ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20629, 30 July 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

- : NATIONAL THEATRE. • The liigh standard of pictures presented '.ke tha management of tho National theatre since its conversion into a lalkjng.pictiiro theatre is fully maintained l>y (he current double-feature programme. In ,"]Tree and Easy" Buster Keaton gives a parfcct performance of the acting which jj r st'-won. him fame. As the "manager" 1 0 f the winner of a small-town lioauty contest, who endeavours to take Holly wood by storm, lie provides some excellent humour of the droll type. His antics when lie unexpectedly bursts upon various jeenes in a. talking-picture studio are a jource of continual laughter. The second picture. "The Ship from Shanghai," is an excellent, study <>f human emotions. A party oi five turnips charters a yacht for a cruise from .Shanghai to San Francisco, hut the ship has scarcely left port when it is discovered that the crew are a s ct of mutinous rascals, smarting under ;i sense of 'social 1 inferiority. A storm, :i calm and a dwindling water supply are .-ill incidents in the latter portion of this exciting picture. LONDOX THEATRE.

Besides having ;in unusual I lioino. "Under the llrceuwood Tree," which is at present showing at the London Theatre, is notable for idyllic scenes of rural life in England at the beginning of last century. Produced by a British company the picture is based on Thomas Hardy's novel of the sam? title, and has John Batten, the young Auckland actor, in the principal role. The piece is a typical Hardy story, set amid the quietude of the Dorset .villages. A delightful romance is woven round the introduction of church organs and the consequent displacement nf the old instrumental choirs, at that time a momentous question. The faithful reconutruction of village life and customs, ils ©ld folk-dances and choruses, and the atmosphere of peace and beauty which it conveys give the picture a genuine appeal. Besides "Doing His Duty," in which Ernie Lotinga provides abundant humour, the • supporting programme includes a "Mickey the Mouse" sound cartoon and Other items.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The excellent comedy "So Long, Lclty" will conclude a successful season at I lie Majestic Theatre to-day. The change of programme to-morrow will be headed by a Paramount drama-romance, "Street of Chance." William Powell, who lias won conspicuous success in many talking pictures, has tho leading role, while prominent parts are taken by Jean Arthur, Kay Francis and Kepis Toomey. The story revolves round the lives of men who earn a rich but often temporary living by gambling. Towell is cast as the leader of a club of gamblers. How a younger brother, in spite of Powell's precautions, u/.ensnared by card-sharpers, and how Powell sacrifices his name to save bis brother from ruin are but two of many exciting incidents. The supporting programme will be of a varied and entertaining nature. CIVIC THEATRE. A special film of the Rugby match between Britain and New Zealand at Eden Park last Saturday is being screened rt the Civic Theatre. The principal attraction is "Covin' the Ladies," a pleasing comedy-farce, in which Richard Dix is the principal. "PARAMOUNT OX PARADE:" Entertainment of an unusually high standard is promised in the technicolour production, "Paramount on Parade," .which will commence a season at the Civic Theatre to-morrow. The presentation is in the form of a series of spectacular, humorous and dramatic sketches ,which are replete with tableaux, dances and excellent song numbers. Nearly all the best-known artists of the "talkie" screen appear in the picture. One of th« most interesting interludes is "Murder Will Out," a clever travesty on detective mystery stories, in which William Powell appears as "Philo Vance," Give Brook as "Sherlock Holmes" and Warner Oland as "Dr. Fa Manchti." "Tho Rainbow Revels," in which Maurice Chevalier and ic company of beautiful girls appear, is another number of outstanding merit. Other features of the production are "Dream Girl," "The Toreador," "Love Time" and "Showgirls on Parade."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Trovers of wholesome farcical comedy Vill be delighted with "Jlookery Nook," the Ben Travers farce which is enjoying ft successful extended season at St. .James' Theatre. The original cast which appeared in 406 consecutive performances at a London theatre made the film, which i* practically an exact replica of the stage piny. STRAND THEATRE. The conflict between filial affection and cbedience to duty in a young police officer's heart forms the basis of "Officer O'Brien," which is at present showing at the Strand Theatre. An original story, the production contains all the elements of successful melodrama. ''The Uncle," £ burlesque of a.lecture on phrenology, is an amusing comedy of university life. REGENT THEATRE. The well-balanced programme at, (lie Regent Theatre provides entertainment of a high standard. "Montana Moon," the picture of chief interest, recounts the adventuitt of a city-hied on lier father's lnnch. "Ihe Doll Shop," a lantasv in Colour, a varied news reel and .several Ringing numbers, comprise the excellent Supporting progiamine. " A .NX A ( lIHISTIE." AJfhouglt "Ann.i I iinslie," the picture will commence a <rjisou at the Regent Theatre on I'iiday, brings the talentcl (Ireta t!arbo to I lie talking screen f°r (he fitsl time. that fact is far from 'icing .the pjodac; jon's only merit. ti < 1111 the play bv Eugene yXeill, v.-hii'h has .tlso appealed in book JOrni, the s*o;y i-- a lon.-.e. drama set against ihc sordid hai-I,ground of the waterfront of New York. Miss Cat bo ' as 'lie p.tit o! ;i i- nniiin who, a> the daughter of n',i< K ,,.ir I. ;j i < attain, is fmbitteied all I!,ought by p| ' repentant latjiei fiom a farm where ** lc s l Jf y" h f, i youth she accepts her life 'he h;i|M,. \- illl>Hll enthusiasm. In •spite of 11is wrt!;sir«s for drink the cap•nil sliovs .i mi, affection for bis ' 'lighter. I,in. i,i, the barge is nneventJl| l mifll tin :f ■ !,;!>v ri-1 1.i.-d sailors aie Tf»si-ucil by 1111• c-,:jii ,iiii. vhcii events take i 1 ( !'' ; miatii ' ! -ii:•. Although the actress ,lils Swedish ~,,1 voice is said to I'ucorrl reinai i.,-;h|v well by lilt', AMI EDEN DALE. Two pirtijie:- ot mil standing merit will 'e shown at tie- l.vr;.- and Edendalo Client res to-day. 'I he first, is "Blackmail/' a powerful English lilm. "Ulus,on. ' an appealing lory of American jDifldle-cla; s hi'-, i, ih,. second main atact ion,

t'I.TIIKI S TIIEATIiK. #1 tiiir-ii.mit iipiit is provide'] in " p Ai'j;\li' Ciijr," which is bring at ilm Orphnn.s Theatre, Olar. 1 - ' l'° at t rait ion will be "The ■Home lowncis." I'l-AZA TUKATHK. I. Arizona Kid " and a lilm of -j K«gl-y match between Britain "Pi ■ " < ; klari(l are being shown at the Jhtatre,

TIVOLI THEATRE. Condemned," a dramatic picture of great force and power, is continuing its> season at tlio Tivoli Theatre. Sot in the. notorious 1' reneh penal settlement of Devils Island, off (he coast of French Guiana, the story tells of (he influence of the horrible conditions of life on a young thief, and of the part played in his life by a beautiful woman. Ann Harding fakes tho part of the chief warden's wife who determines to get back to civilisation with the young man sho loves. Ronald Colman plays the leading mule role. HIALTO THEATRE. Two splendid pictures are being shown at the llialto Theatre, Newmarket. The first attraction is "Charming Sinners," an absorbing story of society life. The accomplished actress, .Miss Ruth Chatterton, has tho leading role, and is assisted by a strong cast. An abundance of rich comedy is provided in "Little Johnny Jones." There arc several interesting shorter films.

TUDOR THEATRE

"1 ho Home '1 owners" heads the attractive entertainment at the Tudor Theatre, TJemuera. There are excellent supports.

BRITANNIA THEATRE

Riotous comedy abounds in "The Big Party," which is being presented at the "Britannia Theatre.