scenes of Gandhi's march in India aro described by Graham MacNamee, there is an interesting scenic entitled, "Chords of Memory," which is very finely presented. The outstanding itoin, however, is a comedy cutitled "Hot Dog." All tho performers aro dogs, of every typo and size, and their antics in a canino society drama are nothing short of wonderful. Tho high degree of intelligence shown by tho animals is not tho only feature of the picture, which contains a plot full of genuino humour. Tho remaining item, "Dresden Doll," is an enjoyable number in which a very novel method is adopted for presenting a number of 18th Century songs and dances. CIVIC THEATRE. The mystery melodrama, " Temple Tower," which will open a season at tho Civic Theatre to-day, is based on a story by "Sapper" and is a sequel to "Bulldog Drummoud," which was seen in Auckland some months, ago. Tho story centres largely around a sensational jewel robbery, which leads Captain Drummond and his friend, Peter Darrell, to investigate certain strange happenings at Temple Tower, an old English manor-house. The investigators havo to run tho gauntlet of tho elaborate preparations the occupiers of the tower havo made to keep intruders out. Remarkably thrilling effects are produced by the dexterous use of unusual lighting and sound effects. Kenneth MacKenna take 3 tho part of "Bulldog" Drummond and tho well-chosen cast includes Marceline Day, Henry B. Walthall, Cyril Chadwicke and A. B. Lane. As a part of tho supporting programme, Strauss' well-known march, " Tho Chocolate Soldier" will bo played by Mr. Ted Hcnkel's orchestra and Mr. Fred Scholl will play "Popular Classics" on the grand organ. NATIONA L THEATRE. After extensive alterations the National Theatro will reopen this afternoon with a programme of which the chief"attraction will be "Her Unborn Child," tho talking picture which caused a remarkable sensation in America. The latest Western Electric reproducing machine has been installed and tho electricians, mechanics and decorators who have been at work on the theatre for the past fortnight, are said to havo transformed tho theatre. Tho acoustics havo been found by test to bo very satisfactory in every way. " Her Unborn Child," as a play, was written by Howard McKent Barnes, but the screen version has been prepared by Frederick and Fanny Barnes, who were responsible for several of the most successful I'ox talking pictures recently shown. _ The story deals with a tragic episode in the lives of a boy and girl. Tho characters are portrayed by a cast of well-known Broadway artists, many of whom took part in the original stage version. Ihe supporting items will include comedy, song and dance features. LONDON* THEATRE The most famous detectivo in fiction is given a battling problem to solve in "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," tho Paramount. picture which is showing at tho London Theatro to-day. Tho cast is composed entirely of British players, headed by t'live Brook who is (he unruffled and precise' detective of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's series of romances. Holmes is disturbed in his retirement by tho news of a poisoning mystery in which suspicion is cast on the boy engaged to tho daughter of Holmes' old Friend, Dr. Watsou. The great detective's method of unravelling the (angled clues is masterly, but there are moments when ho is placed in a dangerous position by his arch-foe, Dr. Moriartv. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A special matinee at tho Prince Edward Theatre to-day is headed by a sparokling comedy, "The Girl from Woolworth's," in which Alico Whito plays the leading role. A Mickey Mouse cartoon is included in the supporting programme. VICTORIA THEATRE. " Tho Mississippi Gambler," a romantic picture of southern gallantry, will bo shown at tho Victoria Theatre, Devonport, to-day. A bright comedy, "Nix on Dames," will also be shown at tho evening session. TUDOR THEATRE. Three well-known screen players, Gary Cooper, Richard Arlen and Mary Brian, appear in "The Virginian," which will bo shown at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, to-day. ROYAL THEATRE. An enjoyable fihn, "Homesick," will be screened at the Royal Theatre to-day. -There will bo shorter films included in tho programme. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A series of baffling mysteries, coming in such quick succession that tho spectator is at a loss as to the identity of the criminal, is shown in "Tho Greene Murder Case," which heads tho programme at the Britannia Theatre to-day. TIVOLI THEATRE. An interesting plot and some striking photographic effects provide enjoyable entertainment in "Jealousy," tho principal picture being shown at tho Tivoli Theatro to-day. A series of shorter pictures completes tho programme. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. In an all-talking picture, which incorporates several dancing scones in teehnicolour, Mao Murray appears to advantage in "Peacock Alloy," which is being shown at tho Picturedrome Theatro to-day.

STRAND THEATRE. " Hearts in Exile," a Warner Brothers' film version of tho original stage play by John Oxenham, is tho principal picture in a varied and attractive programme at tho Strand Theatre. The presentation for the first tiino last evening drew a largo audience. Chief interest in tho picture centres in Dolores Costello, whoso characterisation of a convent-bred daughter of a member of Russia's lower class is splendidly carried out. Miss CosteTlo Rets tlpoughout with dramatic power, and tho -varying fortunes of her unhappy life are finely presented. Tho story is one admirably suited to the talking screen, and the tragic moments in tho lifo of tho girl and the lives of those with whom sho comes in contact becorno clothed in realism. There aro threo central characters in tho story, Vera Ivanova '(Dolores Costello), Paul Pavloff and Baron Sorgo Palma. Tho scenes aro laid in Moscow and Siberia, under tho rule of the last of the Romanoff Tsars. Tho daughter of a shopkeeper, Vera, recently returned from residence at a convent, finds it difficult to adapt herself to the new and tiresome conditions. Delicately reared, she can only loathe the primitive conditions which exist in her father's house, and sho expresses her feelings to her lover, Pavloff, a medical student somewhat given to riotous living. Although sho loves Pavloff, she is but too willing to accept tho security of a lifo of ease when Baron Palma meets her and makes a formal offer of marriage. For a brief period her existence is a happy one, and she finds restful content amid tho lavish surroundings of her devoted husband's mansion. But her happiness is wrecked when one d;iy Tsarist soldiers confiscate her husband's property and ho is sent to Siberia for 20 years to pay tho price of his revolutionary ideas. On the way to Siberia Baron Palma meets Pavloff, who has been deported for two years. With noble self-sacrifice, Pavloff exchanges identities with Baron Palma at a transportation camp, his reason being that he wishes the baron to return quickly to his young wife. Meanwhile Vera has followed her husband, and in this way she unwittingly becomes thrown into the company of Pavloff. At the Siberian prison camp tho destiny of tho three is worked out to a dramatic climax. There is no lack of variety in the supporting programme, tho most entertaining picture being " Harlem-mania," in which a negro orchestra plays. A bright stage presentation is included in a film of the playing of a leading American dance orchestra. The comedy element is supplied in a short sketch and a novelty sound cartoon. A further picture depicts life among the Amazon natives in South America. EI ALTO THEATRE. "The Lone Star Ranger" heads an attractive programme of talking pictures to be shown at the Rialto Theatre to-day. In book form "The Lone Star Ranger" is considered to be one of tho best of Zane Crey's works, and tho high standard has been maintained in the screen version. Tho atmosphere of freedom and outdoor life, wihch was one of tho most enjoyable features of the novel, has been preserved in the film. The second feature is "Tho Doctor's Secret," in which Ruth Chatterton is seen to advantage. The acting in tho second film is of a particularly high standard, and Miss Chatterton gives a remarkable portrayal as the erring wife. A full supporting programme will be screened. CAPITOL THEATRE. Victor McLaglen and Edmund Lowe, who havo appeared to advantage together in previous productions, play the leading roles in "Cockeyed World," showing at the Capitol Theatre to-day. The supporting programme includes sound pictures of Miss Amy Johnson's arrival in Australia. PLAZA THEATRE. The amusing adventures of a middleclass family suddenly grown rich are depicted in "High Society," the talking film which will commence a season at tho Plaza Theatre to-day. Several shorter picI turcs will also be screened. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. "Tho Importance of Being Earnest," a delightful comedy by Oscar Wilde, will bo presented by (ho Little Theatro Society for a season of four nights commencing on July 2. Many well-known artists will appear and tho production promises to be of a high standard. CONCERT BY MAORI PUPILS. A choir of over 100 voices will take part in the concert to bo given by the pupils of St. Stephen's and Queen Victoria Maori Colleges in tho Town Hall on Saturday, Juno 28. Tho concert, which is intended to typify the Maori gift of harmony at its best, is being held in aid of the college library and ground improvement funds. MUNICIPAL CHOIR. - Tho Municipal Choir, assisted by Miss Sarah Stacpoole, vocalist, and Mr. Cyril Towsey, pianist, will givo a concert in tho Town Hall this evening. The programme will include choral works by Gounod, Purcell, Byrd and Banlock, songs by Needham and Stevenson, and piano works by Raff and Chopin. Mr. Leo Whittaker will act as accompanist and Mr. Maughan Barnett will conduct tho choir. $ ORGAN RECITAL. An organ recital will be given in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon at threo o'clock by Mr. Maughan Barnett, who will play works by Widor, Bach and Sullivan, in addition to tho Duetto and Spinning Song from Mendelssohn's "Songs Without Words." MUSICIANS' CONCERT. A symphony orchestra of 75 professional musicians, conducted by Mr. Ted Hcnkel, will present a programme in tho Civic Theatro on Sunday evening, June 29. The concert will be in aid of tho Musicians' Union benevolent fund. Miss Beryl Smith, Master Harold Taberner and Master Desmond Casey will assist and Mr. Fred Scholl will perform on the grand organ. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. On Thursday evening at tho Lewis Eady Hall a pianoforte recital will bo given by tho pupils of Miss Erica Blamires. Elocutionary items will also bo given.