ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20947, 10 August 1931, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The same romantic spirit is shown by Douglas Fairbanks in "Reaching for the Moon," now at the Regent Theatre, as in his more colourful historical productions of past years. Although in his latest picture lie plays tha more prosaic role of a modern stockbroker, he is able to display the same superabundant energy. As Larry Day, a keen business man, whose many interests in stocks and shares leave him little time for social life, he falls seriously in love at last with a young woman who has given him encouragement just for a wager. His vehement courtship and reckless sacrifice of business life make her realise that on his part he takes the friendship much more seriously, and in the end he follows her across to Europe. Much of the interest of the story lies in the contrast between Day's boisterousness and the humour supplied by Claude Allister and Edward Everett Horton, both of whom are well-known as clever comedians. The fourth member of the powerful leading cast is Bebe Daniels, who makes a charming and vivacious heroine. There is a very interesting supporting programme, including news reels, a travel picture and a sound cartoon. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The spirit of Ernest' Raymond's epic of the landing at Gaiiipoli has been transferred to the screen in "Tell England," which is making a wide appeal at the Majestic Theatre. The co-operation of the British Admiralty has resulted in the picture providing a vivid description of the historic landing. The stranding of the River Clyde and the transportation of the troops by means of boats to the shellswept shore have been realistically portrayed. Added interest is lent to this British production as the strong cast is an all-English one. The principals are Fay Compton, Tony Bruce and Carl Harbord. The picture skips the greater part of the school life of Ray and Doe, as dealt with fully in Raymond's book of the same name, and deals mainly with the youths' experiences at Gaiiipoli.- The changed outlook of the former public schoolboys as the strain, of trench life and of continued bombardments begins to tell is convincingly shown. One of the many thrilling incidents in'the film is the destruction of "Clara"—a gun which for months took heavy toll of British life—through the bravery of Doe. There are excellent supports. . PLAZA THEATRE. Richard Dix, who is now recognised as one of the most versatile and powerful of screen actors, gives a human and appealing portrayal in "Donovan'3 Kid," now attracting large audiences to the Piaza Theatre. The picture is based on Rex Beach's well-known novel. "Big Brother," the dramatic story of a gangster. The picture does not depend for its success on murders and raids, but on the touching portrayal of a splendid companionship between the hard criminal and a young waif whom he has befriended. In all his pictures, Richard Dix is able to win the sympathies of audiences immediately by his sincere characterisations. Equally talented is the work of young Jackie Cooper, tne seven-vears-old child actor, who delighted audiences bv his work in the '-Our Gang comedies. He brings his ingenuous charm to the part of a street urchin whose childish simplicity and trust in his fosterfather engenders in the criminal a desire to break awav from his degrading; associations. Out of their strange alliance springs a storv of love and self-sacrifice, entirely free from false senttmenWuy. Included in the programme are news xee.s and two amusing comedies. ST. JAMES' THEATRE, The St. Valentine's Day massacre Chicago some years ago and the murder of the reporter Lingle by gangsters last year provide the main material on which the production "Dance, Fools, Dance, has been based. This film is meeting with a successful reception at St. James Theatre. The story revolves around the lives of a brother and sister —roles played to advantage by William J3«xkßwcl! and Jean Crawford —who, after being brought up in a wealthy home, are forced, to provide for themselves. The girl secures a position on a Chicago newspaper, and her "brother, who is of a care-free nature, becomes involved in a boot-legging enterprise, and later is responsible for the death of a journalist. To his sister is assigned the task of tracking the murderer. The picture is brought to a dramatic conclusion. The subordinate films include a Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Our Wife," a Hearst news reel, and a singing picture in which William 0 Neal is the principal. STRAND THEATRE. For fast and tense action, few American films come up to the level ot the English production, "The Man From Chicago," which is the first of the two full-length pictures being shown this week at the Strand Theatre. It follows the fortunes of a motor bandit who has gone to London, partly because he has found the activities of the American 1 police too dangerous lor him, and partlj because he thinks he will be able to get easier bootv on the other side of the Atlantic. The thrilling events which lead to his disillusionment make the picture very absorbing. The. second attraction, "The Black Hand Gang,'; is a hilarious English juvenile farce, with a touch of wistfulness. LONDON THEATRE. There is no diminution in the enthusiasm with which "The Middle Watch is being received at the London Theatre. Adapted to the screen from the stage success by lan Hay (John Hay Beith) and Stepnen King-Hall, this delkiouslyhumorous nautical comedy is English in theme and treatment. The only American member of the cast is Jacqueline Logan, whose interpretation of an American heiress is a delightful performance. The other leading parts are taken by such talented English artists as Owen Nares, of "Loose Ends," Jack Raine and Miss Dodo Watts, as well as several splendid character artists. RIALTO THEATRE. "Bad Sister." a powerful story of modern life, will be screened at the Rialto Theatre this evening. Mixed with a dramatic story of conflicting personalities is a brilliant'vein of humour.. The cast is a particularly strong one and humour is a predominant note of the story. The principal is Conrad Nagel. EMPRESS THEATRE. The vivacious Clara Bow and Ralph Forbes play the chief parts in the film, "Her Wedding Night," which will be the chief attraction at the Empress Theatre this evening. REG EXT THEATRE, * EPSOM. "A Lady's Morals" is the title of a fine picture version of the pathetic story of Jenny Unci's life, to be shown at, the Regent Theatre, Epsom, this evening, together with the comedy, "Laugh and Get Rich." CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Sin Ship," an arresting picture of an unusual tvpe, will be screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. "The Man from Wyoming" will also be shown. TUDOR THEATRE. "Song 0' My Heart," wiih the talented singer, John McCormack, in the leading role, will be shown at the Tudor Theatre this evening.

CIVIC THEATRE. " Braxn Stoker.'s well-known story ci the supernatural, "Dracula," loses none of its eerie fascination in the screen version which at present is thrilling large audiences at the Civic Theatre. Based ob the "one-time universal belief in human vampires able to rise from the grave and prowl round the country seeking victims, the story is remarkable for the vivio sense of mystery and horror it produces The director, Tod Browning, who is noted for his ability to create "atmosphere, . has played cleverly oh the element 0belief in supernatural things. To dothis, full use has been made of clever photographic and sound effects. For the central figure, around whom the plot revolves, the director chose Bela Lugosi, * Hungarian actor, who played the sanu part in an earlier version. His mere appearance creates a definite feeling o mystery, yet at- no titne is he guilty o ; over-acting. Helen Chandler and Edward Van Sloan in supporting roles give gooc performances. There is an entertaining selection of shorter items on the pro. gramme. NATIONAL THEATRE. A former Aucklander, John Batten, gives a splendid performance in the English film, "The Great Game," now at the National Theatre. Mr. Batten acts witi boyish charm in the part of a brilliant Association football player who become® involved in the intricate system of clnfc transfers associated with the gape i» England. The picture exposes vividly th« difficulties and dangers of the system prevailing, and in addition creates greg,t interest by several exciting scenes of the Cup final at Wembley and by the delightful love story which runs through it. There is a fine cast of English artists anfi a number of England's best-known professional football players take part in th? match scenes. The supporting programme is of great interest, including a news reel, a comedy and an instalment of the thriLling serial, "Heroes of the Flames." TIVOLI THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier's gay and charming personality is given full rein in "Play' bov of Paris," the Paramount pro duction, at the Tivoli Theatre this evening. He is seen as a wealthy younj man who, through a strange bet with '* cafe proprietor, has to play the parfc of a waiter by day, joining with ti» wealthy patrons at night. LYRIC THEATRE. Clever English stag© artists provide varied entertainment in "EUtree Calling,*" the British International production t® be screened at the Lyric Theatre this evening. "Fighting Caravans," also to be seen, 'is a thrilling story of Western America in the pioneer day! PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Marion Davies and Ralph Forbes play amusing parts in 'The Bachelor Father, which, with "Second Choice," will be screened at the Prince Edward Theatrn ~, this evening. VICTORIA THEATRE. Two outstandingly human personalities are portrayed by Mario Dressier and Wallace Beery in "Min and BiH" at the Yio toria Theatre. ~ |\ BRITANNIA THEATRE. Mrs. Henry Wdod's famous novel, "East Lynne," is worthily interpreted in the film of ths same name, now at the Britaa- ! riia Theatre. • " ' GREY LYNN CINEMA. "The Second Floor Mystery" and ' 4 Re~ i captured Love" are the two fine picture* j to be screened at the Grey Lynn Cinema | this eveninc. MUNICIPAL RECITALS. An enjoyable recital was given by tb i city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, be I fore an appreciative audience in the Town : Hall yesterday afternoon. The attrac- | tive programme included compositions by Wolstenholme, Cesar-Franck, Mendel ssohn, Bach, Leniare, Vierne and Hailing. ... A splendid recital of classical and popular works was provided by ths Auckland Municipal Band under the baton of Mr. ; George Buckley, at the Zoological Part yesterday afternoon. SHAKESPEAREAN RECITAL^. Mr. Allan Wilkie and Miss Eunteri Watts, who are well known to New Zea- | land audiences by their work with Mr. | Wilkie's late Shakespearean company. wil ! give a series of recitals in' the Town | Hall concert chamber, commencing ok | Saturday. August 15. The recitals wi! I consist of a series of famous scenes from i Shakespeare's plays and of entertaininc selections from "lßth century Englisfc comedv, including " A School for Scandal." "She Stoops to Conquer" ani "The Rivals."