ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20649, 22 August 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. An excellent programmo of short pictures supports the main film, " Double Cross-Iloads," which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Tho programme is one which contains much of topical .interest, besides combining entertainment of a high order. The first picture, a Fox Australian news film, was taken up 'with views of Major Kingsford Smith and his companions on thei- arrival in America after crossing tho Atlantic. The intrepid fliers were shown arriving at tho first landing ground and later views depicted their reception at various places in the United States. On two occasions the well-known " Smithy" was shown talking through the microphone and his cheerful nonchalance must have brought memories of his New Zealand visit to the minds of many people. A record of current events was contained in a Universal film reel and the explanatory remarks of Graham McNamee, the • talking reporter, added greatly to the interest. The entertainment value of tho programme was enhanced by a film of popular songs sung by Miss Dorothy Whitmoro. A Pathe Audio Review comprised a series of sketches, dealing with .varied subjects. A particularly interesting portion referred to tho services given in a church for deaf people, where tho sermon is given in a sign language. By far tho brightest portion of tho programme was a comedy in which the well-known entertainers, Clark and McCullough, had* tho principal roles. These two comedians provided excellent humour in a series of adventures in a Turkish bath establishment. A noticeable feature was that tho comedy was more on the lines of previous comic films than has been usual recently, in that as much was made of action as of speech. The principal picture, " Double CrossRoads," tells a story of crimo in an American city. David llarley. released from the Staio prison, is tempted by his former companions in crimo to undertake a daring theft for which he alone lias the capabilities. He resists temptation until ho finds that the girl he loves is connected with a band of criminals. This decides him to return to his former ways and .he agrees to undertake the robbery. It is when the robbery is brought to a successful conclusion that the two realise tho strength of their love and both decide to live honest lives. Fortune favours them in breaking away from their former companions. In a thrilling climax, two rival bands of criminals are engaged in a desperate machine-gun battle and both leaders are killed. The two lovers escape into tho country to begin life afresh.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The excellent double-feature programme which has been delighting large audiences at the National Theatre will conclude its season this evening. In "Be Yourself" Auckland audiences have been ahlo to see Fanny Brice, the popular Ziegfeld Follies actress, portray a rolo which gives full scope to her ability as a singer. She has the part of an entertainer in a fashionable New York night club and sings a number of entertaining song numbers. Adapted from the play by Philip Barry, "Paris Bound," the second picture, is a remarkable drama of society life, which has Ann Harding in the principal role. A special school holiday matinee will bo presented to-morrow afternoon and on each afternoon of nes* week. Forty tiny mites will take part in a brilliant "Tom Thumb" vaudeville entertainment, which should prove popular with school children. The pantojnirno comprises catchy songs, bright and original novelties, beautiful dances and delightful comedy. An appropriate selection of talking pictures will complete an attractive programme. Owing to the fact that arrangements for the next change of programme at tho Regent Uheatre bad been completed, J. C. Williamson Films, Ltd., will present "Journey's End for a further extended season at the National Theatre, commencing to-morrow. This will give many people who would otherwise have missed this excellent war picturo an opportunity of seeing it in any case, it is a fine piece of character portrayal which mav well bo seen more than once. In it R. "C. Sherriff has taken as his central characters several typical Englishmen and has made of each a lively counterpart of every class of soldier. The picture will bo shown at every session.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The incomparable performance and charming personality of Marilyn Miller, the accomplished English actress who plays tho title role in " Sally," assure tho picture a most successful season at St. James' Theatre. Filmed entirely in technicolour, the picture is rich in magnificent settings and delightful vocal numbers sung by Miss Miller and Alexander Gray. Excellent humour is provided by Joe'E. Brown, who has the part of the " grand duke," and Ford Sterling, as " Pops " Shendorff, the restaurant proprietor in whose establishment the former grand duke occupies the menial position of a waiter. Tho manner in which tho " duke " consistently refers to tho fact that Shendorff was onco his obedient subject, in order to secure a " night off," provokes endless amusement. LONDON THEATRE. Two full-length pictures of high merit combine to make the programme which will be shown for the first time to-day at tho London Theatre one of the best the management has yet presented. "1 ho Wrecker," a thrilling railroad mystery picture, and '' The Loves of Robert Burns, in which Joseph Hislop, tho renowned English tenor, sings a number of traditional Scottish airs, aro both British productions. A series of unaccountable railway disasters is used for the basis of tho action and mystery in the "Wrecker." Tho nephew of a railway magnate who has met his death, at the hands of the " wrecker," enlists the aid of a pretty young girl to investigate tho murder, and tho pair meet with some extraordinary adventures before a solution is reached. Mr. Hislop gives a sympathetic portrayal of the emotional conflicts which both raised Robert Burns to world-wide fame and yet clouded his life with sorrow. Glimpses of loch and brae, mountain and heather, preserve the delightful air of simplicity and Scottish charm which is one of tho production's strongest points.

PLAZA THEATRE. Tho loVe story of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton is told in " Tho Divino Lady," the screen classic which will commence a return season to-day at the Plaza Theatre. The historical atmosphere has been captured perfectly »y the producer and the strong cast, including Corinne Griffith, Victor Varconi and PI. B. Warner, portray tho famous characters in a manner that makes them stand out vividly. There is an entertaining programme of shorter items. ROXY THEATRE. / " Harmony Heaven," filmed entirely in colour, and Tho Ilate Ship," an exciting story of the sea. will bo screened at tho Roxy Theatre to-day. Both are British films, produced at Elstree. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. One of Richard Dix's most humorous characterisations is Riven in " Loving tho Ladies," which will bo shown at tho Epsom Regont Theatro this evening. An oxcellonl supporting programme completes a fine entertainment. TIVOLI THEATRE. Warner Baxter appears as a debonair bandit who conceals his truo_ identity under a cloak of respectable citizenship in " The Arizona Kid," which is being shown at the Tivoli Theatre. The second picture is " The Girl From Havana,

REGENT THEATRE. A remarkably vivid story and a high standard of acting throughout provide most enjoyable entertainment in "The Bad One," the United Artists picture which commenced a season at the Regent Theatre yesterday. The film marks the first appearance of Miss Dolores Del Rio in talking pictures, and there is no doubt that this brilliant actress will win as largo a following in the "talkies" as she did in the silent films. Her work in Hie Bad One" is reminiscent of her clever acting as Charmaino in "What Price Glory," but the medium of sound in pictures has enabled audiences to appreciate more fully her great ability as an actress, and also as a dancer. The story might have been specially adapted to suit tlio leading lady, for Miss Del Rio fits perfectly in every sceno. Her speaking voice is soft, and in keeping with her piquant appearance. She has the role of a teasing coquette, Lita, employed in a Marseilles waterfront cafe, where there congregate all types of inen, principally sailors. Since she is given a commission on all the wine her admirers buy, it is her business to flirt with any likely customer, and she distributes her favours with an impartiality which causes much annoyance to the more ardent of her many admirers. Lita remains heart-free, rn spite of the obvious admiration of many young men, but with the coming of Jerry Flanagan, a young giant of a sailor, Tiita's other admirers receive a rude shock. Tlio self-possessed sailor, played by Edmund Lowe installs himself as barman at the cafe where the girl is employed, having forcibly ejected the previous occupier of that position, and finally Lita promises to many him. On the wedding day there arrives another sailor who had been in .love with Lita, -and Jerry is so annoyed with the man s presence that he knocks him down. Ihe seaman strikes his head in falling, and is dead on the arrival of the gendarmes, who arrest Jerry. He is subsequently sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, and goes to the island gaol. The girl plans to have her lover escape from the prison, and the manner in which Jerry finally leaves the prison, and finds Lita, is revealed in a number of exciting scenes. Edmund Lowe, who also appeared with Miss Del Rio in "What Price Glory," has another very suitable part, and fills 5 _to perfection tho role of the swaggering American sailor. Other members of the cast who take prominent parts are Don Alvarado, who reveals a pleasing voice in tho well-known ballad "0 Sole Mio," Blanche Friderici, Adrienne D'Ambricourt, and Ullrich Haupt, who appears as a tyrannical prison warder. The scenes on the prison island are remarkably realistic, and some unexpected touches of humour serve to lighten the atmosphere even in tho most dramatic portions of the film. Tho supporting programme is also of a high standard. The adventures of a newlv-married couple, whose flat is invaded by the previous occupants at an unexpected time, provides bright material for many clever situations in "Fifty Million Husbands." Charlie Chase appears as tho young husband, and his antics when a quarrglsome husband and wifo force their way into his flat to continue an argument are an entertainment in themselves. Some beautiful scenery is shown in "Hook, Line and Melody," a film dealing with the experiences of three fishermen who have fine sport on a Canadian trout stream. There is also another of the clever Aesop sound fable series, "Barnyard Melody," while the Metrotone Sound News completes the programme. The newsreel includes a variety of interesting scenes, and the quaint singing of three little Chinese children lias been clearly reproduced.

STRAND THEATRE. " All Quiet on the Western Front," the powerful film version of Erich Maria Remarque's frank war book, will, commence a season at the Strand Theatre today. Although the film presents the modern warfare in all its horror there are no incidents in the picture shown in Auckland to which exception may be taken. The lives of a score of German youths who, carried away by the fervour of a jingoistic schoolmaster, enlist in the Imperial army, are traced until each fallsy victim to the remorselessness of shell,' machine-gun and sniper. The disillusionment of the eager band of youths who realise they " have to forget all they were' or ever hoped to be " and become mere fighting machines, produces some convincing character portrayal. Their brutal initiation into the realities of life and death and the gradual thinning of their ranks is ruthlessly outlined. The picture shows some of the greatest battle scenes made, while the actors, including Louis Wolheim and Lewis Ayres, give unforgettable characterisations. Thi;re is Paul Baumer, the typical boy soldier; Ivatchinsky, the gruff, but kind-hearted, old "regular" soldier; and a host of other vivid figures. The picture will be screened for a season of only a week. LYRIC THEATRE. The mystery and glamour of Life in India form the background of " The Thirteenth Chair," which will be shown at the Lyric Theatre this evening. The action of the story centres around a baffling murder, which takes place in a spiritualistic seance, and throughout the picture the mysteries of Old India are contrasted with tho strange phenomena of modern spiritualism. Uncanny" photographic and sound effects add to ihe effect of mystery. Conrad Nagel is the principal player and he is ably supported by Leila Hyams and Margaret Wycherley. Excellent supporting films are also shown. TWO BARRIE PLAYS. Sir James Barrie's art as a playwright is well typified by two plays which will bo presented in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening and to-morrow evening by the St. Andrew's Society.. The first, " The Old Lady Shows Her Medals," which was recently shown in Auckland as a picture under the title of "-Seven Days Leave," is the story of an old woman's romance in finding for herself a son. "A Well Remembered Voice," the second production, is an equally good example of Sir James Barrie's work. Both plays will be given each evening.

EDENDALE THEATRE. Dramatic action takes place in " The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu," which will be shown this evening at the Edendale Theatre. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. " The Hollywood Rovue," a spectacular production with a large cast, will bo the chief feature at tho New De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, this evening. EMPRESS THEATRE. Tom Moore and Blanche Sweet are the principal players in " The Woman Racket," which will bo screened at the Empress Theatre this evening. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " Chasing Rainbows." which is tho principal attraction at tho Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, this evening, has Charles King and Bessie Love in the chief roles. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. " Swellhead," which will he presented at tho Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, this evening, lias Johnnie Walker in the leading role. WEST END THEATRE. " Troopers Three," an amusing picture of life in barracks, and " Jealousy," a dramatic film, will be presented at the West End Theatre, Ponsonby, this evening.

*CIVJC THEATRE. Unusual entertainment is provided nt the Civic Theatre by the new programme whiCh commenced a week's season lust evening. The principal attraction is "Ladies Love Brutes," a novel production which possesses many attractions, combining as it does excitement, mystery, humour, and a pleasing At the opening of the story Joe Forziati, a steel worker who, by sheer hard work and perseverance, has made himself a most succes.'iful contractor, finds himself being impeded by the machinations of two former "gangsters" who have become labour agitators. Forziati has no difficulty in thv/arting their plans, but he makes deep enemies of them. Finding that his business would benefit if he entered society, lie makes an attempt to do so, and it is heie that he finds that his more primitive qualities are a handicap. In spite of these he is successful in interesting Mimi Howell, a young married woman whose husband has separated from her. In time sho feels that she loves him, but the thought of her young son holds her back from marriage, as she believed that Forziati is not the type of man who could benefit him as a father. In desperation Forziati decides that he will pretend to kidnap the child, hoping that if he can restore him to his mother the decision will be changed. Suddenly he finds that he has placed himself in tho hands of his enemies. A gripping situation is developed and the manner in which Forziati contrives to extricate himself from his dilemma provides a number of thrilling scenes. George Bancroft is cast as forziati, and it may be said that the story could not be more suited to his abilities. Combining massive strength with tenderness, ho is at home in all tho highly dramatic situations. His performance in "Ladies Love Brutes" eclipses all his past successes. As Mimi Howell Mary Astor has a role that admirably suits her and her voice is low and clear. The excellent supporting cast includes Claude Allister, who is responsible for much of the humour, Stanley Fields, who was last seen as the villain in "The Street of Chance," Fredrie March and Ben Hendricks. The interesting gazettes, the Fox Movietone* News and the Paramount News, both of which contain items of interest, are screened, and are followed by a novelty sound cartoon. Bright farce is provided by "Actions Speak Louder Than Words, a' ridiculously funny comedy. On the musical side of tho programme Mr. Howard Moody's orchestra gives a splendid rendering of "Orpheus in the Underworld," while Mr. G. Paulsen is heard at the organ in "In a Monastery Garden."-

RIALTO THEATRE. Light entertainment o! a high standard is provided in " Hit the Deck, the fihii version of the popular stage success, which is being shown at the Rialto Theatre. Produced on an elaborate scale, the picturd incorporates many novel effects and tuneful. musical numbers. The witty, dialogue is a feature of the production. An entertaining selection of supporting items completes an enjoyable programme.