ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20713, 5 November 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. Mamba, the technicolour film proceed by/ Tiffany Stahl, which is enjoying * successful seasbn at tho Plaza Theatre, has as its background the wilds of Africa dining the period just prior to the outbreak of the Great War. Jean Hersholt, as a grasping German trader, Bolte, who, by his despicable treatment of tho Kaffirs earns the nickname "Mamba," derived troni a species of venomous snake feared by natives and white men alike; Eleanor Board man, who is soen as a cultured woman of nobility, who marries Bolto to n;ivo her father from financial ruin; and .Ralph T<orbes, in the rolo of a handsome Gennari officer, who makes tho woman's acquaintance on a voyage to Africa, are tho three players around whom most of the action centres. Events take a dramatic turn when tho three people aw again thrown togothor. this time at «i lonely outpost where, in addition to tho tellers of tho jungle, the European inhabitants have to contend with insurgent natives. The semi-barbaric nature of tho settings {illows scopo for somo splendid photographic effects and the production reaches a high standard of technical excellence. One oi tho most inspiring scenes is an encounter between tho natives and white sotllers, who unite to force 1000 belligerent natives into submission when they storm the German garrison as a rosult of the contemptible treatment of one of their number at the hands of Bolte. / ROXY THEATRE. Two splendid pictures are being shown nt the Roxy Theatre. In "Murder on tho Hoof" Raymond Ilatton has the part of my astute newspapor reporter, who by •feigning u carefree life is able to put his finger on tho person guilty of a seemingly inexplicable murder. The crime is committed amid the indolent luxury of a fashionable night club and to obtain some clua to tho mystery the daughter of the murdered man, a part charmingly portrayed; by Dorothy Re.vier, becomes a dancer at the night club, operated by the notorious Joe Carozzo. Events then take a «ensational turn. Comedy is tho factor vliich contributes mainly "to tho success ®' "Personality," the second picture, in which fho trials and tribulations of .1 newly-married couple provide material for a highly diverting farcical comedy. Both pictures are being shown in Auckland for the first time.

CIVIC THEATRE. To-day is the last opportunity Auckland theatre-goers will have of seeing "King Of Jazz," Univorsal's spectacular musical extravaganza, at tho Civic Theatre. Produced on a lavish scale, and regardless of cost, the film is almost a new form of art, in which an animated cartoon in colour is interspersed with a series of gorgeous stage presentations which include "Tho Melting Pot," "Tho Bridal Veil," and an atmospheric presentation of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue." The notable cast is headed by Paul Whileman, the famous conductor, and his celebrated band. Gary Cooper and Mary Brian,' two accomplished artists, who have made numerous delightful pictures in collaboration, are again partnered in "Only the Brave," which will have its initial j showing at the theatre to-morrow. It is a fast-moving ' adventure-romance, set nmid the stirring days of the American Civil War, of love-surmounting all barriers. '' REGENT THEATRE. "The Richest Man in tho World," which will be shown at the Regent Theatro for the last time to-morrow, is a story of a father's love and self-sacrifice for his children, which owes much of. its appeal to its directness and simplicity. Louis Mann, a veteran stage actor of considerable ability, gives a sympathetic portrayal of a kindly old German, who leaves the Fatherland and after years of diligent toil achieves a certain measure of success ft.s a' barber in an American city. After making innumerable sacrifices for his children he sees them gradually drift away from him, but finally his faith in them is rewarded and he considers himself thtj "richest man in the world." '/" ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT." Lillian Gish, an accomplished actress with a long list of silent pictures to her credit, the most notable of which includo "The Birth of a Nation" and "Orphans of the Storm," is seen in her first talking picture in "One Romantic Night," which will be presented at the Regent Theatre for the first time on Friday. Miss Gish is supported by a competent cast, including Conrad Nagel, Rod la Rocque, Marie Dressier and O. P. Heggie in a romantic comedy-drama adapted from "The Swan," the well-known stage success by Ferenc Molnar.

LYRIC THEATRE. A refreshing story of outdoor life is told in "Montana jloon," tho Metro-Golcjl'kvyn-Mayer production which will be screened at tho Lyric Theatre to-day. Joan Crawford, the principal, is cast as n girl who, although brought up in luxurious surroundings, lias kept an adventurous spirit. Passing through some ranch country in a special train one day she is suddenly moved to leave it and make her way to her father's ranch in the foothills. In tho fresh open-air life she enters upon a romance which changes her outlook on life and leads her to a real happirtess. Around this plot a fine picture, which includes humour and adventure, has been made. lIVOLI AND RIALTO. Two splendid attractions, "Fast Company" and "Conquest," are being screened at tho Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The Etorv of "Fast Company" is a realistic description of the nps and downs of ordinary people who have as many weaknesses as strengths, but who aro nevertheless intensely interesting and "living" characters. Although even the heroine is responsible for a considerable amount of unhappiness, her actions are such a3 would be done quito unconsciously of their effects by a young woman of ' temperament." The cast includes Evelyn Brent, Jack Oakie, Richard "Skeets" Gallagher and Gwen Bee. Monte Blue and Lois Wilson are the principals in the seco.bd attraction. "Conquest. which is equally enjoyable. i) CAPITOL THEATRE. A delightful comedy of family life, "Harmony at Homo," will be screened at the Capitol Theatre this evening. Mar piierite Churchill and William Collier take the leading roles, EMPRESS THEATRE. 'llio delightful comediennes Marie Dressier and Polly Moran, are seen as two rival boarding-house keepers in Caught Short," which will be shown at the Empress Theatre this evening. Ihe film is au hilarious comedy based on the recent etocky markot failuro in America. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Inside tho Lines." a thrilling story of nil attempt, to gain possession of the millinrv secrets of will hcnci tho programme at tho Crystal Palace lheatre ibis evening. "Sisters" will also be shown. // SUBURBAN THEATRES. The musical comedy "Sally w iU be screened at the Tudor Theatre this evening. "Hearts in Exile" will be presented at tho Victoria Theatre. Dovonport. ii . 3 SANDRINGHAM THEATRE. "naif.way to Heaven" is being screened $1 tho Sandringham Theatre.

majestic theatre. *l-^— 6 * s a delightful cliarm about "The | -Man l'rom Blankley's," tho witty farcical ! comedy of English social life, which will | close a season at the Majestic Theatre this evening. John Barrymore, who has won fame chiefly as an actor of romantic roles, a more humorous type of characterisation as a young English lord in a hilarious story of mistaken identity W f V1 r> on r " Ansle .y. tho editor °L . c^- The satirical story concerns the socially-ambitious Tidmarshes who engage a young man of aristocratic bearing to lend distinction to their table when they propose to entertain in appropriate iashion their wealthy American cousins, lhere is not a dull moment in "The Cohens and Kellys In Scotland." which will open a season at the theatre tomorrow. The inimitable comedians, George Sidney and Charlie Murray, are once more seen as an Irishman and a Jew who, this time, unknown to each other, sot out for Scotland with tho intention of making a fortune from tho "natives." ST. JAMES' THEATRE. "Son of tho Gods," tho drama based on the novel of tho samo title, by Rex Beach, which will have its last showing at St. James' Theatro to-morrow evening, is an unusual story of a young man who is led to believe that lie is of Chinese parentage. Richard Barthelmess gives a forceful and sympathetic characterisation of Sam Leo, who is shunned by his uncomprehending American associates and seeks distraction abroad in the south of France. Winnio Lightner, who won immediate success in 'Tho Gold Diggers of Broadway," is among tho 70 talented principal artists who contribute to "Show of Shows," the spectacular Warner Brothers' extravaganza which will opon a season at the theatro on Friday.

STRAND THEATRE. Gang warfare among criminal organisations in the underworld of a large city provides tho theme for a thrilling story in "Framed," which will finish a seassn at tho Strand Theatre to-morrow. Evelyn Brent has the part of a young woman who is incensed by tho unjust killing of her father at the hands of the police and swears vengeance upon the forces of law and order. "All Quiet on tho Western Front," the compelling indictment of war adapted from tha book by Erich Maria Remarque, will commence a short return Auckland season at the Strand Theatro on Friday. The woll-known story traces tho lives of a scoro of typical German youths from the time when, fired by tho enthusiasm of a jingoistic schoolmaster they enlist, until one by one they fall prey to the ruthlessness of riflo, machino gun cr shell. Although tho characters in the book were deftly drawn the film version is said to portray even more vividly the various types of German youth. NAT lON A L THEATRE. Although "Alf's Button," the talking film version of W. Darlington's uproarious war-time farce, is now in the second week of an extended season, there is no diminution in the enthusiasm with which it is being greeted at tho National Theatre. Produced at Elstree by British and Dominions Films, the story of Alf Higgins and his irresponsible companion in arms. Bill Grant, is interpreted by a talented cast which does full justice to the many hilarious situations. Anything funnier than the performance of Tubby Edlin, the Alf of tho original stage success, would be difficult to imagine, and the "Old Bill" of Alf Goddard is also a splendid piece of character acting. STUDENTS' RECITAL. V An excellent selection of vocal numbers was given by the pupils of Madame Humphrey Steward to a largo audience in the Lewis Eady Hall last evening. The composers represented ranged from Molloy and Scott-Gatty to Handel and Wagner, but tho performers gave fine presentations of all the numbers chosen. Among the most-appreciated items were "Poor Wandering One," sung by Miss Edith Smith, with chorus: I'osclli's "Serenata," sung by Miss Norma Stevens; "Romance," sung by Miss Margery Taylor; Braga's "Serenata," sung by Mrs. G. Shaw; and the recitative and aria "Oh, Thou That Tellest," from "The Messiah," sung by Miss Alice Browne. Other artists taking part were Misses Phyllis Johnson, Olive Stephenson, M. Taylor, H. Andrews. M. Spicer, E. Smith, M. Gosling, G. Barton, G. Williams, F. Gawkwell, M. Brunker, S. Stevens and D. Atkins, Mrs. Chambers and Mr. F. Munroe. A feature was the song and dance by four little girls. During the evening "the presentation of a case of cutlery was made to Madame Steward by Mr. Munroe on behalf of the pupils.