AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17917, 22 October 1932, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Combining a human story with good acting, “Amateur .Daddy,” which commenced ai the Regent. Theatre today, is an excellent picture. J.n this w liimisiesil romantic drama Warner Baxter, of “Daddy Long Legs” Janu-, plays ilie likeable role of father H> a family of orphan wail's, and his leadinglady is charming Marion Nixon, who is rapidly coming ro the. forefront as one of file screen’s most talented stars.. Bathos and drama arc relieved by a strong vein of rich humor, which runs all through the picture. Warner Baxter is cast as Jim Gladden, a bridge construction engineer, who gives up his career to go out west and care for the children of Fred Smith, his friend and assistant n't work, who has been killed in an nceidobt. When Gladden stops inside a little shack in Scotch Valley. In- looks down the barrel of a shotgun and at ihe business end is a beautiful young girl, who tolls him to get out. She is Sally Smith (played by Alarion Nixon), wiio believes that the newcomer is a county officer who has come lo take charge of her young brother and baby sisters. Eventually Sally 's attitude towards him changes from silent adoration to love. Besides the responsibilities of caring for a family Jim is plunged into a tight against a neighbor. The story takes a dramatic turn wren Fred Smith, the father of the children, rot unis from prison and Jim learns that he bus adopted the wrong family. A series of interesting happenings lead up lo a delightful climax. The supporting items on the programme are no less attractive, and include ‘‘'The Green Spoi Murder,” (he first, thrilling chapter of the new English chapter piny. “Detective Llovil. which concerns the buttle of nils between a gang of international jewel thieves ami a hand of mysterious Egyptians, ynd .Detective Lloyd of Scotland Yard for a 'priceless jewelled armlet stolen from an ancient Egyptian toinlr.

THE PASSION PLAY

Over 700 persons take part in the Passion Play of Oberammergau. There are 109 speaking parts. These spend the early part of the morning in prayer at the village church. After this they go to their places in the big theatre. The great bell in the cathedral calls the people together and promptly at 8 a.m. with the booming of a cannon the curtain rises. The play continues through a fine series of choruses, tableaux, and acts until 12 o’clock, when an intermission of one hour and 40 minutes is taken for lunch. During this hour it is interesting to see this little village of about 1700 inhabitants transformed into a crowded company of about six or seven thousand. At 1.45 p.m. the cannon again booms land tho curtain rises for the afternoon programme. At 6 o’clock the closing seems come with the. “ascension.” Pictures of this most remarkable play will be shown for the first time in New Zealand at tlie Opera House on Monday and Tuesday. The special sacred music in connection with the Passion Play will be broadcast by station 2ZM on Monday evening. Music will commence at the Opera House at 7 o’clock, tlm picture will commence at 8 o'clock, and patrons are specially asked to be seated before that time. HOLY TRINITY RESTORATION FUND CONCERT A concert, in aid of the Holy Trinity Church restoration fund will be given next Tuesday evening at St. Andrew's schoolroom, which Ims been loaned by the Presbyterian Church authorities. Tho performance, lias been organised by Mr. Sydney Francis Ilolien, who will himself

talk of famous musicians and artists helms known in Germany or America. These include Edward Grieg, the Norwegian composer who was a student of the Leipzig Couservatorium of Music several decades before Air. Hobeu studied there; Carl Reinecke, tinder whom both studied: the Wagner family al Bayreuth, John Barrymore, Ferry Grainger ami Raul Whiteman. Mr. Hobeu also will pn-xeni Miss Alfrcda Blackman in all ratlive piano numbers bv Bach. Roetliovon (sonata. Op. 26) and Cyril Scott (“Dance Negro.''). Canon A. F. Hall will introduce to Gisborne the line Arthur Somerville vocal setting of Tennyson’s poem “Maud,” with Mr. Wilfrid Kolin as accompanist. Air. Leslie W. Anderson has chosen several interesting numbers for recitation, the chief being Service’s “Story of the Yukon.” OPERA HOUSE A number of attractive contributions to the Show week programme have been arranged by Mr J. Carrington Wellhy for presentation in tluOpera House. The programme for the three nights, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, for which the Opera House lias been engaged, will lie of a pleasingly diversified nature, ranging from revue to grand opera.

Tin- Gisborne Choral Society will appear in “The Bohemian Girl” on Wednesday night, ami included in their programme will be extracts from grand opera. Ladies ’, mixed, and male quartets will assist. The soloists will be Miss Doreen Hunt. Mr Bay Nicholson, and Mr T. Carrington Wellhy. Mr J. Vita and Mr J.'Carrington Wellhy will conduct. The second part of the programme will witness the principal numbers from the first act of “Madame Butterfly,” performed by the }Studio Grand Opera Company.

Thursday night’s programme will he devoted lo a revue entitled “One Parisian Night.” In this production Mr Wellhy presents something new in tin- way of revue to Gisborne audiences, and “The Al asters” Revue Company includes outstanding laieul.

The. revue will be followed by a farce comedy entitled “His Turn Next,” played by the Studio Dramatic, Company, depicting- the anxieties and troubles of a timid bridegroom who believes his wife is trying to poison him.

The final performance will take place on Sal unlay, October L’!t, and will include “The Masters” in a repetition of (lie revue, followed by the comedy, “lei on I’arle Francois.”

\Vliiil promises to he one of the best dances of the season will he held in the City flail ncxl Thursday night (race night). when Keiha’s jazz hand of M instruments will play the latest popular jazz, “hits.” The dance is in aid of the 4wapiini parish fund, and a light supper is included in the very modest price for admission. A special invitation is extended to all visitors to Cdshorne to bo present.