ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20982, 19 September 1931, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

,REGENT THEATRE. The London stage favourite Tallulah ®ankhead appears for tho first time on the screen in "Tarnished Lady," a Paramount. production, which was presented for the first time in Auckland at the Regent Theatre last evening. Miss Bankhead's/ reputation is maintained in her screen appearance, and- hers is a reputation well-known even in New Zealand, far from the scenes of her triumphs. Tile sophisticated woman is a role- Miss Bankliead has studied to perfection, and it is as such that she appears in "Tarnished Lady." Tho title of the picture is in no way misleading. Miss Rankhead is seen as the daughter of a well-known but impoverished New York family, beset on all sides by creditors. To overcome the financial difficulties, as Nancy Courtney, sho agrees to marry a financial magnate, Norman Crevath, played by Clive Brook, although sho is in love with a young and comparatively unknown writer, Do Witt Taylor. The match restores the family fortunes, but it is in no way a success, and after a few months proves intolerable. Tho financier is obsessed by his riches and all that they can give, a position which is distasteful to his wife and leads to an estrangement. She seeks separation, and, 'unfortunately enough, decides upon it 011 the day that her husband is ruined financially on tho stock exchange. In tho meantime, Taylor, the writer, has sought polaco in the company of another woman It is the same woman who enters into the financier's life after his wife leaves him. Reduced upon her separation to earn her own living, the young wife finds employment as a sales girl in a fashionable establishment for women's wear. There is a dramatic meeting between her and tho husband when he appears at the shop to purchase a garment for the woman who has intervened. Recognising that the lo\c between the husband and his wife is a barrier she is unablo to break down, the woman retires from the scene, and hj 11 "" monv between the. two is restored . Ihe theme, is one which has been exploited on tho screen before, but it is 0110 which bocomes intensely interesting in the hands of such artists as Clive Brook and lallulah Bankhead. Brook is at his best, tho rolo of tho disappointed financier being one which gives him all the scope he could desire. Another player who plays a prominent part is Osgood Perkins, who champions the cause of both the young ■wife and her husband. His intentions are at times liable to be misinterpreted, but it is largely through his influence that a reunion is effected. The incidental music is a feature upon which tho production depends largely for its success, and the manner in which a Sarasate gipsy air is - introduced in accentuating several of the "most, dramatic moments is very cleverly executed. For the first time an Auckland audience was favoured with the appearance of Mr. Paul Cullen at the grand organ. Ilis numbers last evening were a selection from Maritana and "When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver." Besides extracting the utmost from the organ, Mr. Cullen is the possessor of a fine baritone voice, and his reception was a _ marked success. The audience recalled him for a further number. There is a splendid supporting ' programme, which includes a Paramount Sound News, a remarkable animal study, a Pathe production of particular interest to New ZealamVrs, since it deals with the southern glaciers, "The Glacier's Secret," to which there is' attached an interesting story, and a cartoon. PLAZA THEATRE. Herbert Brenon's deft hand is discernible throughout "Transgression," the vivid drama of a woman fearful lest her husband will not forgive her temporary infatuation for a philandering Spaniard, which should prove popular at the Plaza Theatre. The director of " Beau Geste" and " Beau Ideal" has been fortunate in his artists. Kay Francis, whose most recent notable performance was in "Scandal Sheet" with George Bancroft*, is superb as the woman tortured by her conscience, and Paul Cavanagh, the English actor of Elissa Landi's " Always Goodbye,"/in the part of the easy-going husband, and Ilicardo Cortez, who makes an engaging foreigner, both act well. Tho story is set against a ceaselessly moving panorama of background, which shifts quickly from the quietude of the English countryside to the boulevards of Paris and then to a wild stretch of mountain country in Spain. The opening shows a pretty, young woman married . conventionally to a struggling mining engineer. The engineer is obliged to go ' to India for a year or so and during his absence he sends his wife to Paris to await his return. The woman soon develops a fancied love for a dashing but inconstant Spanish foreigner, who persuades her to accompany him to his mountain home, where she is swiftly disillusioned //' A shooting affray in which the aggrieved father of a pretty peasant girl is one of the participants, the Englishwoman's hurried departure to avoid a scandal, and the sinister machinations of a callous blackmailer are incidents which pave the way for a dramatic climax. / LONDON THEATRE. With settings of distinctive beauty, imaginatively blended into a background which does full justice to its colourful and romantic love story, " Morocco," at present being screened before enthusiastic audiences at tho London Theatre, is a picturo of ra/e appeal and. power. It introduces to the talking screen Marlene Dietrich, a German actress who has much of the elusive charm of Greta Garbo and perhaps' even greater ability for dramatic Gary Cooper plays the main suppolling role, that of a cynical private in the French Foreign Legion who is given a new outlook on womanhood by the Ktrange love which springs up between him and' Miss Dietrich, who is cast as a vaudeville artist appearing in a Moroccan cafe. TUDOR THEATRE. " Within the Law," in which Joan Crawford has tho leading role, will be shown at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, this evening. Ihe shorter films include a Charlit Chase comedy, while selections will be played by Eve Bentlcy's orchestra. " The Spell of the Circus will be screened at the matinee. LYRIC THEATRE. ? The vivacious Nancy Carroll is seen at her best in " Stolen Heaven," which is being screened at the Lyric Theatro. She is called upon to play a more dramatic role than usual. The second attraction is " Fast and Loose," an absorbing drama-romance of modern youth. There are excellent shorter films. AVONDALE THEATRE. " The /King of Jazz" and " Mr. Lemon of Orange" comprise the programme at tho Avondale Theatre. PAPAKURA THEATRE. " Rango" and " Follow the Leader" are the main pictures to be shown at the Star Theatre, Papakura, this evening. " Derelict" will be screened on Monday. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. " Tho Cat Creeps " will be shown at the Picturcdrome Theatre this evening. It will be followed by dancing. GREY LYNN CINEMA. "The Office Wife" and "The Truth " About Youth" will comprise tho main entertainment at tho Grey Lynn Cinema - this evening. Dorothy Mackail and Lewis Stone are the principals in tho * former. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. Soviet Russia forms the vivid back- » ground for "The Spy," the telling drama to be shown at the Epsom Regent Theatre i this evening.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. After many appearances in short comedies, which have brought them to the forefront among screen comedians, Stan. Laurel and Oliver Hardy are seen for tho first time in a full-length humorous film, "Pardon Us." Their appearance in such a feature lias boon eagerly anticipated, and tho picture itself, which opened its Auckland season at the St. James' Theatre last evening, will not. disappoint patrons. The storv is an amusing burlesque on tlie many recent films portraying life in American prisons. It provides the incongruous pair of comedians with a series of adventures in which their inimitable type of comedy is exploited to the greatest advantage. At tho opening, the two are seen as happy-go-lucky tramps, who try to depose of home-made liquor. Uieir plans miscarry and both are sent to prison, where the fun continues to ho fust and furious. Eventually, (hey make their escape, and to avoid recapture, adopt the guise of negro cotton-pickers. It says much for their talent that so disguised they arc able to preserve their own style of comedy through a further riot of incidents during which they make pets of the bloodhounds set on their trail. The two finally win pardons during a prison riot by their insane antics with a machine-gun. Included in tho programme is another exceptionally bright film, "Shipmates," in which Robert Montgomery has the leading role. Montgomery has been seen in many excellent pictures in support of some of the most noted actresses 011 the screen, arid within a short time has won a strong following. "Shipmates" is a light romantic comedy of naval life. Montgomery being seen as an able seaman 011 a battleship who, through a combination of circumstances, attends a ball at the homo of the admiral of the fleet.. He is taken for an oil magnate from Brazil, and attracts the attention of the admiral's daughter,- who soon reciprocates his affection. '1 he romance receives a check when he is suddenly ordered to join his ship, which is to sail immediately for battle practice. Just before tho ship is to leave tho girl goes 011 board to see her father and is surprised to find the posed millionaire on duty 011 the admiral s barge, while her fiance becomes aware of his rival's real status. In addition to these troubles, Montgomery is engaged in a feud with a petty officer, and his attempts to extricate himself from his entanglements provide bright comedy. The film ends on a note of drama, with a struggle to save an ammunition lighter from the blazing oil released from a burning tanker. Dorothy Jordan is charming as tho girl. Hobart Bosworth gives an excellent portrayal as the father and Ernest Torrence is seen as the petty officer. A feature of tho production is tho inclusion of many scenes showing tho American Pacific Fleet at sea in manoeuvres, battleships, destroyers and aircraft all being combined in gunnery practice. In addition to the two main pictures the lastest news reels arc shown. "SEED" FOR ST. JAMES*. The next attraction at St. James' Theatre will be "Seed." the Universal studio's version of Charles G. Norris* novel. Tho roles in this absorbing drama of domestic life are played by John Boles, Genevieve Tobin, Lois Wilson, Zasu Pitts, Bette Davis, Richard Tucker and Frances Dade. That the life of a family man is a barrier to freedom of thought is the thesis on which "Seed" is based. The acting is claimed to be of a high standard. Lois Wilson, as the unfortunate mother fighting for tho existence of her home, is'bound to hold the sympathy of picture-goers. John Boles, who makes his first appearance in a "drama of intellect," shows himself capable of thoughtful and skilful stagecraft, for his style throughout, the film is rather that of the stage than of the screen. The third most important part— of tho "other woman" in the eternal 'triangleis taken by Miss Tobin. The picture was produced under the direction of John M. Stalil, who has achieved considerable success as a director of domestic dramas. NATIONAL THEATRE For sheer barbaric splendour amid the primitive fastnesses of the Caucasus mountains, "The White Devil, the artistic U.F.A. film, which was received with enthusiasm at tho National Theatre yesterday, surpasses most pictures of its type. Moreover, it is accompanied almost throughout by beautiful allusne music which is always in accord with the mood of the story, whether it be a tender love scene or fierce conflict between belligerent mountain tribes. Ivan Mosjoukin, who plays Leo Tolstoy s Hadii Murat, the fiery Caucasian chieftain who would run counter to the imperious Tsar Nicholas 1., is a virile, commanding figure, and Betty Amann brings a wistful beauty to the part of the heroine, a wonderful dancer coveted by the Tsar. Good performances also come from tritz Albert, who clothes the somewhat unpleasant Tsar with a vesture of realism, and Lil Dagover, whose radiant charm makes her the perfect choice for the part of the Tsarina. In addition to the vital drama of the plot, the excellence of the acting and the panoramic splendour of the settings, tho film is enriched by the singing of tho Don Cossacks Choir, which toured the Dominion a few years ago, and the delightful dancing of the Russian Imperial Ballet. One of the most enthralling episodes, following an early battle scene in which the Russian soldiers almost completely destroy a Caucasian village, presents a glorious view of the victorious marauding band returning by a precipitous, winding mountain path. 1 hen some of the mountaineers are seen preparing a mine on the rocky heights and suddenly tho opposing soldiers below are overwhelmed nv an avalanche of shattered rock. This is typical of the immensity of the production throughout. There is a varied supporting programme, including Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody played by a talented orchestra, the Pat lie Audio Review, and a Paramount comedy. STRAND THEATRE. Drama and comedy are both represented in the new programme at the Strand Theatre. " His Friend's Wife," a story of two men of contrasting types, is notable for the fine acting of Regis Toomey, Grant Withers and Mary Astor. A story of an American railway, it includes'thrilling scenes of a tragic tram crash. The more irresponsible of tho two men marries a flightly young woman in a moment of hilarity and to escape the designing woman's foils he goes 2 li\c with his happily-married friend. Although he hurriedly leaves when he finds that he loves the married woman, his hasty departure arouses the suspicions of the husband With this situation as a basis a story of dramatic intensity has been constructed. Claude Allister, Eng is i comedian, who will be remembered as the duke in " Monte Carlo," plays the part of a timid Englishpian who in a dream imagines himself' a swashbuckling pirate in " Captain Applejack," the second film. Mary Brian makes a charming heroine and a splendid performance is also contributed by John Hall.day, the villain of " The Spy" and countless other films. RTALTO THEATRE. Marie Dressier, the inimitable tragicomedienne of "Min arid Bill, gives a more boisterous portrayal iri "Reducing," in which she appears as a wouldbe beauty specialist at the Riallo 'I heat re to-day. A second film is "The Painted Desert," in which William Boyd is tho principal ONEHUNGA STRAND THEATRE. Lawrence Tibbett sings splendidly in "The Rogue Song," to bo shown at the Onchunga Strand Theatre to-day. EMPIRE THEATRE. "White Shoulders" and "Wild Company" will be shown at the Empire Theatre this evening.

CIVIC THEATRE. Although a largo number of highly excellent ' programmes has been presented at the Civic Theatre, few have surpassed in entertainment value tho programme which commenced a brief season yesterday. Exceptionally varied, all tastes are catered for, and tho appreciation of last evening's audience was manifest. Comedy is the keynote of the principal att.iaction, " Annabelle's Affairs," the screen's adaptation of Clare Rummer's stage success " Good Gracious, Annabelle!'" Jeanette Mac Donald, tho winsome young actress who will bo remembered for her sterling characterisations in M 11 0 Vaga bond King," "Monte Carlo," "Oh, For a Man!" and other recent films, enacts the leading role, in which she scores, perhaps, the greatest triumph of her meteoric career. She appears as an irresponsible society girl, Annabelle. Leigh, who, through force of circumstance, is compelled to marry against her will a rough and illiterate miner, portrayed by Victor McLaglen. Thcro follows a series of highly amusing episodes 111 which the light-hearted Annabelle is tho central figure. Her performance throughout is superb and she realistically masters all the frequent changes in style of acting demanded of her. \ ictor McLaglen also has a difficult role, appearing first as a rugged goldminer and later as a successful capitalist and gent lonian of leisure Thii story, a most pleasing romance, is full of witty dialogue and holds the attention of the audience from start to finish Roland Young, son-in-law of the author, is seen as McLaglen's commercial rival and heads the supporting cast. lcr prominent parts are taken by Ruth \\ .11 rcn, William Collier, senr., Joyce Comp ton and Sain Hardy. A feature of th« performance last evening was a musical interlude provided by Howard Moody on fhe in and organ. His rendering of selections from " La Bohen.e" (Humbert) and Beethoven's "Minuet in G ' met with prolonged applause. The programme is completed bv several short films, nicludlnc a delightful comedy, "Bitter I'riends, a travelogue, " India To day," and the latest Fox Movietone News. lho latter picture illustrates many topicifl events overseas, notably tho final of the Davis Cup tennis contest between Britain an France and a recent official visit to London of the French Foreign Minister M. Briand. Inspiring views are also showi of Dr. Hugo Eckener's famous transatlantic Zeppelin in flight, several of the scenes being taken from within the airship. TIVOLI THEATRE. "Tho Love Habit," a product of tho British International Studios, is at present delighting audiences at the Tivoli theatre with its subtle humour and clevei acting. Translated from the I<rench of Louis Verncuil, tho piece loses nothing by its transfer to the English talking screen. Seymour Hicks, who for many years has held a prominent place in English comedy, heads the cast, and associated with him are Edmund Breon and Margot Grahame. As a stout but veiy amorous Frenchman, Mr. Ilieks is amtisinu every minute of his appearance on the screen. In attempting to further h:s ad vances with a wealthy woman with whom ho has become infatuated, he succeeds in becoming engaged as her husband's valet, and,- learning of the husband's infidelity, uses his knowledge to make the unfortunate man countenance riis presence in tho house. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Doctors' Wives," with Joan Bennett and Warner Baxter as the principals, will bo the main attraction at the Britannia Theatre this evening. The matinee programme will comprise ' lorlorn River, an "Our Gang" comedy and a Mickey the Mouse cartoon. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The antics of Polly Moran and Marie Dressier provide highly-diverting entertainment in "Reducing," which is being presented at the Crystal Palace .Fheatxe, Mount Eden. The supporting production is "Three Girls Lost," a story of tho adventures in Chicago of three country girls of contrasting temperaments. Loretta Young and John Wayne arc the principals. VICTORIA THEATRE. Graco Moore and Lawrence Tibbett have splendid roles in the musicalromance, "New Moon, which heads the attractive programme at tho Victoria Theatre, Devonport. "The Spell of the Circus" will be shown at tho matinee. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Marion Davies plays a typical madcap role in "It's a Wise Child," to head the programme at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. "Under a Texas Moon," filmed in colour, will also be shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Love Waltz," the fine musical romance to head tho programme at- tho Empress Theatre to-day, has tho Auckland actor, John Batten, in the loading role. CIVIC CAFE. A performance by the Civic ballet arid the Six Midgets will be given at the Civic Cafe tin's evening during tho serving of supper. Dancing may be availed Of" to music played by Chips Ifealv and his band. Tho film to he shown during supper to-morrow evening is "'lho Sky Scraper." Tho principal players in n, thrilling story of city life are William Boyd, tho actor of numerous 'films, and Sue Carol, a charming soubrctfe. ORGAN RECITAL. An attractive programme has been arranged for the organ recital in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon, will include a fine movement by Elgar and works bv Bach, Widor and Rowley. Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play Johnston's " Evensong " and Schubert's " Ave Maria." COMMUNITY SINGING. Another popular community singing gathering was held in the Lewis Lady Hall last evening, when Undo Tom, of IZR, was song leader. Tho usual gather ing will be hold in the Town Hall dining the lunch hour on Wednesday. MA H GIIER IT A ZE LAN DA. Great interest has boon aroused in the forthcoming recitals to be given by Margherita Zeianda, tho gifted New Zealand coloratura singer, in Auckland next week. The first two concerts, on Thursday and Saturday, will take place in the Town Hall Concert Chamber, and the final one will he given in the main Town Hall on the following Tuesday. Miss Zeianda is a pupil of the famous Bel Canto School in Italy and Manlio Bavag noli. She will bo remembered for her singing at tho recent radio exhibition. TRAINING COLLEGE OPERA. A light opera of Japan, " 0 ITara San," will ho presented by students of the Auckland Training Collego in Scots Hal! on Thursday and Friday evenings. The artists will include Miss M. Armour, soprano, in the title-role. Miss Stella Bond, contralto, Miss E. Bryers, mezzosoprano, Mr. T. B. O'Carroi, bass, Mr. G. Watson, tenor, Mr. A. M. Baildon, baritone, and Mr. S. 11. Johnston, baritone IT ANO AND SONG RECITAL. A pianoforte and song recital will bo. given by Miss Molly Atkinson and Miss PHyllis Graham in the Lewis Eady Hall on Monday, September 28. They will be assisted by Miss Moya Cooper-Smith.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Tho human drama which is being enacted in thousands of homes tho world over, tho age-old story of flic father who does not see tho point of vic,\v of his small son, tho story, too, of tho mother who is, toni between love for her husband and desire to protect her misunderstood boy—this is the themo of "Father's Son," which opened a season at tho Majestic Theatre last evening. It. is a tale which struck home, by its very simplicity, a tale of a. father 100 immersed iu the worries of business to enter into the innocent, pranks of his "young demon" of a sou. . 'I lie screen slni v has been constructed Irom Booth laikington's novel "Old Fathers and Young Sons." And Ihe spirit of it, hns-.-bern faithfully preserved. Il the whole realm of (ho 'stage had been searched it is doubt fill whether I lie. picture could have been more suitably cast. Who has the, military bearing dignity of Lewis Stone, as the preoccupied William Emory, great in 'finance'' Who could better enter into tho role of (he wife and mother tllan j lO ijo Rich'' And the youngster, honest, as the day. full of animal spirits, incapable of a. mean act-—who more fitting .than Leon .lanney, the 14-year-old hoy actor, who already has revealed the beginnings of a career of genius? There is also John llalliday, who sympathetically plays the part of a young doctor with ■i big heart, who so well understands where the father fails. I'alhos and comedy have been blended to perfection. There are the lad's misdemeanours in church, the upsetting of the collection plate, his trip on a rag and bottle cart,, his fight, with the bad boy next door the purloining of father's revolver, and a host •of other boyish escapades. But the father never understands. Ihe sorrowing mother' realises that, lor tho little chap's happiness thorn must bo a break, and she takes the step. It is nil refreshing! v sweet. The picture succeeds because 'it is Ultimate and devoid ol artificiality. An appealing fa e,n which tho moral never obtrudes. Jhe supporting programme is well balanced, the biro including a news reel, a descent into tho largest cave ill the world, the final of tho Australian golf championships, and a talking cartoon. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. ■fho Bohemian Orchestra will give the third concert of its 18th season in the Town llall on Thursday evening. Ihe orchestral selections will comprise compositions by Wagner, Smctana, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Bizot. The vocal portion of the programme will bo provided bv the St. Cuthbert s Gills School Choir, which will render " Dream Song," " Tho Chaso," " Peat-Fire Flame " and " Forty Years On." Violin numbers with orchestral accompaniment will bo played by Mr. Frank Parsons, while Mr. S. Sly, who is making bis first appearance in Auckland after three years sojourn in 'lie United States, will contribute trombone solos. MUNICIPAL BAND. '* Another delightful programme will be submitted by tho Municipal Band at the Town Hall this evening. The assisting artists will be Miss Adelc Taylor, soprano, Mr. Tom Moffitt, tenor, Mr. Hal C. McLennan, flautist, Mr. Fred Bowes, cornetist, and Mr Rowland Jackson, xylo phonist. Tho hand numbers will include Coleridge Taylor's beautiful romance, " The Prairie Lilies," Tschaikowsky's Fifth Symphony, Verdi's " Nabucca," and other excellent numbers. The band will also give a fine programme at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. NAVA L ENTERTAINMENT. An unusual entertainment will be presented by the ship's band of the warship Diomede and a concert party from the three vessels Diomede, Laburnum and Philomel in tho Town Hall on Friday evening. The proceeds will bo devoted to the Auckland City Mission.