ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1929, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

EVERYBODY’S. “All jjt Sea” and “Scandal,” two fine features which were screened for the first time in New Plymouth last evening at Everybody's Theatre, were ini-, mensely liked by the audience present. They will both be screened again tonight and finally to-morrow night. ‘ All at Sea,” the new Karl Dane-George K. Arthur co-starring vehicle, is a comedy you can't afford to miss if you are seeking rollicking entertainment. It nas everything and is one of the best productions this famous team have yet screened. It maintains sustained laughter. for more than an hour; it lias <’ neat little romance and a whale of a thrill for a finish. The climax occurs when an arsenal explodes, injecting riot, panic and fire into the tale in breathtaking fashion. As the title suggests, this comedy is a sea-going affair, tnongh it all takes place, not on the ocean but in a naval training station. Dane and Arthur don the navy Jilue and then proceed to declare a war of their own—with complications —on each other. Arthur has the role of a vaudeville artist. Josephine Dunn is the cause of all the trouble. “Scandal,” a Universal picture, is a triangle story, but one with an unusually deep emotional interest. Laura La Plante, who stars in this production, gives one of the most convincing portrayals of her entire career with a sincerity in the intense moments which carries the picture far above the realms of ordinary drama The plot, taken from a story by Adela Rogers St. Johns, concerns a modern entanglement wherein a married woman, through the undesired attentions of an erstwhile lover, is placed in a position where she must either forfeit her honour, or his life. John Bffies and Huntly Gordon appear in support. There is a gazette to open. Everybody’s orchestra will be in attendance. THE PEOPLE’S. Throughout the ages there has been something which has linked the affections of man and dog —a link that has existed between no other animal and the human race. There is something about a dog that is so human—yet without the frailties of mankind. Perhaps it is because there is no deceit m a dog —and there is much in man. Everyone who loves a dog should see “Under the Black Eagle,” the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture which is being shown at the People’s, New Plymouth,. to-night and to-morrow night. With Marceline Day and Ralph Forbes in the leading roles, it is primarily a story of a young romance that fallsunder the menacing shadow of “The Black Eagle.” How the two lovers arcreunited through the courage and faithfulnn" of a canine xriend, makes it one of th" most beautiful and absorbing stories that has ever been brought to the screen. Flash, the wonder dog, takes the part of the canine friend. Bert Roach and Marc McDermott appear in the supporting cast. The supports include M.G.M. News, New Zealand scenic (Christchurch), and “King Cotton (Lloyd Hamilton comedy). “RIO RITA.” BOX PLANS OPEN TO-MORROW. It is almost certain that when the box plans for Sir Benjamin and Me. John Fuller’s “Rio Rita” musical comedy season open to-morrow (Wednesday), there will be a rush to secure re-, serrations. In Wellington and Christchurch the booking exceeded all anticipations, and the booking office staff was kept occupied every day attending to many hundreds who wishes to make certain seats for “Rio Rita.” Special arrangements have been made to cope with the rush which is anticipated in New Plymouth, and it will probably be necesesary to form a queue early in the morning, as was done throughout Australia, Wellington and Christchurch. The “Rio Rita” two night' and matinee season will open -with a gala performance at the Opera House on September 10. “Rio Rita” has scored something far more than an ephemeral success as a musical play in Australia, and there have been requests from all the capital cities for a repeat season at the end of the New Zealand tour. Admittedly “Rio Rita” is one of the most elaborately staged plays since the days of “Chu Chin Ch>w.” As a matter of fact, the great Aztec scene, in which Gladys Moncrieff sings “Montezuma’s Daughter,” is reminiscent of “Chu Chin Chow” in its magnificent range of colour, its bizarre splendour, and its procession a beautiful women. Yet “Mountezuma’s Daughter” is but a fleeting glimpse upon a crowded.stage. All through the show tableau after tableau of colour fills the eye, and the music is richer and brighter than in most musical plays of to-day. In the title role is Australia’s idol, Gladys Moncrieff—a Gladys subtly transformed, surrounded by charming people, trilling her wistful music under a luminous Mexican moon. A dainty artist is beautiful Janette Gilmore, whose alluring dances are of a type peculiarly her own. She is a comedienne of great taleht and offers a perfect characterisation of Dolly, the cabaret girl. The supporting cast is excellent, and the ballets and ensembles dazzle the eyes with their wealth of colour, variety and bewildering beauty. The whole production is a rare treat for theatre-goers, and early booking is recommended at Collier’s.