ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20622, 22 July 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NATIONAL TIIEATKE. Seymour Hicks, the noted English stage comedy actor, is introduced to Auckland in tho talking films at tlio National Theatre, where "Sleeping Partners" has commenced a season. This is a really delightful entertainment, only mado possible in tho screen world by the introduction of the sound process. It sparkles with tho drollest wit and is a succession of side-splitting laughs for tho audience. Mr. Hicks shows the humorous .sido of philandering in an inimitable way. His savings, his facial expressions and his actions arc delicately shaded into a hai--monious symphony of mirth in which never a false noto is struck. Miss Edna Best plays up to him charmingly. The farce has a Parisian setting. Mr. Hicks has the part of a wealthy bachelor with a professed love for tho charming wife of an unfaithful Frenchman. Tho Englishman's antics in his endeavours to win the beautiful woman bear all tho elements of airy absurdity. Mr. llick* makes full use of the many talents which won him fame on the legitimate stage and gives an inimitable performance as the "silly ass" type of young man. When lie gives the lady a sleeping draught instead of a dose of sal volatile, his ingenuity is severely taxed to concoct an explanation which will appease tho irate husband. Tho fact that the husband himself has been absent from home all night and seeks advice from tho bachelor the next, morning alters tho whole aspect of tho case. "Half Marriage," which is also being shown, deals with the efforts of a young art student to keep secret her marriage to a struggling architect in her father's employ. How the husband's genius ultimately gains recognition in spite of many difficulties makes a story with a strong romantic element. REGENT THEATRE. Ronald Column, who gave an accomplished performance in "Bulldog Drurninond," is the principal in "Condemned," tho drama of convict life, which has opened a season at the Regent Theatre. Although tho role of a debonair crime investigator and that of a French boy convicted of burglary bear few points in common, the actor is entirely at ease. He has appeared in somewhat similar roles before, and is responsible for some fine acting. Tho production is based on tho novel by Mrs. Blair Miles, who spent some time on Devil's Island, the notorious French penal colony, and gave to tho world for the first time a vivid impression of conditions in this natural prison. All the horror of Uio life in the settlement is clearly depicted—the unremitting hardship of toil in the fields under a tropical sun, the restricted cells, and tho torment of sickness and thirst —but there is a romantic sido to the film as well. Taken from his desperato companions to work in tho warder's household he is brought under tho refining influence of a lovely woman—the harsh warder's wife. Arm Harding plays opposite the principal and is responsible for a forceful characterisation. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. "Rookery Nook," which has been described as English farco at its best, is assured of a successful season at St. James' Theatre. The members of the original cast, which appeared in 409 consecutive performances at the Aidwych Theatre, London, play tho principal roles in tho film version, and do full justice to the sublcties of the many farcical situations. Tho story tells of the adventures of a wearied young husband who goes to Chumpton-by-the-Sea in search of a rest cure, taking with him a friend of his bachelor days. The arrival of a pretty young girl seeking refuge from an angry step-father creates an awkward situation, which is intensified by the appearanco of an indignant wife.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. By means of tlio talking picture audiences the world over are enabled to hear and seo some of tho most famous artists. In "Tho Loves of Robert Burns," which is showing at tho Majestic Theatre, Joseph Ilisloj) sings somo of the bestknown Scottish ballads. A tenor of high quality, he has achieved considerable success as a. concert singer, and in his first screen role ho reveals marked ability as a dramatic actor. Every characteristic in tho tumultuous life of Robert Burns is given a sympathetic portrayal by Ilislop, and during the course of tho poet's lifo drama such famous ballads as "Annio Laurie," "The Banks of Loch Lomond!' and "Comin' Through the Rye" arc introduced. Although the production does not adhere strictly to historical fact, all tho joys and sorrows of (he ploughhoy who becamo a national hero aro clearly brought out.

CIVIC THEATRE. The well-known actor of Western roles, Warner Baxter, has a congenial part in "Tho Arizona Kid," which heads tho attractive entertainment at the Civic Theatre. As in "Old Arizona," in which Baxter won conspicuous success, the stirring action of the story takes placo in the rugged country in the Western States of America. Baxter is ably supported by Mona Maris and other notable artists. A special film describing the Britain v. Auckland Rugby football match at Eden Park last Saturday takes pride of placo on the supporting programme. Lovers of classical and popular music aro well catered for. The Civic Orchestra, under Mr. Ted. Henkul, plays "Tho Student Prince" and Mr. Fred. Seholl at the organ plays enjoyable numbers.

STB AND THEATRE. Comedy and romance aro excellently blended in "Tho Hottentot," which is being screened at the Strand Theatre. Edward Horton has tho leading role of a conceited young man who has an inherent dislike of horses. How to win tho girl of his choice ho is compelled to compete in a steeplechase is one of the most humorous incidents in tho film. An exciting drama of rum-runners is unfolded in the second attraction, "Roadhouse Nights." The popular Helen Morgan and Charles Buggies lead a strong cast. An interesting scenic dealing with fruit orchard operations in the South Island of New Zealand is included in the programme. RIALTO THEATRE. "High Society Blues," a delightful comedy-drama of social life, will conclude a successful season at the Rial to Theatre this evening. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell appear in the leading roles. Tomorrow's principal attraction will bo "Puttin' on tho Ritz," featuring Harry Richman, Joan Bennett and Ailoen Pringlo. A number of splendid short films will also be screened. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Tho Delightful Roguo" will lie screened at tho Britannia Theatre to-day. TIVOLI THEATRE. "Tho Big Party," a picture of New York lifo, will bo shown at tho Tivoli Theatre this evening. PLAZA THEATRE. Sue Carol and Dixio Leo play tho leading parts in "The Big Party," which will bo shown at tho Plaza Theatre today. TUDOR THEATRE. "The Laughing Lady," a comedy-drama in which tho fascinating Ruth Chatterl/on plays tho loading part, is. now being screened at the Tudor Theatre, Remucra.