ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20598, 24 June 1930, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HE GENT THEATRE. All the elements of romance are included in "The Vagabond King," the picturesque operetta which is showing to large audiences at the Regent Theatre. The picture, which has been based by Paramount Studios on the stage production of tlie same title, has for its background the changing scenes of Paris in the fifteenth century. The central figure of the romance is Francois Villon, the disreputable chief of the vagabonds of Paris, who became King of France for six days, with the prospect of execution on the seventh. The settings fjave been designed with great care to ensure historical accuracy, and they present in a striking manner the life of the period. Dennis King, who interpreted the role for many years on the American operatic stage, takes the part of tho heroic mob leader, who succeeds not only in welding together the disunited forces of the city and saving it from the besieging Burgundians, but also in winning the hand and tho heart of a royal princess. Jeannetto Maedonald, popular as the. principal actress in "The Love Parade, plays opposite Dennis King, and in addition to a strong subsidiary cast there is a full operatic chorus of 500 voices. There is a diversity of interest in the supporting programme, which is preceded by orchestral selections by Mr. Whiteford Waugh's orchestra. MAJESTIC THEATRE Ruth Chatterton has amply demonstrated her versatility as a convincing actress in such productions as "Madame X," "Charming Sinners" and tho "Laughing Lady." In "Sarah and Son," which has commenced a season at the Majestic Theatre, she gives a superb characterise tion in a difficult role. The picture, which has been described as the feminine counterpart of "Sorroll and Son," is the story of a mother's love and her struggle against dire financial straits. "Sarah's" spiritless husband, angered by her chiding of him, disappears with their baby son whom ht> had viewed ns an obstacle to their continued success as vaudeville artists. In spile of her conviction that her son is tho foster-child of a wealthy family "Sarah" is persuaded to seel: recognition on the Continent as an operatic principal. Success achieved she returns, and in tho dramatic situations which follow the actress gives a fine performance. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Sellings of amazing richness are seen in "No. No, Nanette," the Vitaphono film which is at present being screened at St. James' I heat re. Greater lavishncss is possible in a film production than in the stage success, and t.lie musical score, while retaining tho favourite songs, has been augmented by several musical numbers written especially for the picture. One setting, incorporating the hanging of a tremendous bell iii the Mikado's temple, is particularly effective. Tho ballet in several of the scenes is of an almost unprecedented size, and the dances are highly novel. The comedy element has been stressed by the producers, Lucien Littlefield and Louise Fazenda being largely responsible for tho success of the production. CIVIC THEATRE. A variety of entertaining pictures comprises the current programme at the Civic Ihealre. A short film of Arapuni is of particular interest, while the arrival of Pear-Admiral Byrd at Dunedin is shown. The main picture, "Temple Tower," is one of the best mystery films produced. Kenneth MacKcnna appears as the wellknown detective-adventurer of fiction, "Bulldog Drummond," Marcelino Day as a mysterious lady and ITenry Walthall as a criminal hiding in "Temple Tower." How Drummond fights his way through secret passages into the. lower and is responsible for the capture of two notorious jewel thieves makes an exciting story. An excellent comedy is screened while enjoyable music is provided by tho orchestra, STRAND THEATRE.

Realistic scones of the slums of Moscow mid the desolate wastes of Siberia aro depicted in "Hearts in Exile," which is at present showing at the Strand 'I heatrc. In this adaptation of John Oxenham's dramatic stago play Dolores Costello plays the part of a Russian peasant girl, who, knowing only life within the confines of a convent, is swayed by the prospeet of riches, and marries h nobleman. Her one-time peasant lover forms tho triangle, and in subsequent events in a Siberian prison camp the acting reaches a high standard of dramatic ability. Some of the cathedral scenes, in which hundreds of Russian voices blend perfectly in a number of hymns in the native tongue, are particufine.

11l ALTO THEATRE"Tho Lone Star Ranger," Zanc Grey's first novel to be produced as a talking picture is ono of tho two principal pictures to be presented this evening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. Tho virile, out-door spirit of the novel is well maintained in the picture. Ruth Chatterton, who has proved herself capable of acting the most diverse roles, gives a wonderful portrayal of a courageous woman, almost by fate, in " The Doctor's Secret," iho second picture on the programme. '.I lie film is based on Sir J. M. Barrio's well-known play "Half an Hour." Included in tho further supporting items is an amusing " Mirlcev tho Mouse " cartoon. To-morrow " Fashions in Love " and " Tho Studio Murder Mystery " will open a season. NATION A L THEATRE. The chief attraction in the current programme at the transformed National Theatre is "Her Unborn Child." The love of a girl approaching womanhood for a youth who is the ward of a wealthy and modern-thinking aunt provides the theme of tho story. 'I lie interference of tho aunt, who thinks the girl is not good enough for her ward, upsets the plans of tho young lovers. Supporting items include news reels, singing and" humorous talking pictures. PLAZA THEATRE. Tho amusing situations that occur when a small-town family, rejoicing in suddenly gained wealth, tries to break into society form the basis of High Society Blues." which is showing at the Plaza Theatre. Janet Gavnor and Charles Farrell. the popular young principals of "Sunny Ride Up," take the leading roles. "Tho Three Godfathers" will bo tho next attraction to bo presented at. tho theatre. TUDOR THEATRE. "Pointed Heels " a musical romance with an interesting plot, charming molo dies and a well-sustained lovo interest, will be the feature of tho programme to be. presented at the Tudor Theatre, Remuora, this evening. TIVOLI THEATRE. "High Society Blues," an amusing picture in which Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell aro the principals, heads the current programme at the Tivoli Theatre. In addition, "Jealousy" is screened. ARCADIA THEATRE. Evelyn Brent and Hal Skelly have the leading roles in " Woman Trap," which will be shown at the Arcadia Theatre this evening. In addition tho amusing picture, " Tho Lovo Doctor," will bo shown. BRITANNIA THEATRE. " South Sea Rose," a poignant picture of tho adaptation of a child of the South Seas to more civilised conditions, heads Iho current programme at the Britannia Theatre. " Jazz Heaven " will also be shown.