AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17607, 24 October 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “Monto- Carlo,” Ernst Lubitsch’s special production for Paramount which ,is. screening to-day at the Majestic Theatre, is featured* witli some of the best acting that lias been seen in a picture during the past year. Who over threw Jack Buchanan, the English actor, and the beautiful blonde, Jeannette MacDonald, together in this film made a. selection of genius, for the opposition of types arid the extraordinarily highspirited way in which tho' ffw'o combine make, tlteir'partnership something to bo stored in memory. “Monte Carlo.” the story of a countess who flees from a wedding with a duke to try her luck at tlio green tables, and of the pertinacity and charm of her conquest', Count- Rudolph, is staged with the subtlety and charm of a fnfe’producer and is studded witli musical numbers! The introduction of music; it must be confessed, is somewhat disturbing at first, but it is light-hearted, attractive music, cleverly made to appear as conversation and with lyrics which aro spirited and easy-flowing. The story, a replaying of “Monsieur Beaucnire,” refers to the opera of “Monsieur Beam cnirc” for its climax, and it is played throughout, in the true manner of comedy, deliciously, smilingly. The supporting bill includes a number of short and .stimulating pictures, a news reel, a cartoon in which Mars is explored, and other high grade featurettes.

REGENT THEATRE

. Tim Rogept Theatre will be re-opened tb-riigilit, when tlio public of Gisborne will have an opportunity of seeing the screen version of ‘‘East Lynne.” As a novel and as a play. “East Lynne” has Had a wide'vogue for many years, and its appearance as a talking picture has excited no little comment. The principal .voles are taken by Ann Harding, Olivo Brook, and Conrad Nagel, all of whom give of their best. Too high praise) can .scarcely be given to the manner in which Miss Harding carries out the extremely difficult' task of playing the part of Lady •Isabel; her acting throughout, being of such quality that it is difficult for the audience to'believe that, it is not watching a drama of rent life. Olive Brook also proves that he is a master actor by lils rendering of the role of Captain Levoson: while Nagel; as the somewhat Puritanriical husband, carries out an uncongenial part with great credit.

OPERA HOUSE.

The scenic setting of “High Jinks,” to be presented in the Opera House next week, is quite unusual as stage sets go, and in the local production nothing lias been left undone to make this part of tho production the usual high standard that Messrs, Cardston and .Baxter always endeavor to maintain. Act I shows on one side a complete doctor’s surgery, arid on tho opposite side is Mrs. Thorne’s residence, this setting being carried out in tones very pleasing to the eye, and is Hie work of Air. Johns, a local artist;. Scenes II iui<l 3.11 are at; u French bathing resort; special attention has been paid bore to detail’ to allow of novel work being done by the ballot and the chorus. Ju fact, throughout the production novelty, 'work prevails. Another unusual scene is the dinner party, given in: Act 111 , gaiety, romance and pat lies being blended in a mariner convincing to the audience. At l the dress rehearsal held last evening tho wonderini ensemble was a delight, of color, arid its over-changing: lrtodos, revealed agaih arid again new ideas, new stylos; 'and a' riot of color. Hr their visual generous manner the members' of tlio Ravage Club have taken'charge of the stage arrangements, and under the direction of Mr. A. J. Nicoi; this, part of Hie production is in safe hands.

The Peter Pan Dance Glub, which has been conducting most successfully a series of dances in the Carlton. Hall, will hold a special dance on Wednesday next, Show night. Visitors to town and local dance lovers are: invited. Wrefnrd Wade's orchestra' will play. SHOW ATTRACTIONS MINERVA AND HER PETS One of the features among the side.show attractions at the Show will be Minerva, the Australian bush girl, who handles various reptiles, which; forituifately for New Zealanders; do not exist here. Hho fondles thetn right before one’s eyes arid they are alive. Minerva, before she was allowed to bring her pets into New Zealand, had to obtain a special license and leave a heavy bond on' them, lint oho lias no need to worry, as a special pit has lioeit constructed; arid they will be well out Of ham’s way although on full view to patrons. This show is of an educational value, both for children and adults. Tlio prico of admission is reasonable-.*