ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20762, 3 January 1931, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" THE BELLE OF NEW YORK." Tho popular comic opera "The Belle of New York" will be presented by the J. C. Williamson, Limited, ■ "Now Moon" Company and Mr. Leslie Holland at His Majesty's Theatre this afternoon and this evening. Each artist was specially selected for tho various principal parts in "Tho Belle," with the result that critics have unanimously declared that the present company's representation of the play is the best all-round one ever given in Australia or New Zealand. Miss Romola Hansen makes a perfectly delightful Salvatioir Army lass, and Sidney Burchall is at his best in the romantic baritone part of Harry Branson, Jim Gerald has achieved an outstanding triumph as Blinky Bill, and so hos Amy Kocholle as Cora Angeiique. Tho clever young comedian, Don Nicol, is the "Polite Lunatic," and Kissy Fitzgarter is played by Dulcie Davenport. Miriam Lester wili appear as Fifi, Herbert Browne as Mons. Fricot, Bernard Manning as Kenneth Mugg, Syd. Wheeler as Doc. Sniffkins, Les. Donagliey as Count Patsi, and Cecil Pawley as William. Patrons will accord Leslie Holland an enthusiastic reception when he makes his appearance as Ichahod Bronson, a character he has delighted playgoers in ori former occasions. Mr. Holland was specially engaged for this whimsical character and his portrayal of it has materially assisted in making the production the most successful musical playstaged in recent years. Other features are the dances, the ensembles, tho ballets and the stage groupings. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Richard Dix, in whom a delightful sense of humour is combined with a frank manner, is given an attractive role in " Shooting Straight," which opened a season to large audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. In spite of its title Iho picture is much more than a " Wild Western " film. Jt is a well produced story, full of amusing situations, romance and action. Tho story revolves around a misconception which puts a prominent leader of the underworld into the position of having to reform a town, and the unconventional methods he adopts to carry out this purpose provide amusing situations. Richard Dix is cast as " Lucky Larry" Sheldon, one of the greatest gamblers of New York, who seems to possess an unbreakable run of good luck, or else some of the most bewildering tricks of the trade. At the time the picture opens ho is forced to leave the city hurriedly as the result of his part in an ugly affray. Travelling on the express he gets into conversation with a noted reformer. A terrible train crash, which is very realistically produced, results in Sheldon receiving rathpr serious injuries and he is taken to the home of a minister near by. At the time of the accident he happened to bo holding the social reformer's wallet and he is naturally taken for him by tho minister and his family. The pretty daughter. Doris, who is charmingly portrayed by Miss Mary Lawlor, prevails on him to stay in town and although he did not intend to keep up the hypocrisy, he finally decides to " clean up" the gambling den of the town in order to free the minister's family from the difficulties the weak son had, by gambling, drawn I hem into. In a thrilling scene, Sheldon undertakes to throw dice for the bo\'s debts and two great, gamblers are matched against each other. The climax of the picture is exceptionally interesting. The high level of entrtainment set by the main film is maintained by tho supporting items. A Hal Roach comedy, introducing Harry Langdon, keeps the audience continually in laughter, while news reels, song numbers and a scenic film add their quota to the enjoyment provided by the programme. REGENT THEATRE. The splendid holiday programme at the Regent Theatre, headed by the spectacular New York musical comedy "Whoopee," is now in its second week and is continuing to attract large audiences at every session. Eddie Cantor, one of the screen's foremost comedians, appears in the leading role and is responsible for much laughter. The production is in natural colours and possesses many glorious and novel scenes. The ballet dancing and singing is of an exceptionally high standard throughout. Supporting pictures include a clever canine comedy, "College Hounds." an educational travelogue descriptive of a visit to tho sacred city of Benares and of Indian religious ceremonies in the River Ganges, and tho latest news gazettes from overseas. I'OXY THEATRE. Two splendid "outdoor" talking films are now being screened at the Roxy Theatre. The. chief feature is the Universal picture, "Sons of tho Saddle," in which Ken. Maynard, the popular actor-horseman, fills the leading role. The story deals with tho struggle between Maynard, who is seen ns the foreman of a large American ranch, and a party of outlaws, who arc intent on getting revenge on tho ranch-owner for his part in running their leader out of the country. The picture is full of adventure and many exciting episodes follow in rapid succession before a satisfactory conclusion is reached. Hoot Gibson's latest success. "Spurs," is tho second attraction. PLAZA THEATRE. Based on a popular New York stage play, "The Kibitzer" (tho "know all") is the foremost attraction at the Plaza Theatre. Harry Green, a well-known American character comedian, is ideally cast in the chief role, that of Iko Lazarus, a city tobacconist, whoso shop is the meeting place of a largo group of friends. Ike dispenses free advice on all subjects, but his counsel, when taken, invariably has drastic results. Throughout, the film is uproariously funny and provides excellent holiday entertainment. Another comedy, "Tho Sap From Syracuse," with Jack Oakie and Ginger Rogers, is tho chief supporting film.

NATIONAL THEATRE. " Raffles," a United Artists' production, based on E. W. Hornung's popular novel of the same name, is the principal attraction on tlie current programme at tlic National Theatre. Tlio title rolo, that, of n debonair "amateur cracksman." is admirably enacted by '.lie successful English player Ronald Colman. From start to finish the picture is full of action and adventure, the attention of the audience gripped. There is also a pleasing • romance running through the story. A number of entertaining short films ot varied nature is shown in support. ~ ■ BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu" heads the. splendid programme at the Britannia Theatre. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "The Green Goddess" is the principal attraction at the Prince Edward Theatre. GREY LYNN THEATRE. "Slightly Scarlet" is the main picture at tho Grey Lynn Theatro. PICTUREDROME. Tho screen version of the well-known mystery play, "Seven Keys to Baldpate," will be presented at tho Picturedrome, Milford,, this evening. ADELFIII THEATRE. The Fox picture, "The Sky Hawk," .is tho chief attraction on tho current programme at tho Adelphi Theatre.

CIVIC THEATRE.,, New heights in picture entertainment nre reached by Maurice Chovalier, the popular French actor, in his latest production for the Paramount Studios, "The I3ifi l ; ond," which commenced a season nt the Civic Theatre last evening. For ,an actor, who ha 3 but recently made his appearance in the picture world, Chevalier lias gained an immense measure of popularity among theatre-goers throughout the world. In the particular type of light comedy role which 1;;,- favours, ho is without a superior 011 the screen. "The Big Poikl" should do much to strengthen his position in the amusement world. In it Chevalier lias every opportunity to exploit his varied talents, which are a 'puro delight. _ Apparently unlettered by the will or wish of directors, Chevalier moves gaily through a. whole series of amusing episodes—the very life and soul of the production. While being sufficiently interesting, the story is nothing if not accommodating to the main attraction—which is Chovalier himself. He is a happy, care-free Frenchman, made poor by the War, who sings and lei'tos his way into the heart of the daughter of an American millionaire, J. Billings, who has made his money in the manufacture of chewing-gum. When the story opens the Billings arc in Venice and the daughter, Barbara, has fallen in love with the Frenchman, Pierre, whom circumstances have forced. to work as a guide. However, Billings and the girl's fiancee, Bonnie, have other ideas for- Barbara. There is a heated scene and Barbara is 011 the point of running away when her father uses strategy and agrees to take Pierre back to America in order that lie may "make good." Privately, he fancies that the work involved in "making good" will be too much for Pierre. All goes well until Pierre actually commences work in the Billings factory. By the special request of Billings, he is given irksome work, but much to the surprise of the schemers, he sticks to his task and shows 110 sign of weakening. Just when he appears to have convinced his prospective father-in-law of his worth, Pierre, through a mis-chance, is found with liquor in his possession in the factory and he is promptly dismissed. The incident is really a blessing in disguise as it enables Pierre to sample some chew-ing-gum which had become soaked in liquor. In his boisterous way, lie soon convinces his employer of the possibilities of his discovery and a new dawn of prosperity opens for the firm in the making of "Scotch" and "Rye" chewing gum. Pierre quickly rises to an executive position and all ends happily when he kid naps the girl, who had plainly shown her dislike of his too great application to business and his fancied neglect of her. As Barbara, Miss Claudette Colbert is particularly well cast, while the irascible Mr. Billings is a very attractive character. A stage presentation of outstanding merit was that of Trevor and Dawn. Apache dancers, whose dancing was of a striking nature and added greatly to the evening's entertainment. The supporting short pictures include a Paramount Sound News, a cartoon and a comedy, "Scotch." which is among the most amusing the "talkies" have brought to the screen. STRAND THEATRE.

Ruth Chntterton's latest picture, "The Lady of Scandal," heads the programme at the Strand Theatre. The film is an adaptation of Frederick Lonsdale's successful work, "The High Road," and is a dramatic production dealing with the career of a young and very beautiful actress, who becomes engaged to a youthf.il member of the English nobility. The story is interpreted by an excellent cast, which includes Basil Rathbone, Ralph Forbes and Cyril Chadwick. Miss Cliatterton gives a most talented performance in the chief role of the actress, who is accepted into society by her fiance's snobbish relations to be educated in correct behaviour. The' actions of the girl when she is introduced to the leaders of London's society form the background of an intensely interesting story. Also on the programme is a short comedy, "The Dogway Melody," in which a company of 50 talented dogs perform, a "Flip the Frog" cartoon, a Spanish travelogue and one of the latest news gazettes.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "The Squealer," a powerful story of the New York underworld, in which Jack Holt and Dorothy Revier play the leading voles, is the main production at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Holt is cost as the principal of an illicit liquor trade who, to protect his interests, has built up a gigantic underworld machine. How he is finally caught in the meshes of his own net and forced to leave his wife and child makes a dramatic climax. There is an excellent, supporting programme. EMPRESS THEATRE. The regeneration' of n lawless girl through love forms the theme of " The Devil's Holiday," which is being screened at the Empress Theatre. Nancy Carroll plays the leading role. The supporting production is "Ladies Must Play," with Neil Hamilton and Dorothy Sebastian as the principals. An English comedy, "Amateur Nights in London," completes an attractive programme, TIVOLT AND RIALTO. Ideal entertainment is provided at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The principal attraction is the drama-romance, "Their Own Desire," in which the accomplished actress, Miss Norma Shearer, heads the notable cast. The shorter films include a highly-diverting "Mickey the Mouse" cartoon, a comedy and the latest gazettes. There will be a special children's matinee at the Rialto Theatre. LYRIC THEATRE. A powerful drama of modern social life, " The Divorcee," with the everpopular Norma Shearer, is the loading film on the current programme at the Lyric Theatre. " Burning Up," another full-length picture dealing with motorracing, is also shown. Mary Brian and Richard Arlcn appear in the principal parts. At a special matinee this afternoon a number of short supporting films suitable for children will be screened. LONDON THEATRE. . A picture dealing with the lighter side of wartime life," " Not So Quiet on the Western Front," enacted by a powerful cast of British comedians, is enjoying a successful season at the London Theatre. Another British film, " Loose Ends," based on Dion Titheridge's stage play of the same name, is also screened. SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. "Tho Divorcee," a story of modern life, is the principal film at the Sandringham Cinema. Norma Shearer appears in the chief role, and is ably supported by a powerful cast. LUNA PARK, Luna Park, with its many novel attractions, including new devices recently arrived from New York, is proving a popular rendezvous for holiday makers and visitors to. Auckland. For those desiring to patronise all the various contrivances ft special concession ticket is issued. The park will be open this afternoon and this evening. MUNICIPAL BAND. Tho Auckland Municipal Band, under the baton" of tho acting-bandmaster, Mr. H. C, McLennan, will give a recital in Albert Park to-morrow evening. The band will also play at the Zoological Park in the afternoon. Tho new bandmaster, Mr. G. Buckley, will make his first public appearance in charge of the band at a concert to bo given in the Town Hall on I Saturday evening, January 10.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Dramatic acting of an exceptionally high order is contained in "Romance," a screen adaptation of the successful stage play, whicn was presented for the first time at St. James' Theatre last evening. Interpreted by a cast oif distinguished players, "Romance" becomes a glorious screen drama, presented with a wealth of genuine artistry. It is as much an achievement for the talking screen an it; is a personal triumph for Greta Garbo, the Swedish actress. Miss Gaibo makes a lasting impression in the role of' Rita Cavallini, the Italian opew singer, to whom love can hold nothing but bitter memory. Her characterisation wiil live for some time, just as her work in "Anna Christie," her first talking piclure, was remembered and was the subject of such wide discussion. "Romance" is only her second dialogue picture and her roles 111 the two films arc as the poles. It is a great tribute to her ability that Miss Garbo should achieve success in both productions as two vastly differont personages. It is strange to sense. the glamour surrounding the famouS opera singer and to contrast it with the drab sordidnoss of the life of Anna Christie. To seo and hear "Romance" is to be struck by Miss Garbo's powers as an emotional actress, and this is the impression which will linger. Vividly clear is her interpretation of the or«e lovo in the life of Cavallini, a love which is hopeless be* cause of a past. At the house of' Cornelius Van Tuyl (Lewis Stone) she meets a young rector, Tom Armstrong (Gavin Gordon). It is of the happy days of their k>ve that the 'story deals. Knowing her position in the world .Cavallini deliberately sacrifices her love for his sake. It would be.difficult to imagine a cast more suited to portray the three central figures in the story. Lewis Stone has lost none' of the powers which have always stamped his performances. He makes everything humanly possible of a part demanding sympathetic treatment. Gavin Gordon, playing opposite Miss Garbo, is & comparative newcomer to the screen. There is a fervent appe'al in his acting and he shares, the major honours. The principal scenes of the picture are laid in the period of 1865 and about the whole production is a quaint, old-world charm which appeals. The supporting programme includes a news film, a Burton Holmes travel picture and . a most amusing animal comedy, entirely acted by dogs. *