AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17957, 8 December 1932, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

TO-NIGHT’S RECITAL j,., Av, ~ . . MISS HAMPTON’S PUPILS i“lr is one of the best, performances o.f its kind that- I have ever seen,” were the remarks of a Gisborne resident, who has had considerable experience, on the stage, at the conclusion or a rehearsal of the recital which is to ■bo given to-night at the Opera House by Miss Anno Hampton amf’hcr pupils in aid of the Holy 'Trinity Gliurch earthquake restoration fund. The recital was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Mangapapa, towards the end of last month and was such a success that it was decided to accede to a request that the performance lie repeated. Since that date several rehearsals have been hold and’.Miss Hamilton anticipates that the recital to-night, will be even more successful than the last one. Considerable attention has been given to the stage effects, which have been described as extremely picturesque, the settings, it, is stated, rivalling those of some professional productions.

The programme will be the same as the last with the addition of vocal solos by Canon A. F. Hall and Miss Vera McCarthy, and a dance duo by Misses T. Hutton and L. Jamieson, pupils of Miss Mona Craig.

MAJESTIC THEATRE With a east including such artists as Gertrude Lawrence, Owen Nares ami Hugh Wakefield, “Aren’t We All? Frederick Lmsdale’s brilliant satire now showing at tlm .Majestic Theatre, could lipt fail to be .attractive. When tlm picture was released in London the critics were very favorably impressed, one going so far as to write that “Aren’t We All?” the Paramount British film, is in direction and general technique superior to anything Paramount have sent over from Hollywood this year. Paramount’s Hollywood product *is famed for its polish and lavisliness. But “Aren’t We All?” outshines it. . . . The story is just a, delicate trifle, decked out with Frederick Lonsdale’s epigrams and philosophy. A newly-married couple discover each other flirting. The tiff that follows lasts for a couple of acts. Then reconciliation comes. Really that is all there is to the story, and as such it is not ideal talkie material. But then that is leaving out of account the lively, witty imnginative direction work which Harry has brought to the making of (lie picture. For every literary epigram from Lonsdale, Lachman has- contributed a photographic epigram. There is constant action on the screen. . . . The acting, too. is another monument to his directorial skill.”

REGENT THEATRE Gloria Swanson appears once again to captivate her audiences in “To-night or Never,” now being screened ai the Regent Theatre. With its lavish settings and beautiful music, the picture is a screen adaptation of the Belasco stage success Of the same name. The throb of Gipsy and Italian melodies, the moonlit nights on the Danube and the canals of Venice heighten Ilia romantic atmosphere of a story which tells of an opera singer’s .Success, achieved through a love that enriches her soul and finds expression through her voice. Jn the mle of Noll a Yago, Gloria Swanson plays tlm part of Hu impetuous singer whose critics praise her voice but accuse her of having no soul.- An unknown admirer appears upon, tlm scene and she loses her heart, thereby bringing about a wonderful transformation in her voice that brings with it also the fulfilment of material apibition. Melvyn Douglas, who duplicates bis stage role, upon tha screen, gives a finished performance as a romantic lead. The supporting programme is varied.

A programme of mixed selections will be presented .by the Gisborne City Band at the Waikanae Beach this evening, commencing at 7.30 o’clock. A tenor horn solo by Master .T. Vagg entitled “Silver Threads Among the Gold” will bo featured.-