ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20619, 18 July 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" SO THIS IS LOVE." To-night and to-morrow afternoon and evening Clem. Dawe and J. C. Williamson's English Musical Comedy Company will make their final appearances in Auckland in the delightful musical comedy triumph, "So This is Lovo," which is proving a better attraction than "Love Lies." On Monday and Tuesday next tho company will stage. "Lovo Lies" and "So This is Lovo" at the Theatre Royal, Hamilton. REGENT THEATRE. Set against a rugged background quite new to the screeii. "Condemned," which commences a season at the Regent Theatre to-day, presents in unforgetablo fashion the unremitting hardships endured by convicts condemned to Devil's Island. Although a wide gulf separates bis rolo in " Bulldog Drummond," and the part ho is called upon to play in " Condemned," Ronald Colman gives a forceful characterisation. Ho has appeared in parts requiring similar qualifications before and is entirely at ease in a rolo which calls for some tense dramatic acting. He has tho part of a French boy who, convicted of petty theft, is condemned to penal servitude at Devil's Island. Isolated in shark-infested waters and covered with dense tropical jungle this forbidding natural prison allows small opportunity of freedom, even to the man who succeeds in outwitting his guards. Small wonder is it, therefore, that the convict settlement is the centre of plotting and counterplotting. ,ilthough tho hardships which tho convicts suffer' and the horrors of tho restricted cells are fully stressed, there is a romantic side to 'lie picturo as well. Bound together by their common sufferings, tho prisoners make great friendships, for which they are prepared to make innumerable sacrifices. Ann Harding, who will bo remembered for her portrayal in "Her Private Affair," gives a sincere interpretation of a woman whoso refining influence is finally tho redemption of the French youth. How chance takes him from his desperate companions and brings him into contact with tho ennobling influence of the woman who conspires to assist him in effecting an escape, makes for excellent entertainment. The picture is the outcome of many years' preparation by the producers. It is based on the "best-seller" novel by Mrs. Blair Giles, who obtained permission from *he French Government to spend somo months on the island, following the escape of a notorious international criminal somo years ago. Altogether, the production marks a new departure in screen entertainment.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Produced by British Dominions' Films, "Rookery Nook," which will be shown at St. James' Theatre for the first time to-day, is the talking film version of Ben Travers' uproarious farce. The adaptation to the new medium of entertainment of a comedy which has appeared both in book form and as a stage play retains all the ingenuous humour of the piece. The atmosphere of life in the quietude of rural England is admirably i preserved. Outdoor scenes filmed amid the beauty of the English countryside and the perfect diction of the players greatly enhance tho production. The comedy is filmed by the original English cast., which appeared in 409 consecutive performances at the Aldwych Theatre London. Hence it is that every member of tho notable cast is entirely at ease and does full justice to the subtleties of the many farcical situations. The story, which deals with the adventures of a wearied young husband, who seeks a rest euro at Chumpton-by-the-Sea, has all the elements of absurdity. Ho becomes established in his new cottage. "Rookery Nook," with a companion of his bachelor days. When a pretty girl seeks refugo from an irate stepfather, some hilarious complications develop. Their effort to keep tho fact of the girl's presence from the young wife, in apite of the husband's garrulous sister-in-law, are responsible for some splendid humour. The part of Gerald Popkiss, whose chivalry is mainly the cause of *he trouble, is played by Ralph Lynn. Tom Walls gives an inimitable performance as the irresponsible Clive Popkiss, and Winifred Shotter is ideally suited to her part as the truant stej daughter. Mary Brough, who toured Australia some years ago, reveals outstanding ability in the role of the fussy old housekeeper at "Rookery Nook." Others in tho excellent cast are Robertson Hare, Griffith Humphreys and Ethel Coleridge. Altogether, the production is light entertainment of high merit.

STRAND THEATRE. Two pictures of more than passing interest combine to make the programme which begins a season at the Strand Theatre to-day one of particular merit. " Tho Hottentot," adapted from the stage success of tho same title, is a laughable comedy of the racecourse. Edward Horton, who was mainly responsible for the success of the play, gives a clever characterisation of a foppish young man whose pet aversion is horses. The story concerns his efforts to overcome this intenso dread in order to appeal to the girl of his heart, who is an ardent admirer of fine horsemanship. Through tho clever scheming of a matchmaker, the young man is reputed to be a wellknown steeplechase rider, and when ho is called upon to ride a recalcitrant thoroughbred over a difficult steeplechase course some ludicrous situations occur. Tho second attraction is "Roadhous© Nights," a picture which deals with the varying fortunes of reporters, rum-run-ners and 'roadhouso" entertainers. RIALTO THEATRE. A double-feature programme of diversified interest will be screened at tho Rialto Theatre this evening. The first attraction is Edgar Wallace's mystery melodrama " Tho Terror." Tho story revolves around the experiences undergone bv an ill-assorted party forced by a terrific storm to spend tho nipht in an old inn which a strange apparition is said to inhabit. The second feature is " Harmony at Home," an appealing and whimsical story of family differences in a " newly-rich " American family. To-mor-row " High Society Bines," a delightful comedy drama, with Janet Gavnor and Charles Ear re 11 in the principal roles, will be shown. PLAZA THEATRE. Fun, melody, glittering backgrounds and plenty of action are found in " The Big Party," tho Fox Movietone production which is the chief attraction on the current programme at tho Plaza Theatre. Tho story revolves round the romance of a little shop-girl and her two admirers, a young window-trimmer and a millionaire store-owner. Representative backgrounds of almost every phase of New York life are shown, including a spectacular modiste's shop, an exclusive Fifth Avenue apartment and a fashionable night club. Suo Carol and Dixie Lee are tho principals in the cast. There is an entertaining programmo of supporting items. TIVOLI THEATRE. " Hot F<">r Paris," an amusing comedy dealing with the adventures of two sailors in Europe's pleasure capital, and Ihe Saturday Night Kid," a charming and romantic story, will bo shown at tho Tivoli Theatro this evening.

TUDOR THEATRE. " Tho American Prison or," an English film based on Eden Philpott's novel of the Napoleonic war years, will bo shown at the Tudor Theatre this evening. The second main feature on the programme will bo " Little Johnny Jones," a story of racing ambitions and successes.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. A further contribution to the list, of outstanding British talking films to bo shown in Auckland is made by " The Loves of Robert Burns," the" British Dominions picture which commenced its Auckland season at the Majestic Theatre last evening. In many respects the film is a notable one. In tho first place, it is the first time that the noted English operatic tenor, Mr. Joseph Hislop, has been recorded, and tho attempt has proved eminently successful. No better production could have been chosen for his debut in talking pictures than " Tho Loves of Robert Burns." Ilis beautiful voice is heard in half a dozen Burns lyrics set to the traditional airs, and their poignant charm is enhanced by Mr. Hislop's treatment. He records perfectly and all through sings with the Burns spirit. His acting powers are called on to a marked extent, the tempestuous character of Burns himself making serious demands on an actor if he is to be convincing. Yet Mr. Hislop may be said to succeed. Every mood, every emotional conflict in the poet's disturbed mind, has been handled in a masterly fashion, and his sorrows and his joys have been placed on the screen in a manner which rings true. Mr. Hislop has been aided to some extent by his strong facial resemblance to the pictures of Burns, but even so his task was no light one and he has discharged it well. The story, while not following in every particular the details of the poet's life, has been cast so as to bring out the main features of his character, and to introduco as many of the incidents as possible that led to his most famous lyrics. At tho opening of tho picture the poet is seen following the | plough and this permits Mr. Hislop to sing two old favourites, " Tho Banks of Loch Lomond" and " Annie Laurie." Tho incident of the unearthing of the mouse's nest is faithfully portrayed, and the poet utters the lines that spring to his mind. Then Joan Armour, representing one of the characters of Burns' verse, enters tho story, and with her the poet enjoys a period of idyllic peace, which is rudely broken by the girl's father. After Burns is disgraced in the kirk, he meets Mary Campbell, tho " Highland Mary" of his poems, and for a time is happy again. After securing a position in the Indies, he prepares to marry her, but she dies at tho height of his joy. Heartbroken, ho receives tho news that his first volume of poems has caused him to become famous, and ho leaves for Edinburgh, where he embarks on a life of social feting, only to return home and marry Jean. The picture closes with the tragic death of tho poet in his prime. Throughout tho production, which was filmed in the Burns country, the scenery is magnificent, glimpses of lake and brae, mountain and heather, bringing to tho audience the atmosphere in which the poet lived and died. Both Dorothy Seacombe arid Eve Gray are excellently cast as Mary and Jea.l Armour, the former in particular being worthy of tho highest praise. It is interesting to note' that both are of Australian birth. Pride of place on the supporting programme is given to another of the inimitable " Mickey the Mouse" cartoons, which proved as popular with the audience as its many splendid predecessors. A novelty item is provided by Polly Moran, the noted comedienne, who contributes two amusing songs and a monologue. Charming glimpses along the Waikato River from its origin, on the slopes of Ruapehu, through Taupo to Hamilton, are seen in a splendid Government scenic film. A Universal newsreel depicting items of topical interest in all parts of the world and a series of orchestral selections complete the programme.

CIVIC THEATRE. " The Arizona Kid," which commenced a season at the Civic Theatre yesterday, is a delightful romance of life in the western States of America in the early days, the setting being a small town in tho heart of the canyon country. Tho story concerns the adventures of a dashing and debonair bandit called Chico, alias the Arizona Kid, which is a part that gives Warner Baxter another opportunity ito show what a splendid actor he is. Tho ; opening scenes of the picture show an I old stage coach swinging along a, beautiful I canyon road. The coach is held up, but J Chico, who is a passenger, quickly dis- | poses of the " amateur" bandit. An | old western hotel with its dance hall, bar | and attendant attractions has been admirI ably reconstructed as a terminus for the ! stage coach. The arrival of the gay j Chica at the hotel causes a great stir | among the girls, who are not disappointed ■in the matter of presents. A rival, however, soon appears, in the shape of a j beautiful girl looking for accommodation for her sick brother. Chico invites them to his home, which arouses tho jealousy of Lorita, a part played by the beautiful Mona Maris. Lorita refuses to be jilted and moves her belongings to Chico's home. Humour in abundance is provided by the squabbles between Lorita and the beautiful stranger, played by Carol Lombard. Chico has to make many mysterious expeditions and he always returns with a plentiful supply of gold. The suspicions of the sheriff are aroused, but he is unable to discover any proof of Chico's real identity. Chico's guest having recovered his health trails his host to an old disused gold mine and discovers that ore is still being mined there. He shoots Chico's two guardians and returns to town. Suspicion centres on Chico and the net begins to close round him. The sheriff and his followers surround Chico's house, but ho escapes with the girl who has been faithful to him, this incident providing thrilling riding down tho steep shingle banks of a canyon. Warner Baxter gives some wonderful displays of horsemanship over wild and broken country during the story and the photographer has not neglected to make the most of his opportunities. A very amusing comedy, " The Plumbers are Coming," with George Le Mairo and Louis Simon in the principal parts, a Fox Moxietone News and a Paramount Sound News complete an excellent and varied programme. Mr. Fred Scholl at the Civic organ played "An Old Guitar and An Old Refrain," which should appeal to all musio lovers. Tho orchestra, conducted by Mr. Ted ITenkel, played enjoyable selections from " The Student Prince." NATIONAL THEATRE. Excellent entertainment is provided by the current doublo feature'programme at the National Theatre, which concludes its season to-day. The main attraction is " Sailor's Holiday," a farce which keeps tho audience laughing from beginning to end. The adventures of sailors on shore leave provide a continuous series of amusing situations which aro complicated by tho antics of a talking parrot. Alan Hale is tho chief comedian, The second feature is " This Thing Called Love," a comedy drama of married life, with Edmund Lowo and Constance Bennett as the principal players. Miss Bennett takes the part of an ultra-modern girl, who believes that the two partners in a marriage contract should be almost completely free to live their own lives. Edmund Lowe, as tha husband, endeavours to convert his wife to the old-fashioned viewpoint and after some amusing episodes ho succeeds. Tomorrow, another double-feature programme will be presented. The first is the British all-talking comedy, "Sleeping Partners," 'in which Seymour Hicks, England's popular comedian, takes tho leading part. Tho second attraction is " Half Marriage," a comedy of New York life. BRITANNIA THEATRE. " The Black Watch," a dramatic and picturesque film of love and war on tho north-west frontier of India, will bo shown at tho Britannia Theatre this evening.