ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20743, 10 December 1930, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

lUSGENT THEATKE. An amazingly realistic record of exploration into the danger-infested interior of "The Dark Continent" is given by "Africa Speaks," the Columbia picture which is at present attracting large audiences to the Regent Theatre. The film was made by the Colorado African exploration party, which, under the leadership of Paul Hoefler, journeyed right across equatorial Africa by motor-truck. Among the fascinating glimpses of native and wild life seen one of the most outstanding is that showing the hunting of a lion, by a horde of natives armed only with spears and shields. "OX APPROVAL." With one exception the cast in Frederick Lonsdale's smart and witty comedy "On Approval," which will open a season. at the Regent Theatre on Friday; contains all the members of the other noted British production "Rookery Nook." Lonsdale's scintillating dialogue and genius for creating piquant situations are at their strongest in the well-known stage success, which critics all over the world admit lias been translated very faithfully on to the talking screen. Tom Walls, who was largely responsible for the wit of "Rookery Nook," takes the leading role and others in the cast are Winifred Shotter, Mary Brough, Yvonne Arnaud, Robertson Hare and Edmund Breon. PLAZA THEATRE. The false glamour of the night life of a large city is shown in " Ladies of Leisure," the drama of a woman's regeneration, which will be screened at the I'laza Theatre to-day. Barbara Stanwyck has a difficult role as a young woman to whom the fates have, been unkind, and Ralph Graves appears as an idealist society youth who chances to make her acquaintance. The friendship which arises between the two young people is severed by parental interference and the girl leaves on an ocean trip. ROXY THEATRE. Jack Holt and Ralph Graves, whose other notable films include "Flight" and " Submarine," are the principals in "Hell's Island," the drama of the French Foreign Legion which heads the attractive programme at the Roxy Theatre. They are seen as 'two comrades whose friendly rivalry for the love of the same woman changes to bitter enmity. As a, cabaret entertainer at the military base of Bel Abbas Dorothy Sebastian is called upon to portray a dramatic role. During a skirmish on the desert one of the soldiers is wounded, and as he lapses into unconsciousness he has the impression that his friend fired the shot. The subsequent events are full of incident. STRAND THEATRE. The success of " Skin Deep," which is being shown at the Strand Theatre, depends upon the skilfully-conceived plot concerning the activities of criminal leaders in a large city and the fine acting of Betty Compson, Monte Blue and Davey Lee, the child actor. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Winnie Lightner, who won many admirers for her whole-hearted acting in " The Gold Diggers of Broadway," gives another delightful performance in " Hold Everything." which is assured of a successful season at St. James' Theatre, Joe E. Brown, who appeared as the dispossessed duke in " Sally," has the part of Gink Schiner, a ridiculous pugilist who hopes to become the champion welter-weight of his district. As his sparring partner, Georges Carpenfier, the noted French boxer, is given a role for which he is well-suited. NATIONAL THEATRE. Lawrence Tibbett, the well-known baritone of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, is introduced to the- talking screen in "The Rogue Song," which is enjoying a successful season at the National Theatre. Catherine Dale. Owen makes a charming heroine in tlie part of a princess who meets the leader of a robber band and is'iinally convinced of Jiis love. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A gipsy nobleman who became one of the most renowned soldiers of his time is the central figure of " General Crack," the splendid film based on the historical novel by George Preedy, which will be shown again at the Majestic Theatre today. John Barrymore gives a convincing portrayal of the soldier of fortune who sold his sword to the effete Emperor Leopold IJ. in return for half the gold of the kingdom and the hand of the Emperor's sister in marriage. TIVOLI AND RI ALTO THEATRES. The two full-length pictures which will commence a season at the. Tivoli and Rial to Theatres this evening are " The Hate Ship " and " Pointed Heels." An English production produced at Elstree, " The Hate Ship" is a splendid film dealing with conflicting personalities on an ocean liner. The manv dramatic situations have been capably handled by a talented cast of players. The glittering night life of a large city forms the background for " Pointed Heels," in which William Powell is the principal. The leading feminine roles are taken hy Helen Kane and Fay Wrav. two charming actresses of wide experience. LYRIC THEATRE. John Gilbert has the part of a cavalry officer in love with a princess, charmingly portrayed by Catherine Dale Owen, in "His Glorious Night." which will be tho chief attraction at the Lyric Theatro this evening. " PETER PAN." Tho quaint Christmas fantasy by Sir .fames Barrie, "Peter Pan," will be presented by tho Little Theatre Society in His Majesty's Theatre for a . season of four nights, commencing this evening. There will also he a matinee performance on Saturday afternoon. Tho speciallydesigned scenery, new costumes and faithful character-sketching should make the production one of the most successful the society has presented. Peter arid his band, who save. Wendy and the children from a terrible death and outwit the pirates, led hy Captain Hook, are the chief characters. Prominent, among the less important figures are tho lovely Tiger Lilv, belle of the Picanniny tribe, who when she dances seems part of a leaping flame, and Great P.ig Little Panther, who protects Peter's wigwam from the. pirates. PARNELL PICTURE THEATRE. " Adventure Mad " heads the programme at the Parnell Picture Theatre this evening. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The subtle humour of " Rookery Nook," the delightful Ren Travers farce, is done full justice to by the original Aldwycb Theatre cast in the film version, whicli will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, this ingSANDRINGHAM CINEMA. Richard Dix appears in "The Love Doctor" at, the Sandringham Cinema this evening. EMPRESS THEATRE. " Framed " and " Medicine Man " will be shown at tho Empress Theatre. Newton, to-day.

CIVIC THEATRE. Light but wholesome entertainment is provided in the comedy-drama "Love Among the Millionaires," which heads the splendid programme at the Civic Theatre. The popular actress, Clara Bow, has the leading role, and is ably supported hy Mitzie Green, Skeets Gallagher and Stewart Erwin. Miss Bow is happily cast as a vivacious' restaurant entertainer who has a large circle of admirers. Complications begin when she meets a young engineer who. unknown to the girl, is the son of a railway company president. Tho pleasing manner in which the romance ends, makes an appealing story. Thero is an excellent subordinate, programme. -MANSLAUGHTER." "Manslaughter," an unusually dramatic story of love and hate in which love triumphs, will commence a season at the Civic Theatro on Friday. Tho principal is Miss Clnudetto Colbert, who appears as Lydia Thorne, a beautiful and accomplished woman, who has everything that money can buy. She becomes acquainted with a prominent district attorney who falls in love with lier. Finding that tho attorney will not tolerate her capricious whims, however, the woman scorns his love. A tragedy later occurs and the attorney is compelled to prosecute tho girl for manslaughter. She is sent to prison, vowing vengeance, and there learns tho real meaning of lifo. Ilbw her plans for revenge bring only unhappiness to herself, makes an absorbing picture. Tho role of the attorney is played to advantage by Fredric March, while convincing portrayals are given by the other members of the cast. " THE MESSIAH." A performance of Handel's oratorio " The Messiah," will be given by the Auckland Choral Society and the Royal Auckland Male Choir in'the Town Hall on Thursday, December 18. The famous arias such as " For Unto Us a Son is Born " and " O Thou That Tellest " arc often heard, but tho opportunities of hearing the complete work are not many. Mr. Colin Muston will conduct the 'combined choirs and Miss Edith Whitelaw will lead the orchestra. The soloists will he Miss Kate Campion (soprano), Madame Trene Ainslie (contralto), Mr. Gordon Fagan (tenor), and Mr. Geoff. Colledge (bass). Booking arrangements are advertised. CAROL CONCERT. The annual carol concert, with which tho present, season of the Municipal Choir closes, will be given in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. Miss Vera Moginie will be the vocalist, and organ music will bo played by the city organist, Jlr. Maughan Barnett. REOPENING OF LUNA PARK. A number of new devices will be available to the public at Luna Park when it reopens for a further season to-morrow evening. There is every prospect that the amusement park will prove as popular this season as formerly.