ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20650, 23 August 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The inimitable performance which Dolores Del Rio, tho talented Mexican actress, gives in "Tho Bad One, which has commenced ii season at tlio Regent Theatre, is reminiscent of her fine portrayal of "Charmaino" in "What Price Glory." In her first talking picturo Miss Del Rio has tho part of a teasing coquette, employed in a Marseilles waterfront cafe. As she receives a commission for every glass of wine she sells, it is only natural that she should distribute favours freoly on any prospective customer. Lita, however, is impervious to tho attentions of her more ardent admirers until Jerry Flanagan arrives on tho sceno. Tho part of the swaggering American sailor, whoso boast it is that ho can make any woman love him, is convincingly portrayed by Edmund Lowe. Ho sets himself up as a bartender in the cafe, after forcibly ejecting the previous occupier of the position, and proceeds to woo Lita, who finally promises to marry him. In a fracas with ono of Lita's former admirers, Jerry is responsible for his death and is sentenced to 10 years' penal servitude at an island colony. The manner in which Lita uses her charms in effecting his escape produces sonio fine dramatic acting. The scenes which show hundreds of criminals on a forbidding island prison settlement in revolt are particularly well carried out and provide proof of tho immense possibilities of tho talking picture. Tho supporting programme comprises an array of varied talking films, prominent among which is "Fifty Million Husbands," a hilarious comedy of tho amusing situations which arise when tho flat occupied by a newly-married couple is invaded most unexpectedly by the former occupants. "Hook, Lino and Melody" is a novel scenic picture of trout fishing in a Canadian stream. Another of tho Aesop fable serios of "Barnyard Melody" sound car-* toons is shown, while a Metrotone sound news film completes a splendid entertainment. This morning a special school holiday entertainment for children will be presented. A "Mickey tho Mout'o" cartoon, a "talkie" serial, community singing and other selected pictures should prove an attraction to children.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Not only does "Double Cross-Roads," 1110 picture of main interest at the Majestic Theatre, provide splendid entertainment, but it is supported by a wellchosen selection of shorter films. Interpreted by a cast of competent players "Double Cross-Roads," tho talking fihn adaptation of William Lipman's widelyread book "Yonder Grow the Daisies," is a tale of tho reformation of a city youth "gone wrong" by a beautiful young woman. After a chequered career of crime, during which lie becomes notorious for his ability as a daring "safe-cracker," tho boy decides to go straight. In accordance) with his determination ho seeks work in tho country, wher% he falls in love wjth a woman, who, unknown to him, is dominated by a sinister jewel thief. Although the youth's faith in the woman :is temporarily shaken by the revelation of her true position and by the machinations of an unscrupulous band of criminals, his reformation is finally brought about. A Fox Australian news reel shows the arrival of Kingsford Smith and his companions in America after their transatlantic flight. Clark and McCtillogh, two well-known comedians, cause endless amusement in a series of humorous adventures in a Turkish bath establishment and a number of other supporting pictures are shown. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Possessed of a charming personality and a pleasing voice, Miss Marilyn Miller gives nil incomparable performance in tho title role of "Sally," the delightful musical romance, filmed entirely in colour, which is assured of a successful season at St. James' Theatre. Magnificent settings, attractive songs and excellent comedy make "Sally" a splendid entertainment. Joe E. Brown, as tho grand duke and Ford Sterling, who has tho part of tho restaurant proprietor, in whoso establishment tho "grand duke" is a waiter, provide some delightful humour. LONDON THEATRE. A succession of exciting incidents is provided in "The Wrecker," tho screen talking version of tho successful stage mystery play of the sumo name, which is being screened at the London Theatre. The plot revolves round a series of unaccountable railway disasters. The supporting attraction is "Tho Loves of Robert Burns," in which the well-known English tenor, Joseph Hislop, sings a number of Scottish airs.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A special matinee programme will be shown at the Prince Edward Theatre this afterncon. The first chapter of a serial, " Tarzan the Tiger." " Ono Hysterical Night," in which Reginald Denny appears, a sound cartoon, varied news reel and a number of other items are features of a splendid entertainment. BR IT A NNJA THEATRE. A special matinco of "western" pictures will bo held at tho Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby, this afternoon. Jack Holt is; tho principal in "Tho Water Hole," and the first chapter of an exciting serial, "Tarzan tho Tiger," will bo screened Tho chief attraction this evening is "Side Street." PLAZA THEATRE. An excellent historical reconstruction of the Napoleonic years is given in "The Divine Lady," tho story of Lord Nelson's love for Lady Hamilton, which will be shown at a return season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Corinne Griffiths takes the leading role and she is ably supported by 11. B. Warner and Victor Varconi. There is an entertaining programme of shorter films. A DELPHI THEATRE. " The Glad Rag Doll," a comedy romance of society life, with Dolores Costello in the principal role, will bo shown at tho Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, to-day. ORPHEUS THEATRE. "Come Back to Erin," and "Sal of Singapore" will be screened at tho Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu, to-day. LYRIC THEATRE CONCERT. A concert in aid of the Plunkot Society will be given in the Lyric Theatre to-morrow evening. A splendid programme of instrumental and vocal numbers lias been arranged. IMPERIAL THEATRE. Harold Lloyd appears in "Welcome Danger" which will be shown at tho Im-' perial Theatre, Kohiniarama, this evening. DELTA THEATRE. . Patsy Ruth Miller and Ford Sterliug aro the principal players in "Fall of Eve," an amusing farco, which will be shown at tho Delta Theatro, Now Lynn, this evening. VICTORIA THEATRE. Music and laughter arj *ho strong features of "Love, Live and Laugh," tho Fox, Movietone production, which will bo shown at tho Victoria Theatre, Dcvonport, this evening.

STRAND THEATRE. Since the introduction of talking pictures many thrilling murder mystery films have been shown in Auckland, but none lias befn more baffling and generally entertaining than "At tlio Villa Rose," the British Dominions film, which commenced a season at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Made by the same company which was responsible for such successes as "Rookery Nook" and "Splinters," the film is essentially English, in spite of the fact that the leading character is a Frenchman. Apart from those players who are given the roles of French people, the actors speak tlio unaccented English which is only found in the best British pictures. Altlutgh intensely fast in action, the film is never difficult to follow, and the denouement is most unexpected. The finish has been cunningly devised and the most asluto amateur detective in an audience would liavo to confess admiration for the ingenious solution of the mystery. accomplished English actor, Austin Trevor, is remarkably successful as the French detective, Ilanaud, ono of A. E. W. Mason's most striking characters, and the French accent which he assumes for the occasion is very convincing. Miss Nora Baring is tlio heroine, a young girl who has been adopted by an eccentric French woman of fabulous wealth, on account of alleged mediumistic powers which the girl claims to possess. She contrives to dupe the old lady for many years, but her deceit is harmless, as she has no dosigns upon the fampus collection of jewels which she knows is in tlio house. During .a seance the old lady is murdered and suspicion falls on the girl, who disappears. The crime is investigated by Ilanaud, who finally makes a daring arrest. There are lighter touches in tlio film, which must be classed as one of tlio most enjoyable of its typo seen for somo time. The supporting programme is also interesting. The comedy is "Mickey's Big Moment," the story of a pedantic schoolmaster and his uncontrollable pupils. The leader of the disturbances is Mickey, a clever child who has a vast store of antics which he demonstrates in a breath-taking manner. The concert 'which is arranged is exceptionally amusing, but during the performance tIA boy shows that ho is no mean skater and actor. On account of the length of the main picture, there is only ono other short film. It is the Universal Newspaper Newsreel, which shows many scenes of world-wide interest. Chief among them is that which depicts a parachutist leaping from an aeroplane at the height of 25,000 ft. The daring aviator is equipped with an oxygen apparatus, but the force of the opening of the parachute causes difficulties with the apparatus, and ho swoons, regaining consciousness only a few feet above the earth. The newsreel also shows scenes at Coney I Island, both by day and by night.

RIALTO THEATRE. " The Desert Song," tho screen talking version of tho popular stage production of the same name, is tho principal attraction at the Rialto Theatre, NewmarketJohn Boles is cast as the " Red Shadow," the mysterious leader of Riff bandits whose guerilla tactics harass the French troops, while Carlotta King appears as the ward of tho French general. A " Mickey tho Mouse " cartoon takes pride of place on tho supporting programme. Special holiday matinees aro being held. TIVOLI THEATRE. Romance and thrills aro found in "The Desert Song," the musical comedy, the picture version of which will be shown at tho Tivoli Theatre to-day. Set in French Algeria, the deals with the influence of " The Red Shadow," a mysterious leader of tho Riffs. Tho musical score is particularly attractive, and includes a number of very popular songs and choruses. John Boles and Carlotta King are the principal players. Louise Fazenda provides much of the humour with which the film abounds. Special matinees will be Riven each afternoon during tho school holidays. LYRIC THEATRE. A penetrating study of modern social standards is given in "Their Own Desire," which will be shown this evening at the Lyric Theatre. Norma Shearer gives a faithful performance in the role of a girl whoso life is almost ruined by tho machinations of a father who has grown tired of his wife. "Woman Trap," a powerful drama, with Hal Skelly and Evelyn Brent in tho principal roles, will also bo shown. In the afternoon a special children's matinee programme, headed by a Tom Mix picture, will bo presented. EDENDALE THEATRE. Humour and tragedy have been skilfully interwoven in "Tho Trial of Mary Dugan," which heads the excellent programme at tho Edendale Theatre. The popular actress Norma Shearer has tho leading role, which assisting her aro Lewis Stone, 11. B. Warner and Raymond Hackelt. Excellent shorter films aro shown.

TUDOP. THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is offered at Ihe Tudor Theatre.. The first attraction is " The Lost Zeppelin," the supporting picture being " Tho Awful Truth. ' An array of attractive films is presented in the supporting programme. CAHTOL THEATRE. Tho popular .actor of Western roles, Hoot Gibson, is the principal in " Courting Wildcats," which will bo screened at tho matinee at the Capitol Theatro, Dominion Road, to-day. The evening presentations will bo headed by " Tho Laughing Lady." GREY LYNN CINEMA. "Mr. Antonio" and "The Love Doctor" head the programme at the Grey Lynn Cinema. PICTURKDROME THEATRE. " The Street Girl " will bo presented at tho Picturedromo Theatro, Milford, this evening. EMPRESS THEATRE. Tom Moore and Blanche Sweet are the principals in "The Woman Racket," which is being shown at the Empress Theatre. A children's programme will be screened this afternoon. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. An abundance of comedy is provided in "Troopers Threo" and "Tho Night Parade," which are being presented at tho Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Tho main pictures at the New De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, aro "Swollhoad" and "Lovin' the Ladies." WEST END THEATRE. "Troopers Three" and "Jealousy" comprise the entertainment at tho West End Theatre. A special children's matinee will be held to-day. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. "Lovin' tho Ladies," starring Richard Dix," and "The Night Parade" head tho programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre. "The Circus" will be screened at tho matinco to-day. ... ORGAN RECITAL A recital will bo given in the Town Hall to-morrow evening, when tho city organist, Mr Mnughan'Harnett, will piny works by Corelli and Bach, Boellrnann's Suito Gothiquo, Wolsteuholmc's Sonata and Dvorak's Humoreske.

NATIONAL THEATRE, | Catering specially for school children during the second term holidays, the management of the National Theatre will pro. sent an entertainment by 40 tiny tots in a clover "Tom Thumb" vaudeville this afternoon, and eacli afternoon of next week. The pantomime consists of a series of catchy songs, bright and original novelties, gorgeous dances, brilliant ensembles and amusing comedy sketches, all of which should find favour with school children. An appropriate selection of talking pictures will complcto an attractive programme. "Journey's End," the film version of R. C. Sherriff's renowned war play will be presented at every session, as will "All Tails," an interesting film about many types of dogs. In "Journey's End," an undistorted story of life in a typical dugout in the front line of the British Army is presented Although there are several battlefield scenes of sweeping action, the picture is essentially a character study. Trivial incidents in a dugout typify the futility of war in a much more convincing manner than would scenes of countless soldiers in action on the battlefield. The author has used as his central figures several characteristic Englishmen and shows both the nobility and the weaknesses in their natures which the stress of fighting laid bare. Capable English acfors show a fine perception of tlie demands of the rather difficult roles and give a faithful reproduction of the play as it was produced with such success on the stage. CIVIC THEATRE. The well-known actor, George Bancroft, is largely responsible for the success of "Ladies Love Brutes," which heads the attractive entertainment at the Civic Theatre. Prominent members of the cast are Mary Astor, Claude Allistcr, Stanley Fields, Frederic March and Ben Hendricks. Bancroft is seen as a successful contractor who aspires to marry a society woman. Trying to convince the woman of his abilities he unwittingly places himself in the hands of personal enemies, and liow ho finally gains her affection makes an interesting story. The shorter films include a comedy, a sound cartoon and two gazettes. Enjoyable musical numbers are rendered by the orchestra and Mr. G. Paulsen, organist. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Chasing Rainbows," a picturesque revuo with colour and dancing as well as music, is the chief attraction in the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Charles King sings a selection of popular numbers, while his partner, Bessie Love, provides entertainment with a variety of acrobatic and tap dance steps. A special children's programme has been prepared for the afternoon session. In addition to a Mickey the Mouse cartoon, there will be shown an "Our Gang" comedy and three other items. ROXY THEATRE. Two British talking pictures of a nigh standard will be shown to-day at the Roxy Theatre. The first is "Harmony Heaven," a spectacular revue filmed in technicolour. Unusual ballet dancing and bright sorig numbers abound and the cast includes many leading artists of the London stage. The second feature is "The Hate Ship," a film with a most ingenious plot. The action is fast and there is a strong romantic interest.

MUNICIPAL BAND. A bright programme will be played by tho Municipal Band at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. Among the items to be given are the overture "Mirella," selections, "Maritana" and "Lilac Time," waltz "Hydropaten," bright marches and hymn tunes. A cornet solo "The Holy City," will be played by Mr. Fred Bowes, and a piccolo solo, "Souvenir de Liege," by Mr. Hal C. McLennan. CHARITY CONCERT. An orchestral concert in aid of unemployed musicians will bo given in the Civic Theatre to-morrow evening. The orchestra, which will be conducted bv Mr. Howard Moody, will bo assisted by a number of solo artists, including Miss L. Woods, Mr. Duncan Black, Mr. A. Ilealey, Mr. Paulsen and Mr. E. Bell. In addition to the musical items, a comedy drama, "The Farmer's Wife," will be screened.