ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20690, 9 October 1930, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" HOLD EVERYTHING;" Hold Everything," J. C. Williamson's current Broadway musical comedy success, which Avill be produced at His Majesty's Theatre 011 Saturday night in conjunction with Richard White.and Eiic Edgley, holds almost everything which goes to make an attractive musical comedy. There are catchy melodies, amusing comedians, pretty girls, and one of the cleverest ballets produced by ,T. 0. Williamson, Ltd. Everybody in .the cast dances, and the diverting colourful show whirls along at a merry pace that banishes boredom. It also signalises the return of the very popular and talented company wlio recently Love Lies " and " So This is Love " in Auckland. Clem. Da we once again has a part that is suited to his particular style of comedy and ho undoubtedly makes the most of his opportunities in the role ot Ginks Shiner, who is possibly the world s ■worst boxer. Bobby Gordon aids and abets him. IJe is the training camp's cook, who conducts private brewing plants as a side-line. Miss Betty Eley, as Sue Bourke, is oiico more able to impart her delightful personality into this part. One imagines that a great deal 'will be heard of the theme song " You're the Cream m My Coffee " which she sings with Ml'. Michael Cole. Katheline Stewart has a comedy part in Toots Brecn and plays if, oil broad lines. Others in the cast aro Marie Eaton, Mona Barlee, Dan Agar, Los, White and l'aul Plunket. A lull orchestra is under the baton of Gregory Ivanoff. ST. J AMIES' THEATRE. "Under a Texas Moon," which will bo nhown at St. James' Iheatrc for tho last time this evening, is the first out-door picture to bo filmed ontirely in techmcoluur. The romantic story of a gay caballero and his numerous love affairs is set against the charm and grandeur of tho canyon country of Mexico. Tho debonair Mexican, played splendidly by Frank Fay, has a partiality for the fair sex, which often brings him perilously close to disaster, but his glib tonguo invariably extricates him from difficulty. Besides tho delightful romantic story thero aro many magnificent settings and attractive songs. Another production filmed completely »n colour will open a season to-morrow. "The Song of tho Flamo" is a, stirring drama of tho French revolution, which depicts tho life of the period in the French capital. Alexander Grey, whose voice was heard to advantage in "Sally," Bern ice Clair, who has appeared with Grey in previous productions, and Noah Beery head the notable cast, which also includes hundreds of "extras." CIVIC THEATRE. "Women Everywhere;" which commences a season at tho Civic Iheatrc today, is a musical romance of the French Foreign Legion. Tho open desert is used with striking effect as the background for a fast-moving story rich in beautiful settings and rollicking songs. J. Harold Murray, a popular actor whose extensive stage experience includes the leading role in the stago production of "Rio Rita," has the principal part. Fifi Dorsay, the beautiful French actress, appears opposite Murray, and the pair are heard to advantage in several entertaining songs. A generous leavening of humour is provided by Clyde Cook, whose ludicrous antiqs are a source of constant merriment. Although "Women Everywhere" is csseutially a musical romance, it successfully captures the spirit of reckless abandon, in which men of every class and nationality seek to bury their chequered pasts in the Foreign Legion. Tho bitter disillusionment which is the lot -of those who join in a youthful desire for adventure is also a dm; ra b1 y conveyed. STRAND THEATRE. " Disraeli," tho historical film, which gave Auckland audiences tFeir first glimpse of the artistry of George Arliss as a character actor, will open a return season at the Strand Theatre to-day. When the picture was shown here some months ago it was greeted with enthusiasm and a return season is most welcome. As the picturesque British statesman, whose far-seeing policy secured for England the controlling interest in the Suez Canal, Mr. Arliss gives an inimitable characterisation. The dialogue of the stijiyis faultless, the irony of tone which was one of Disraeli's outstanding characteristics being admirably conveyed by the actor. The story is the faithful adaptation of the stage play written about 20 years ago by Louis N. Parker, who created tiie title role for Mr. Arliss. LONDON THEATRE. " Iljirmony Heaven," which heads the programme to bo shown at the London Theatre for the first time to-day, is the first all-colour picture to be produced at the Elstree studios. The film is replete with attractive song numbers and gorgeous settings and proves the ability of English producers to make this type of picture. The capable cast of English players includes Polly Ward, Trilby Clark, Stuart Wall and Jack Raine. There is also an array of entertaining shorter films. "Mickey the Mouse" has a fund of fresh antics in "The Cactus kid," and an Aesop fable sound cartoon, "Ships Ahoy," should also cause endless "mirth. Another .of the series of Grantland Rice sportlight films produced by Patlie will be shown, as well a.s a varied Pathe Sound News,_ which gives a comprehensive survey of interesting happenings in various parts of the world.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND EMPRESS. " Anna Christie." based on a play bv Eugene O'Neill, ono of the most powerful of American playwrights, will be presented at the Crystal Palace and Empress Theatres this evening. Greta Garbo gives a sincere and telling portrayal of a young girl whom life lias treated harslijy, but who attempts to win regeneration by leaving city life and living with her old father on a river barge. Renewed by the fresh, clear air of her new life she thinks that her past 5s gone for ever, but before she can finally win happiness an echo ot it comes near to shattering all her plans. In a .supporting role Marie Dressier achieves a triumph. Charles Bickford plays the masculine role opposite to Greta Garbo and his characterisation of a bluff Irish sailor is very effective. The picture as a whole is one of the finest productions the. talking screen lias presented. LYRIC THEATRE. " Chasing Bainbows," which will be shown at. the Lyric Theatre this evening, is a ieehnieolour production with many points in common with "The Broadway Melody." Bessie Love and Charles King are again partnered ill a number of eatchv songs and effective dance ensembles. Marie Dressier and Pollv Moran, two inimitable comediennes, also have prominent parts. "Seven Days' Leave " will also be shown. PLAZA THKATIIE. "With Byrd at the South Pole," which •will be screened at the Plaza Theatre today, is the official record of the daring exploits of Real' Admiral Richard E. Byrd and his intrepid companions in the Polar regions. The arrival at (he ice barrier, incidents in the life at the base camp, "Little America." and the actual (light to the South Pole and back are all shown. BOXY THEATRE. Two entertaining films of different types "tvill bo shown tit the Boxy Theatre to-day. f.l'ho first is " Love at First Sight," a spectacular production based on a wellconceived plot. In tho second, "Roaring iianch," Hoot Gibson taken part in a Stirring talo of Western life.

NATIONAL THEATRE. "Lummox," the film version of Fannio Hurst's novel, which is enjoying a most successful season at the National Theatre, owes much of its appeal to the simplicity of the story. There is no undue straining after effect, and the difficult theme has been sincerely interpreted by a capable cast of players. Acting honours go to Winifred Wcstover, who makes a living character of the self-sacrificing servant girl, with whom readers of the novel by Fannie Hurst aro familiar. When Herbert Brcnou was seeking an actress to portray "Lummox" Miss Westover was chosen from over lOC screen and stage celebrities. Ben Lyon, as the irresponsible young poet who shirks his responsibility toward the girl at a critical period, handles a difficult part with understanding. There are also several other deftly-drawn character studies, of which the most outstanding is the "Siliio Willie," an obtuse and slowwitted servant, of Torbon Meyer. Elinor Glynn, the well-known authoress, presents a storv written and produced at the Elstree studios by herself in "Knowing Men," which heads tho next change of programme. The picture is preceded ■ by a noval prologue in which Mrs. Glyn introduces tho various types of women who later appear in tho film. -■■■' REGENT THEATRE. Many subjects of topical interest aro dealt with in the Hearst Metrotonc News, which forms part of the excellent supporting programme at the Regent Theatre. The RIOO, the giant sister-ship of tho RlOl, which met with disaster with tragic loss of life a few days ago, is depicted on her arrival at New York after successfully crossing tho Atlantic. Packed audiences continue to greet tho lato Lou Chancy s only talking picture, "The Unholy Three," with enthusiasm. Chancy, who has long been noted for his bizarre and grotesque characterisations, adds to tho ccriness of his acting by tho use of his remarkablo powers of ventriloquism. _ In "Tho Unholy Three" he is seen as a circus ventriloquist who, in company with "Hercules the Giant" and "The Midget" (a dwarf), determines to embark upon a career of crime. Tho ill-assorted trio form a queer brotherhood of crime, who plan to rob the homes of wealthy New \ork residents. Unfortunately for tho trio a girl is associated with the notorious partnership, and tho ventriloquist s love for her is the chief factor in their downfall. Laurel and Hardy are seen'in a series of riotously funny situations in "Blotto, an amusing comedy, aim a novel colour fantasy, "Manhattan Serenade," completes tho programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Thrilling mystery is tho keynote of "In tho Next Room," the First National and Vitaphone production, which will bo shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Tho plot of the story is both gripping and unusual. A series of inexplicable incidents —tho kidnapping of a number of women under tho eyes of the police, murders executed without any signs of violence and the appearance of a mysterious figure in a "haunted" house—all pave the way for a most unexpected denouement. Jack Mulhall, a young actor of ability, has the part of a clever newspaper reporter, who investigates the mysteries. lio comes into contact with a pretty girl, played by Alico Day, and the story soon develops along tho lines of romance The assiduous and indefatigable police officer who fumbles with misleading clues is excellently portrayed by De Witt Jennings. Claude Allister as the übiquitous and imperturbable butler, Parkes, is responsible for an inimitable piece of character acting. TIVOLI AND 111 ALTO THEATRES. Two bright pictures provide excellent entertainment at tho Tivoli and Rialto Theatres this evening. In -" Hard to Get " tho charming Dorothy Mackaill has the part of a country, girl who seeks adventure in a large city. Douglas McLean and Marie Prevost provido some excellent humour in " Divorce Made Easy," a laughable burlesque of modern marriage. , MAORI CONCERT. Maori concerts will he given in tho Town Hall on October 14, 15 unci 16 hv the well-known Wanganui Maori concert party of 50 artists. Traditional hakas, poi dances and songs will be presented. The programme will bo similar to that given bv the same party some time ago for broadcasting. The proceeds of the concert will be devoted to the upkeep of the Makogai Leper Station in Fiji, which is also used by New Zealand.