ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20651, 25 August 1930, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. George Bancroft, who appeared to advantage in "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Mighty" and other notable productions, has a congenial rolo in "Ladies Lovo Brutes," which heads the attractive programme at the Civic Theatre. Bancroft in the early stages of the story is cast as a steel worker, Forziati, who by persevering at his work rises to bo a prominent contractor. While engaged in his work lie incurs the enmity of two labour agitators. In order to enlarge his business activities Forziati later forces his way into society circles. There he meets a young divorced woman and rapidly falls in lovo with her. In spite of Forziati's unpolished manners the woman feels that she can reciprocate his affection, but refuses his offers of marriage, as she does not think he would be a suitable parent for her young son. Forziati arranges to kidnap the boy in the hope of impressing the woman by his quick restoration of the youth. In doing this Forziati places himself in the power of his onemies. The manner in which ho extricates himself from an awkward situation makes an interesting story. Mary Astor is successfully cast as the woman, while Claude Allister, Stanley Fields, Frederic March and Ben Hendricks give convincing portrayals. A comedy, "Actions Speak Louder Than Words," takes pride of place on the supporting programme. Thero are two entertaining gazettes, while enjoyable music is rendered by tho orchestra and Mr. G. Paulsen, organist. NATIONAL THEATRE. The sincere and restrained war play "Journey's End," which has enjoyed a most successful season at tho Regent Theatre, will continue its Auckland presentation at tho National Theatre to-day. It has been said of tho picture that while it gives a true representation of modern warfare it does not stress the horrors and tho brutality. Following with few differences Mr. R. C. Sherriff's play, tho film has been produced by a British company with a cast of English actors, including Colin Clive, the London principal, who takes tho part of Captain Stanhope. At the afternoon session a delightful entertainment will be given by the Tom Thumb Vaudeville Company, under the direction of Miss Lillian O'Leary. In this children's pantomime all tho latest London song successes, "tap" dances, charming ballets and pantomimic novelties combino to form a splendid children's entertainment. "All Tails," an interesting picture about dogs, will also bo screened.

LONDON THEATRE. One of the best programmes the management of tho London Theatre has yet piesonfed will bo shown at tho tlieatro today. Tho first feature is "The Wrecker," a thrilling railroad mystery picture, in which a series of unaccountable railway disasters is used for tho basis of a wellconceived plot. A railway magnate meets his death at tho hands of "the wrecker," and his nephew enlists the aid of a pretty girl to investigate tho murder, and a series of amazing adventures is encountered before the mystery is solved. The second main feature is "Tho Loves of Robert Bums," in which Joseph Hislop, the talented Irish singer, plays the leading role. The true spirit of Scotch rural life has been captured by the producers, and tho beautiful settings, togethor with tho pathos of the traditional songs, mako the picture a notable one. TIVOLI AND RIALTO. Drama and romanco are pleasingly interwoven in tho screen version of tho wellknown musical comedy, "Tho Desert Song," which is being presented at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The theme deals with tho unveiling of tho identity of "Tho Red Shadow," tho daring and inystorious leader of a band of Riffs who, secure in their mountainous retreats, defy all attempts of tho French Army to dislodge tliom. John Boles appears as tho "Red Shadow" and Carlotta King *as the French general's ward, who ultimately becomes tho "Red Shadow's" wife. Tho production is rich in musical numbers and songs. Holiday matinees are being held at both theatres. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Light entertainment is, provided in "Sally," the screen production of the popular stage musical comedy of tho same name, which is being shown at St. James' Theatre. Miss Marilyn Miller has the leading role and gives a pleasing performance. Miss Miller is heard in a number of enjoyable songs. Prominent roles aro played by Joe E. Brown and Ford Sterling. Tho entire picture has been filmed in colour. LYRIC THEATRE. Tho accomplished actress Norma Shearer gives another convincing portrayal in "Their Own Desire," which is being screened at tho Lyric Theatre. Miss Shearer appears as tho daughter of estranged parents, who is left to her own devices. Tho supporting attraction is "Woman Trap," in which Hal Skelly and Evelyn Brent aro tho principals.

STRAND THEATRE. An unusually engrossing murder mystery production, "At the Villa Rose," is being presented at tho Strand Theatre. The film has been adapted from the novel by A. E. W. Mason. The principal roles are played by Austin Trevor and Miss Nora Baring. Of outstanding interest on tho supporting programme is a comedy, "Mickey's Big Moment." There is also a splendid newsreel. ROXY THEATRE. Ideal entertainment is offered in the two British pictures heading tho programme at tho Roxy Theatro. The first attraction is "Harmony Heaven,'• which has been filmed in technicolour. Tho film takes the form of a revue and is replete with tuneful musical numbers and spectacular dances. The second production is "Tho Hate Ship." CRYSTAL PALACE AND EMPRESS. "Lovin 1 th Ladies," in which Richard Dix has tho leading role, is being screened at tho Crystal Palaco and Empress Theatres. The film is an enjoyable comody-romanco of society life. Tho supporting attraction at the two theatres is "Tho Loves of Robert Burns." PLAZA THEATRE. "The Divino Lady," a sound-syn-chronised pfoduction dealing with tho romance between Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson, is attracting largo audiences to tho Plaza Theatre. Corinne Griffith, Victor Varconi and H. B. Warner head tho notablo cast. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. An abundance of enjoyable humour is contained in "Senor Americano,'• which is being presented at tho Epsom Regent Theatre. ALEXANDRA TIIEATPE. Tho programme at tho Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, is headed by "Chasing Rainbows." WEST END THEATRE. Pleasing entertainment is offered in "Tho Hollywood Revue" which is being presented at tho West End Theatre, Ponson by Road. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. "Tho Vagabond Lover" ia the main picture at the New De Luxo Theatro. Thoro aro excellent supports*

REGENT THEATRE. Dolores Del Rio gives the most bril-liantly-acted portrayal of her screen career in "The Bad One," which is enjoying a successful season at the Regent Theatre. Although the picture marks her first appearance in talking pictures Miss Del Rio has mastered tlio new technique and she eclipses her performances in "What Price Glory" and "Ramona." The 'story is powerful drama, but the laughter and the music cleverly introduced into it make it very attractive. The action, which has as its background the waterfront at Marseilles and a French penal settlement, is fast, and the dialoguo is witty. Miss Del Rio takes the part of a coquette employed in a cafe. Lit a, however, treats no one seriously until Jerry Flanagan arrives on the scene. Her love for him and her desperate attempt to savo him when ho is in tho shadow of death make an intensely moving story. Special children's morning programmes have been arranged daily this week, tho main feature being Charlie Chaplin's delightfully funny comedy "Tho Circus." MAJESTIC THEATRE. An interesting programmo will bo shown at tho Majestic Theatre to-day. The chief feature is "Doublo Cross-Konds," the talking film adaptation of William Lipman's widely-read hook, "Yonder Grow tho Daisies," a tale of a young woman's influence in regenerating a youth who, after a chequered career of crime, decides to "go straight." To freo himself from his associations, ho seeks work in tho country and-while there, comes into contact with a woman ivho, unknown to him, is in the hands of a gang of criminals as the result of her own past. She tries to keep tho secret from him, but it finally comes out. For a while it seems that the revelation will make him lose all his desire to live a straighter life, but in the end bo realises that the girl is trying as hard as he is to livo down the past. Together, tho young pair start afresh. Tho supporting programme includes "Steamed , Up," an uproariously funny comedy set in a Turkish baths establishment, and :newsrccls.

EDENDALE THEATRE. A powerful drama is unfolded in "The Trial of Mary Dngan," which heads tho current programmo at tho Edcndalo Theatre. ORGAN RECITAL. Tho series of Sunday evening organ recitals given by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, was continued in (ho Town Ilall last evening, when Mr. Barnett presented to an appreciative audience a programme of delightful classical numbers, including works by Corelli, Bach, Boclimarin, Widor, Dvorak, Wolstenhohne and Lefobure-Wely. MUNICIPAL BAND AT ZOO. A most enjoyablo programme was given by the Auckland Municipal Band in the Zoological Park yesterday afternoon. In spito of the wea.ther conditions a large number of people was present. The programmo opened with a march, "Tho Return," by Windram, and this was followed by Gounod's delightful "Mirella" overture. Two features of the programme were tho cornet solo, "Tho Holy City," by Mi". Fred Bowes, and the piccolo solo, "Souvenir de Liege," by Mr. Hal C. McLennan. Other items by tho band were tho hymn "ITollingside," a waltz, "Hydropaten," by Gung'l, selections from "Maritana" and from "Lilac Time," tho idyll "Softly Unawares", and tho march "British Steel."