ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20601, 27 June 1930, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. A topical theme is dealt with in " The Lost Zeppelin," the Gaumont-Tiffany film which opened a season at tha Civic Theatre last evening. The picture, whicli represents man's attempt at mastery of the air, was based on the recent Antarctic and Arctic expeditions of Byrd, Amundsen and Wilkins, who carried out much of their explorations by air. The producers, working "on this basis, have made a picture which is not only interesting from the point of view of tiie insight given into conditions prevailing in recent expeditions, but is full o£ realism and human interest. The story opens on tho evening before the giant dirigible, " Explorer," is to set off for the South Pole. Commander Donald Ilall, a part ably played by Conway Tearle, seems to have everything necessaiy for happiness, but a terrible blow is dealt to him when ho discovers that his wife and his lieutenant on the expedition are in love with each other. He is faced with the alternative of seriously endangering the expedition by a public scandal, or of continuing as if nothing had occurred. He chooses the latter course. The hugo Zeppelin is seen ranking its way through tropical storms in the Caribbean Sea, and then down the coast of South America until finally, looking through the navigation windows of the cabin, the pilots can see nothing except snowfields. Gradually, as the ship penetrates further and further south, wireless weather reports become less hopeful. A fierce blizzard damages the fabric of the hull and snow and ice weigh down the ship. Altitude is slowly lost and the huge ice pinnacles are already visible. Although the airship is irretrievably lost, there is still hope of safety and in the period during which the explorers are waiting for help, conflicting hyman passions are subdued and the best solution of the problem of lova and duty is reached. The supporting programme, preceded by excellent items by Sir. Ted Henkel's orchestra, provides splendid entertainment. Selections from " Rio Rita " are given by the orchestra and Mr. Fred Scholl plays favourite hymn tunes on the grand organ. A news reel of wide interest, an amusing comedy of domestic life and an Oswald the Rabbit comedy-car-toon complete the programme.

NATIONAL THEATRE. "Her Unborn Child," the "problem picture," which was chosen by the J. C. Williamson management for the first talking picture to be screened in the transformed National Theatre, has attracted large audiences to the theatre throughout the week it has been screened. The picture is an excellent piece of human drama. The lovo of a ■ young girl for a youth whose wealthy guardian forbids his marriage provides the theme for a story of adolescent love without thought of consequences. In order the more definitely to prevent the boy's marriage his guardian threatens him with exposure of his real birth if ho persists in his determination to marry the girl. The boy is torn between the two interests and when he finally goes to the girl and oilers to risk everything by his protection of her he finds that she is no longer willing to accept it, feeling that he failed her at the time when he was most needed. The conclusion of the story, when both face their problems with a new outlook on life and greater confidence in themselves and each other, is remarkably well presented. The cast is composed largely ox youthful players from the legitimate stage, who do their work very well and provide appealing characterisations. A feature of tho supporting programme is a special film of the first Rugby test match between Great Britain and New Zealand. An entertaining newsreel and singing and humorous talking features complete the programme.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE. Remarkably colourful and spectacular scenes arc screened in "No, No, Nanette," the Vitaphoue production which is showing to large audiences at St. James' Theatre. Although the original stage production has been enlarged and transformed into a colourful extravaganza, none of the factors that made the musical comedy so great a success has been eliminated " The favourite numbers on the musical score have been agumentcd by several new songs and the comedy element is carried out excellently by Lucien Littlefield and Louise Fazenda. Bernice Claire and Alexander Gray, both of whom are well known on the" Broadway legitimate stage, play tho leading roles. Many of the scenes ard filmed in tcclmicolour and are notable, not- only for their lavishness, but also for the beauty of the colour effects and the ballet dances. There is an entertaining supporting programme, comprising singing and dancing items, one of which is the playing of eight famous songs by their composers.

I LONDON THEATRE I Sir -I. M. Barrio's play "Half An Hour" is admirably transferred to the screen in "The Doctor's Secret," which will commence a season at the London Theatre to-day. The picture shows in .1 striking way "the change from happiness to tragedy that can occur in a woman's life in a comparatively short time. Ruth (..hatterton. who takes the leading role, gives a fine characterisation of a woman's fortitude in a tragic situation. The film, produced by Paramount, is essentially English in its presentation and in its ca.st. The story shows a woman's subjection to a ceaseless mental goading by her husband. Finally she decides to end it all by leaving him and fleeing to the continent with a man whose only interest is to make her happy. Just as happiness seems within her grasp,, circumstances prevent the whole plan and she has to return to her luxurious but hateful home. Chief among the supporting pictures is "Nap," a gem of farcical comedy, in which Ernie Lotinga is responsible for most of the humour.

PLAZA THEATRE. One of Peter B. Kyne's most popular novels has been successfully adapted to the talking screen under the title " The Three Godfathers," which will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Set against the uncharitable background of the limitless desert, the picture concerns three men suddenly entrusted with the care of a newly-born baby. Subsequent developments provide ample scope for the skilful blending of pathos and humour. " Temple Tower," the latest adventure of " Bulldog" Druminond, will also be screened.

ill ALTO THEATRE. " Fashions in Love," an amusing picture of the gay and light-hearted life of Paris, and "The Studio Murder Mystery" will conclude their season at the Rialto Theatre this evening. The picture of principal interest on the programme commencing to-morrow is " Marned in Hollywood," a light opera containing many delightful settings as well as an appealing musical score. A large number of leading artists are included in the cast, which is headed by Howard Murray and Norma Terris. A Mickey Mouse cartoon is a feature of the supporting programme. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is provided in the talking film " Such Men Are Dangerous," which heads the attractive programme at, the Britannia Theatre. There are excellent supports. TUDOR THEATRE. I'he principal attraction at the Tudor 1 Theatre is an entertaining comeu\ of u shopgirl with high ambitions, entitled The Girl From Woolworth's." Several dancing numbers are included in the picture.

STRAND THEATRE.. " The Squall," which commenced a season at the Strand Theatre last evening, is a picture which should find considerable favour with those who like dramatic productions. It is au engrossing study of human emotion, based upon the fascinating cliann of a gipsy waif who is given shelter in a peaceful Hungarian household. First of all she enslaves the family retainer, and separates him from the gill whom he was going to marry. Then she turns her attention to tho son of the house, and he falls a ready victim to her allurements, notwithstanding the fact that he is betrothed to another girl. The happiness of the household seems to be almost completely wrecked when tho father is ensnared by her wiles. The climax of the picture is unexpected and from the dramatic point of view provides all that is necessary to an artistic conclusion. The part of tho waif is excellently played by Myma Loy, who gives a very fine performance, and shows a splendid appreciation of the demands of her role. The other feminine roles are in the hands of Alice Joyce, who is seen at her best in the characterisation of the wife and mother who suffers in silence. Loretta Young, Richard Tucker and Nicholas Soussanin are others whose work is very creditable, and the comedy clement is provided by Zasa Pitts. A bright racy story, full of zest and fun, is provided by " Little Johnny Jones," tho supporting feature. Tho chief part is taken by Eddie Buzzell, wh'j is seen as a jockey whose successes at a small country race meeting attract the notice of a city visitor and result in his.being taken to New York, where he pursues fame and fortune. An excellent Jove interest is provided by Alice Day, who is seen as Johnny's sweetheart. The youth's arrival in New York is followed by his entanglement with an actress, who tries to use him in order to further her own ends. The climax of the storv is provided by a horse race in which Johnny rides to victory and redeems himself in the eyes of the girl whom he deserted when he began his career in tho city. The picture will appeal to lovers of light and wholesome ei.tcrtainment. REGENT THEATRE. Francois Villon, France's immortal but renegade balladist, is the central figure in "The Vagabond King," which is at present playing at the Regent Theatre. The picture presents in unforgettable fashion tho unbounded luxury which surrounded French royalty in the 15th century. On the other hand, the poverty in the underground hovels of the vagabonds of Paris is indelibly impressed upon one's mind by passing glimpses of nameless faces among the rabble of tho city. Because Villon is successful in combining the scattered forces of the plebeian mob ho incurs the enmity of his king. Faced with the horror of the guillotine on the seventh day, the leader of the vagabonds is made King of France for a week, and when he saves his country from tho besieging Burgundians and wins the hand of a princess events take a dramatic turn. An additional attraction is an exclusivo film of the first Rugby test match played at Dunedin.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. In "Sarah and Son" the ideals which inspired tho famous novel "Sorrell and Son" are presented viewed in a woman's light. Ruth Chatterton, in this picture of a mother's love for her son, which is in a season at the Majestic Theatre, gives a sincere interpretation. A worthless husband, angered by his wife's chiding of him, disappears, taking with him their son in revenge. Struggling against financial stringency as a vaudeville artist "Sarah" seeks for some sign of her son. With only one word from her dying husband's lips to help lior she becomes convinced that the child has been adopted by a wealthy family. Having achieved fame in Europe, sho returns to regain her son. "Hot Dogs." a clever and amusing canine society drama, is the principal supporting picture.

ORPHEUS THEATRE. George Arliss, who created the name part on the stage many years ago, is the principal in " Disraeli," which is now showing at the Orpheus Theatre. The story centres round the conflict between Britain and Russia for the possession of the controlling shares in the Suez Canal Company. How Britain's picturesque statesman handles a delicate situation and overcomes great financial odds makes for excellent entertainment. There is a good supporting programme.

TIVOLI THEATRE. " High Society Blues" arid " Jealousy" will be presented at the Tivoli Theatre this evening. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. The next production to be presented by tin- Little Theatre in tho Town Hall concert chamber will be Oscar Wilde's popular comedy, "The Importance of Being Earnest." The season will extend over four nights, commencing on July 2. This delightful piece, which has been a favourite with many repertory societies throughout the Empire, should meet with a very successful season. ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. Sevontv-five professional musicians will participate in a grand orchestral concert to be given by the Auckland Musicians' Union at the Civic Theatre on Sunday evening. The orchestra will be *under the conductorship of Mr. Ted Henkel and Mr. Fred Scholl will give several numbers on the organ. " ============= I