ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20620, 19 July 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" SO THIS IS LOVE." The final appearances of Mr. Clem Dawo and tho ,T. C. Williamson English Musical Comedy Company in "So This Is Lovo" will lako placo at His Majesty's Theatre this afternoon and this evening. Mr. Bobby Gordon and Miss Kitty Stewart combine with Clem Dawo to form one. of tho best comedy teams seen in Auckland. A feature of the production is tho tap-dancing by the ballet of Australian girls. On Monday and Tuesday next the company will stage "Lovo Lies" arid "So This Is Lovo" at tho Theatre Royal, Hamilton.

CIVIC THEATRE. The magnificent canyon country in (he Western States of America forms the romantic background for "Tho Arizona Kid," which has commenced a season at tho Civic Theatre. Warner Baxter, who was tho principal in " In Old Arizona," tho first " out-door" talking picturo to bo attempted, gives another fino portrayal as the debonair bandit with a price on his head. Concealing his true identity under the guise of a mysterious but highly-respected citizen in a" small Utah village, tho outlaw further enhances his reputation by capturing a highwayman. Ho exercises a tremendous attraction over all the beautiful young women of tho district and around tho conflict of lovo and duty a romantic story has been woven. Special musical items will be given from 8 to JO p.m. in tho Civic Winter Garden to-morrow. Master Desmond Casey and Miss Joan Laird will sing, items will be. played on the grand organ, and a programme of speciallyselected talking pictures will bo presented. MAJESTIC THEATRE. " Tho Loves of Robert Burns," which has commenced a season at tho Majestic Theatre, gives a graphic picture of tho tragic life of onn of Scotland's national heroes. If is no mere biography, rather is if a sympathetic reconstruction of tho poet's life drama. Burns was tho victim of emotional conflict which produced alike his genius and the tragedies of his short life. Joseph Hislop, who has achieved famo tho world over as an operatic, singer, sings such delightful Scottish ballads as " Auld Lang Syne," " Annio Laurie" and " Comin' Through tho Rye." Produced by British Dominions' Films, tho picturo is a blending of magnificent music with a tender romance of Scottish charm, filmed amid tho environment which actually surrounded Robert Burns during his life. A selection of excellent? supporting films includes a " Mickey tho Mouse" sound cartoon.

NATION AL THE AT RE. "Sleeping Partners," which heads the double-feature programme which will commence a season at the National Theatre to-day, is a farcical comedy of married life. Tho picturo is notable for tho introduction of Seymour llick c , tho wellknowri London actor, to tho talking screen. Ho makes full use of tho many talents which won him fame on tho legitimate stage. Witty speech and perfect diction by an English cast givo the production an added charm. The story of this adaptation of a successful music hall sketch concerns a wealthy Parisian bachelor who falls in lovo with a beautiful married woman. Tho amusing situations which follow provide ample scope for the introduction of clever and humourous dialogue. The other picture, "Half Marriage," deals with the adventures of a young art student who marries a struggling architect in her father's employ. Tho young couple endeavour to keep tho marriage secret until tho husband's genius gains recognition. Olive Borden is the principal and gives a tine performance in her first talking picture role. LONDON THEATRE. "Living London," the mammoth scenic record of life in London day by day, is being shown at tho London Theatre for an extended season. Produced at Elstree, England, it represents a most successful attempt to catch the changing moods of tho centre of tho Empire. Typical street scenes at various times of the day and a survey of wonderful old historical corrers givo a comprehensive panorama of tho various aspects of tho city and the life of its people. Magnificent old buildings of historical ns well as architectural interest, picturesque nooks that ono can hardly imagine exist in tho 20th century and quaint dwellings which retain an old-world appearance ore included in this remarkable picture. Perhaps tho most impressive part of tho film is that portion of it which deals with tho Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Prominent among tho supporting items is a "Mickey the Mouse" cartoon. CAPITOL THEATRE. ' "Signor Americano," a dramatic outdoor picture, with Ken Maynard in tho principal role, will bo shown at a special matinee at tho C'apitol Theatre, Dominion Road, this afternoon. A "Lucky Rabbit" cartoon, a detective serial and newsrecls complete tho programme. At tho evening session "Married in Hollywood" will also bo shown. PLAZA AND TIVOLI THEATRES. Tho romance of a shop-girl and her sweetheart, played against a colourful setting of New York life, is tho tlicmo of " Tho Wild Party," which will bo shown at tho Plaza and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Sue Carrol and Dixie Leo play tho principal parts. VICTORIA THEATRE.

Thrills and ronianco aro combined in "To-night at Twelve," a comedy drama with Madgo Bellamy as principal, which will bo shown at tho Victoria Theatre, Devonport, to-day. A special film showing tho second Rugby test match will bo the chief item in tho supporting programme.

TUDOR THEATRE. " Tho American Prisoner," ;i British film based on Eden Philpott's appealing and drama tic story of tho prisoners of war in 1810, is tho chief attraction in tho current programmo at (ho Tudor Theatre. Litflo Johnny Jones," n bright picture of racing life, is tho second main feature. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "High Treason," a prophetic vision of lifo a decade hence, and "Hearts in Exile," a story <if Russia, will shown at the Piinco Edward Theatro this evening- _ BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Tho Black Watch," which will lio shown at the Britannia Theatro this afternoon and this evening, js an entertaining story. ORPHEUS THEATRE. "The Terror," a thrilling melodrama based on ono of Edgar Wallace's stories, will be shown at tho Orpheus Theatro today. PICT(JR.EDROME TH E A T RE. "Tho Girl from Havana" will ho shown at the Picturedromo Theatro to-day. ROYAL THEATRE. "River of Romance" will bo shown at the Royal Theatro this evening. ORGAN" lIECITAL. The city organist, Mr. -Maughan Barnett, will give a recital in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon, when ho will play works by Tours, Bach and ] 101 l ins, a favourite andanto by Haydn and Schubert's Serenade,

STRAND THEATRE. A typo of film which might ho given greater prominenco by exhibitors, the i'ulllength comedy, heads tho new pro. grammo which was presented at tho Strand Theatre lasL evening. The picture, " Tho llottentot," is a First NationalWarner production, and has no pretensions to anything moro than uproarious comedy, but in that respect it would bo difficult to provide moro -n----joyalilo entertainment.. Tho story lends itself to a comic interpietation, but it is tho brilliant acting of thn principal characters which makes it tlie success it undoubtedly is. The leading man. Edward Everett Horlon, is a comedian of almost unlimited scope, and his acting in "Tho Hottentot" further enhances his reputation. His incongruous facial expressions and queerly twisted attitudes In moments of embarrassment are sufficient to rouso to laughter tho most lethargic spirit., while his antics astride an tuitarnoablo racehorse arc remarkably well dono. 'J'ho leading lady, Miss l'alsy Ruth Miller, has a smaller role to fill, but nevertheless takes her part in her usual accomplished style. Edward Earlo, as Hortou's rival for tho affections of tho heroine, shows a certain lino perception in his interpretation of the part of a mild typo of villain, and Douglas Gerrard makes a typically pompous butler. 'J'ho story dealt with tho eventful career of one Sam Harrington, who has an inborn terror of horses, although ho is deeply in lovo with Peggy Fairfax, a keen horsewoman and lover of animals. Sam is invited to visit tho Fairfax house, whero he is introduced as a famous steoplochaso rider. 'J'ho sudden rise in l'eggy's estimation which this assumed rolo obviously gives him, leads Hairing.ton to keep up tho bluff as long as ho can, and .for a while ho is successful. An invitation to ride Hottentot, a notorious racehorse, in a forthcoming steeplechase places the young man in an awkward quandary, and tho actual race, in which circumstances forco him to take part, is 0110 of the brightest portions of tho film. 'J'ho dialogue is rich in bright quips, and it is hero that Morton and Gerrard excel. Tho photography and sound are clear, the outdoor scenes being particularly good. Tho greater pari of tho first half of tho piogrammo is occupied by "Roadhouso Nights," a Paramount film dealing with the adventures of rum-runners and their satellites. The picture opens with a clover scene in which an astuto newspaper reporter, who has gained certain information concerning tho activities of a party of rumrunners, is warned to cease his inquiries. Tho whole scene takes placo in a dark passago-way, only the outlines of tho two men present being discernible in tho gloom. Tho reporter, however, does not heed the warning, with the result that lie is put quietly out of tho way. His long absenco from the office causes anxiety, and a second reporter, played by Charles Rugglos, takes up the story. His adventures form the plot for an exciting film. Helen Morgan, a well-known actress, has tho leading female role. Tho programme is completed by an interesting study of Central Otago, showing tho preparation and cultivation of fruit lands. Tho modern methods employed in scientific fruit-growing make an instructive short film. RI ALTO THEATRE. Janet Gavnor and Charles Farrell give pleasing portrayals in "High Society ltlues," which is being screened at tho Rialto Theatre. Miss Gavnor is cast as tho daughter of "blue-blood" parents, who chooso a French count as tho future husband for tho girl. Farrell as tho unpretentious son of "newly-rich" parents, who seek to improve their social standing. How through meeting in unconventional circumstances tho boy and girl fall in lovo and how after many humorous incidents they overcome the objections of their parents makes an interesting picture. Tho supporting films include scenes of Miss Amy Johnson arriving in Brisbane and a splendid comedy.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A powerful drama of the war set on the Eastern front is unfolded in "The Case of Sergeant Grischa," which heads the attractive programme at the Crystal Palaco Theatre, Mount Eden, this evening. The notable cast includes Betty Cornpson and Alec B. Francis. A matinee will bo held this afternoon, when a programme suitablo for children will bo screened. EMPRESS THEATRE. There are dramatic scenes in "Tho Trial of Mary Duigan," tho Paramount film which will bo shown at tho Empress Theatro, Newton, this evening. Norma Shearer takes tho principal part. A special children's programmo will be presented this afternoon. MUNICIPAL CHOIR. An attractive programmo of choral works and vocal and instrumental solos has been arrajiged for the Municipal Choir concert in the Town Hall this evening. Madame Iretio Ainsley will ho tho vocalist and Miss Lalla Hemus will play 'cello solos. Tho choir will bo conducted by Mr. Maughan Barnott, city organist. COMMUNITY SINGING. Community singing will bo held as usual in tho Town Hall on Wednesday during tho lunch hour. "Uncle Tom" will bo tho song leader and a programmo of old and new favourite numbers has been arranged. RATIONALIST ASSOCIATION. An entertainment will bo given by tho Rationalist Association in the Majestic Theatro to-morrcr/ evening. Mr. R. F. Way will speak, and a moving picture entitled "Black Magic," which is a story of love, mystery and romanco in tho South Seas, will bo shown. In addition, a scenic film will bo screened. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. ■ Tho second concert of (ho season will bo given by tho Bohemian Orchestra 011 Thursday. Tho programmo will open with a number of compositions from wellknown composers by tho orchestra. Mrs. R. A. Singer will play a pianoforte solo and Madame Dorothy Cronin will sing a number of Gipsy songs. CHARITY ENTERTAINMENT. A charity entertainment will bo given iu the Regent Theatro to-morrow evening by Mr, Wi >teford Waugh's orchestra, A picture, "Lost iu tho Arctic," will bo shown, and several assisting artists will give items. AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA. '1 ho Aeolian Orchestra will present its second concert of tho ninth season in tho Lewis Eady Hall on Tuesday. Miss May Mitchell and Mr. Arthur Thompson will bo tho vocalists for tho evening and Miss Maida Hooker will act as accompanisteJ MUNICIPAL BAND. luo recitals will bo given by Iho Municipal Band to-morrow. Tho first programme, at tho Zoological Park in tho afternoon, will includo "Tho Merry Wives "! incisor" overture, a Spanish suite, "Le Feria;" selections from "Faust" and "Aida," a, movement from Tschaikowsky's "Pathetic Symphony" and popular hymn tunes. A feature will bo two original compositions by tho bandmaster, Mr. Christopher Smith, "Scherzo" and a march, "Golden Trumpets,' At. the Town Hall in tho evening a well chosen programme will include tho "Light Cavalry" overture, selections from "Tho Gondoliers," the "March to Calvary," from Gounod's "Redemption;" xylophone solo by Mr. Rowland Jackson, cornet solo, "Tho Lost Chord." by Mr. F. Bowes; a piccolo solo, "Tho Wren," by Mr. H. McLennan; » waltz-intermezzo and favourite hymn tunea.