ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20716, 8 November 1930, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Presenting an almost unbelievable array of loading screen players, tho Warner Brothers' production, "Show of Shows," which commenced a season at St. James' Theatre yesterday, contains all tho elements of a successful revue. The spectacular pageants which servo as a prologue and as a finale to the production are on a scale of dazzling magnificence, and there is a huge ballot of 500 performers. Tho show commences with an historical prologue, in which the chief performers aro Hobart Bosworth, 11. B. Warner and William Courtenay. Then follows a spectacular military parade, introducing sottio excellent singing and a danco extravaganza performed by some 300 girls. The "Glee Club Quartette" is a humorous number, in which the English stage comedian, Jack Buchanan, provides an attractive measure of nonsense and droll foolery. "Skull and Crossbones" is tho title of a well-con-ceived extravaganza repleto with ferocious pirates and fair captives, as well as a thoroughly modern danco band. Among the desperadoes are such familiar actors as Tully Marshall, Bull Montana, Anders Randolph and Noah Beery, the bitter's deep bass voice being heard to excellent advantage. Marcelle and Williams cornposo a team of adagio dancers, whose daring acrobatics provide plenty of thrills and are executed with beautiful grace. Even tho erstwhile boxer, Georges Carpentier, has not beon forgotten by the producers, and he is seen in a dance number, supported by Patsy Ruth Miller and Alice Day. A pleasing novelty is a number entitled "Sisters," which features eight pairs of sisters who aro familiar to picture patrons. Introduced by Richard Barthelmess, tho act consists of several charming dances, each team of sisters being supported by a chorus arid representing a different nation. Among the family teams are Dolores and llclcne Costello, Sally O'Neill and Molly O'Day, Lola and Armida, two charming Mexicans, Sally Blane and I.oretta Young, and two old favourites in Shirley Mason and Viola Dana. One of tho outstanding numbers is "Singing in tho Bath-tub," which is sung by Winnie Lightner, who certainly knows how a comic song should bo rendered. An enormous bath plays a largo part in the scenic effects, end an amusing ballet of bathers provides a diverting interlude. A Chinese fantasy, featuring Nick Lucas and Mvrna Loy, is noted for its colour effects and its novel ballet. A number which brings back reminiscences of the "good old days" is "A Bicycle Built For Two," which has an all-star cast, fully equipped with tandems and "penny-farthing" machines, while the costumes constituto a clever satire on nineteenth century fashions. A scene from Shakespeare's "Henry VI." is presented by John Barryniore, who is seen as the sinister Duke Richard of Gloucester. His diction is excellent and his make-np is a fine example of the thoroughness for which his character representations in the past have been famous. Tho finale of tho show, "Lady Luck," is a very clever number, followed by a pageant of all the players appearing in tho production. Owing to the length of "Show of Shows" the supporting programme is necessarily short, and consists of an attractive New Zealand scenic film dealing with the beauties of the Southern Fiords.

PLAZA THEATRE. "Mamba," the splendid Tiffany-Stahl production, which is enjoying great popularity at the Plaza Theatro, is a technicolotir film set amid the wilds of Africa. Jean HershoJt, ono of the most talented screen "villains," who appeared with such success recently in "Hell Harbour," is the central figure, a self-centred and unscrupulous German trader, whose contemptible treatment of the natives earns him the name "Mamba," a species of vencmous snake feared by both white men and natives alike. In order to improve his social status in the outpost where he carries on his shady trading operations, August Bolto goes to Germany, whero he marries a cultured girl of nobility, whose father is virtually blackmailed by the man. ( It is on the return voyage, when tho young wifo makes the acquaintance of a handsome officer, that events take a surprising turn. Tho situation is intensified when 'tho thrco people aro again thrown together,' this time at the lonely trading station back in Africa. Amid the intrigue and ferment of a native state, incensed by its treatment at the hands of tho German trader, tho climax is reached when over 1000 belligerent Kaffirs storm the German garrison. LONDON THEATRE. "Splinters," which is assured of a successful return season at, tho London Theatre, is the talking picture version of the famous war-time concert, produced by an English private, Hal Jones, on the battlefield in 1916. Produced by British and Dominions Films, tho film is interpreted by many of the original party. There are no womcu in the cast but male ballets with wigs sustain tho illusion remarkably well. Besides the novelty of tho film it is notable for the introduction of some splendid songs,* which include "I'll Bo Getting Along," "Encore," and "Gretna Green." Rich humour, the excellent ipusical scoro and the spirit of jovial good humour with which British soldiers met tho difficulties and tragedies of war make tho picture ono of the finest the Elstreo studios have given tho talking screen. Tho attitude of tho British "Tommy" is shown in a series of fragments of humour, pathos, song and dance by tho famous concert party whoso efforts made a little oasis in a dreary world of mud and danger.

EMPIRE THEATRE. A powerful English production, "Blackmail," wiii be shown at tho Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, this evening. In the afternoon there will be a Punch and Judy show. TUDOR THEATRE. Georgo Arliss gives an incomparable portrayal of Britain's picturesque statesman in "Disraeli," which heads tho programme at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, to-day. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "All Quiet on the Western Front," which will be shown at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day, is the screen version of Erich Maria Remarque's compelling war story. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Cameo Kirby" and "The Flame of Lovo" will bo shown at the Britannia Theatre, Three Lamps, to-day. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. "Sweetie," which will bo shown at the Picturodrome Theatre, Milford, to-day, has Jack Oakie and Nancy Carroll in the chief parts. There will also be dancing at tho conclusion of tho picturo programme.

SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. "Lord Byron of Broadway," which will be shown at the Sandringham Cinema this evening, is a technicolour production of i song writer and his numerous philanderin gs. ADELPHI THEATRE. Jack Holt, Lila Lee and Ralph Graves appear in "Flight," an epic story of tho air, at tho Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, to-day. VICTORIA THEATRE. The double-feature programme to bo shown at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, to-day, will include "Tho Shannons of Broadway" and "The Hate Ship."

REGENT THEATRE. A well varied programme, possessing more than usual merit and providing firstclass entertainment, was presented at the Regent Theatre last evening. The principal picture, "Ono Romantic Night," a romantic comedy, adapted from Ferenc Molnar's brilliant play, "The Swan," contains a galaxy of talent and drew many laughs from an appreciative audience. Lilian Gish, who makes her debut in talking pictures, is cast as Alexandra, daughter of the dethroned royal family of a European kingdom. Her mother .schemes her marriage to Albert, heir apparent to a more foitunate throne, but Albert's love is slow to develop. In Alexandra's homo there is a tutor and fencing master, and at her mother's suggestion she invites him to a ball as a means of arousing Albert's jealousy. Tho plan succeeds only too well. Alexandra finds herself fascinated by tho tutor and determines to marry iiirn in spite of Albert's pleas. Tliat evening, instead of leaving for his homo as ho had intonded, Albert goes to Alexandra and, accusing her of feeling only sympathy for her tutor, begs her to marry him. Later Alexandra sends for tho tutor, Dr. Ilaller, but he, realising tho barrier that separates them, tells Alexandra that ho does not lovo her and is dismissed. Albert then deter mines to win Alexandra. Hod La Rocque ns Albert makes a dashing prince, and Mario Dressier as the scheming mother gives a most convincing performance The acting of 0. P Heggie, who is cast as Father Benedict, the wise and lovable nnclo of Alexandra, is ono of tho dolights of tho picture. The picture has been lavishly produced and tho scenes of the regal palaco aro very impressive. The excellent supporting programme includes a very amusing comedy, "Girl Shock," in wliich Charlie Chaso has tho leading part. "Mandalay," a song scenario arranged by Gratland Rice, is a very tuneful piece. Tlio Hearst Metrotono News contains pictures of Miss Betty Nuthall winning the American national women's tennis championship for England, and a picturesque bull-fight at Santander. " Tho Shooting Gallery" is an original song and dance revue filmed in natural colours and containing several captivating melodies.

STRAND THEATRE. Tho screen version of "All Quiet on the Western Front," tho compelling indictment of war from the pen of Erich Maria Remarque, opened a short return Auckland season to appreciative audiences at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Although the film presents modern war stripped of all its false glory and in its right perspective, there is nothing in the picture as it is being shown in New Zealand to which exception may bo taken. If tho film demonstrates ono thing more than anything else it is tho horror of warfare under present conditions. Tho author has taken as his central characters a score of typical German youths, and he traces their varying fortunes from tho time when, fired by the enthusiasm of their jingoistic schoolmaster they enlist, until they each become swallowed up in the arena of war. Produced by tho Universal studios, the talking picture version accords the story skilful treatment and the rather difficult roles are sympathetically portrayed by competent actors. Lewis Ayres, in the part of tho visionary Paul Uaumer, who is tho last of the band to meet his end, is tho principal character. Thp pathetic incident when Paul, off his guard for a moment in his youthful desire to capture a buttorfiy, is shot by a sniper, typifies tho futility and senselessness of war. Another outstanding character .is Louis Wolheirn, in the part of a hardened veteran with a ready-made philosophy who "fathers" the scoro of German youths during the most trying periods of battle. He is also responsible for tho introduction of a relieving touch of humour. Hie characters of tho book were remarkable for their reality, but critics tho' world over agree that the film portrays even more vividly the various types of youth.

LYRIC THEATRE. "The Love Parade," the Paramount musical operetta which will bo shown at tho Lyric Theatro this ovening, introduces to the talking screen Maurice Chevalier, tho idol of the French stage, who has since won such popularity by his work for the screen. The picture is based on tho romantic play "Tho Prince Consort," which was written by Ernest Vadja, the author of "Sally," "-Hit the Deck" and other well-known musical comedies. The themo is the lovo of the queen of a small state for a young officer whom she has recalled for punishment. Tho courtiers of tho state press her to marry and finally she decides that instead of punishing the young officer she will make him king, Around this simple story a delightful picture is woven, much of its interest being duo to tho likeable personalities of Maurice Chevalier and of Jeanette MacDonald, who plays opposite him. Tho song numbers aro very appealing and include "Tho Love Parade," "Anything to Please the Queer" and "Let's Bo Common." Abundant humour is supplied not only by the two principals but also by Lupino Lane and Lillian Roth. In the afternoon a special matinee programme will be presented.

NATION A L THEATRE. Two entertaining pictures of. different types will open a season at the National Theatre to-day. The first is " The Feather," a dramatic film based on the novel by C. M. Mntheson, and produced by the English Gainsborough Studios. The story concerns the influence of a talented woman on the lifo of Roger Dab ton, an insurance agent, who first meets her after tho death of her husband, a man who has treated her cruelly. Dalton realises that her voice makes an operatic career dpen to her and in order to send her to Italy to study ho embezzles money from his firm and is found out. In the meantime tho woman has gone to Italy and she is surprised that Dalton does not write to lier. Not realising all that he has undergone for her, she quarrels with him on her return. The way in which tho real explanation is made provides a strong climax to the film. Tho second attraction will be " Wise Girls," an amusing comedy produced by the Metro-Gold-wyu-Mayer studios.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. In point of rollicking humour "The Cohens and Kellys in Scotland," which opened a season to large audiences at the Majestic Theatre on Thursday, surpasses even the previous films of tho "Cohen and Kelly" series. This time the partnership has been broken and tho IrishAmerican and the Jewish-American families each sot out independent fy for Scotland with the idea of making a fortune from the "natives." It is on a golf course that the heads of the two families meel, and subsequent events aro brimful of humour. Finally, however, tho pair see that the "fleecing" of the Scottish inhabitants will require their combined efforts and the former partnership is restored. The original cast of tho former pictures again have the leading roles, and a return of Charlio Murray, George Sidney, Vera Gordon and Kato Price is most welcome. CAPITOL THEATRE. " Journey's End," the film version of R. C. Sherriff's noted war play, will be shown at tho Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road, this evening. Colin Clive, who took the part of Captain Stanhope in the original London stage success, heads the capable cast of English players who portray the principal characters. Thero will bo a " Tarzan the Tiger" matinee for, childron this afternoon.

ORPHEUS THEATRE. -" Tho Gold Diggers of Broadway " will be shown at the Orpheus Theatro, Otahuhu, to-day. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Patsy Ruth Miller appears in "Tho Hotat tho Grey Lynn Cinema, Surrey Crescent, to-day.

CIVIC THEATRE. With tho American Civil War as a sotting for deeds of chivalry and heroism, "Only tho Brave," tho Paramount picture with Miss Mary Brian and Mr. Gary Cooper in the leading roles, commenced a season at the Civic TheatVe last evening. It is a story of those spacious days when America was divided into two camps. It tolls of a captain who absents himself from camp without leave to visit for a few fleeting hours his fiancee. He nrrives to find her in tho ombraco of another man and, retailing disillusioned to his company, he is immediately arrested as a deserter. Tired of life, ho persuades his colonel to allow him to go into Southern territory as a spy, carrying false papers in order to mislead his enemies, lie offers to make this hazardous journey to save a brother officer, for he Knows that tho man who bears the false papers, if they arc found on him, must pay the price with his life. Tho colonel agrees and tho young captain rides straight to a brigade headquarters in Southorn terri lory and there meets the charming daughter of a typical Southern gentleman. She is an accomplished coquette and the young officer tells her so to her face. Then he sets out to court arrest, only to find that difficulties are literally strewn in his path. Finally ho accomplishes his object and sees the Southern troops march away to bo annihilated. Some of them return, intent on killing tho man who led them into a trap, and it is then that the young Northern officei and the Southern girl find that enmity in war is not a barrier in the path of love. Mr. Cooper is cast as the Northern oflicer and ably sustains the reputation' won in the days of silent films as a notable player of virile roles. As the Southern girl, Miss Brian acts with genuine sympathy for tho changing moods of tho story, Mr. Phillips Holmes, as a Southern officer with a high senso of honour, makes the most of a difficult part, but one of the most memorable incidents in the film is provided by a sentry. There is an excellent supporting programme, in which pride of place goes to a sound cartoon which presents grand opera as the height of comedy. Some fine work is done by Alexander Carr in a comedy character sketch and there is laughter in plenty in another comedy. Tho Paramount Sound News contains interesting scenes of the arrival of the British airship RIOO at Canada after her transatlantic flight, and there aro short addresses by several officers who lost their lives in tho recent RlOl disaster. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A notable programme will be presented at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road, to-day. In the first attraction, "Redemption," John Gilbert gives one of the finest portrayals of his long screen career. Based on Count Leo Tolstoi's powerful and thoughtful novel, the picture gives a dramatic insight into two conflicting lives. Tho settings are Russia under the old regime and the picture has great historical interest. The second reature, "They Learned About Women," is of a different typo and depends for its interest on the humour which abounds in it. Bessie Love, who first reached popularity by her delightful performance in "Broadway Melody,'• takes the chief part and she is supported by an outstanding cast. The supporting programme includes no fewer than five shorter films of diversified interest. At the afternoon session, a special children's matinee programme will be presented. Laurel and Hardy and "Our Gang" comedies will bo included. A competition will be held, the first prize being a freo rido over Auckland in an aeroplane.

TIVOLI AND RIALTO. John Boles, tho gifted actor whoso splendid voice was heard to advantage in "Rio Rita," "The Desert Song," and, more recently, "King of Jazz," gives a convincing portrayal in "Captain of the Guard," the spectacular romanco of the French Revolution which will head the doublo-foature programme at tho Tivoli and Rialto Theatres to-day. The film has been produced on a lavish scalo by the Universal studios, and includes a number of stirring scenes which depict tho revolutionary populaco in conflict with the King's forces. As "Tho Torch," whose song urges the plebeian mob to throw off tho yoke of tho aristocracy, and who is later horrified by the excesses committed by the revolutionaries, Laura La Plante has a part for which she is well suited. In "Halfway To Heaven," Charles Rogers and Jean Arthur appear as youthful lovers in an exciting story of the circus ring. Tho film includes a strong romantic interest besides depicting some remarkable scenes of circu3 life.

lIOXY THEATRE. One of the most ingenious plots used in a talking picture supplies the mystery in "Murder on the Roof," which heads tho current programme at the Ro:ry Theatre. Tho story concerns a young girl's efforts to find out the truth about the almost inexplicable murder of her father. Tho capable cast interpreting tho characters, includes Dorothy Revier, Raymond Hatton and Margaret Livingston. The second picture is "Personality," a very amusing comody based on difficulties of married life. EMPRESS THEATRE. John Gilbert, ono of the most talented actors of romantic roles, is at his best in "Redemption," which iieads the fine double-feature programme at tho Empress Theatre, Newton, this evening. Tho second picturo is "Soldiers and Women," a thrilling story of intrigue in tho negro republic of Haiti, in which Aileen Pringle and Grant Withers appear. ORGAN RECITAL. Tho city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, will give an organ recital in the Town ITall to-morrow afternoon. The programme will include works by Rheinberger, Bach and Wolstenholme, Mendelssohn's "Spinning Song" and Nevin's "A Day in Venice." ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. A concert will be given by the lloval Auckland Choir in tho Town Hall "on Thursday evening. Tho soloists will be Miss Kate Campion, Mr. William Gemmell and Mr. Haydn Murray, violinist. Tho malo choir of 80 voices will bo under tho baton of Dr. W. E. Thomas. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The Bohemian Orchestra, under Mr. Colin Muston, will give its fourth concert of tho season in tho Town Hall on Thursday, November 20. Tho items will include works from Beethoven, Massenet and Strauss, and tho vocalists will be tho Lyric Four and Miss Molly Atkinson. MUSICIANS' UNION CONCERT. An orchestral concert will bo given by tho Musicians' Union in St. James' Theatro to-morrow Evening. Tho picturo " Not Quito a Lady " will be screened. Supporting artists will include Madame Annie Milburn, Mr. Percy Wright and Mr. P. Jury. PRESENTATION OF PLAYS. A selection of plays will bo presented by the well-known entertainers Mr. and Mrs. J. William Bailey in tho Lewis Eady Ilall on Thursday evening

CHARITABLE CONCERT. A programme of music and pictures will bo prcsonted in the Rialto Theatro tomorrow evoning in aid of local charitable institutions. Tho. picture will bo "Widdicombo Fair," a delightful comedy-drama of English country life. . PUCCINI SOCIETY. The annual classical concert of the Puccini Musical Society will bo given under the conductorship of Signor Costantini in the Town Hall 011 November 27. Many favourite grand opera selections will bo sung in costuruo.