ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20602, 28 June 1930, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"LOVE LIES." "Lilting music, a well-trained ballet, a wealth of colour, a delightful love story and plenty of wholesome and original humour," were the terms used by a Melbourne critic to describe "Love Lies," the London Gaiety Theatre musical comedy success, which is to be staged by J. C. Williamson, Limited, in conjunction with Messrs. Richard White and Eric Edgiey, at His Majesty's Theatre next Saturday evening. The popular and natural comedian, Clem Dawe, who will make his first appearance here in a musical comedy production, has toured England and America since he last appeared in New Zealand and he witnessed the London production of "Love Lies" on several occasions. Mr. Michael Cole, a noted young English artist, will play the part taken by Mr. Cyril Richards in the London production; Miss Rita McLean is the leading lady, whose part, that of a singer and dancer, is played by Madge Elliott in London; Mr. Bobby Gorden, a delightful young Londoner, will assist Clem Dawe in the comedy scenes and others in the cast are Marie Eaton, Dan Agar, Paul Plunkett. Les White, Mona Bar lee, Eric Edgiey, John Wood and Leo Fowler. An outstanding feature of ihe production is the clever "tap dancing'' by a well-trained bailee of Australian girls and another feature is the dressing. Only a limited number of performances can be staged of "Love Lies," and it will be followed by the latest London musical comedy success, "So This is Love," which is the present reigning London musical attraction, Booking arrangements are advertised. NATIONAL THEATRE. "Her Unborn Child," which is ihe first talking picture presented at the National Theatre, is attracting large audiences. The production is characterised throughout by wholesome good taste. The love of the elder daughter of an average family for a youth who is the ward of a wealthy aunt is the basis of the story. The aunt's interference on the ground that the girl is below her on the social scale is responsible for tragic consequences. To add weight to her argument she convinces her ward that in reality he is not her nephew but a derelict child whom she had adopted. Torn between his duty to the girl and the fear that if he marries her he will be cast off by his "aunt" as a nameless foundling, he ultimately discovers the truth about himself. He goes to the girl only to be met with her refusal to accept his tardy offer of protection. The remainder of this poignant drama cf human life is admirably" presetted. The supporting programme is in keeping with the high standard maintained in the principal picture. LONDON THEATRE Although prodnced by an American studio, "The Doctor's Secret," which is the main feature of the current programme at the London Theatre, is essentially English in character and in its manner of presentation. Based on Sir -James Barrie"s pla, "Half an Hour," the picture hinges on a woman's desperate attempt to secure happiness by leaving her husband and fleeing to tiie Continent with her lover. At the last moment a tragic circumstance wrecks her plans, but knowledge of her attempt to leave her husband comes accidentally to a friend. The picture then centres on the woman's battle of wits with this man to prevent him from toiling aIL Ruth Chatterton gives cue of her best characterisations in the picture, and she is abiy supported by E. B. Warner and John Loder. In- ! eluded in the supporting programme is a farce, "Nap," with Ernie Lctenga in the principal part. CIVIC THEATRE. Man's numerous attempts at mastery of the air give a very realistic theme for "The Lest. Zeppelin," which has commenced a season at the Civic Theatre. Produced by Gaumont-Tiffany, the picture presented many technical difficulties but the masterly manner in which the subject is dealt with gives a clear insight into the hazardous nature cf polar expeditions. A giant dirigible -leaves on an expedition to the South Pole under circumstances which augur well far the success of the undertaking. Stung by the knowledge that his wife and his lieutenant are in love, the explorer decides to continue to his goal rather than involve the expedition hi a public scandal. When a fierce blizzard dooms the airship and :ts complement petty emotions are swamped by the greater common interest. The Civic orchestra, under Mr. Ted Henkei, gives selections from "Rio Rita," and Mr. Fred Scholl plays a number of favourite hymn tunes cn the organ. The diverse supporting programme is excellent.

ORPHEUS THEATRE. One of the most dramatic diplomatic moves in the history of England forms the basis of "Disraeli." the talking picture which will be screened to-day at the Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu, recently fitted with talking picture equipment. The nim shows the daring and unauthorised purchase of the Khedive's Suez Canal shares by Benjamin Disraeli, against foreign and internal opposition. The picture is interpreted by a Sue English cast, headed by George Ariiss. VICTORIA THEATRE. There will be a special children's matinee at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this afternoon. A feature will be *he presentation of a balloon to each child a {.lending. " The Long, Long Trail," an out-of-doors picture, in which Hoot Gibson takes the part of the hero, is the main item on the programme. In the evening the same picture will be shown, together with " Harmony at Heme," a comedy of family life. William Collier, senr., takes the leading role. TUDOR THEATRE. A completely British programme will be presented at the Tudor Theatre, Rcmuera, to-day. The chief attraction will be "Blackmail," a powerful drama, dealing with the far-reaching effects cf a single lapse. There is a strong supportting programme, including a farce, "The Raw Recruit." in vrhich the principal player is Ernie Lotinga, who was seen on the Auckland stage some months ago. CAPITOL THEATRE. A stirring picture of the outdoors, "The Hero of the Plains," will ba shown as the Capitol Theatre this evening. A film of the first Rugby test match between Britain and New Zealand will also be shewn. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. " The Sky Hawk" will be screened at the Pictnredrcme Theatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A picture of modern life. " Such Men Are Dangerous," beads the programme as the Britannia this evening. TIYOLI THEATRE. " Sweetie," a delightful romance, is the picture of chief interest at the Tivoli Theatre this evening. " Temple Tower" will also be screened. ROYAL THEATRE, j Harold Lloyd appears in " Welcome : Dancer" at the Royal Theatre this evenI ing.

BEGENT THEATRE. A blending of romance and realism, hcs been most successfully carried out ..by Ludwig Berger, the producer of " Tha Vagabond King." which is showing to large audiences at the Regent Thiatre. The picture is sefc in Para in the 15th century and has for its central figure ifce picturesque rogue and immortal _ balladisfc. Francois Villon, played by Denfiris King As the leader of the rabble of Pans, he is given an opportunity to be leader of the nation against- the Burgundians for six days, with the prospect of the scaffold on the seventh. The manner in which lie saves hi 3 country and his own hie, and wins the heart of a princess makes a romantic story. The settings of the picture are historically accurate and convey a realistic picture of the extremes of poverty and wealth that existed., in Paris at the time. One of the features of the supporting programme is a special film of the first Rugby test match between Great Britain and New Zealand." MAJESTIC THEATRE. A mother's lifaiong attempt to. find her son, separated from her sincr ehildhc-ad, is the central theme in '* Sarah and Son." the Paramount production which is continuing a successful season as the Majestic Theatre. The picture presents ths woman's counterpart to the situation shown in "Worrell aud Son," and, having been produced by the only woman director in America;"" it- has a great feminine appeal. Ruth Chatterton. who takes the leading part-, gives, as _in all her previous pictures, a dramatic and emotional characterisation without descending to mere sentimentality. The principal supporting picture is "Hut. Dogs."' a comedy of canine life. Thai next change of programme to be presented at the Majestic Theatre is "The Green Goddess," in which George Ariiss, the principal of "Disraeli,* * takes the leading part. STRAND THEATRE. A bright racy story, abounding itt plentiful action, is provided by "Liitla Johnny Jones." which is the chief attraction at the Strand Theatre- Tha successful performance of a jockey ixt a small country race meeting attracts tiia notice of a city visitor, who encourages him to seek fame in New York. Success assured, he, however, becomes entangled with an actress, ■who uses him as an instrument to further her own selfish ends. The picture reaches a thrilling climax when "Johnny" rides to victory in an exciting horse race and redeems himself in the eyes of the girl he had abandoned on the first wave of his success. An amusing comedy entitled "Stain" is the principal supporting picture. which also includes an interesting news reeL RIALTO THEATRE " Married in Hollywood," an operetta set principally in a small kingdom of Central Europe, "will be shown to-day at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. The picture has much of the romance of " The Prisoner Gf Zenda.* 1 and it has in addition a fine musical score and lavish settings. Norma Terris, the leading actress, takes the part of a fascinating operatic prima donna who infatuates the Crown Prince of the little kingdom. Revolution breaks out and the two lovers are parted, but finally they meet again in unusual circumstances and are " married in Hollywood. The mai" picture, is supported by a fied and entertaining programme of short talking features, including a newsreel showing ihe arrival of Mis Amy Jtfhnsos in Sydney.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The picturisation of the musical comedy, "No. No, Nanette" is continuing with success its extended season at St. James' Theatre and promises to equal in popularity "The Gold Diggers at Brt»sdwar." The setiines, many of them filmed in technicolour, are on a rich scale and the musical score has been developed and considerably augmented. Alexander Grey and Bernice Claire, two recent rncroita from the Broadway stage, take the leading roles, and Lonise Fazenda and ILacietS Littlefield supply the humour with which the picture abounds. PLAZA THEATRE. An unusual and amusing plot forms tha basis of " The Three Godfathers," at present showing at the Plaza Theatre. Adapted from Peter B. Kyne's well-known novel, the picture concerns the predicament of three roush men who find themselves left with a baby in their charge. This' strange situation furnishes material for a picture rich in romance, pathes and humour. Charles Bickford,. Raymond Hacket, Fred Kohler and Marie Alba are included ia the cast. " Temple Tower," a mystery melodrama, showing some of the adventures of " Bulldog" Dramihond, will also be screened.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Two entertaining pictures, "My Mais," a Warner Brothers' production, and "The Climax," Trill be shown at the Prince Edward Theatre this afternoon. MAORI COLLEGES' CONCERT. Over 120 students of- the St. Stephen's and Queen Victoria Maori Colleges will take part in the Maori concert to be given in the Town Hail this evening. The choir, which is under the direction of MrColin Mas ton. will exemplify Maori music at its best. Pais, bakas and Maori grimes will be features of the programme in sd< diticn to the musical items. ORGAN RECITAL. The customary Sunday organ recital in ths Town Hall will be given to-morrow evening, eornxncmcing at 3.50. Mr. Maughaa Barneti. the city organist, Trill play works by Bach, Rhemberger and Hoiloway, two favourite ** songs without words" by Men* deissciin. and Dudley Back's " Home, Sweet Homo." LITTLE THEATRE S'XiEi'i. A revival of Oscar Wiii.a's delightful comedy, '"The Importance of Being Earnest," will be presented hy the Little Theatre Society as the Town Hall concert chamber for a season of four nights, commencing on Wednesday. The plajj has been a favourite with many repertory societies throughout the Empire. -r ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. A grand orchestral concert has beeij arranged by the Auckland Union for to-morrow evening at tea Civic Theatre. Mr. Ted Henkel will conduct an orchestra of 75 players and AfFred Schcll will present a" number of items at the organ. Several solos, both musical and vocal, will be given bv wellknown artists. CHAMBER MUSIC ' SOCIETY. . A masica! concert, will be given by the Auckland Chamber Music Society at the Lewis Eady Hall en Monday evening; CHARITY ENTERTAINMENT. Mr. Whiteford Wangh's orchestra, assisted by a n amber of other popular artists, will give a charity entertainment at the Regent Theatre to-morrow evening.