ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20959, 24 August 1931, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The screen version of Mark Twain's immortal book, "Tom Sawyer," is attracting young and old alike to the Regent Theatre. Jackie Googan, who makes his first appearance on the talking screen, is thoroughly convincing as the freckle-faced boy, Tom Sawyer, whose adventures with the happy-go-lucky Huckleberry Finn cause so much anxiety, to "his Aunt Polly. Junior Durkin makes-a wide appeal as Huckleberry, while Mitzi Green acquits herself well as the winsome Becky Thatcher. The role of the ; interfering "goody-goody" Sid is well ~-portrayed by Jackie Searl, while Dick Winslow appears to advantage as Joe Harper. The adult roles of the prim Aunt Polly and the pedantic schoolteacher have been happily allotted, to Clara Blandick and Lucien Littlefiekl respectively. The context of the has been followed closely and all the delightful incidents from Tom's encounter with "Injun" Joe and the whitewashing of Aurit Polly's fence have been presented. The subordinate programme comprises a comedy, "Go Ahead and Eat,"-with lorn Howard as the principal, comprehensive newsreels and a vaudeville turn by Miss Betty Weldon and Mr. Jack Bradshaw. ' CIVIC THEATRE. The talented young actress, Elissa Landi, who made her screen debut in Auckland recently, is largely responsible for the refreshing nature of "Always Good-bye," which is being well-received at the Civic Theatre. Miss Landi gives a charming interpretation as Lila Banning, a care-free society girl, who rapidly runs through her fortune. Lila agrees to pose as the wife of an acquaintance whose statement that lie wished to impress a friend appeals to the girl's adventure-loving nature. The pair travel to the home of John Graham, a'role admirably played by Lewis- 'Sloue, .where; Lila finds she is acting as a tool for a J notorious diamond thief. Further, com- : plications Arise when Lila learns that Graham has fallen in love with her and it is not until 'the story takes an unexpected turn that matters are righted. The other principal players are' Paul Cavanagh, John Garrick and Lumsden Hare, all of whom are English actors. An abundance of rich humour is contributed by Herbert Munelin in an English comedy, ■ "The Wrong, Mr- Perkins,;' The other shorter films include a British Navy travelogue and a Fox Movietone News. Enjoyable organ selections are given by Mr. Howard Moody. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The rugged interior of North-west Canada, where law and order is. only maintained by the inexorable justice of the Mounted Police, forms the background for the stirring action in River s End," which heads the popular programme at the Majestic Theatre. The picture has been adapted from the novel by James Oliver Curwood. Charles Bickford successfullv plays the two principal roles, those of Sergeant Conniston and John Keith, whom the police are seeking on a charge of murder. Conniston runs his quarry to carth„ but becomes seriously ill and dies, in sptte of the efforts of Keith to save him from a lonely death. Keith, to avoid detection, masquerades as the dead man, and conceals his real identity even from the late sergeant s sweetheart. The deceit of his position eventually becomes unbearable to Keith, who is responsible- for the story being brought to a dramatic and emotional climax. A comedy dealing with unusual aspects of hospital lifo takes prido of place on the supporting programme, which, includes a gazette and a revue.

NATIONAL THEATRE. "Dirigible,.'-" Mr. Frank Capra's successor to his "Flight" and "Submarine,"which is continuing a successful season at' the National Theatre, is an imaginative piece of screen work. Produced with -the activo co-operation of the United States naval authorities, the film presents a ceaselessly moving panorama of aerial achievement and endeavour. Ihere is vital drama in the story of a woman's desperate efforts to retain the love of her husband, an intrepid airman urged' to more reckless pursuit of glory by- the plaudits and adulation of a fickle populace. The story is admirably played'by. Ralph Graves, as, the adventure-seeking airman; Jack Holt, in the part of his more sober friend;;and Fay Wray, who is' a winsome heroine. LONDON THEATRE. For the emotional appeal of the story and the excellence of the portrayals given by the principal artists, "Common Clay," which continues to enjoy great popularity at the London Theatre, must be regarded ns one of the most convincing dramas Hollywood has given the talking screen. Although her part is widely different from that of the pampered and tomperamental society heiress which she portrayed in "Son of the. Gods," Constance Bennett gives a sincere interpretation as a young woman in humble circumstances for, whom love can hold nothing but bitter memory. STRAND THEATRE. ' ' 1 The vivacious Winnie Lightner has a typical role in "She Couldn't Say No,*' which l,eads the pleasing programme at the Strand Theatre. Miss Lightner" is again seen as an idol of night club patrons nnd the story follows mainly along -conT ventional lines. Some of the enjoyable new songs sung by Miss Lightner. in her inimitable style are "She's Got Monkey Glands" and "The Poisonous Spaniard That- Kissed Me." The cast -includes Chester Morris, Sally Eilers and Tully Marshall.- The supporting ..attraction is "The Other To-morrow," a, splendid drama-romance in. which Billy Dove, is the central figure. PLAZA THEATRE. The well-known actor Jack Holt-/.has another splendid role in ''White-Shoul-j ders," the screen version of Rex Beach's successful novel, which continues to attract appreciative audiences to the Plaza Theatre. Holt appears as a revengeful husband, who, upon discovering his marriage to be null and void, plans to make the, woman suffer for her deception. Mary Astor gives a polished portrayal as the faithless wife, while the acting of Ricardo Cortez, as the woman's clandestine' lover, is in keeping with the high standard of the production. There is a number of excellent shorter films.

• LYRIC THEATRE. The British product-ion "The Middle, Watch " is the principal attraction atthe Lyric Theatre; The other .films include a newsresl, a cartoon and il comedy. PRINCE. EDWARD THEATRE." "Reducing" , and "In the Headlines" are being shown, at the Prince Edward Theatre. ". ■ ' "' •' 1 - VICTORIA THEATRE. , • The British comedy "On. Approval " is being presented- at ,tho Victoria. Theatre, Devonport. , * Britannia' theatre. . "Tho-Spy"-and "The Way-pf;All Men" are being bcrcenccl .at - the Britannia Theatre. JUNIOR CONCERT ORCHESTRA, The Auckland Junior Concert Orchestra gave its first performance in the Lewis Eady Hall on Saturday evening. A representative programme was presented and proved thoroughly enjoyable.,

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. An absorbing drama of intrigue in diplomatic circles, "Three Faces East, M now at St. James' Theatre, is delighting audiences 'by the ingenious plot 'and the cl&ver -acting of the principals." Although taking place d,uring the dramatic events of | the Great War, the picture is, by no means the usual war film. 'Opening behind; the German lines, the action moves onj to,the high seas and finally develops to; a climax in the inner circles, of the British - Admiralty. Miss Constance Bennett,- whoso work in "Common Clay," "Sin Takes A Holiday" and "Son of the Gods," has earned for her a very high reputation as an emotional actress, sustains admirably her role as a quickwitted spy who is match against some of' the greatest forces of a powerful nation. Playing opposite her, Eric von Strolieim gives a particularly fine characterisation. The story moves through an intensely interesting - series , of incidents and ends with .an unexpected denouement. Anthony Bus&ell and William Coutenay play supporting roles. An amusing colourtone revue and newsreels complete the programme. •' VIENNESE NIGHTS." •' Viennese Nights," the Warner Brothers and Vitaphone production, which is at present enjoying a record season in Sydney, will be screened at St. James' Theatre on Friday. Based on the thought that true ' beauty" is indestructible, the picture i aitns to present an idyllic love story carried through three generations! As befitting its setting,* Vienna in the'gay' days before the war, it takes the form •of an operetta in which the lyrics: tare an important feature. The musical scorp prepared by , Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein xvho have many screen successes to their credit. '. ■? ' ■: "• TIVOLI THEATRE. Charles-Rogers gives an excellent portrayal in the' musical comedy "Along Camo Youth," which 1 heads the programme at the Tivoli Theatre. , The popular comedian Harold Lloyd has his first talking role in-the supporting production "Feet First." Lloyd is -seen as a shop, assistant whose infatuation for his manager's- daughter leads to a series of highly-amusing incidents. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The celebrated German actress Marlene Dietrich has the leading role in "Morocco," an absorbing story -of the French Foreign Legion, which is being shown at the Crystal . Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. She is supported by Gary Cooper and Adolphe Menjou. RIALTO THEATRE. The delightful comedy-romance "Kept Husbands" -is the main picture at the Rialto Theatre. ; The cast includes Dorothy Mackail, Joel McCrae and Clara Young. The second production is "East is West," in which Lupe Velez, Lewis Avres and Edward Robinson appear. EMPRESS THEATRE. Lnon Errol and Mary Brian are seen to advantage in "Social Errors" at the Empress Theatre, Newton. "Wall Street is being shown for the'first time in Auckland. NEW REGENT THEATRE. Pleasing entertainment is provided in "Lover Come Back," which, is being offered at the "New" Regent Theatre, Epsom. "Lightning Flyer," with James Hall and Dorothy Sebastian as. the principals, is also being shown. "f TUDOR THEATRE. "Almost ai Honeymoon" is being screened at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. ORGAN RECITAL. V The organ recital given by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, before a fair audience in • the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, comprised a particularly fine selection of items. ''lntroduction and Variations" (Handel) was the first number, and this was followed by a delightful "Prelude, Vivace and Gavotte" from. Bach's works.. . Other items were "Rave Angeliqtie" (Rubinstein), Mendelssohn's Fourth Sonata, and three movements from the "Faust" ballet music. A particularly interesting number was "Berceuse," composed by Mr. Barnett himself. MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. An enjoyable concert "was given in the Town Hall on Saturday evening by the Auckland Municipal Band. There was a fair audience which showed enthusiastic appreciation of the programme. Several new numbers were presented by the band under the conductorship of Mr. G. Buckley. A spirited' military march, "Pomp and Circumstance," by Sir Edward Elgar, was the opening number. Then followed the overture " Egmont," by Beethoven, and a fine selection of numbers from Wagner's " Siegfried Idyll," constituting a classic, which was perhaps the most appreciated, of the band numbers. A song,' " The Bandolero," by Mr. Ernest Thomas, and . a cornet solo, " ''. Souvenir . de Bellini," by , Mr. F. Bowes, .were both warmly encored. Mrs. J. H. Allen,'" the '. other" soloist,' gave _ two •, >'"so*ngs, 'Sanderson's " Spring's Awakening'''and'Molly"Garew's ''Love's a .Merchant,''i which W;ere enthustically 1 encored. An enchanting .'waltz, : Roses From the South," one of the mostmelodious of Strauss' compositions, was given by' the ' band, and this was followed by a brilliant piccolo solo, "The ■Larks' Festival," by Mr. H. C. McLennan,,. Mr. Thomas was equally successful "with his' second offering,, "On fthe Road J t<>' Martdalay," and the next inumber?by,.the/band, Svendsen's " Nor-' wegian;. 'Rhapsody, i No. 2," was excellently rendered; This was. followed by Ponchielli's beautiful ballet music, " The Dance of the Hours," and the tone poem " Finlandia/'' by Sibelius. The march " Paso Doble Espanol," by Javaloyes, brought an enoyable programme to a conclusion. The band also played at the Zoological Park yesterday afternoon.