ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20810, 28 February 1931, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Told largely in song, "Monte Carlo," which commenced a season ab the Recent Theatre last evening, is a story which, by nature of its clever conception and able presentation, cannot fail to have a wide appeal. 'Monte Carlo" is a musical romanco, abounding in pleasing melody and alive with the brightest of comedy. In Jeanetto Mac Donald the screen lias a player who brings with her a charming voice and great ability as an actress. In "Monto Carlo" she is given every opportunity to cap her previous performances, through which sho has already become a favourite. Taking advantage of (his opportunity sho now achioves as much by her acting as with her voice. Flaying opposite her is Jack Buchanan, an English musical comedy artist, who has evidently found a rolo greatly to his liking, for ho acts as one thoroughly at homo in everything he is called upon io do. "Monto Carlo" cleverly introduces a parallel t: bo found in the opera, "Monsieur Reaucaire," the romance of a, lady and a princo who posed as her hairdresser. With many subtle touches fho picture passes from one bright situation to another, finishing with a masterpiece of clever production To tell the story without music is to lose much of its charm. It is the story of a woman who doserts her prospective husband when the ceremony .is about to start. Travelling with her maid to Monto Carlo sho thero squanders tho remainder of her slender fortunes at the tables, but buoyed up by the prospect of success she has previously arranged for the _ attendance at her hotel of several additional servants. Among them is a hairdresser. Tho hairdresser is in reality a count who has witnessed the woman's failure at tho tables, receives a rebuff when ho attempts to approach her, and decides that to be in her employment is the best means of an introduction. 110 proves himself invaluable and but awaits an opportunity to declare his love. The opportunity is long in coming even though ho has retrieved some of the woman's lost fortune, and her financial position forces his dischargo. Then ho finds that sho wants him to do her hair for the opera, "Monsieur Beaucaire." Ho returns and sho is delighted until he tells her that her hair seen at tho opera will bo an advertisement for him. Furious, she dismisses him and goes to tho opera with hair dishevelled. The bogus hairdresser takes an adjoining box, and struck with the similarity of her own romanco with the plot of the opera, she goes to him and his true position is made known to her. One of the many novel effects of "Monto Carlo" is the singing of a; song by Jeanette Mac Donald to the rhythm of a travelling train. Many other songs are introduced in the picture. The supporting programme includes a Paramount Sound News, two excellent comedies and a cartoon.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Of exceptional variety, the programme which was presented afc the Majestic Theatre for live first time yesterday fully maintains the high standard that has always been the foremost thought of the management. Although the talented English comedian Reginald Denny has appeared with outstanding success in numerous screen productions, "Oh! For a Man," the principal attraction on the programme, must surely rank as his greatest triumph. His part calls for exceptional skill and frequent changes in expression and style of acting. As a "man about town," an amateur burglar and the lover of a famous prima donna, Denny is equally successful and is responsible for a flow of delightful humour and most of the witty dialogue which runs through the whole, production. The chief feminine role, that of an opera singer, is admirably portrayed by Jeanette Mac Donald, who will be remembered for her sterling performances in ''The Vagabond King" and "The Love Parade." Possessed of a charming soprano voice, Miss Mac Donald is heard in several tuneful melodies, including "On a Summer Night," an Italian love song that was specially composed and written for the film by "William Kernell, a well-known American song writer. The photography and settings are of a high order throughout, especially in the interior scenes. The opening spectacle, in particular, is most colourful, and depicts the interior of a New York theatre during the staging of the world-famous opera "Tristan and Isolde." Essentially a romance, "Oh! For a Man" is most entertaining, and is sure to merit the approval of every audience. Foremost of the supporting films is "At the Bottom of the World," a remarkable • series of photographs obtained by Dr. R. Cushman Murphy, an American scientist, during a recent trip to South Georgia, in the Antarctic. From an educational viewpoint the picture is of immense value, providing a wonderful insight into mammal and bird life in the Far South. Of special interest scenes of whaling operations, all the various stages of the industry being graphically illustrated and explained. A Fox Movietone News, showing spectacular scenes during the coronation of Ras Tafari as Emperor of Abyssinia, and "Chilly Con Carmen," the latest cartoon of the Oswald the Rabbit series, completes the programme.

LONDON THEATRE. The'two pictures of entirely different types which, are included on the programme at present being shown at the London Tlieatro should meet the tastes of even tho most discerning picturegoer. "Tho Last of Mrs. Cheyney," in which Miss Norma Shearer has the part of a woman made the victim of circumstance, is a serious drama from tho pen of Frederick Lonsdale, the playwright whose Aldwych Theatre farces have proved so successful in Auckland. Miss Shearer is called upon to interpret a difficult role as a young womarj who is threatened with blackmail by an unscrupulous man. Her endeavours to escape from his clutches result in a battle of wits which holds the attention of the audience from first to last. Comedy is the chief factor irj the remainder of the programme. A satire on modorn social life, " Half Marriage," abounds in adroit situations and witty dialogue. Further humour is provided by an Our Ga.ng comedy. LYRIC THEATRE. All the glamour of the south-western States of America is captured in "Rio Rita," the picturisation of tho noted musical comedy which will be screened at the Lyric Theatro to-day. Spectacular sottings, a bright musical score and fast action make the picture excellent entertainment. Tho cast is headed by Bebe Daniels and John Boles, while Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey are seen in tho roles which first introduced them to tho screen world. Many of tho scenes are filmed in technicolour. The supporting programme is varied and interesting. SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. Excellent entertainment is provided by "Rio Rita," the Radio Pictures' production which will bo screened at the Sandringham Cinema to-day. Based on the noted musical comedy of the same name, the production abounds in humour, a ct l ° n and bright musical numbers. Bebe Daniels and John Boles are in tho prin, cipal parts, while Bert, Wheeler and Robert Woolsey supply hilarious comedy.

TUDOR THEATRE. Two splendid English pictures, "Loose Ends" and Not so Quiet orf the Western Front," will be screened at the Tudor Theatre to-day. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. , "The Social Lion" and "The Gamblers" will be chief attractions at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. „ ,

CIVIC THEATRE. Three of the foremost artists in the world of picture drama, Miss Graco Moore, Reginald Denny and Wallace Beery, have co-operated to give distinct tion to "A Lady's Morals," the new MetroGoldwyn \vas_presented for the first timo at the Civic Ihcatre yesterday. The producers have taken the famous opd much-loved Jenny Lind as the central figure in the story, and this affords to Miss Moore ample opportunity for revealing the glorious quality of her voice. In "A lady's Morals" sho is making her first appearance in talking pictures, and her success in it will make her future appearance in similar rolfes anticipated with eagerness. Memories of tho "Swedish Nightingale" still linger like a fragrance with those i j lO generation who were privito hear her. In all tho scenes it is Miss Moore's captivating singing that is the dominating feature. Tho mechanical reproduction of her voice, both in most exacting opera, and in such songs as "A Lonoly Hour," "The Call of Love," "Is it Destiny?" and "Oh, Why?" has been accomplished with a perfection that must give satisfaction even to the singer her solf. As Paul Brandt, Reginald Denny has tho part of an imperious and infatuated lover of Jenny Lind, who declares his love for her, hut is led by a sense of duty to fly from her when he finds that he has lost his sight. The two lovers arc brought together again in Now York in tho closing scenes. Another character from real life represented in tho play is P, T. Barnum, tho great showman, a part for which Wallace Beery proves well suited. Exquisite scenery in a Swodish fiord and charming songs and dances of welcome by tho Swedish peasantry aro introduced in one of the most delightful passages of tho picture. Thcro aro several realistic snowstorm scenes of much beauty. Groat skill has also been bostowod on reproducing with elaborate and vivid detail scenes in a great Continental theatre during tho triumph and subsequent dramatic breakdown of tho heroine. A welcome element of comody runs through the whole piece, and to this Jobyna Howland, as Josephine, Jenny Lincl's aggressivo guardian, contributes in no small degree. Among tho supporting pictures is an uproarious comedy entitled "Another Fino Mess," -in which two "hobos" -are seen in undisputed possession of an American mansion, and lotting it to an English lord and his bride. Tho topical pictures contain much of interest, and include some extraordinary pictures taken far under the sea of marine life off tho Bahama Islands. The struggles of a large shark that has been hooked are seeii at close range. STRAND THEATRE. The British International Pictures film, "Enter, Sir John," which opened a season at the Strand Theatre last evening, can be classed as one of tho best mystery pictures that- has yet appeared. It is a worthy successor to the previous British^ film of this type, "Blackmail." In both pictures, but more especially in this latest one, the technique is excellent. Realism and exactness in details make the film so natural that one seems to be seeing the characters in real life. From the scream which marks tho opening of tho film to tho criminal's terrifying leap to death, attention is never allowed to relax for an instant. The story, which* is adapted from the novel by Clomcnce Dane, opens with the murder of a member of a theatrical company in a boarding hotise. Suspicion points to another member of % the company, Diana Baring, who is charged with the murder. In a particularly fino scene the jury consider the facts of tho case, and all finally vote her guilty except a distinguished actor, Sir John Dernier. The audience sees all the members of the jury going over and over tho .events which point to the girl's guilt, and how Sir John's mind is gradually confused and overwhelmed into admitting However, his conscience will not let him rest, and the struggle with his inner self is graphically shown. He decides to investigate the case further. With the aid of Mr. and Mrs. Markham, of the company, he reconstructs the crime, and gradually proves that the overwhelming evidence against the girl is ill-founded. His startling discoveries put him on the track of tho criminal. The murderer sees he cannot hope to escape and jumps from the roof of a circus tent. Sir John Dernier is well played by Herbert Marshall, while the way the other leading roles, acted by Noah Baring, Phyllis Kaustam, Edward Chapman and Esmo Percy, are played shows that Britain has no lack of promising actors. The programme is completed by two Sound Reviews, and one of those charming song scenas at which Elstree studios seem to excel. Two tuneful melodies, "I've Got To See My Cutie" and "Dream Star of Araby," are heard.

NATIONAL THEATRE. There is an air of care-frce farcical comedy about " Let's Go Native," the Paramount film which was received with enthusiasm at the National Theatre yesterday, which makes it thoroughly refreshing entertainment. Miss Jeanotte Mac Donald, whose appealing voice was heard in " The Vagabond King," and " The Love Parade," shows her flair for light comedy as an ultra-moderrj modiste who purchases an island amid the langour of the South Pacific. On their way to Argentina she and a party of stage artists which sho has financed are forced to leave the liner during a storm, and finally arrive at an idyllic tropical settlement where a genial American (Skeets Gallagher) holds sway over a collection of beautiful maidens. Tho " beachcomber " agrees to accept the party's gorgeous stage costumes in exchange for the island. From this point on tho story becomes even more hilarious. Jack Oakic gives another of his inimitablo characterisations in the leading male role, and the cast also includes Kay Francis and Eugone Pallottc. A number of songs are introduced at appropriate intervals. Written by the composer of the songs in " Sweetie," the musical score comprises " Let's Go Native," "It Seems to be Spring," " Joe Jazz," "My Mad Moment" and " I've Got a Yen For You."

ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Described as 'sven more amusing than "Rookery Nook," tho Aldwych Theatre comedy success, "On Approval" heads the programme afc the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, this evening. At the matinee this afternoon "Head of 'tho House" will also bo shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. Tho old days of minstrelsy live again in "Tho Grand Parade/' which will be shown afc tho Empress Theatro to-day. Helen Twelvetrees has the part of ail orphan girl adopted by a troupo of musicians. The second picture is "Pardon My Gun," an exhilarating outdoor ad-venture-romance. CAPITOL THEATRE. ' "Manslaughter,'' which will be screened afc the Capitol Theatro this evening, is a dramatic film in which Colbert is soen as a temperamental society girl whose true worth is revealed only after she has passed through bitter circumstances. "On Your Back," which will also be shown, is a comedy drama of American life. MOUNT ALBERT DE LUXE. "On Approval," Ffederick Lonsdale's comedy of manners, will bo shown afc the Mount Albert De Luxe Theatre this evening. At a special matinee this afternoon "Anybody's War" and "Tho Fighting Legion" will compriso the programme. EMPIRE THEATRE. Edward Everett Horton creates some diverting humour in "Tho Aviator,'' at the Empire .Theatre to-day.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. ' Another instance of tho successful manner in which a stage play can be treated on tho screen is provided in "Passion Flower," which was presented before an appreciative audience at St. James' Theatre last evening. The picture, which is modelled on the widely-discussed novel by Kathleen Norris, deals with the interwoven lives of threo people, two women and a man. The role of the lovable Cassy, the daughter of the rich and aristocratic Leroy Pringle, who wishes her to marry for wealth rather than for love, has been happily allotted to Miss Kay Johnson. Cassy, however, is in love with her father's chauffeur, Dan Wallace, a role in which Charles Bickford appears to advantage. The portrayal by Miss Kay Fr#ncis of Dulce Morado, a young and beautiful woman who has made an unhappy marriage with a man, many years older than herself, is of outstanding merit. Lewis Stone makes tho most of his minor, but difficult, part as the wealthy but invalid husband of Dulce, while Winter Hall is convincing as Leroy Pringle. Refreshing humour is provided by Miss Zasu Pitts, who is congenially cast as the old-fashioned landlady, Mrs. Harney. The lackadaisical manner and the unexpected and quaint sayings of Mrs. Harney cause unrestrained laughter. In the early stagos of tho story Cassy and Wallace arc happily married and are content with their Jiumble station in life. For tho sake of their young children tho couple accept tho offer of Dulce of a homo in the country. Wallace gradually becomes infatuated with the fascinating Dulce. How Dulco and Wallace eventually realise that their apparent happiness cannot last forms tho basis of a well-constructed story. The acting by the three principals is' of an unusually high standard, and converts a conventional plot into an engrossing story. The threo distinct characters—the suffering but uncomplaining Cassy, tho con-scienco-stricken Wallace, and the wilful Dulce—aro exceptionally well portrayed, and tho interest of tho onlookers is retained throughout tho production. Tiie supporting programme has been carefully selected. Tho films include a comedy, "Big Dog House," in which cleverlytrained dogs appear, and a sound novelty cartoon, "Flip the Frog," in which frogs demonstrate their ability in tho boxing ring. A comprehensive survey of worldwide events, including tho sinking of the Tahiti and tho carthquako in Italy last year, is made in a Metrotonc News, while an interesting and instructive description of Barcelona is given in a Burton Holmes' travelogue. A pleasing vocal number, "The Song of Songs," is presented as an entr'acte. ROXY THEATRE. Well known for his many portrayals of the part of a young cavalry officer in moving pictures, William Boyd has been given a typical role in "His First Com' mand," which heads the programme which is assured of a most successful season at the Roxy Theatre. Tho popular young actor first appears as the indolent and irresponsible son of a wealthy financier who is sent by his father to the Western States of America in order to prove his worth. Genuinely attracted by a demure country lass—tho daughter of the colonel commanding the United States Cavalry—the boy determines to convince the girl of his iovc. With this end in view ho joins the cavalry and after a few disappointing first months, ho earns a reputation for daring and gallantry. The colonel, however, looks with disdain on the trooper who is audacious enough to woo his daughter, but in a dramatic scene, the young man wins even the praise of his colonel. Apart from the appeal which the picture holds from the point of view of the delightful romantic interest it includes some magnificent settings which capture perfectly all the traditional pomp associated with the United States cavalry. Miss Dorothy Sebastian, seen recently in "Hell's Island" and "Our Blushing Brides," makes a charming leading lady, and there is also a competent supporting cast. Of less dramatic strength, but equally as entertaining, is "The Sophomore," a bright story of university life.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The amusing adventures of two quickwitted and unscrupulous soldiers who are wanted by the police provide constant laughter in "Half Shot at Sunrise," %vhich will be screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, who have gained increasing popularity since they first appeared on the screen in "Rio Rita," are given the funniest roles of their careers, and they succeed in keeping audiences in continuous amusement. Their dry witticisms and drolleries follow in unbroken succession. In supporting roles the pretty and vivacious Dorothy Lee and the fascinating Continental actress Leni Stengel add to the attractions of the film. "What Men Want,*' a bright comedy, will also be screened. * WEST END THEATRE. A lavish musical drama of the New Orleans of 1840, "Dixiana," which heads tho programme at the West End Theatre, is notable for the charming portrayal given by Miss Bebe Daniels of an entertainer in a fashionable social club. The comedy is in the hands of Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. The late Louis Wolheim, who will be remembered for his portrayal-of Katinsky in "All Quiet on the Western Front," took tho part of a railroad division superintendent of indomitable courago in "Danger Lights," which heads the programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre this evening. His desire to maintain the schedule at any cost, even that of his life, becomes obsession with tho man. Highly melodramatic throughout, 'the story contains some thrilling railway scenes. PICTURED ROME THEATRE. Nancy Carroll appears in "The Devil's Holiday" at the Picturedrome Theatre today. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Bright entertainment is provided by the programme, comprising "Sally" and "What Men Want," which will ho screened at tho Strand Theatre, Onehunga, to-day. ADELPHI THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier is given a delightful role in "The Big Pond," the amusing picture which will be screened at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, to-day, "THE MAN FROM TORONTO." A repeat performance of tho drama "The Man from Toronto," which was successfully performed by members of tho St. Cuthbert's Old Pupils' Association some time ago, will be given in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening, in a%| of the earthquake relief funds. The cast includes many of Auckland's best-known amateur dramatic artists. The play was enthusiastically received by crowded houses at its last performances. MUSICIANS' UNION CONCEET. Well-known local soloists will ta_ke part in the orchestral concert and motion picture entertainment 'to be givon by the Musicians' Union in St. James' Theatre to-morrow evening. Mr. G. Poore will conduct the orchestra. Jack Holt, William Powell and George Bancroft appear in "Sea Horses," which will bo screened. BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT. A benefit entertainment in airl of local charities will be given in tiTe Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, to-morrow evening. A programme of interesting talking and silent pictures has been arranged*

r PLAZA THEATRE. Large audiences yesterday found the two" full-length pictures on the new programme at the Plaza Theatre entirely to their liking. A reappearance of Miss Billie Dove, the beautiful and talented actress of numerous silent pictures, who was seen recently in " The Painted Angel," is most welcome. In " A Notorious Affair," which is the picture of chief interest, she has tho part of a strong-willed heiress who marries a temperamental and impecunious violinist in spite of the opposition of her parents. Eagerly she plans his future as a musician, but when through her aid he achieves distinction on the conceit platform ho falls an easy victim to the wiles of a designing countess. It is with the efforts of the young wife to regain the affection of her husband that the main portion of the story deals. Basil Rathbone, the brilliant English stage actor who since his first screen appearance with Norma Shearer in " The Last of Mrs. (Jheyney " has gone from success to success, imparts considerable dignity and restraint to the part ,of tho inconstant husband, and Miss Kay Francis, of " Raffles," is appropriately seductive as the scheming countess. No small measure of tho success of the production may be attributed to tho atmosphere of refinement and culture pervading English social iifo which the producers have so admirably preserved. The film is also notable for' the appearance of tho well-known actor Montagu Love in an entirely different role from his usual portrayals. Seen formerly generally as "the villain of the piece," in this picture he interprets the part 1 of an indulgent and adoring father. The second picture is " Top Speed," in which Joe E. Brown creates some diverting humour. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES. A circus, complete in every detail, forms a striking background for "Rain or Shine," which is now showing at the Tivoli and Rialto. Theatres. Directed by Frank Capra, who was largely responsible for the success of "Submarine" and "Flight," tho picture is considered a triumph for Joe Cook, one of the most celebrated comedians of the American stage. In his latest picture he appears in turn as a clown, a singer, a dancer, an acrobat and a tight-rope walker. The story deals with the ..career of a young girl who is trying to keep a circus running successfully, while some of her employees are doing their utmost to bring about the failure of tho venture. The second attraction on the programme is "Safety in Numbers," a light comedydrama in which Charles "Buddy" Rogers is seen as a wealthy young man who is "educated" in tho wiles of the world by three chorus girls, selected by the young man's guardian for the purpose. ORPHEUS THEATRE. R. C. Sherriff's noted war play "Journey's End," convincingly transferred to the screen by the Gaumont studios and interpreted by capable London artists, will be shown at the Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu, to-day. The fact that it is a faithful adaptation of the stage play is perhaps the greatest factor in its success. The author has taken several typical English soldiers and has made a lively character of each. Colin Clivo is splendid as the courageous yet weak Captain Stanhope, who buoys up his shattered nerves with drink. On Wednesday, "Ladies Love Brutes" will head the programme. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Auckland Municipal Band will play at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. A splendid programme has been arranged, comprising popular and classical numbers. The last of the Sunday evening outdoor concerts'for this season will be given at Albert Park to-morrow evening. An excellent programme will be provided. ORGAN RECITAL. The organ recitals in the Town Hall will be resumed to-morrow afternoon. The city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, will play Handel's "Samson" overture, Mendelssohn's First Sonata, an effective work based on the Westminster chimes, by ■ Vierne, and three movements from Gounod's "Faust" ballet music.