ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20725, 19 November 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" RAFFLES." "Roiia lei Colman, the tinted English actor, who has proved himself even more 'accomplished in talking pictures than in hiW'it films, plays tlio part of a refined and polished English man-about town in "Raffhs," the United Artists' production, which will open a season at the llegpnt Theatre on Friday., 'l'ho modern screen version of tho celebrated "Amateur Cracksman" short stories, by E. W. llornung, "Raffles" is Ronald Colrnan's tlifrd successive crimo picture. In "Dulldog Druminoud" ho gave a distinctive portrayal of tho English amateur detective who has lived in the pages of tho widelyread novels by "Sapper"; his second talking picture, "Condemned," showed him «(, tho French youth Michael, a convict on tho notorious penal" colony, Devil's Island; in tho part of "Raffles," tho socloty favourite and popular athlete who finds tho lino of criminal adventure more than ho can resist, ho makes a thoroughly likeable and engaging person. In consequence of his activities his many distinguished associates aro victimised time and again without having the faintest suspicion who tho perpetrator of the crimes is. After a particularly successful coup, tho debonair Raffles resolves to renounce his criminal activities in order to bo worthy of tho love of Lady Ciwen, nn English society girl, charmingly portrayed by tho fascinating actress Kay Francis, whoso most recent success was with William Powell in "Street of Chance." Tho amateur "cracksman's" resolution is short-lived, however, for he is, prompted to undertake a daring theft in order to repay debts incurred by an intimate friend whom ho regards almost as a younger brother. The atmosphero of luxury which is always associated with tho West End of London has been admirably conveyed, mid the film also includes a cricket match, which lends the styOry a refreshing touch. / REGENT THEATRE. There is a delightful charm about "Tho CJay Nineties," the social satire of tho older generation, at present being shown nt the Regent Theatre, which makes it thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. Marion Davies, the appealing and gifted corned cne, has tho part of an actress who inlets a young man of fashion, noted for ii(s racing stables. MAJESTIC THE AIRE. The final screenings of the Fox production "On the Level " will bo given at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The picture is a breezy, comedy-drama, which suits admirably the blustering good humour of Victor McLaglen, who is seen ns a structural steel worker influenced by two charming women., The programme includes an amusing "Micky the Mouse" comedy and an intensely interpsting record of Phar Lap winning the Mclbourno Cup. To-morrow "The Flirting Widow," a First National Vitaphone production, based on A. E. W. Mason's well-known novel "Green Stockings," will open a season. Dorothy Mackail and Basil Rathbono head the cast, which, with tho exception of two players, is entirely made up of" English-bora people. The story deals with a family of three daughters, the eldest of whom is unmarried and displays no ambition to lose her liberty. The girl's father declines to give to the marriage of the youngest until the eldest has been married. The scheme to linrf a husband for the family's spinster supplies many farcical situations. Tho supporting cast includes Leila Hyams, William Austin, Anthony XJushell and Wilfred Nov. STRAND THEATRE. The talented English actor 11. B. WarTier gives a convincing portrayal in "Tho Furies," the mystery-drarna of modern social life, which will close a season at the Strand Theatre to-morrow. Tho appealing actress Lois Wilson appears opposite him in the part of a young woman who is thrown into a vortex ,of evil purposes, schemes and conspiracies when her husband is murdered, and numerous unscrupulous men make lovo to her. The programmo on Friday will be headed by the splendid Ben Travers farce, "Rookery Nook," which enjoyed phenomenal success when it was shown in Auckland a few months ago. A British apd Dominions film, it is interpreted by tho original Aldwych Theatre cast of London artists. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. "Show of Shows," the Warner Brothers and Vittiphono extravaganza, which has be,en delighting audiences at St. James' Theatre, will conclude an extended season to-morrow. Prominent among tho many varied items is "Singing in the Batlitub," in which Winnie Liglitncr appears. "Song of the West," which will open a season on Friday, is a lavish production replete with romanco and music, in which John Boles and Joo KBrown, the accomplished comedian who was seen recently in "Sally, - aro the principals. PLAZA THEATRE. Tho charming Spanish actress Armida Is/cast in a leading role in "Border Romance," which is attracting large yudicrices to the Plaza Theatre. The story combines all the adventure and romai.ee til the country between tho United States and Mexico. The second feature on the programme is "The Jerry Builders," a clever British comedy. Further humour is/provided by a Mickey McGuirc comedy. On Saturday the talented Constance Bennett will appear in "Rich People," a sophisticated drama of society life. ! i TIVOLI AND RIALTO. Jwo splendid productions, "Sarah ann Fori " and " Tho Golden Calf," ari being presented at the Tivoli and Ilialto Tho*'res. Tho accomplished actress Ruth Chattcrton gives an outstanding portrayal in the first attraction, "Sarah arid Son." 'l'ho other picture, although of a less dramatic nature, is equally enjoyable. Tho parts aro played by Jack Mulhall, Sue Carol and El Brendel. Interesting shorter films complete well-balanced programmes. Details of a special competition for patrons at both theatres aro advertised. LYRIC THEATRE. '1 he popular actor Buster Keaton has his first all-talking rolo in "Free and Easy," which heads tho attractivo entertainment, at, tho Lyric Theatre 'J 110 support ing cast includes such notable screen artists as William Jfaincs, Anita I'age, Fred Niblo and Karl Dane. The antics of Keaton cause unrestrained laughter. A variety of tastes is catered for in the splendid shorter films. These include an amusing comedy "*lh3 Shrimp," with Harry Langdon as tho principal; a "Tarzan, the Tiger" sorial and excellent cartoons and gazettes. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Soldiers and Women," with Grant Withers arid Aileen Pringlo as cipals, and "Murder on tho Roof" aro being screened at tho Crystal Palace TMeatre. There is an excellent supporting programme of diverse topics. EMPRESS THEATRE. Bebe Daniels is the. principal in "Alias French Gertie," which is being screened at the Empress Tho second attraction is "Personality," with Johnny Arthur and Sail}' Starr. EDENDALE THEATRE. " Tho Hate Ship" is being screened tho Edendalo Theatre.

CIVIC THEATRE. A father's bitter choice between justice and the desiro to shield his son is the central theme of "Wild Company," the tenso drama which is at present being shown at tho Civic Theatre. H. B. Warner, tho English actor, whoso performances in "King of Kings" and "The Doctor's Secret" stamped liim as ono of tho outstanding figures of tho screen, plays tho part of the father whoso love of justice urges him to denounce his son as iv murderer, but whoso paternal lovo later enables him to defend his son against all his enemies. Frank Albertsoni who appeared in "So This is London, ' gives a convincing characterisation as a young man who luts been led by his companions into an affair that ends in disaster and disgrace. Tho picture is a very human study of personalities. Ori Friday "Lawful Larceny," a bright comedy, in which Bobo Daniels plays the leading part, will open. The themo of the story is the clever way in which a woman turns the tables on a rival who has alienated her husband's affections. N ATIONA L THEATRE. The faultless photography and the unusual themo of "The Sea Bat," tho appealing tropical romantic melodrama which is enjoying great popularity at tho National Theatre, niako it a notable production. Even more deadly than the sharks with which tho sponge-divers have to contend is the dreaded sea bat, an inimenso ray weighing several tons, which has been known to lift a fishing boat. Tho beautiful Spanish actress Raquel Torres, who has a similar role to that which s'ho portrayed in "White Shadows of the South Seas," ono of tho most outstanding talking pictures produced in 1929, has the part of a European girl who is embittered against Christianity by the death of her brother at tho hands of the sea br«t. In tho part of an escaped convict masquerading as u minister, Charles Bickford fills a difficult role to perfection, hut much of the success of the film is due to tho splendid character portrayal of Georgo F. Marion in the part of tho girl's drunken father, the renegade superintendent of tho concession, whoso attempts to maintain his dignity on the arrival of the spurious Reverend Sims aro most ludicrous. ROXY THEATRE. " Ilis First Command," which will be shown at tho Ro.nv Theatre for tho first time to-day, is a thrilling story of a young man's ambition to earn distinction with tho United States' cavalry in order to convince his colonel of his worth. William Boyd, the popular actor of military roles, has tho part of a son of a New York millionaire, who is sent to the Western States to remove him from the temptations of life in tho city. He early falls in lovo with tho daughter of his superior officer and the remainder of tho film deals with his efforts to overcome the prejudice of the colonel. Tho many exciting scenes include a thrilling steeplechase, 111 which 30 thoroughbreds ridden by skilful horsemen take part. Tho hazards of the course compriso difficult, fences and dangerous water jumps. Tho climax is reached when the hero rescues a small child from beneath tho hoofs of tho galloping horses. Ono of the most inspiring spectacles is the brigade review, filmed in technicolour, in which 300 cavalrymen parade in formation. LONDON THEATRE. Cinema Art Films' notable sound film "Hungarian Rhapsody," which will commence a season at the London Theatro to-day, is an extraordinary examplo of how sound may be used to advantage 011 the screen. Real Hungarian peasants singing their wild primitive folk songs at harvest time, gipsy minstrels—the most romantic people in the world —playing fiery melodies on weird native instruments are heard and miles of reapers singing in tho fields as they swiug their scythes iij unison and tho passionate lover and violinist playing entrancing serenades in beautiful moonlight scenes. Such is tho beauty of this Ufa synchronised operetta which has been adapted from Liszt's immortal masterpiece. The leading roles aro played by Willy Fritscli and Dita Parlo. l'ho lovo of a young officer in tho Hussars for the beautiful daughter of a civilian and tho intrusion of tho general's fascinating wife on their happiness provides the theme of a delightful story. The splendid shorter films will comprise a British sound news, a "Sportlight" picture and an Aesop's fable cartoon. AEOLIAN ORCHES'L'RA. An enjoyablo selection of items was given by tho Aeolian Orchestra in its final concert of the season at tho Lewis Eady Hall last evening. The programme opened with the bright " Children of tho Regiment" march, which was given with excellent swing, and this was followed by the overture, " Three Days." The most ambitious number attempted was Bizet's " Carmen " selection, which, though it taxed tho abilities of tho players to the utmost in places, was 011 the whole excellently rendered. Tho march, "The Hussars Are Coming," by Eilenberg, was a stirring number, arid the programme was concluded with tho dignified Orand March Cleopatra," by Mancine.lli. The soloists were Miss Molly Atkinson, who won warm applause in her songs, " A Mood " (Travers) and " A Night Idyll " (Loughborough), and Mr. Karl Atkinson, who rendered two Sullivan numbers, "The Sentry's Song," from " lolanthe," unci " 'l'ho Mikado's Song," from " The Mikado." Mr. and Miss Atkinson also sang a duct, " The Coldcn Song," from Schubert's " Lilac Time." A piccolo solo was rendered by Mr. G. Carder, and a glockenspiel solo by Mr. W. Debenham. Miss Maida Hooker was the accompanist and Mr. G. T. Leo conducted tho orchestra.