WARTIME REVELRY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 750, 24 August 1929, Page 16

WARTIME REVELRY

BRILLIANT NEW REVUE O’BRIAN’S AT ST. JAMES The clock was turned back 15 years in Frank O’Brian’s latest change of programme at St. James. Three sketches comprised the evening' and the third occupied the whole of the second half dealing with successive phases of the war. First scene in the big sketch was j the interrupting of a "keg” party by j the news of war. At the recruiting i station, Frank O’Brian discovered that he was entitled to 2s 9d for enlisting. .With suitable disguises he enlisted several times and would seem to hold a high opinion of the advantages of war. .Next change of scene, and a number of very raw recruits, including the inimitable Frank, were being drilled by a hard-boiled ' sergeant. After some rollicking nonsense, the sergeant gots his deserts and the tables were turned. Bursting shells formed a fitting accompaniment to the next scene, which was the front line, with “brave” soldiers standing to. After going through the thick of the figlit, the men were told that the war was over and the next two scenes were a railway station in London and the troops’ return, then finally, a restaurant in immediately post-war days. The humour throughout was crisp and spontaneous. The action never dragged and Frank O’Brian was ably supported l>y Eric Masters and Joe Hudson. The ballet tripped on and off with clever specialty dance numbers, one particularly good effort being a recruiting song when the girls, led by Janice Hart were becomingly dressed as W.A.A.C.’s. Marie Ward, in addition to her clever comedy work, sang attractively, and was pleasing in “A Kiss Before the Hawn,” with Gordon Norville. In the first half of the programme, the mu in sketch was a toy shop interlude, chiefly remarkable for clever comedy and the splendid novelty dancing of the ballet. Frank O’Brian was, of course, the central figure, but the impish humour of Ernie Brooks was also popular. The dancing dolls were mechanical in their movements and the girls were in good form. Iris Gumbley being accorded an ovation for her step-dancing. The third sketch, “The Marriage Exchange,” gave further opportunities for excellent fooling and • the clever comedians of the company were not slow to take advantage of them. Marie Ward and Eric Masters were applauded for a yokel number “Oh Sarah, Oh Henry!” The band was as popular as ever with several heel-tapping numbers. Tiny Douglas, Tom Torrens and Jack Smith introduced it with violin and guitar selections. THE ART OF FLIRTING MARY SHOWS HOW New Zealand girls no doubt imagine they know a thing or two when it comes to flirting. Some may even think there’s nothing left for them to learn on that score. But they would never guess who is capable of giving all-comers a start

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find a beating, and would laugh maybe, if one nominated Mary Piekford as tutor —but Mary it is right enough, strange as it may seen. It won’t appear so “impossible” though, when they see on the screen the new Mary —the Mary who “grew up” especially to take the role of Norma Besant in “Coquette,” the all-talking picture. Amazing gowns—a glad eye, and a shingle—that’s the Mary Piekford who flirts, loves and laughs and sobs in “Coquette,” soon to be released in Auckland. “THE DESERT SONG” The screen’s first operetta has just been completed. Warner Bros.’ special Vitaphono production, “The Desert Song,” which has been adapted to the screen from the sensational stage success, is a colossal succession of rapturous melodies, together with the unfolding of a rapturous love story amid spectacular scenes, which are presented with lavish magnificence. An all-star cast, augmented by a chorus of 100 singers, includes Carbotta King, John Boles, Johnny Arthur, Myrna Boy, and John Miljan. SHIP BUILDER IMPRESSED Big men of other businesses never fail to investigate the making of motion pictures when they visit Hollywood. Latest to see how the wheels go roand in a big plant is Sir William Reardon Smith, Bart., one of the leading shipbuilders and owners in. Cardiff, Wales. Sir William was shown scenes beingmade for Cecil B. de Mille’s “Dynamite” as part of a visit to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The shipowner expressed himself as particularly impressed with the large number of departments required to run a picture studio. “Yours is about the most complex business I have ever seen,” he told Louis B. Mayer.

“THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL” AGAIN The famous Baroness Orczv novel, “The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel,” is yet another popular addition to British screen productions. The celebrated stage and screen actor, Matheson Lang heads a strong cast as Sir Percy Blakeney, while Marjorie Hume plays the appealing role of Sir Percy’s lady. Kelson Key’s acting as Robespierre is second only to Mr. Lang’s and Juliette Compton is most convincing as Teresa. T. Hayes Hunter, the director, is said to have made the utmost of the romantic and exciting situations that abound throughout the novel, and his picturesque settings and French Revolution scenes are also teutures of this great production. The climax of “Thunderbolt,” the latest George Bancroft all-talking picture. is one of the most powerful ever seen on the talking screen. It takes place in the condemned cells of a prison.