Round The Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 546, 26 December 1928, Page 15

Round The Shows

LYRIC “THE LITTLE SNOB” May McAvoy, as a little snob, gives a wonderful impersonation at the Lyric Theatre, where the picture, “The Little Snob,” is now being shown. The “little snob” became that by attendance at a swanky “finishing” school, during which time she decided that her Coney Island show folks —her father whose savings provided the schooling, and her beau, the “barker” in the show across the broadwalk, were very common people indeed. Then the rude awakening! “The Little Snob” is amusing in the extreme, rugged, human and tender. The cast includes Robert Frazer, Alec Francis, Virginia Lee Corbin, John Miljan and Frances Lee. “Sailors Don’t Care,” which is also being shown, is a decidedly humorous story of lower-deck life in the Navy.

TUDOR, REMUERA “THE DOVE” Norma Talmadge’s latest picture, “The Dove,” which will be shown this evening at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, is a beautiful photo-play of life in a small South American republic, and is full of action, romance and intrigue. The story tells of a graceful cabaret dancer in Costa Roja, known and toasted by everyone as “The Dove,” in recognition of her quiet and graceful dancing. She is loved by two men, Johnnie Powell. a young American gambler in a cafe across the street, and the other, Don Jose Maria y Sandoval, rich, a bully, and in his own opinion “the be s’ damn caballero in all Costa Roja.” Sandoval is influential also, and he plots the downfall of Powell. Fate plays into his hands for, in a moment of passion, Powell kills a henchman of his and is thrown into prison. How “The Dove” plots for Johnnie’s release by teasing and tantalising Sandoval makes an exceptionally fine picture.

BRITISH "TALKIES” SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC TRIAL , According to a special report received by British Dominions Films, Ltd., from tlieir London representative, J. S. de Rooper, Esq., a special screening of the British acoustic films at the Cameo Theatre, Baris, discloses new and remarkable potentialities in this allBritish sound process. The programme, which was presented by the Gaumont British Companv. consisted of half a dozen short subjects, and a full-length feature entitled “The Waters of the Nile,” in which there were some remarkable talking and sound effects. It is stated that in all subjects, perfect synchronisation was in evidence. Two facts much in the favour of this process is the clarity of speech and the comparatively cheap cost at which the machines and films can be made. A well-known London newspaper correspondent in Paris states his final impression was that the event was certainly a triumph for British acoustic films. . »

ST. JAMES THEATRE ENTERTAINING REVUE Complete with, a brand new set of sketches, jokes and dances, George Wallace, the Australian comedian, is back in Auckland, his season opening at St. James Theatre on Saturday evening. On Monday evening, the “Happy Moments” Revue Company, as Mr. Wallace’s combination is named, was accorded a wonderful reception, and it can be said that it will be one of the most popular shows to come to this city. The bulk of the comedy work falls on the shoulders of Mr. Wallace, with Jack Scott as chief mate in the fooling line. As well as being comedians above the ordinary, both are good

dancers and share the honours with Thelma Buxton and Maida Jones. The ballet is also seen in clever dancing at odd moments during the evening. The greater part of the programme is taken ud with two of Mr. Wallace’s playlets, "Mystery Manor” and "Off Honolulu.” In the former, Mr. Wallace shines as an imbecile old butler who is not quite as mad as he looks. The other playlet is also very entertaining. The jazz band provides one of the brightest parts of the show, George Wallace and his "Flaming Youths” giving a variety of dance hits which are deservedly popular with the audience. The entertainment will be continued nightly. CAPITOL “HAPPINESS AHEAD” Iq a picture decidedly different from anything in which she has appeared in the past, Colleen Moore comes to the Capitol Theatre this evening in her latest starring vehicle, "Happiness Ahead.” Although this production provides her with every opportunity to display her excellent flair for comedy, Miss Moore will also be seen in moments of deep drama, in which she is said to have proven an unusually capable actress. "Happiness Ahead” is the story of a little country girl who marries a city cardsharper, believing him to be an entirely honest young business man. The manner in which she discovers the truth, and the subsequent action of the principal characters, give "Happiness Ahead” a plot which is unique in the extreme. Edmund Lowe plays the chief supporting role. The second big attraction this evening is "Red Heels,” the story of a vivacious little Parisian dancer, played by Lili Damita, whose ambition conflicted with her love. DRURY LANE DRAMA FILMED Drury Lane conjures up to the old playgoer a host of alluring memories, and the mention of that great racing melodrama, "The Whip,” will associate itself with those days when the famous old playhouse was considered the home of melodrama. With all the added facilities of modern studios for reproducing scenes and sequences on spectacular scale. "The Whip,” in its picture version by First National Pictures, will prove more than ever attractive. With more than its share of thrills, great moments that are heart-catching in their appeal, the production promises a brilliant orgy of entertainment. Dorothy Mackaill, Lowell Sherman, and Anna Q. Nilsson have the leading roles, and are experienced players who extract every ounce of value from their particular characterisations.

Immediately following her starring role in the Joeef von Sternberg production, "The Case of Lena Smith,” at the Paramount Studios, Esther Ralston will be starred in another Paramount Production, "High Society.”

MAJESTIC “DRY MARTINI” Laughter and suspense, and romance, with some new twists are to be had at the Majestic Theatre, where “Dry Martini,” Fox Films happy comedy-drama is now being shown, with Mary Astor in the leading feminine role. This is the screen version of the John Thomas novel which tells the story of a middle-aged American, played by Albert Gran, who escapes to Paris to avoid the Volstead Act, and forgets to come back. An unusual feature in this picture is the fact that all the action is laid in and about Paris, with a realism and happy abandon that is understood when it is realised that the director, Harry D’Arrast is a Parisian and thoroughly familiar with liis native city and the Americans who make it their home. “Dry Martini” is light, hilarious and sophisticated, and keeps the audience happy with laughter. It is a picture that offers something altogether different in the way of film entertainment which it will not be fair to reveal here. The picture is one of a big programme, which includes an interesting film, “The World We Live In,” an Aesop cartoon, comedy and Majestic News. Mr. Whiteford-Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra plays some delightful incidental music and a selection of Christmas carols for the overture. Luring this week a special treat is provided for the children at the matinees every afternoon in “Aladdin’s Pantomime.” Miss Lillian O’Leary, one of New Zealand’s cleverest dancers, has been busy for months preparing 50 children for this pantomime. Her dance spectacles are generally admitted to be the best in the Dominion, and on this occasion she has excelled herself. There are 16 principals in the pantomime, and they sing the very latest songs. A special novelty bathing number introduces some surprise effects. The Grand March, the Butterfly Ballet, the Flappers’ Novelty number, the Fortune Teller’s scene, the Okay Ballet, Rolling Round the World feature, and little Koanui (that clever little dancer for whom a great future is predicted) all provide ear-tickling or eyesatisfying items. It would take too long to enumerate all the good things in this pantomime feat, but suffice it to say that no other Majestic pantomime has excelled it. “The Cave of Jewels” with its scintillating gems, its fluttering white moths, and sinister demons, offers direct contrast to the briliant “Palace of Aladdin,” where colour runs riot in a maze of beautiful dress creations. The Chinese Palace in Peking is another striking scene. Novel lighting effects, comedy, beautiful costumes, gay dancing girls and gorgeous ballets all make “Aladdin” one of the most memorable in the history of Auckland stage presentation.

PIRATE SHIP, MILFORD FLANNEL DANCE THIS EVENING The Pirate Shippe Cabaret, Milford, will be open again this evening, when a Flannel Dance will be held. Dancing will be enjoyed until 1 a.m. Mr. Clem Dawe and the members of the Midnight Frolics Company, now playing at His Majesty’s Theatre, have signified their intention of being present this evening, and the officers of the Dana and the members of the Danish Scientific Expedition have also been invited.

NEW REGENT BIG PROGRAMMES Tho two big pictures which constitute the current programme at the New Regent Theatre will be presented this evening for the last time. These are “The Street of Sin,” the Emil Jannings’s powerful drama of the slums of London, also “Varsity,” a delightful comedy-drama of American university life, starring Charles Rogers and Chester Conklin. The wonderful marionette show, “Schistls’s Wonderettes,” will also be presented this evening. The gorgeous Christmas pantomime, “A Trip to the Moon,” is being presented at the matinees every afternoon to delight the children. The new pictorial attraction to be presented to-morrow will be the beautiful romance, “Rose Marie.” Filmed in Canada and the Yosemite Valley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s lavish screen version of “Rose Marie” is most unusual, and thrilling screen entertainment. Again Rose Marie is seen lightly regarding all offers of love, until a boat filled with outlaws comes with the spring, along with 250 other trappers, and she accepts the assurance of one of them that he is an honest man. Again and again she hides him, again and again she helps him. Relentlessly the police hunt him. And so the thrilling and dramatic story of their beautiful romance is told, against the most magnificent backgrounds ever seen on the screen. Headed by pretty Joan Crawford, the brilliant cast includes James Murray, House Peters, Polly Moran, Lionel Belmore, Creighton Hale, and Harry Gribbon. Many of the lilting musical numbers of the famous musical comedy will be played during the screening of the film by Mr. Maurice Guttridge’s Regent Operatic Orchestra.

PRINCE EDWARD “NO OTHER WOMAN” Dolores Del Rio is the star of “No Other Woman,” to be shown this evening: at the Prince Edward Theatre. The story in which she appears is of unusual interest, holding: the audience’s attention throughout the screening. It deals with a fortune hunting society gambler, played by Ben Bard, who marries a wealthy South American girl, Miss Del Rio, for her money, while the true lover hesitates to propose because of her wealth. . The setting for this picture is the world’s playground, Biarritz, France. Many beautiful scenes are shown of this famous summer resort. Incidentally, this is the first picture in which Miss Del Rio wears modern dress, which she does with unusual charm. But it is her acting in the great emotional scenes of this production with the two male leads that grip the spec--tator. “Ladies of the Mob,” an exciting "underworld story, starring Clara Bow, will also be shown.

“THE CROWD” King Vidor’s great epoch of peacetime struggles against poverty, "The Crowd,” is a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production soon to be seen in Auckland. In the making of this picture, Vidor is said to have even exceeded his directorial work when he made "The Big Parade” last year. The story is an original by the director, and Eleanor Boardman and James Murray have the featured roles. The supporting cast includes Bert Roach, Freddie Frederick, Lucy Beaumont, Del Henderson, and Daniel Tomlinson.

HOLIDAY “FROLICS” CHANGES AT HIS MAJESTY’S This afternoon Clem Dawe’s “Midnight Frolics” will, for the third time, frolic into a new programme of song, dance and burlesque at His Majesty’s Theatre. The new programme has been specially chosen for the holiday season, and will include all Clem Dawe’s most famous successes as well as many new and original items. “The Man Down the Hole,” * Advertising,” “Dutch Finale,” “Neighbours,” “Not Allowed, Speaker,” and “The Hast Cabby” are among the comedy gems that he and his partners will perform. Also, by special request, he will once again take over the conductorship of the jazz band from Gregory Ivanoff and give us his imitation of Sousa. Oscar Beck, Lillian Crisp and William Perryman have a delgihtful selec-

tion of new songs, and the dancers of the show, Phyllis Amery, John Robertson, Les White and Dorothy White, will be at their best in this week’s performance. Phyllis Amery will give her famous “Golliwog Dance,” which created such a furore in Sydney recently, and at the matinees the other members of the company will give special dances and songs for children. Gregory Ivanoff will conduct the jazz bar.d and tvill play several fine selections on his violin. Box plans for tonight’s performance are open at His Majesty’s Theatre kiosk.

BRITANNIA “CRAZY MAZIE” -Lilian Harvey is a vivacious little comedienne who spares no efforts to induce her audience to share her exuberant spirits. Both as Lola, the dancer, and as Mazie, she is charming, j-nd. uses her beauty and wiles to theii fullest extent. As Lola she is a saucy minx, and as Mazie a demure schoolgirl, but she manages to combine the two very attractively in “Crazy Mazie,” which is being: shown at the Britannia Theatre. “Warming Up” is ‘the title of the second attraction. This is a breezy story of the American baseball game, and is as full of romance as it is of exciting games on the football field. Richard E)ix has the leading role. A PRIZE-FIGHT STORY LEW CODY IN “BEAU BROADWAY” When “Beau Broadway” comes to Auckland, a startling likeness to Gene Tunney, heavy-weight champion, will be seen in Hugh Trevor, who plays the part of a cultured prize-fighter in the new Lew Cody-Aileen Pringle costarring production Trevor was cast for the important role by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer because he was the “Tunney type,” although he had never been a boxer outside of college amateur events. “Beau Broadway” is one of the most thrilling prize-ring stories ever filmed. Aside from its human interest appeal in the manly art of self-defence, it has appealing romance, and presents some new sidelights on the much discussed younger generation. Cody is seen as a prize fight promoter, and Miss Pringle s a sophisticated woman of the world, who gives him some uneasy moments before she makes up her mind where to centre her affections. In the supporting cast are Sue Carol, Heinie Conklin, blackface comic; James J. Jeffries, former world’s champion; Kit Guard, and Jack Herrick.

John Loder, the young British actor recently signed by Paramount, will have a leading role in the Paramount all-dialogue production of Sir James Barrie’s “Half An Hour.” William de Mille is directing the picture.

EVERYBODY’S NEW PICTURES TO-MORROW I This evening will see the final presentation at the Everybody’s Theatre of tho current programme which includes “What For,” the comedy of Parisian life, starring the famous clown, Grock. ; also the picture “The Road to Ro- ; mance,” in which Ramon Novarro has the leading role. To-morrow a new programme will j be presented, including two big pic- i tures. The first of these is “The Big j Killing,” the latest and most uproari- i ous comedy by the inimitable Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton. The Ken- j tucky mountains, family feuds and , ilicit whisky stills are the background. The second picture will be “The j Heart Thief,” an intensely dramatic ! story of Hungarian life, with a strong j cast which includes Lya de Putti, ; Joseph Schildkraut and Robert Edeson. j EDENDALE “IF I WERE SINGLE” The rolling pin may be the most ominous implement to be impressed | into service for the correction of the habits of an erring husband, but that there are others more subtle which are more effecti\*e is disclosed in “If I j Were Single,” coming to the Edendale Theatre this evening, co-starring May j MoAvoy and Conrad Kaerel. The picture initiates its co-stars in ! the roles as newlyweds whose love is . languishing critically after the fires of the first year’s romance have cooled. Hot words and hasty action accompany flares of temper and misunderstandings in rapid order. Then the disillusioned wife settled down to the problem of rebuilding her husband. How her plans work out, after nearly going awry, paves the way for a series of incidents which are both pathetic and hilariously funny. Victor McLaglen is an amorous sailor lad in “A Girl in Every Port.” which will also be shown this evening. AN OUTSTANDING FILM Maurice Elvey, in conjunction with Victor Saville, has produced the best picture he has ever made, and an outstanding British triumph, the adaptation of Stanley Houghton’s play of Lancashire life, “Hindle ’Wakes.” His imaginative work cannot be too highly praised, while the dramatic force of the simple but poignant little story has been brought out to the full. Dissolving shots of Blackpool and the cotton mills are successful in producing a realistic atmosphere which forms a completely satisfying background for the finely drawn characters. “Hindle Wakes” will be released shortly through Cinema Art Films.