ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20722, 15 November 1930, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE. All stories of adventure and romance have a strong appeal for picture-goers. Filmed entirely off tho Mexican coast and in the Bahama Islands, "The Sea Bat," I which opened a season to appreciative audiences at the National Theatre yesterday, is a powerful picture. Underwater encounters between sponge divers and the dreaded "sea bat," an immense ray which infests tropical waters, are among the most gripping of a series of thrilling episodes. Produced by Metro-Gold wyn Mayer, the film is technically faultless and contains many beautiful scenes. The underwater photography is most remarkable. Raquel Torres, the appealing Mexican actress, who will be remembered for her portrayal in "White Shadows of the South Seas," a similar typo of picture, gives a charming performance in the principal role. Sho is seen as a young white girl, the daughter of the renegade superintendent of the concession, who becomes enmeshed in the heathen superstitions and strange "voodoo" worship of the natives. The idyllic life of the island settlement is disturbed by the ravages of the sea bat and when the girl's brother is claimed as a victim tho girl becomes embittered against Christianity. A recent arrival at the trading outpost, the "Reverend" Sims, conducts tho burial service, which greatly affects the girl. A romance between the "minister" and the girl soon develops, but the discovery by a rival that Sims is in reality an escaped convict threatens to cast a blight on tho romance. Juan takes the imposter captive and sets out with him in a frail craft for the penal colony, hoping to claim the reward of £20,000, When attacked by the sea bat Juan spears it with a harpoon but fear prompts him to free Sims to enlist his aid. The monster ray upsets the boat and while the sea bat is accounting for Juan. Sims regains the craft and safety. Charles Bickford, whose most notable success was in Greta Garbo's first talking picture. "Anna Christie," gives a forceful and sympathetic portrayal of the spurious minister, and George Marion, who also appeared in "Anna Christie," is appropriately cast as the girl's drunken father. In the role of Nina's brotfier, who is an early victim of the deadly sea bat, Nils Asther is seen in his first talking picture performance, and a prominent role is filled by John Miljan. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Tho technicoloured production, "Show of Shows," is meeting with a successful season at St. James! Theatre. Some of the outstanding stage presentations are "Military Parade," in which 300 girls in multi-coloured uniforms are seen in spectacular movements; "Scull and Crossbones," an amazing adagio act; "Eiffel Tower," in which a large chorus headed by Georges Carpentier performs gymnastic dances; "Chinese Fantasy," an Oriental Scena, with Nick Lucas and Myrna Loy as the principals; and "Lady Luck." a magnificent finale. Humorous numbers are " Singin' in the Bath-tub," "A Bicycle Built For Two," and "Pirates." The dramatic portrayal given by John Barrymore in a scene from Henry VI." is of unusual merit. The subordinate films include interesting New Zealand and overseas gazettes. MAJESTIC THEATRE. An excellent description of the Melbourne Cup race, showing the victory of Phar Lap, is included in the current programme at (ho Majestic Theatre. The other shorter films include scenes of poi dances by Maoris at Rotorua, an amusing comedy, "Tho Prediction," and a fantastic "Mickey the Mouse" cartoon. The well-known actor of dramatic roles, Victor McLaglen, is the principal in the main attraction, "On tho Level." He is ably supported by Fifi Dorsay. Lilyan Tashman, Arthur Stone and Mary McAlister. McLaglen is happily cast as a self-admir-ing metal worker who believes himself to bo tho subject of discussion in feminine societies. His ever-ready wit, however, is no match for that of "Mimi," a rolo played by Miss Dorsay. Tho manner in which he is further duped by Miss Tnshman as another attracti%'e young woman makes an enjoyable story. ROXY THEATRE. Pleasing portrayals are given by Dorothy Itevier and Matt Moore in "Call of t|ie V 7 est," which heads tho attractive 'programme at tho Roxy Theatre. The story deals with the vicissitudes of a once-prominent woman stage artist who, wearied of the whirl of town life, finds romanco and happiness on a Western ranch. An abundance of rich comedy is provided in the second picture, "The Medicine Man," in which Betty Bronson arid Jack Benny acquit themselves well. The other films are of a varied and interesting nature. LONDON THEATRE. Refreshing entertainment is offered in the talking screen version of the wellknown war-time farce, "Alf's Button," which is being presented at the London Theatre. Tho role of the inimitable Cockney soldier, Bill Iliggins, is played by Tubby Edlin, the original "Alf" of the London stage cast, while the part of his friond is taken by Alfred Goddard. Farcical situations follow in rapid succession when Alf discovers an officer's button has magic properties. Tho splendid supporting programme includes an Aesop fablo cartoon, a "Silly Symphony" film and a sporting picture. CAPITOL THEATRE. ' The splendid actor of virile roles, Gcorgo Bancroft, has tho part of a selfmado structural steelworker in " Ladies Love Brutes," which heads tho programuio at tho Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road, this evening. Tho supporting programme includes " Tarzan the Tiger," tho Paramount Sound News and "Chelsea Nights." EMPRESS THEATRE. "They Learned About Women," which heads tho double-feature programme at tho Empress Theatre, Newton, to-day, is %p exhilarating story of baseball, the national game of America. Bessio Lovo hns tho part of a pretty girl who is the cause of rivalry between two baseball players. "Murder on the Roof" is a thrilling mystery story in which Raymond Hntton appears as an astute newspaper reporter who solves the mystery. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Tho tragedy of modern warfare is dramatically shown in "All Quiet on tho Western Front," which is the chief attraction in tho current programmo at the Grey Lynn Cinema. VICTORIA THEATRE. "Song of Soho" and "Tho Mounted Stranger" will be screened at tho Victoria Theatre, Dovonport, to-day. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "So This Is London," an hilarious comody, is the principal attraction, at the Britannia Theatre, Tlireo Lamps, to-day. TUDOR THEATRE. In "The Great Divide," which will bo shown at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, to-day, a powerful story of outdoor life is told. A DELPHI THEATRE. -" Journey's End," tho noted . English war picture, will be screened at (ho Adolphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, this evening. ORPHEUS THEATRE. " Tho Hottentot " will be shown at the Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhn, to-day,.

REGENT THEATRE. A delightful glimpse of a brilliant if somewhat faded decade, when motor-cars were almost unknown, fashions were quaint, and etiquette strict, is presented in "The Gay Nineties," the Metro-Gold-wvn-Meyer production which opened its Auckland season at the Regent 'lheatro last evening to an appreciative audience. The picturesque background of New York in the " good old days," when society folk attended football matches by driving in carriages to the edge of the ground and watched the game from their seats, when the hansom cab v as in its heyday and when " horseless carriages" were objects of horror, offers a diversion which must appeal to the most jaded theatregoer. Bright humour is the keynote of tho film and the opportunities oflered by the period have been fully exploited by the producers. Ihe story is developed round the life of one of the members of a famous stage sextette who meets a young mart of fashion, who in a prominent racehorse owner and whose name is only whispered by tho staider section of society ori account of his supposed wild life. Ihe two see each other frequently, and among their meeting grounds are a beach, where a hilarious party clad in billowing bathing suits from to ankle frolic in the surf; a picnic, where tandem bicycles are the accepted mode of transport; and a football match between Yale and Columbia. Instead of the modern amphitheatre, with its thousands of spectators, the game is fought out in a small field surrounded by carriages and coaches, 'ihe fashions of the day," the puffed sleeves, bustles, voluminous skirts and gigantic hats, form a source of constant amusement, while the garb of the men is equally ridiculous, high collars, shallow straw hats and eccentric coats all being worn. Many famous old songs, such as " In the Good Old Summertime" and " Little Annie Rooney" are interpolated at intervals and add to the general effect. Marion Davies, who has long been known as one of tho screen's leading comediennes, is at home in tho part of the chorus girl, seeming to revel in tlfb many opportunities for comedy which her characterisation affords her. Lawrence Gray and Claude Allister adequately fill the leading male roles, those of men-about-town in search of entertainment, which they always succeed in discovering. Other humour is supplied by Walter Catlett and Jed Prouty, while the capable cast also includes Louis Bartels and Vivian Oakland. Pride of place on the supporting programme is given to " Hog Wild," a comedy in which the irrepressible Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are seen. Their antics as they race over,a roof in an endeavour to set up a wireless aerial and in an old motor-car are among the best things they have done. Another bright item is a wartime sketch, "The Cockney Spirit in the War," a breezy product of a British studio, while an excellent Metrotone Neivs contains some fine snapshots of the recent international polo matches at Westchester and the contests between British and American speed-boats for the world's championship. Altogether, the programme is an exceptionally bright one which must appeal to every taste. PLAZA THEATRE. Com»dy and romance are skilfully blended in "Border Romance," the splendid Tiffany production which will open a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Set amid the charm and grandeur of the canyon country on the border between Mexico and the United States, the film is rich in delightful songs and entertaining comedy. Conflicts between the forces of law and order and a band of notorious cowboys lend tho story the requisite touch of excitement. Don Terry, who is a comparative newcomer to the talking screen, and is tho possessor of a fine voice of quality, has tho part of a gay caballero, who is an attraction to all the beautiful women in the small border town which is the centre of his adventures. Armida, the fascinating Spanish actress, who was seen recently in "Under a Texas Moon," and Marjorie Kane, another talented actress, play no small part in the success of the pic Lure. Further humour is provided l>y i"Jerry Builders," an amusing comedy, and " Mickey's Strategy," a riotously funny cartoon. A novel film, "Screen Snapshots," completes the splendid programme. Catering especially for children, tho management of the theatre will present special programmes this morning and this afternoon. In addition to the ordinary programme, "Why Worry ?" with Harold Lloyd, and "Aladdin and His Lamp," a gorgeous film in technicolour, will be shown. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Around the Corner" and "Alias French Gertie" are the two splendid fulllength pictures to bo shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. In "Around the Corner," the inimitable comedians George Sidney and Charlie Murray, who are regarded as two of tho foremost artists of the legitimate stage, are seen in a series of amusing situations in which they are given ample opportunity to create diverting humour. The attractive and vivacious actress Bebo Daniels portrays the role of a female "Raffles" in "Alias French Gertie," in which she has the part of a safe-breaker who poses as a French maid in order to become familiar with the combinations of tho safes of her wealthy employers. An acquaintance with a young man who is bent on robbing tho safe on which she is busily engaged leads to a partnership, and the pair execute a number of daring coups before they decide to lead an honest life. The fine supporting programme includes a colourtone revue, the Hearst Sound New 3 and a novel singing film, "Tho Capitolian Syncopators." RIALTO THEATRE. "Dangerous Paradise," a dramatic story of life in tho tropics, is the main item in the double-featuro programme to bo presented at the Rialto Theatre today. Nancy Carroll and Richard Arlen head the notablo cast. The second attraction will bo "Ho Knew Women," a story of sophisticated life. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Rollicking humour abounds in "Tho Cohens and .Kellys in Scotland," which will head tho programme at tho Prince Edward Theatre to-day. Tho picture is ono of tho funniest of the well-known series. COMEDY REVUE. A comedy revue " Micky and Minny Mouso in tho China Shop " will bo given by Miss Cecil Hall's pupils in tho Town ITall concert chamber on Saturday, November 22. Tho production ' will include novel dancing, scenic effects and humorous sketches. Performances will bo given in tho afternoon and evening. AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA. The Aeolian Orchestra, assisted by members of tho Orphans' Club Orchestra, will give its final concert for the season in tlio Lewis Eady Hall on Tuesday evening. . PUPILS' ENTERTAINMENT. A bright entertainment will bo given by tho pupils of Madame Valoska in the Scots Hall this evening. Tho Valeska acrobatic dancing quartette will make its initial appearance, and the Valeska Follies will take part in a number of new and novel dances. There will be a full orchestra, under Mr. T. Sparling. ORGAN RECITAL. An attractive programme has been arranged by Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, for tho organ recital in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. " South Sea Rose " will be shown at the Picturedromo Theatre, Milford, today.

CIVIC THEATRE. The dangers attendant upon parents being over indulgent to their children are strikingly shown in "Wild Company, tho principal picture in the new programme which commenced a season at the Civic Theatre yesterday. Although tho film is intensely dramatic in parts, it rings true, and at no time does the acting appear forced, or the situations at all overdone. Tho story tells how a successful father, taking a justifiable prido in his only son, is inclined to spoil the boy, who has only to express his slightest whim to have it immediately gratified. Well knowing that his father will refuse him nothing, the boy spends his allowance -recklessly, but manages to keep within the bounds of respectability until he becomes infatuated with a cabaret dancer. Both tho father and mother have their son's welfare at heart, but on the few occasions when the father is inclined to check tho boy, the mother intervenes, and ruins an opportunity of teaching her son the lesson he well deserves. Unknown to Larry, the girl is a member of a criminal organisation operating in the town, arid shs manages to involve him in a robbery which ends in a murder. 'lhe father, one of tho most respected citizens of tho town and the power behind the local town council, has the criminals arrested, and does not spare his son, giving the boy in charge with the others, still confident that in spite of the circumstantial evidence against him, Larry will found innocent. Of tho cast, H. B. Warner, as the fond father, is, perhaps, tho most outstanding. His acting is excellent, and ho carries out to perfection the character of a man who has done what he believed to be the best by his son, but realises too late that he has acted foolishly. The story is made all the more convincing bv the clever work of Frank Albertson, who has (he part of the erring son. Claire McDowell makes a somewhat sentimental, but very real mother, while the role of the cabaret girl is filled by Sharon Lynn. The supporting programme of shorter films is in keeping with the high standard set by the main picture. The two news reels a™ particularly interesting. One gives intimate pictures of Don Bradrnan, the idol of .cricketers, and also of Kingsford Smith, immediately after his flight from England to Australia in the "Southern Cross Junior." Bradrnan tells some of the secrets of his success at the wicket, and then gives a demonstration of his favourite strokes, while the airman is seen landing his machine at Brisbane, and later at Sydney, in the presence of an enormous crowd. There is also a musical film, "Song Service." and a bright comedy, "Uppercut O'Brien." The comedy deals with the adventures of an elderly, but undaunted boxing • instructor, and provides ten minutes' enjoyable entertainment. STRAND THEATRE. All lovers of "mystery" pictures will appreciate the First National and Vitaphone production, "The Furies," thechief attraction on the programme which commenced a short season at the Strand Theatre yesterday. The story deals with the solving of a most intricate murder mystery. John Sands, a wealthy New York man, is killed at his home. His wife, Fifi, is attending a party on the night of the murder and in order to save her from suspicion all piesent decide not to tell the district attorney that she was late for dinner. Owen McDonald, a childhood lover of Fifi, is falsely accused of the criino by Mrs. Sands' lawyer, and numerous exciting episodes follow in rapid succession before the truth is revealed. The conclusion of the picture is most unexpected and the identity of the murderer is cleverly concealed throughout. As Fifi Sands, Lois Wilson givej a splendid characterisation. Her part is outstanding and calls for dramatic acting of the highest merit. Heading tho large supporting cast is H. B. W 7 arner, who appears as Oliver Bedlow, the somewhat austere attorney of the Sands family. Theodor von F.ltz takes the part of Owen McDonald, while Purnell Pratt is realistic as the bullying district attorney. Byron Sage is ideally cast as the 15-years-old son of Mrs. Sands. Other important roles are enacted by Jane W 7 inton, Natalie Moorehead and Tyler Brooke, who, as a society dandy, is responsible for considerable humour. The photography is exceptionally good, many magnificent interior scenes being shown with remarkable clarity. A feature of tho picture is the clever dialogue, which in parts is really brilliant, especially during the cross-examination of the household by the district attorney. Without question "The Furies" worthily upholds the high standard of entertainment set in the past by the management of the Strand Theatre and a successful season is assured. Among the several short films shown are the latest Universal Newsreel and an excellent comedy, "In the Barn." . LYRIC THEATRE. In " Street of Chance," which heads ] tho double-feature programme at tho Lyric TheKtre to-day, William Powell has the part of an inveterate gambler who endeavours to keep the knowledge from his younger brother and finally gives his life for him. " Lord Byron of Broadway," which will also bo shown, is a spectacular film rich in tuneful songs, and produced entirely in technicolour. TIVOLI THEATRE. Philo Vance, the well-known detective of fiction, is characterised by William Powell in " The Benson Murder Case," which will be screened at the Tivoli Theatre to-day. "He Knew Women," with Lowell Sherman in the chief role, Will also bo screened. SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. Free and Easy," which will be shown at the Sandringham Cinema to-day, is a lavish production in which Buster Keaton, William Haines, Anita Pago and Karl Dane are among the many notable players who take part. " The Shrimp, with Harry Landon, will also be shown. EMPIRE THEATRE. " Love at First Sight " will head the programme at the Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, to-day. Thero will also bo community singing led by " Uncle Tom," of IYA. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The fourth concert for tho season of tho Bohemian Orchestra will be given in tho Town Hall on Thursday evening. Included in tho programme will be Moszkowski's suite " From Foreign Parts," Rachmaninoff's " Preludo in C Sharp Minor," by the Lyric Four, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony "in C minor, Strauss' "Tales From tho Vienna Woods" and Massenet's suito " Scenes Pittoresques." Miss Molly Atkinson will bo tho vocalist. " YEOMEN OF THE GUARD." For their ninth production of Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, tho pupils of Southwell School will present "The Yeomen of tho Guard" in the Civic Theatre, Hamilton, on Monday and Tuesday evenings. CHARITY CONCERT. A concert in aid of tho unemployed musicians' fund will be given by the Musicians' Union in St. James' Theatre to-morrow evening. A number of leading artists will take part and the picture, "Sparkling Youth," will be screened. ARTILLERY BAND. A band recital will bo given by (ho Artillery B/md at tho Ellerslie racecourse to-morrow afternoon. CH A RITY ENTERTAINMENT. A programme of silent and talking pictures will be presented at, the Rialto Theatre to-morrow evening. Proceeds will be in aid of local charities.