ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20678, 25 September 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Set against the lavish background of New York society life, "Tho Divorcee," which is enjoying a most successful season at the Regent Theatre, deals with many modern social problems. A wife's action in adopting the same mode of life as her unprincipled husband gives riso to many dramatic episodes. Possossed of a cultured voice of quality, Norma Shearer gives a graceful performance in the principal role. Chester Morris is excellently cast as tho wayward husband, and Conrad Nagel also fills a prominent part. _ A splendid supporting programme comprises a Grantland Rice Sportlight, a plantation song-sLory; a Laurel and Ilardy comedy and the latest issue of tho Metrotono News, which includes a speech by WingCommander Kingsford Smith at tho conclusion of tho transatlantic flight.

CIVIC THEATRE. All tho thrilling mystery which made tho original appearanco of tho ruthless Chinese doctor such a success is revived in "The Return of Dr. Fu Munchu," the Paramount film which "will bo shown at tho Civic Theatre for the last titno this evening. The sinister Oriental is again excollently portrayed by Warner Oland. "Fox Follies of 1930," which will commence a soason to-morrow, is a production rich in gorpcous settings, witty diuloguo and amusing situations. Although the picture includes several stage scenes it is not merely a revue, as it has an entertaining story of an American "lumber king," who becomes involved with a number of pretty girls. - Tho principal part is splendidly portrayed by 151 Brcndcl. STRAND THEATRE. " The Gold Diggers of Broadway," which scored a phenomenal success when it was shown in Auckland about 10 months ago, will open a return season at the Strand Theatre to-day. Besides including many elaborate stage settings the picture has a pleasing story, with a strong human interest running through it. Winnie Lightner, as Mabel, is ideally suited to her role as a tomboy chorus girl, whose method of breaking down tho prejudices of a sedate family lawyer causes endless amusement. A revival of such popular songs as "Painting the Clouds With Sunshine" and "Tiptoe Through tho Tulips" will bo welcome. NATIONAL THEATRE. All tho elements which contribute to the success of a talking picture are found in "They Learned About Women," the excellent production which is being shown at tho National Theatre. An appealing lovo story, lilting soqgs, witty dialogua which abounds in humour and tho excitement of a baseball match are skilfully blended in a picture which is fast in action. Gus Van and Joo Schcnck, two of the foremost comedians of tho American vaudeville stage, are entirely at ease in their first screen roles. They appear as two noted baseball players who are rivals for tho hand of Mary, the owner-manager of the baseball club. On Saturday "A Lady to Lovo" will open a season at the theatre. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. John McCormack, the famous Irish singer, whoso voice has been heard tho world ober through the medium of tho gramophone record, sings a number of his old favourites in "Song of My Heart," the Fox Movietone picture which continues to delight audiences at St. James' Theatre. Into a charming romantic story of Irish country life have been introduced 11 songs, which include well-known airs as woll as new compositions especially written for the film. ROXY THEATRE. Barbara Stanwyck is called upon to portray a difficult role in "Ladies of Leisure,'-' tho film adaptation of the David Belasco stage play, "Ladies of the Night," which is enjoying a jmost successful season at the Roxy Theatre. The next change of programme will bo headed by " Raise the Roof," in which tho popular English comedienne, Betty Balfour, is seen to advantage in the principal part. "Sisters," with Sally O'Neil and Molly O'Dav, will also be shown.

TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES. Gary Cooper and Mary Brian, two popular players who have appeared together in several fine pictures, are the principals in " The Virginian," which is being shown at both tho Rialto and Tivoli Theatres. " The Careless Age," tlie second picture, is a story of modern life in which Loretta Young and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., head the notable cast. plaza' theatre. As a wealthy Texan with a strong aversion to English customs and conventions, Will Rogers gives a finished characterisation in " So This Is London," which continues to delight audiences at the Plaza Theatre. LYRIC THEATRE. A most enjoyable double-feature programme is being shown at the Lyric Theatre. " Love At First Sight" is a film rich in elaborate stage settings and catchy songs, and " The Ship From Shanghai" is notable for the fine performance of Mary Nolan. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Montana Moon" and "The Perfect Day" are being shown at the Empress Theatre, Newton, this evening. NORMAL SCHOOL CONCERT. A concert in aid of a fund to provide group libraries and apparatus at tlio Auckland Normal School will be given in the Town Hall to-morrow evoning. A varied selection of items will bo given. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " Free and Easy " heads the fine pro- j gramme afc tho Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, this evening. " Tanned Legs " will also be screened. " TUTANKHAMEN." The presentation of " Tutankhamen," which will be given by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society in His Majesty's Theatre this evening, promises to be 0110 of tho brightest events in theatrical history for the past or two. No labour has been spared by the cast at rehearsals and a fine spirit of enthusiasm is being shown in the production of this popular play, which formerly enjoyed so great a success. The attractive music of t.lie original production has been amplified and revised by the composer, Mr. Eric Waters, and tho plot has been brought into line with, recent events. Tho theme probes into flie privato lifo of tho Pharaoh, Tutankhamen, through tho medium of nn 'American tourist. The title role will be played by Mr. Geoffrey Colledge, the popular Auckland baritone, and the part of the American, George Washington Blatant, will be played by Mr. John Mackle, who is already well known in amateur theatricals. HOSPITAL CONCERT. Patients of the Auckland Hospital were entertained last evening at a concert, arranged by Mrs. ltaoburn. Mr. jr. .J. JohnMton and Mr. A. Haniblin, of tho hospital auxiliary. Tho prugrammo was provided by pupils of Miss Lillian O'Leary and Mr*. Iloylc, and the pntientn wero delighted with tho Jierformanee of tho young pcopto,