ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20626, 26 July 1930, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE,

A bright and varied programmo containing gome fino pictures was presented for tho first tinit> at tlio Regent Theatre last evening Tho programmo was wellbalanced and tho different types of entertainment provided delighted a large audience. Interest was sustained from tho opening with a news picture until the closo of an excellent open-air film, "Montana Moon," in which Miss Joan Crawford appears. Perhaps tho brightest contribufion to tho programme is "The Doll Shop," a prettily-executed revue in colour. This sketch, which contains some gorgeous scenes, is based on the happy theme of tho dolls in n toy-shop coming to life and enjoying themselves with song and dance in tho absence of tho toyniaker. Some of the items in the sketch are magnificently presented, and the ballet dances are the best of the items given by the dolls. These are full of interest and include a "wooden soldier" dance, and an Indian ballot Several songs, modern and sentimental, were included, and a clever exhibition of step-dancing was given. A medley of bright colours, with the dolls running liitliei and thither in a flutter, signalled the return of tho toymaker. All the dolls wore in place except ono which could not climb to its former position. It lay sprawled on a chair, and was,.picked up by the owner, who little thought of the fun ho had missed. The other supporting pictures wero -equally attractive in their way. Popular songs wero sung by Georgo D. Washington, described as tho "golden-voiced coloured singer." Some of tho latest jazz numbers were given by Earl, and 8011, two singing musicians. The news picture contained a photographic record of several matters of topical interest. Miss Crawford has an admirable role in "Montana Moon," and she is supported by a particularly good cast, including John Mark Brown, Dorothy Sebastian, Ricardo Cortez, Cliff Edwards and Karl Dane. Some of the scenery in the picture, which is set in the mountains of Montana, is very beautiful. Against a picturesque setting is told the story of tho lovn of a city-bred girl for a handsome cowboy, Larry, who is employed on a large ranch owned by the girl's father. Tho girl, accustomed 'to having her own way and a rebel against convention, "drops off" a special train in which sl(e and her friends are travelling through the country, and she meets Larry in tho lulls on her father's ranch. Friendship quickly ripens to love and tho two are married. But at first their life is not happy owing to the girl's love of a carefree life. It is only when she renounces her city friends and "party" acquaintances that the two find happiness in the healthy, open country of the hills. Convincing performances are given by all the players, and bright comedy is supplied by Cliff Edwards, as a cowboy, and Benny Rubin, a travelling doctor. Tho former, with his ukulele, sings some very catchy songs, and tho irrepressiblo humour of the doctor is very refreshing.

NATIONAL THEATRE

Two interesting pictures of different' types will bo screened at the National Theatro to-day. The first is " Free and Easy." an uproarious farce with Buster Keaton, unsmiling and clumsy, providing lauph after laugh. As an inexperienced stage-hand, ho wanders into tho middle of melodramatic scenes, blunders into tho way of cameras and trips over electrical appliances. During tho course of the comedy an insight is given into the methods of picture-making, and many well-known players attached to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios are seen at work. Tho second main feature, " The Ship From Shanghai," is a powerful story of mutiny on tho high seas, and is adapted from Dale Collins' novel " Ordeal." Tho action is laid almost entirely on hoard a small schooner which has to battle against all manner of difficulties in ils voyage through the South Seas. Conrad Nagel, Louis Wolheim and Carmel Myers take the principal parts.

CIVIC THEATRE

Comedy abounds in "Lovin' the Ladies,"" the lending attraction on the current programme at fho Civic Theatre. Based on the stage (day, "I Love You," the picture gives Diehard Dix. who plays the leading role, ample opportunity to demonstrate his ability as a comedian. All the characters aro admirably cast, the principal feminine rolo being 11 rtrayed by L(iis WiLon. From start to finish the film commands the attention of the audience. Although devoid of singing and dancing int <• 'i'des, tho picture possesses much witty ■ "io Among thfl variety of "h 'i f ■ ih 'lcs there is a delightful comply, "So 1 liis Is Marriage," and the "latest topical gazettes. Tho musical part of the programme is all that could bo desired, the orchestral overture being the ever-popular ' Maritana." Mr. Fred. Scholl is also heard in a nurjiber of amusing parodies of popular selections.

LONDON THEATR-E.

Ono of tho finest English talking pictures yet niado, "Lnder tho Greenwood Tree," is attracting great interest at the London Theatre. The film is a faithful picturisation of Thomas Hardy's novel of Dorset life, and the true spirit of tho book is captured perfectly. When the scene opens in a little old-world village in tho early years of tho Victorian era the whole population is excited over tho prospect of tho installation of a "newfangled" organ in the church. Previously the music for the services had been provided by an "instrumental choir" and a most interesting feature of the film is tho collection of strange antique instruments that could hardly bo pictured as the forerunners of the modern orchestra. Thero is a delightful romance in tho film, John Batten, the talented young Aucklander, making an ideal hero.

MAJESTIC THEA'TRE

Tho current programme at tho Majestic Thcatro is enjoying a most successful season. Many prominent players appear in tho leading feature, the Warner Brothers' comedy-drama, "So Long, Lctty." Although tho play has been rewritten to a largo extent to bring it up-to-date, tho story and plot remain tho satno as in tho original stago pi'O' sentation Charlotte Greenwood has tho chief role and "is admirably supported by Patsy Ruth Miller, Grant Withers, Bert Roach and others. Outstanding among tho supporting films is "Tho Wizard's Apprentice," tho screen's interpretation of Goetiio's noted poem. A splendid comedy, news gazettes and musical features complete the programme.

PLAZA THEATRE

Wnrner Baxter appears as a debonair bandit in "The Arizona Kid," which is enjoying a successful season nt tlio Plaza Theatre. Set amid tlio magnificent canyon country of the Western States of America, tlio picture contains a strong romantic element. A film of the Rugby match between Britain and Auckland is also shown.

ORPIIEUS THEATRE,

"The Girl From Woolworth's," a picturo full of fun and bright action, is the chief attraction in tho current programme at tho Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu. On Monday and Tuesday "My Man" will bo screened.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "Scnor Americano," a virile, outdoor romance, with Ken Maynard in the principal role, will be shown at the Prince Edward Theatro to-day, in addition to "Lucky Boy," a film of stage lite.

EDENDALE THEATRE. "Untamed" will be shown at the Eden dale Theatre this evoriing Joan Craw ford heads u strong cast, which also in eludes Robert Montgomery and Ernest Torrence.

STRAND THEATRE.

Tho American underworld and police methods used in jounding-up gangs of criminals form tho basis of an exciting film heading tho new programme at the Strand Theatre. "Officer O'Brien." shown for tho first time yesterday, contains a strong undercurrent of romance, while a motive of filial affection plays continually upon tho emotions. Tho author places a young police officer in tho dilemma of having to contend, in his chances of promotion, with a father in whom the criminal instincts aro strongly ingrained Tho spectator finds himself faced with alternative problems: Will tho "gaolbird" father, unable lo break away from lifelong habits, bring ruin upon tho son and his career, or will the son succeed in the uphill task of reforming his degraded father ? ' In working out a solution the author takes the audience through many exciting scenes. First of all, tho expected happens and tho father, unable to break old habits, atid nursing an undying hatred of tho police, joins an old criminal acquaintance and robs a safe Then follows a sensational courtroom scene, in which a sinister gang-leader is put on trial for murder. At the very moment when a crucial witness is about to reveal some vitally incriminating evidence a shot rings out in the crowded room and the man in tho witness' chair falls dead. Tho fatal bullet is traced to an empty room which has a window facing tho courtroom, and ono by one the clues aro marshalled until the crime is fastened -oil the accused's righthand man. But just when Officer O'Brien is about to sheet the crime home the tables are turned and he is shown undeniable evidence that his father is not only a thief, but in self-defence has killed a man. It is a dramatic scene in which the son lets tho chance of arresting the gang-leader slip through hig grasp in' order to savo his father. > The incident, an extremely dramatic one, is played with groat skill and intensity by William Hoyd as Officer O'Brien, while Ernest Torrenco as the father gives an arresting performance as tho ex-prisoner. An intensely vivid portrayal of the gangleader, which goes to the credit of Ralfo Harold, will delight all lovers of good acting. Supporting the main film is an annisiug sound-cartoon, a comedy, "Tho Uncle," and a burlesque of a lecture on phrenology, which kept last night's audience in continuous laughter. The news reel is notable for a series of short speeches by Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald. M. Tardieu and Mr. Stimson, the representatives of Great Britain, France and the United States at the London Naval Couferenco.

TIVOLI THEATRE

An outstanding programme will be presented at the Tivoli Theatre this afternoon and evening. The main picture is " Condemned," the Paramount production, based on the novel by Mrs. Blair Miles, who, after spending some time on Devil's Island, the notorious Frefich penal colony, astounded thousands of leaders by her revelation of conditions in the malaria-infested natural prison off the coast of French Guiana. In transferring the story to the screen, the producer of the picture has made a masterpiece of realism, force and romance. The picture is lightened by a story of real beauty. Ronald Colraan, in the part of a young Frenchman convicted of bank robbery, comes into the life of the warden's wife when ho is set aside for duty in the household. She feels herself as much a prisoner as he is, and together they determine to break away from their miserable lives. The supporting items include a comedy, news reels and a film showing the Auckland v. Britain football match.

RIALTO THEATRE

"The Vagabond King," which will bo shown at the Rialto Theatre this afternoon and this evening, gives a vivid impression of life in Fiance during the 15ih century. Magnificent draperies and rich mural paintings sustain the atmosphere of luxury which surrounded the French royalty of the period, but one is also shown the conditions under which the city rabble existed. Francois Villon, leader of the vagabonds of Paris, is given an opportunity to save the city from the besieging Burgundians, with the prospect of death as his reward. How ho averts execution and wins a princess makes excellent entertainment.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

Witty dialogue and amusing situations make " Rookery Nook," tho English comedy at present showing at tho St. James' Theatre, an outstanding example of true comedy. Almost a direct transfer of Ben Travcrs' popular farco from the stage to tho screen, it captures perfectly the subtle English humour of the pioco. Ralph Lynn, Tom Wells, Winifred Shotter and Mary Brough, tho principal members of tho cast, took their present parts in the company which gave over 400 successive performances in tho Aldwych Theatre, London. Tho story is based on tho turmoil and confusion that a pretty girl, fleeing in her pyjamas from her stepfather's anger, produces in a holiday retreat.

LYRIC THEATRE.

Another picture of exceptional merit has been chosen by tho management of tho Lyric Theatre for its second talking picture presentation this evening. Joan Crawford is the principal in "Untamed," a story of tho tragedy of faking a girl who knows only tho wilds of South America to tho civilisation of New York. In spite of her wealth, tho girl finds diffi. culty in adapting herself to the strange conditions of city lifo. Excellent supporting items will also bo shown. At a special matinee this afternoon the broadcast description of tho Rugby test match will bo received at the theatre.

VICTORIA THEATRE

Plenty of laughs are provided by "Skinner Hops Out," with Glenn Tryon in the principal role, which will be shown at the Victoria Theatre to-day. The second picture is "High Treason," an outstanding English film.

ORGAN RECITAL.

The programme for the organ recital in the Town Hall to-morrow evening will bo selected from works by Bach, Vierne, Dubois and Peace. Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play a favourito andante by Haydn and Novin's "A Day in Venice."

CIVIC THEATRE CONCERT. An orchestral concert in aid of the musicians' benevolent fund will bo given by a number of artist 3at the Civic Theatre to-monow evening. Mr. W. lirough will be the vocalist, Mi\ G. Paulsen will preside at the organ and Mr. F. Pooro will play a piccolo solo. In addition, a silent picture, entitled lomniy Atkins," will be shown.

BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Sunny Side Up," a delightful,, fresh picture of American life, will bo tho principal attraction at tho Britannia Uieatro to-day. Janet Gaynor and Charles l'arroll take the loading parts.

TUDOR THEATRE. Two pictures, each providing splendid entertainment, vvijl bo screened at llie Tudor Theatre to-day The first, "The Loves of Robert Burns," i 3 a splendid English production, with Joseph Hislop in the" leading rolo The second is "This Thing Called Love," a bright comedy of married life.