ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20628, 29 July 1930, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Besides the principal picture, tho present programme at the Regent Theatre contains an exceptionally fine selection of supporting items. Set against (ho picturesque hills of the Western States of America, " Montana Moon " recounts tho adventurea of a girl, city-bred and a rebel iigainst convention, who forms au affection ior a cowboy on hor father's ranch and marries him. The difficulty she finds iu renouncing Km- city friends and " party " acquaintances makes a story full 01 interest. Joan Crawford and John Mack Brown _ aro the principal played, and some bright comedy is supplied by Cliff Edwards, as * nonchalant cowboy, and Benny Rubin in the role of a travelling doctor, whose irrepressible humour is very refreshing. " The Doll Shop," a. delightful fantasy in colour, is perhaps the brightest contribution to the programme. The sketch, which is magnificently presented, is based on tho happy theme of tho dolls in a toy shop coming to life ami enjoying themselves in the absence of the toymaker. A medley of bright colours, with dolls of every description scampering hither and thither signalled the return of tho toymaker, who little guessed what had been taking place. The other supporting pictures are of high merit. On Friday Auckland audiences will bavo an opportunity of seeing and hearing the popular Greta C.arbo in her first talking screen role. After a considerable absence she makes her appeal - ance in a notable production entitled '1 Anria Christie."

CIVIC THEATRE. The polished acting of Richard D:x assures "I.ovin' the Ladies,'' a comedy of society life, a most successful season at tho Civic Theatre. The story opens in tho palatial homo of two wealthy young men. Their idlo talk turns to the subject of love, and a wager is ma do by one c>f the men, who claims that, any two attractive young people, in congenial environment, would fall in love, and this remarkable theory seems well on tho way to bcins substantiated when the bettor becomes involved with not one, but five girls. '1 lie attempts of tho '•environment-maker'' to bring tho two selected lovers together are continually frustrated, and cause unrestrained laughter among the audience. The minor parts of tbe indispensable butler, with an alarming supply of classical knowledge, and tho Jftdy guests, who innocently invade tho "environment." aro all in capable hands. The production abounds in witty dialogue, which holds the interest of the audience from first to last. The entertaining supporting programme contains a diversity of it-ems, [prominent among which is a delightful farce of married life, "So This is Marriage." The cast of "Paramount, on Parade." which will be shown on Thursday at tbe theatre., contains a greater number of principal artists than any previous production. Included in tho list of celebrities are Ruth Chattcrton, Maurice Chevalier, Clive Brook, William Powell, Clara Bow, Nancy Carroll and many others.

TIVOLI THEATRE. In " Condemned," which will be shown at the Tivoli Theatre this evening, Ronald Colman gives one of his best characterisations. Ho takes the part of a young thief who, convicted of burglary, is condemned to penal servitude on Devil's Island. All tho horrors of this forbidding natural prison are fully stressed, butT there is also a heroic and romantic side to the film. Taken by chance from his desperate companions the youth comes under the refining influence of a beautiful woman, who effects his escape. RIALTO THEATRE. " The Vagabond King," which is showing at the Rial to Theatre, is a romantic story of some aspects of life in Franco during the eventful 15th century. Magnificent draperies and rich mural paintings give some idea of the splendour which surrounded the French' royalty of j the period, and glimpses of faces among the city rabble present the horror of the underground dens of Paris. Tho story recounts the adventures of Francois Villon, the renegade who succeeds in leading the vagabonds against the attacking Burgundians and so saves Paris.

STRAND THEATRE. " Officer O'Brien," which is the picture of chief interest at tho Strand Theatre, contains all the elements of a successful melodrama. Action, mystery, pathos and humour are all skilfully blended. The story concerns the conflict between filial affection and obedience to duty which takes place in the heait of a young police officer. " The Uncle," a burlesque of a lecture on phrenology, is a comedy which provides some excellent humour. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The vein of riotous humour which runs 'through "So Long, Lelty, which is being shown at the Majestic 1 heat re, provides ample opportunity for the introduction of witty dialogue and hilarious situation;. The production mainly owes its «uccess Uj the inimitable acting of Charlotte Greenwood, although the supporting cast is particularly good. l'he next- attraction at the theatre -wi'l bo " Street of Chance. v.hicb lias Afyilhum Powell in the principal role.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The screen talking version of the_ wellknown stage production Rookery Nook is meeting with a successful season at St. James* Theatre. Tho story is interpreted by the original English stage cost. A coloured doll house fantasy and a pleasing novelty cartoon are included in the excellent supporting programme. A comprehensive survey of recent worJd-uido events is made in a news reel. LYRIC AND EDEN DALE. Joan Crawford makes full use of b<v ability as an actress of dramatic roles in " Untamed," which is being presented at both the Lvric and Edendale theatres this evening. The story gives a vivid picture of the tragedy which occurs when a crirl who knows only the wilds ol South America is taken to New \oik. I" « of her wealth the girl finds great, difficulty in adapting herself to tho exacting conditions of city life- refinements prove irksome to her until love enteis into her life. Thero is an entertaining and varied selection of supporting items.

BR ITANNIA THEATRE. Two pictures of high merit will he shown rir the Britannia Theatre this eyenThe first, "The Big Party, is a storv of the bright life of a big city, win e the "second, " Senor Americano, deals with life on the prairies of the Western States of America. PLAZA THEATRE. Warner Baxter appears in the " Arizona Kid." which is being screened at the Plaza Theatre this evening. A film ot the Rugby match between Britain and Auckland will also bo shown.