AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20638, 9 February 1929, Page 20

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. ' The Regent Theatre was packed to the doors last night with an audience that was delighted with both portions of the new programme—the picture portion and the vaudeville portion. Certainly, both were excellent, and anyone who failed to appreciate them would indeed be hard to please. The picture is entitled “ Just Married,” a Paramount production, in which Ruth Taylor and James Hall are the stars, with a supporting cast consisting of William Austin, Lila Lee, Harrison Ford, Ivy Harris, Maude Turner, Gordon, Arthur Hayt, and others. When it is mentioned that the author is also the author of “ Abie’s Irish Rose" no more need be said to prove the excellence .of the theme that runs through the story of “Just Married.” It is farce-comedy of the highest order, with everything enjoyable in its many acts, and not a point anywhere to which exception could be taken. This is the story: Victorie (Lila Lee), dress model in the Parisian shop that makes Roberta Adams’s (Ruth Taylor ) trousseau, discovers Roberta’s fiance is the man who jilted her, Percy Jones (William Austin). When Robert and Percy sail to New York to be married, Viotorire is abogyd, determined to break up the match. Also on board is ■ Bob Adams (James Hall), who saw Roberta at the dock, and .was smitten with her, and who impulsively got on the ship. On board ho meets friends. Jack Stanley (Harrison Ford), and his wife (Ivy Harris), who are starting on their honey*moon. Roberta is travelling with her aunt and uncle, but through a mistake, she and Bob are given the same stateroom. She is in bed when Bob is brought in, slightly drunk. In the morning they discover each other. Bob, having only his evening clothes, borrows a suit from Jack On the back of it is chalked “Just Married.” This starts gossip; it is said that Bob and Roberta are unmarried, but p.osing as honeymooners. Roberta hears another rumour that Bob is already married to Victoire. Roberta has broken her engagement to Percy because of his jealousy. When Percy hears the gossip, he tells her aunt and uncle. Outraged, they start for her stateroom. Meanwhile Victoire has sneaked into Roberta’s stateroom. There Percy comes face to face with her, and she discloses their past relationship to the aunt and uncle. _ At the same time Bob proves his eligibility for Roberta’s hand, and she, having overheard the conversation from the next stateroom, comes running to his arms.

The vaudeville portion provided a fund of rich and rare entertainment—rich because of its merit and rare because it is a class that is seldom seen in Dunedin. It is a show that is quite unique. “ The World’s Entertainers,” who are touring the globe—they have already covered 200,000 miles—are popular wherever they appear, and in other parts of this Dominion where they have shown they have been welcomed by thousands of Enthusiastic patrons. _ Evelyn May, a dainty _ performer, provides an artistic exhibition of national dancing. Manelli and Mack take part in an act of juggling that is simply bewildering in its performThe former, a Continental juggler, is said to _be the only pupil the great Cinquevalli ever took under his charge, and is acclaimed by many authortics as the successor _of that great artist. The ease with which he manipulates eight or ten hoops at once, or balances a lighted lamp on a table which in turn is balanced on a billiard cue resting on his chin,makes one hold one's breath with amazement. Jean M'Donald gives a charming performance with her dolls. It is a show in itself, and impersonation of a number of vaudeville starrs is very clever. The last act is the biggest and the most astounding. It is provided by Harmston’s performing cockatoos. In all there are 3.1 birds—Brazilian macaws, Australian white cockatoos, Borneo corollas, African greys, and Queensland gallahs—all of which are almost human in their intelligence and capabilities. One bird plays “Home, Sweet, Home,” on the chimes. Another answers any question from the audience, such as a required number on a bell, telling time from a watch, or working small sums. _ The cockatoo acrobat would make any circus clown jealous with his feats. “Ben Hur,” a dare-devil bird, goes round the stage helter-skelter in his chariot. It was _in Shanghai that “Colonel,”_ an amazing bird, created considerable interest. The higher class of Chinese are marvellous mathematicians, and the feats in subtracting, adding, and multiplying figures made a big hit with the commercial men of that city. The manager of the birds is Miss Harmston, a mere girl, yet in her 'teens, and the command she has over her charges is very pleasing to witness. The cockatoos, says Miss Harmston, are easy birds to train. After a little patient training they never forget 'what they have learned, and all the training is a question of kindness. A solid gold, locket of unique ■ design was presented bv-, a Burmese prince to Miss Harmston after he lin'd witnessed the performance of the cockatoos. Taking it altogether_ the entertainment is as noval as it is enjoyable, and last night’s audience appreciated it to the utmost of their bent. The Recent Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Neville Ravel, contributes charming music.

EMPIRE THEATRE. The outstanding feature of the change of programme at the Empire Theatre this week is an intensely dramatic film that falls naturally into line with the best pictures that have been seen in Dunedin. It is an American production, but not a scene or a title suggests either New York or Hollywood. First National have take!) a chapter out of Parisian life, and have presented it in the form of a story that cannot fail to interest and enthrall. “Life's Circus” is not a pretty picture, but that is as it should be, since the theme is unlovely. It commences with a great wrong, and throughout and amazingly realistic tale the chief characters in the piece are engaged in the righting of an even greater wrong. There is nothing meretricious or trifling in “ Life’s Circus.” It compels the. most unwilling attention, and at the same time serves a real purpose. The basis of the story is the ultimate triumph of the greatest forces in human experience—a mother’s love • for her child, the love of brother for brother, and the love of a man for a maid. No trashy story, this that provides nonsense and buffoonery for pantomimic players, but a drama_ that calls for the exercise of talent and. histrionic skill that are denied to the large body of film artists. The cast is an,exceptionally fine one, and the technique of the production gives the players every opportunity to put up a fine performance. The second film . is in marked contrast to the feature production, but it serves its purpose admirably, providing the welcome light, of comedy to go with the sombre shade of serious drama. It is entitled “ The; Clinging Vine,” and the principal roles are in the capable bands of two very well-known and popular players—Beatrice Joy and Tom Moore. Light, airy, and inconsequential as it is, “ The Clinging Vine ” is good entertainment, and in spite of its improbability it preaches a moral and adorns a tale. It shows very clearly that a woman cannot have everything. If she wishes to disport herself in male attire and pit her wits against men in the stern game of big business, she cannot expect the homage and romance that are the womanly woman’s lot. “ The Dried-up Prune,” the “ The Clinging Vine,” found out the truth of that axiom, when having dominated men in commerce she thought to bring them to her side with nothing more attractive than a severe serge frock, closeclipped hair, and clumsy brogues. She did it in the end, but Her experiences in the chose were not all enviable, and her first impressions were all dignified. The story makes a very diverting film, and the players make the best of the story. In brief, the programme of pictures that will be shown at this theatre for the coming week is remarkable for both balance and quality, and should certainly be seen. But the limelight has more to do at the Empire Theatre than merely assist in the projection of pictures. Its glamorous rays light up the stage very effectively, for the further appearance of the popular and talented tenor, Mr Ernest M'Kinlay, whose services have been retained by the Empire management for another week. His items last evening were received with the same appreciation and enthusiasm that were accorded hia singing last week. His rendering of “ Waiata Poi ” was obviously to the taste of the audience, and he struck many responsive chords with a very fin? handling of "Hail, Caledonia." He also found great favour for the excellent manner in which he sang a little negro spiritual (‘“I Gotta. Roam but his best number was undoubtedly “Jeannine.” The earhaunting melody of this charming little song would, of course, be an attraction at any time, but Mr M'Kinlay invested it

with a rarer dignity than js usually associated with the syncopated airs of our time. His attractive voice served him well, and he deserved all the applause which accompanied his departure from the stage. His brief appearances throughout the coming week will unquestionably be very popular; Seldom has a theatre in this city resounded to the rich and glorious volume of music and sound that issued from the Christie organ last evening. The great instrument was not, as has been too often the case up to the present, asked to glorify the jazzy trifles that tickle the ears of the groundlings. “Andante and Allegro ” was the featured item, and for the first time the audience were given a substantial hint of the marvellously full body of tone of which the organ is capable. .The rafters rang and the walls trembled from the assault of virtuousity arid a satisfied audience revelled in the majesty of real music. “Just a Melody Out of the Sky ” was almost banal following immediately after, but it was well received. The orchestra, under the baton of Mr Charles Aves, gave one of its characteristic performances.

STRAND THEATRE. The current programme at the Strand Theatre, which is entering upon its second week, stilly proves popular with those who enjoy variety. The programme is well balanced, and the interest is maintained from start to finish. After an interesting and well compiled Fox News item, there is a bright and hilarious comedy, “ A Man About Town,” which centres about a young man who appears to have the knack of doing everything wrong, and who is for ever causing trouble. ' He is anxious to win the hand of a banker’s daughter, and though successful to a. degree, arouses the jealousy of the other young men about town. His amorous conquests get him into many a scrape, and occasion him much severe treatment at the hands of his rivals. However, with the aid of a strength-giving electrical belt, he assumes a new courage, and there are many laughable scenes before he finally triumphs over his tormentors. Some artistic photography is found in the coloured moving picture version of the meeting of Antony and Cleopatra. The main feature of the programme is “ The Magic Flame,” starring the two popular players. Ronald Colman and Vilma Banky. The former is seen as Tito, a clown in Baretti’s circus, and Vilma Banky fills the role of Bianca, a tightrope dancer. Bianca meets a libertine prince, who is almost the living image of Tito. Under the pretence of obtaining for Bianca a better position, the prince entices her to his rooms. While she is absent, Tito, who is her ardent lover, thinks that treachery is afoot and follows her to the prince’s chambers. A terrific encounter is the outcome, and the prince is thrown from the window on to the rocks below and killed. Tito’s remarkable resemblance to the prince causes him to be proclaimed by the members of the Illyrian Court as the King of Illyria, the reigning monarch having died. Tito sends a note to Bianca, but it is not delivered, and Bianca thinks she is left alone. She entertains the idea that the real prince has killed Tito, and at once travels to Illyria with the object of avenging his death. The rest of the story is better seen than described, and' the end is a very satisfactory one. The Strand Orchestra, under the cbnductorship of Mr L. D. Austin, adds much to the enjoyment of the evening.

GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. Ad excellent double feature programme is being presented at the Grand and Plaza Theatres this week. The supporting pictures are two hilarious comedies, the chief of which is “Here Comes Charlie.” This is a farcical story of the work and love affairs of a shopwalker who is continually doing the wrong thing. The first feature attraction is “ The Barrier,” from the famous story of the" same name by Rex Beach. The featured players are Norman Kerry and Marceline Day, who play their parts to perfection. In “ The Wall Street Whizz ,r Richard Talmadge takes the title-role, and he is seen as a Wall street operator who has made a fortune from the Stock Exchange. After beating up a “ crook ” in a New York cafe, the. young multi-millionaire sportsman (Talmadge) .barely manages to escape the police by leaping on the running board of a passing car, which is occupied by a Mrs Bingham and her daughter Peggy. The former is horrified at the intrusion, but the latter is inclined to look favourably upon the young man. She urges her mother to offer him a job, when he admits he has none, and Dick, concealing his identity, takes a position as butler with the family. At the Bingham mansion he appears in his butler’s clothes, and, after many amusing situations, discovers ihat Clayton, Bing-, ham’s broker, is attempting to fleece the old man in Wall street Dick immediately gets into touch with his own broker and pulls some strings, ifter further adventures, Clayton tells Bingham that he must have a certain sum in securities before the market opens, but Lingham can only supply a portion of the required amount, and then returns the_ money to the safe. Clayton in the meantime hires some gunmen to force the safe and get the money that night. In a battle with the hired burglars the money :s taken, and Dick pursues the thieves._ He recovers the stolen funds, but is arrested by the police. Eventually be clears the matter up, and marries Peggy with the blessing of the astounded mother and'father.

KING EDWARD THEATRE. Dix plays the leading role in " Shanghai Bound,” the chief attraction at the King Edward Theatre this week. Dix has a reputation for doing manlv and strenuous things, and his work in this feature surely raises him somewhat higher in the eyes of his followers. He takes the role of a captain of a Yangtse River steamer during a period of revolution in China. The manner in which bo finds a party of American tourists who are unaware that food riots are about to break out, lends the foundation for a series of thrilling adventures. ' After many breath-taking escapes he invites the tourists on his ship to be substitutes for a deserted crew. Dix falls in love with an American girl who is amongst the party, but many hazardous adventures befall him before the happy conclusion is reached. The second attraction is a boxing Story entitled “ So This is Love,’’ with Shirley Mason and William Collier. jun„ in the leading roles.

OCTAGON THEATRE. So long as the Octagon Theatre continues screening, pictures of the class to which “ Trelawney, of the Wells ” belongs there is no chance of it losing its reputation as a theatre where something of the best class in the moving picture world may be seen. “Trelawney of the Wells” belongs to the emotional class of picture, but is entirely devoid of sentimentality. It comes from a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer source, which is a fairly good guarantee of its worth, Norma Shearer is cast as the heroine and Ralph Forbes as the hero, a young thoroughbred Englishman with a particularly straight-laced and severe old grandfather in Sir William Gower, these two being very strongly supported by a numerous body of vei— capable artists. Young Gower has the audacity—from his family’s point of view —to fall in love with Miss Trelawney. the .leading lady at Weills Theatre, arid his affection is returned with interest. Their meeting is a trifle romantic. There is a theatrical party out for a jaunt, a wheel conies off the commodious veliicle of a bygone period, and the party is iti a dilemma. Young Gower comes to the rescue with the offer of a wheel from his own carriage, which is gracefully accepted, and it is a case of love at first sight when hero and heroine see each other. After this Arthur Gower is ever an occupant of a box at Wells Theatre, but he is diffident, and needs a lot of encouragement from Rose before he really discloses the state of his heart. When he does there is a very pretty scene that would act as a spur to any backward young man to break the silence. Unfortunately, the course of true love docs not run top smoothly. Sir William finds out what is "rung on, and takes Rose Trelawney into his home, but she commits so many breaches of what the old gentleman considers decorum, that there is a very unhappy narting, and Rose returns to the age. Her popularity has, however, departed, and she conies to a state bordering on poverty. She is visited by Sir William, who offers her pecuniary assistance. but she indignnnt’y scorns the offer. The situation is. however, saved by Torn Wrench, -a member of the theatrical company. who ’.. luces Sir William to finance a play he has written.. When : t is produced. with Rose in the leading role, the man who is to,play the lover is brought forward at the last moment, and he is none other than Arthur. Naturally, there is a bit of very realistic love making in the first production, which is a success. Old Sir William sees it, and hard and obdurate as he is, it moves him deenly. He smiles paternally upon the

lovers, who are once more made perfectly happy. “ Trelawncy of the Wells "is a decidedly interesting and impressive story, and is well told on the screen. “ Came the Dawn ” is also included in the programme, in which the wild doings of a nervous old gentleman, and his even more nervous son, during imaginary midnight visitations from ghosts and goblins are most laughably portrayed. An interesting collection of scenes and incidents in various parts of the world completes the programme. The playing of the orchestra under the direction of M. de Rose is a treat to be heard and all the musical items are most artistically rendered, the " Slavonic Rhapsody ” being superbly given.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The new programme which had its initial screening at Everybody’s Theatre yesterday is a double-feature bill of no mean pretensions. • The chief film is entitled “ So This 1« Love,” and the principal players are William Collier, jun„ and the dainty Shirley Mason. The story is described as a triangular romance involving the affairs of a Scandinavian delicatessen store drudge, a prize-fighter, and a male dressmaker. It is with surprise that one sees come into the picture a Scandinavian Shirley with ill-fitting clothes and like manners, for such a role is very far removed from what Miss Mason is accustomed to present. However, this condition of affairs is not allowed to persist, for the skilful work of a youthful designer is placed at her disposal with the result that she appears in the lastest fashions and a very different atmosphere. The dressmaker, played by Collier, falls in love with, the little Scand”lavlan w h° already has transferred her affections to a burly prize fighter, who is aware of her existence only in that she is the provider of excellent foodstuffs. Finally, when the burly one does proceed to take notice of the girl, she discovers that she is not so fond of him after all, and the other young man’s chance eames to him. He is not slow to grasp it, and the whole tale is brought to a happy conclusion with a fast and exciting boxing match between the two lovers. The other picture is “ Roadhouse,” and the story tells how Larry Grayson’s search for excitement leads him away from his home and his sweetheart, Mary, to a road house on the outskirts of the city, where he meets Sally Carroll, whose part is that i the decoy of a gang of thieves. Under the ,influence of drink, Larry thinks himself in love with Sally, and brings her presents from his father’s store. It is, in the first place, the boy’s intention to pay for these, but he knows of his father’s custom of giving things to his stenographer. and he thinks he is justified in doing the same. Larries father Anally takes him to _ task about keeping company with a girl of Sally’s kind, and the lad immediately accuses his father of the same thing, and leaves home to join Sally. I’ rom this point, the story leads up to an excellent climax, all the tangled threads being straightened out and a happy endlnP being found. Both the pictures are well staged, and the photography is also deserving of _ praise. The supporting nlms are varied and interesting.

MOSGIEL PICTURES. The programme at the Mosgiel Municipal Theatre this evening is headed by Itamona, the remarkable film in which Dolores Del Rio has the stellar role. It is a romantic drama set in the Indian backwoods of America and is full of Another chapter of Collegians ” is the supporting feature. THE ST. HILDA BAND, TJI® t ' V 0 Popular champions, Leckie and Griffiths, will give a final exhibition of ™ n 6 before leaving New Zealand to lulhl contracts abroad, and various bouts are to be staged at the Drill Hall tonight. Johnny Leckie has been in constant training for some time, and is considered to be at the top of his form. Tommy Griffiths,., the boy that defeated M Abater, champion of Australia, has never relaxed his training, and a lightning exhibition can be expected from these two champions, Johnny Leckie will also box Fred. Smitheram. Bouts have been arranged between Tyler and Buckley and darker and Webber. Proceeds will be devoted to the. St. Hilda Band’s contest fund. “ISZATSO?” Tim amusing, film version of "Is Zat 00. the highly successful stage farce oj * j. sanie name* which was staged in Dunedin not long ago, will be presented on the new double-feature programme comics on Friday next to the Octagon Theatre, with George O’Brien and Edmund Lowe in the principal roles. In the hilarious story of the adventures of a prize-fighter and his manager who find themselves in high society all the flavour, spice, and witty sayings, of the play have been faithfully preserved. The second feature will be another brilliant comedy, Summer Bachelors,” a story of the mischief husbands get into while their wives are away. ST. HILDA CARNIVAL. The St. Hilda Carnival was continued last evening, and, as a result of the mild weather, there was a large attendance of pleasure-seekers. The various sideshows and amusement devices were particularly busy until a late hour, and the cabaret was well patronised by the younger folk, who found the floor and the music much to their liking. The carnival will be open this afternoon, and will be brought to a close this evening, and several new attractions are promised at both sessions.