AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18635, 2 August 1930, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

COME TO “BROADWAY” AT THE MAJESTIC TO-NIGHT. Broadway has moved West. Broadway in all its fascination and gaiety, in all its abandon and lavishness, has been moved to Hollywood. The street that is paved with tinsel and trodden by jewelled heels, the multi-hued lights that chase each other int» million fantastic patterns against a skyscape of toy balloons, the kaleidoscope of champagne bubbles in a paper party hat, has been reproduced for the screen. “Broadway” which combines all the spectacular attractions of the biggest and best, wiU commence Its local season at the Majestic Theatre to-day, with the “pep” and snap that go into genuine singing, dancing and talking shows. Glenn Yryon, who was such a success as a comedian in the old medium, is ever so much more amusing in talkies, and he and Merna Kennedy, as a speciality dancing-cum-comedy team in an amazing night club in “Broadway,” have splendid parts. Appearing in support of them are Evelyn Brent, Leslie Fenton and score of other favourites. The story of

“Broadway” is the first instance of plots for talkies that would do credit to the best of the legitimate theatres. For it is a sound plot, very dramatic, very exciting, and just nicely leavened with two separate love stories, just a sufficiency of humour, and the interest of the audience is at all times held by the amazingly lavish sets. Not often indeed, even in a stage show, is found a good plot, intelligently treated, with spectacular surroundings, fine acting and such dancing as is seen only m a piece devoted exclusively to dancing. “Broadway” is said to be an easy winner in the musical talkies. Strictly speaking, it is not a musical talkie, for it never once puts the drama second. The brilliant ballets and ensembles are worthy of noticing. “Broadway” is not a story of back stage life. It is a peep into the real Broadway, at the drama that seethes behind the tinsel lure ot the. great White Way. As a stage play, “Broadway” ran for ninety weeks in New York, and on the talking screen it increases immeasurably in dramatic suspense and material display, so there is no reason why this remarkably splendid talking picture should not be accorded a right royal reception. Merna Kennedy and Glenn Tryon are a brilliant pair in the leading roles, while Evelyn Brent has a lip-curling role which she does very well. Robert EUis, Otis Harlan and Dan M’Corn are other major players in “Broadway.” The box plan for to-night will remain at the Bristol until noon to-day, and will bo available to patrons at the Majestic office during the afternoon Early application for seats is necessary. The usual matinee will take place this of ternoon.

“UNDERTOW” A DRAMATIC TRIUMPH. The outstanding achievement of “Undertow,” the Universal all-talking picture, which opens at the Theatre Royal this afternoon, is the dramatic portrayal of an absorbing characterisation by the star, Mary Nolan. Hitherto, Miss Nolan in other films b's given us just hints of her ability. In “Undertow” she takes her place beside not only the great dramatic stars of the screen, but beside the greatest stars of theatrical history. Her performance as Sally, the pleas-ure-loving girl who married a lighttender, is superb. In directing the picture, Harry Pollard, who became justly famous with the screen classic, “Show Boat,” has accomplished something which can be done only by a master and then only with a singularly powerful story. He has built real drama between three people only—

sometimes between only two. Nothing further can be said for either direction or story than that in situations such as these, the interest is not only sustained, but actually heightened. “Undertow'” is an alltalkie, of course, and both Mary Nolan and Johnny Mack Brown, her leading man, have splendid screen voices. Brown, who also gives an outstanding performance, has a slightly Southern accent which is highly pleasing. The third leading role is played by Robert Ellis, who will be long and pleasantly remember as the “Steve Crandall” of “Broadway.” To say that Ellis acquits himself with his usual excellence is giving him high praise, indeed. Much of the enjoyment of the picture centres upon the truly remarkably photography by Jerry Ashe. The sunsets and cloud effects are simply marvellous. The sound, too, including as well as the dialogue, the crashing of the waves, the howling of the wind, ship and boat effects, also handled by ah expert. But three leading players are necessary to this unique story, and when a sound picture is of itself sufficiently engrossing to heighten the interest with every succeeding reel with such a limited cast, it is obvious that the ultimate in drama must be present. Supporting featurettes are in great variety. Reserves may be made without extra charge through ’phone , 570. A matinee will take place this afternoon.

CONCERT AND OLYMPIAD. In the big attraction which is to be held in aid of the Y.M.C.A. in the Theatre Royal on Monday night, interest becomes keener and the demand for seats more insistent. The management request those who have purchased 3/- tickets to book and be sure of a seat. The Y.M.C.A. would be grateful to reserved seat-holders if they w-ould not wait until the last moment, as it will be almost impossible to show every one to their seats in 10 minutes. The programme arranged leaves nothing to be desired. The cast of artists include Madam Winnie Fraser, of Oamaru, who will sing “All! Moon of my Delight”; Mrs Percy Elworthy, who will be heard in “Larghetto and Allegro,” from Sonata in D by Handel, and also “Sicilienne” by Bach and “Danzas Espanolas” by E. Granados. The well-known Waimate baritone, Mr Howard Foster, will sing “The Pagan,” bj r Herman Lohr, “Muleteer of Malaga,” by Trotere. Mrs F. H. Ruddenklau, of Rangitata Island, who will prove a delightful surprise to a Timaru audience, will sing “My Ships,” by Augustus Barratt and “My Prayer” by W. H. Squire. Mr Wilfred Kershaw, bass, hails from Dunedin, and will render “II Lacerato Spirito” by Verdi. Mr R. A. Malcolm, wellknown to Timaru audiences as a most versatile monologuisfc, will render “The Colonel.” Orchestral selections will be given by pupils of Mr Inglis W. Todd. “Lucille” by Percy Code, the cornet test solo at the recent band contest at Dunedin, will be given by Lieut. W. H. Osborne. In addition, an olympiad of 50 trained gymnasts will give an exhibition of the work of the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium, and the evening’s entertainment wall be brought to a close by the beautiful duet, “Still as the Night,” sung by Madam Winnie Fraser and Mr Wilfred Kershaw.

WILHELM BACKHAUS. WORLD’S GREATEST PIANIST. Wilhelm Backhaus, the famous k pianist who is having such a successful tour of New Zealand, is regarded

by many critics as the finest exponent of pianoforte playing now before the public. Samuel Langford, the veteran critics of the "Manchester Guardian,” writing of a performance given by Mr Backhaus in Manchester in 1922, describes him as probably the greatest of all pianists now before the public.” Every music-lover in the audience in the Town Hall last nig’ t will heartily endorse this opinion,” says the "Otago Daily Times.” “His playing silences criticism and provokes only admiration and reverence. His technique is almost without equal in the world today, and. yet, so much has he subordinated its outward and visible signs, so little does mere bravura enter into his playing, that last night’s audience, carried away by the spell of this magician, may not have realised that they cvere listening to one of the supreme wonders of human achievement.” Mr Backhaus will give a recital in the Theatre Royal, Timaru, on Thursday next,.