AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17526, 22 July 1931, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE

Marion Davies surrounded herself with a cast of celebrities in the supporting parts of "It's a Wise Child," winch will close at the Majestic to-night. Pronnnent on the list of supporting players arc ■Sidney Blackmer, James Gleason, Lester Vail,"and Marie Prevost. The story concerns the building or a molehill into a mountain.,though the devastating effects of a Sriiall-ttwn gossip. Brilliant featurettes also will be screened. As one of the most convincing of. re cent serious contributions to the talking screen emanating from Hollywood, "(.ibmrnou Clay," the drama of the tragedy of a woman's life, opening tomorrow, will bo appreciated % theatregoers. Miss Constance Bennett, wlio will he remembered for her finished portrayal in "Son of the Oods" opposite Richard Barthelmess, fulfils all the expectations which her fine performance in that film aroused. Although a wide, gulf separates her part of a pampered and temperamental American heiress in, "Son of the Gods" and the role of a young woman in humble circumstances to whom the Fates have been unkind, in "Common Clay," it is easily bridged by the artistry of the actress. As a young woman who after a sordid life in a notorious night club accepts the menial but honorable position of maid in the luxurious FuHerton home, where she is imposed upon by the irresponsible Hugh Fullerton, Miss Bennett gives a very human portrayal of. a difficult character. Aii equally "telling characterisation is contributed by Lewis Ayres, the youthful actor who first achieved fame for his convincing Paul Baumer in "All Quiet on the Western Front," in the part of the vacillating youth who is torn between a desire, to do his duty toward the woman and to obey tho. remorseless behest of his proud father. Hale Hamilton is excellently cast as a ruthless lawyer who himself gradually becomes enmeshed in the tragedy of his clients, and Miss Beryl Mercer gives another of her inimitable "mother" portrayals with a blend of comedy and pathos. ,

This week the Sunshine Club's community sing will be conducted by Mr. A. Zacbariah, who lias made a selection of bright choruses. Mr. A. Stonehom will take the chair and Mr. S. W. Strong will be the speaker. fine programme of entertaining items will be interspersed with community singing. Mr. J. Vita's orchestra has arranged two short and bright selections. Elocutionary items wilt be given by Miss Heather Pi vie- and Master E. Jones. Solos will be sung by Miss Lottie Trowell and Mr. A. Williams. An item of interest will bo given by .Mr. Neilson with his concertina, and Master Te Kani is to give a 3-minnte entertainment, which, together with an impromptu speech, should, provide a fine 1A hours' bright entertainment. Mrs. "W. Smith will play the accompaniments. As usual, the club will meet in the Methodist schoolroom, Bright street, and a hearty invitation is extended tr- everyone.

'llie arrangements mado for tho Uimond basketball dance in the Ormond Hall to-morrow night should ensure a most successful evening. Free buses will learo Hannah's corner and Patuiahi. Tho dance music will bs supplied by Wade's Ambassadors orchestra.