ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20758, 29 December 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE NEW MOON." The brilliant musical .comedy "The New Moon" is meeting with an enthusiastic reception-at His Majesty's Theatre. On Saturday afternoon and evening next' the J. C. -Williamson, Ltd., management, wil) present for the last five nights of the season a magnificent up-to-date produc: tion. of everybody's favourite comic opera, "The Bellle of New York," which will be staged with new scenery and dresses. It will be presented by an inco'mparable cast of characters, including Mr. Leslie Holland, who will once again delight playgoers of Auckland with his inimitable characterisation of the whimsical role, Ichabod Bronson. The box plans for "The Belle of New York" .will be opened tomorrow morning. . •' REGENT THEATRE. The technicoloured screen version of the musical comedy " Whoopee " .is meeting' with an enthusiastic reception at the Regent Theatre: Of a series of memorable settings perhaps the , mostattractive is the opening scene which shows n vista of rolling country slowly spread before the camera. Then from opposite' directions Some two troops 'of cowboys splendidly mounted,' one group on black and the other on snow-white horses. Galloping two-deep, the troops unite to form a vividly striped column, which whoels in the courtyard of the ranch where the greater portion of the action lakes place. From this attractive prologue the well-defined story moves along at a rapid pace, a riot of spectacle and colour. Apart altogether-from the magnificence of the presentation, the film is notable for Ihe quiet humour of Eddie Cantor, whoso unobtrusive drolleries are irresistible. A canine comedy, "College Hounds," and Paramount and Path" Gazettes ai;e also screened. STRAND THEATRE., Ideal entertainment is offered in "The King of Jazz," which is being screened at the Strand Theatre. Produced with a prodigality which amazes and' enchants the beholder, the production contains every element of. the revue in- its .most advanced form. Inspiring spectacle, magnificent ' pageantry, brilliant singing, niatchless dancing, clever specialities and hilarious. comedy <interludes, added ! to the presence of, Paul Whiteman and. his famous orchestra, make the picture one of outstanding interest. All the resources of both the stage and the screen have been taken full advantage of by the producer. The cast includes John Boles, Laura La Plante, Jeannette . Loff and many other notable artists. The dancing is contributed by the well-known Sisters "G," the Russell Markert dancers and American specialty performers. Some of the presentations are "Happy Feet," "It Happoned In -Monterey," "Bridal Veil," and "A Bonch.in the Park." ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The accomplished actress Miss Ann Harding has a congenial role in "Holiday," which heads the splendid programme at St. James' Theatre. The story opens in the home of a wealthy American family where the two daughters are of conti-asting temperaments. Into this household comes Johnny Case (Robert Ames), who becomes engaged to the less frivolous sister, Julia, who breaks the engagement on their wedding day. The other sister, Lynda, who is in love with the young man, endeavours to reunite the couple, and it is this turn of events which allows Miss Harding, as Lynda, to display her artistry as an emotional actress. The supporting programme consists of a gazette, a cartoon entitled, "Juijgle Jazz," a novelty film, "Fish, .Fowl, Fun," and a travelogue picture dealing with Indo-China, * which is a continuation of the 'Vagabond Adventure series of films. . MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Lady of Scandal," the screen adaptation of Frederick Lonsdale's play "The High Road," is attracting large audiences to the Majestic. Theatre. The story concerns an ultra-fashionablo English family and centres around an actress who, by the irony of circumstances, becomes engaged to the son of a peer. Miss Ruth Chatterton gives a polished portrayal as the "intruder" into the august circles of tho English nobility, while Basil Rathbone and Ralph Forbes have been happily allotted the leading male roles. The singing by Miss Chatterton of "Say It With a Smile" is of outstanding interest. The other pictures comprise a "Silly Symphony" cartoon, a novelty film, "The Cuckoo Murder Case," a Metrotone News, an interesting description of •n Spanish'Fiestfi. and a comedy in which a troupe of clever dogs appears.

CIVIC THEATRE. An abundance of enjoyable comedy is provided in the programme at the Civic Theatre. The first attraction is a British production, "Not So Quiet On The Western Front," which allows the popular English . stage comedian, Leslie Fuller ■, ample scope to show his versatility. A Piccadilly restaurant and a French cafe form the backgrounds for a well-con-ceived story of humour and satire. The supporting picture, ".Loose Ends," is also a British production, being based on the successful play, of the same name; Prominent members of the cast are Owen Nares, Edna Best and Donald. Calthorpe. The plot deals in a highly-diverting man,net with post-war London society. The subordinate films include a Paramount sound news and a bracket of organ numbers by Mr. Ewart Lyne. The e pantoraimo "Sinbad the Sailor" is presented at the matinees. . ,

LYRIC THEATRE.

The sinister revenge which a powerful ■Chinese mandarin plans upon a party, of English people'and the manner in which •hiS evil schemes are thwarted provide an absorbing story in'"The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu r " which is being screened at the Lyric Theatre. "The Trespasser" is also being presented.

.. V „ J -if NATIONAL THEATRE. ! The celebrated"tomediaiT of the American stage Joe Cook is largely responsible for the; outstanding success" of V'Raiiiior Shine," which is'attracting large audiences to tJie National Theatre. Cook displays his remarkable versatility- by .appearing i?j turn as a clown, singer, dancer, acrobat and a tight-rope walker. The story, which is one of circus life, has been modelled on.ibe. popular play by James Gleason, author of y ls Zat So" and "The Shannons of Broadway." The picture was• made under the direction, of Frank Copra, one of-, the producers of "Submarine" and "Flight." Outstanding portrayals of typical circus folk are given by Louise Fazenda and William Collier, junr. There is an excellent supporting programme. "Cinderella," a pantomime played by local children and arranged by Misses Marjorie Turner and Beryl Nettleton, is being presented at the matinees. The production is skilfully executed and all the charm of this evergreen fairy tale has been captured. ■ ROXY THEATRE. An unconventional but pleasing treatment of the underworld type oF picture . is .presented in "The Squealer," which heads the attractive, programme at the Roxy Theatre. The story itself is modelled on familiar lines. There is. the master "gangster," the representative, of the law, and the woman who is loved by two men. True to life characterisation and human interest are, however, more prominent than the. usual series of imr possible situations, and the climax is of a decidedly novel nature. The - leading roles are played by Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier and Matt Moore. A, British .comedy, "Amateur London," is also screened. PLAZA THEATRE; / V.' Romance with an agreeable tincture of. • drama is the principal feature of "The Devil's Holiday,"-which is the main attraction at the Plaza-Theatre. Nancy Carroll, who has long been a, favourite of the screen, has a congenial role .as a decoy' for a band of swindlers. " She is cast as.a "bachelor" girl who has joined a party of supposed salesmen'. How the . girl eventually forsakes her occupation ;, and finds happiness on the side of the law is told in a series' of interesting events. Phillips Holmes, Ilobart B6sworth and James Kirk wood also appear to- advantage. v ; v TIVOLJ AND' RIALTO. History has been interwoven with a story of romance in " Disraeli," which is being screened at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The role of England's greatest statesman is admirably played by George Arliss. The plot, deals with the efforts* of Disraeli to secure f6r Britain, the control'of the Suez Canal. A good im- : ' pression of the life of Disraeli, both in ; private and in public, is. given in the. picture. The second production is " It's a Great Life," in which the Duncan Sisters appear. "• "" CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "V : Neil Hamilton and Dorothy Sebastian appear to advantage as the principals in ''Ladies Must Play," which heads the programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The, supporting attraction is. " Last of the Lone Wolf." . . ' EMPRESS THEATRE. Light entertainment is offered in " The Richest Man in the World," which heads the, attractive programme at the Empress . Theatre, Newton. The cast' includes Leila Hyams,-' Robert Montgomery and Elliot Nugent/ " The Runaway Bride," with Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes and a Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Below Zero," are also, screened^ PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "Young Desires" and "The Medicine Man" are being screened at the Prince Edward Theatre. In addition there is an excollent vaudevilje programme. ; MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. ; Art' enjoyable recital of classical and _ popular ■ numbers was'given by "the Municipal Band before an appreciative audience in the Town Hall on" Saturday evening; The 'Opening' selection 'was a pleasing match "On the Square," which "was followed by Suppe's delightful overture ' 'i' Morning, Noon and Night." ■ The hand next presented a' .charming morceau, "Sanctuary of the Heart," and an enter-, taining variation of classical melodies. A tone poem "In the Cloisters" and a march ''Blue Ridge Division'' -found favour with the-audience, and the- performance was: concluded, with a selection : from Wagner's' stirring The. rich baritone ' voice of Mr. Williarrv Gemmell was heard to advantage-in the songs,*'"lt-Was Thouthe Destroyer," '.'Come, Open Wide-Your - Windows,"; and "Inter- Nos." while Miss :: Cecelia Pringle gave artistic renderingsof "You In a Gondola," "The Little Damozel" and "0. Ship ofjMy -Delight; 1 " The Scottish humour contributed by Mr..: Jock Lochart, the well-known Christchurch broadcast comedian,- was thoroughly enjoyed, .the song "Digging Up. the Road", being warmly applauded. Sullivan's "The Lost Chord" was given., delicate treatment, as a corpet solo by Mr. Fred Bowes. .- Mir, --. Roderic Potter acted as accompanist. / The Auckland Municipal Band will make its first appearance undeV the baton of Mr. George Buckley,: on -January 10. Mr, Buckley,-who tsras appointed to succeed the late . Mr. Christopher Smith, has ar- -. rived- from Wanganui and- -has already attended several band practices. >

LUNA PARK. Every afternoon and. every evening sees large attendances at Luna Park, "Auckland's popular "Coney Island." The patron finds fresh Interest and thrills in every, journey he takes, on the scenic railway,' through the picturesque cay.es or on the serpentine caterpillar. There is also, a variety of interesting sideshows. A bus service is run to the park from Queen Street. >