ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20875, 18 May 1931, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The popular artists Genevieve Tobin and Conrad Nagel appear to advantage in "Blind Wives," a story of matrimonial complications, which heads the attractive programme at tlio Majestic Theatre. The cast includes Zasu Pitts, who is responsible for much of the rich comedy in which the picture abounds, Slim Summervillo and Momoo Owsley. Conrad Nagel is given an exacting role as a young husband who, after a few years of married life, is placed in an embarrassing position owing to his wife's flippancy. Miss Tobin is seen at her best in the role of the vivacious and pleasure loving wife. There are also two interesting newsrcels and an Oswald the Rabbit cartoon. A comedy, "The Royal Bluff," in which Slim Suinmerville, Eddie Cribbon and Jean Hart appear, completes an excellent programme. The change of pro gramme on Friday will be headed hy "Reducing," with Mario Dressier and Polly Moran in the principal roles. Other prominent players arc Anita Pago, Sally Eilcrs, William Collier, junr., and Lucien Littlctield. Tho exploits of Marie Dressier and Polly Moran in their latest, picture arc said to bo even more entertaining than those in "Caught Short." In "Reducing" Mario and Polly aro cast as sisters, the latter conducting a beauty parlour and Turkish bath. Polly invites Marie and her family to visit her and gives Mario a position in the weight-re-ducing establishment. From then on tho story moves at a fast pace, the inevitable quarreling of tho pair providing an abundance of "slapstick" humour.

PLAZA THEATRE. "Beau Ideal," tho sequel to "Beau Geste," is having a highly successful season at the Plaza Theatre. The picture was directed by Herbert Brenon, who produced tho earlier film in the series, and the central character is portrayed by Ralph Forbes, who was excellent in the previous production. The picture has all the virile action characteristic of I'. 0. "Wren's famous stories of the French Foreign Legion, and it captures perfectly the spirit of reckless abandon in which men of every nationality and station seek to bury their chequered pasts by service with the famous Legion. The cast includes Lester Vail. Loretla Young, Don Alvarado, Irene Rich, Leni Stengel and George I'igas. Tho romance which runs through the picture is one of great forco and charm, and it supplies a sequel to "Beau Geste," in which the fate of the youngest Geste, who escaped in the mas. t>acro of tho Legionnaires, was left in doubt. The story in "Beau Ideal" concerns the heroic action of young Otis Madison, who loves Isobel Brandon, the fiancee of young John Geste. Although it is against his interests to do so, he agrees to search for the young Legionnaire. The adventures which follow grip audiences from start to finish. CIVIC THEATRE. The unusual treatment of tho theme of "The Man Who Came Back,'' at present being screened at tho Civic Theatre, makes it a picture of unusual power and beauty. The story tolls how riches spoil the character of a youth. In the hands of llnoul Walsh, the director, and the refreshing voung players, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, it is a vivid production. As tho irresponsible son of a very wealthy .man, Mr. Farrell is extremely successful, and Miss Gaynor is equally pleasing as tho girl who realises his shortcomings and del ermines to help liiin regain his conirol and self-respect. Although many of the scenes are intensely dramatic, nowhere has the director overdone this aspect, and a judicious mingling of light and shade gives tho film a distinctly human and living touch. The main picture is preceded by a scries of enjoyable shorter films, including a bright comedy, a fascinating travel film of tho. Far East, an "Aesop Pound Fable" and a Fox movietone news. The next chants of programme, to open on Fridav, will bo headed by the Fox Production. ''Don't Bet on Women," in which Edmund Lowe and Joannettc MacDonald play the loading roles. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Another instance of the splendid typo of production which the British stud os at Els tree enn offer is provided in "The Middle Watch." which is attracting appreciative audiences to St. James Theatre. The picture has been adapted from tho successful stage comedy bv lan Hav and Stephen King-Ilall, and has retained all the charm and sparkle of the original story. Tho delightful plot has betn clever]v built around the® quandary of two girls—one, English and the other American —who are compelled to stay on a warship owing to a picket-boat breaking down. Dodo Watts and Jacqueline Logan give convincing portrayals as the two oirls, while. Owen Nares and Jack Rain'" are happily cast as the two officers chiellv concerned. 'I hero are some remarkable photographic effects. Hie supporting programme is of a high standard.

LONDON THEATRE. The late William Archer's stage melodrama, "The Green Goddess," brought to the screen with George Arliss, of "Disraeli" fame, in the leading part, continues to hold the attention of audiences at the London Theatre. It is another triumph for .Mr. Arliss, for in it can bo noticed the same cleft touches which the actor employed lo such excellent effect in '•Disraeli." lie gains much of his effect from his cultured voice, expressing chancing moods in modulations of tone with far more telling effect that could be accomplished witii a wealth of extravagant gesture. Mr. Arliss is also fortunate in his supporting cast, for Alice Joyce, Ralph Forbes and 11. B. Warner are excellent in their respective parts. STRAND THEATRE. John Gilbert gives a fine portrayal of a difficult role in "A Gentleman's Fate," which is at present being screened at the Strand Theatre. The picture is a vivid drama which conveys thrillingly the warfare between modern bootlegging "racketeers" in America. Gilbert, as a man-about-town who, on the eve of his marriage to a girl of social prominence, finds that his father has become wealthy through bootlegging. combines the romanticism which made him so popular on the' silent screen with the, greater depth necessary for such a role. The supporting programme includes items of great interest. LYRIC THEATRE. A delightful character sketch is given by Mr. Cyril Maude in Hho Paramount production, " Grumpy," to be screened at the Lyric Theatre this evening. "He Knew Women" will also be shown. CAPITOL THEATRE. "Good Intentions" and "Hit the Deck" will be entertaining features at the Capitol Theatre this evening. The two pictures, of dTferent types, combine to form a splendid programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Romance," a picture of rare beauty, charm and strength, will be screened at ilie Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. Greta Garbo and Lewis Stone are in the principal roles. EMPRESS THEATRE. Based on a popular musical comedy, "Queen High," at (lie Empress Theatre this evening, provides abundant humour, The second attraction on the programme is the British film, "Balaclava." REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. "Our Blushing Brides," in which .Jonn Crawford, N'ita Page and Dorothy Sebastian, take the leading parts, will be shown at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, this evening.

REGENT THEATRE. The idol of children and of all who havo a love of irresponsible good nature, Charlie Chaplin, returns to all his old personality in "City Lights," now being shown at the Regent 'lhcatre continuously each week-day from 10 a.m. Once again ho appears with the little bowler hat, the baggy and tattered trousers, the quizzical moustache and the cane, so well known to everyone. 'I lie film has been synchronised with music, composed mostly by the comedian himself, in a remarkably humorous way. I his accompaniment itself contains such a wonderful play of emotions and humour that dia logue is seen to be entirely superfluous. The picture is termed "a comedy romance in pantomime." Its humour is delicately tempered with pathos, but its cleverness never fails from the moment that t.haplin, as a disreputable tramp, is found sleeping in the arms of a statue that has just been unveiled, until the poignant moment when the pretty blind flower girl, with sight restored, discovers by his touch in giving her a flower who her benefactor really was. In between there are scenes of hilarity which leave the laughing audience exhausted. The central figure, is supported by Harry Myers as an eccentric millionaire and Virginia Cherrill who, as the blind girl, is both beautiful and impressive. There is an entertaining programme of shorter films.

TIVOLI AND HI ALTO THEATRES. Tho romance of the beautiful and impetuous milliner, Jeannetto Vaubernier, who later commanded tho favours of Loius XV. of France, lias been vividly transferred to tho talking screen in " Du Barry, Woman of Passion," now at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. No more gifted actress than Miss Norma Talinadge, one of the most talented of silent picture actresses, could have been chosen for tho part of the woman who is torn between the love of an ardent commoner and tho luxury bestowed upon her by the King and his retinue. In spite of the affection she feels for the handsome Losse do Brissac, a young private in the King's Guards, Jeannetto is swayed by the adulation of the nobility which frequents tho notorious La Gourdan gambling saloon. NATION A L THE AT RE. It would be difficult to find a more thoroughly entertaining film than "Plunder," the latest of the series of Aldwych Theatre farces to be shown in Auckland, now at tho National 'I heatre. From the pen of the noted English humorist, Ben Travel's, who wrote the story of "Rookery Nook," and interpreted by the entire cast of that delightful comedy, "Plunder" is a rollicking tale of justifiable robbery. Tom Walls is inimitable as a gentleman adventurer who urges ttie artless D'Arcy Tuck to join him in a plan to rob a" scheming woman (Miss Mary Brough) of her ill-gotten gains. MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERTS. An enjoyable programme was given by the Auckland Municipal Band, under Mr. George Buckley, in tho Zoological Gardens yesterday afternoon. Many visitors expressed appreciation of the selections played. On Saturday evening, as the Town Hall was otherwise engaged, the band broadcast its programme from the IYA studio. Popular numbers were Offenbach's " Tales of Hoffman," Thomas' " Migrion" and selections from Wagner's " Lohengrin." As next Sunday will be Empire Day, a special programme will be played by the band in the Town Hall in the evening. ORGAN RECITAL. Tho city organist, Mr. Maugham Harnett, gave a much appreciated recital in the' Town Hall yesterday afternoon. Among his numbers were Calkin's "Homage a ?Ao/.art," Bach's Prelude and Fugue" in A Minor, 'I schaikowskv s andante movement from a string quartette and three preludes by Chopin.