ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17803, 30 August 1929, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. The change of programme at the Theatre Royal last nignt was headed by “The Knight of .Nights,’’ in which romance and action are cleverly blended. A funny comedy “Hectic Days,” and interesting Gazettes and other short subjects were included, making up a programme of great appeal. STRAND AND FRANKTON THEATRES “The Giant of the Mountains,” the new picture to be screened at the above Theatres to-night was actually Aimed in the far away Dolomie Mountains of Europe. These mountains are a section of the Alps. This picture is an entertaining outdoor drama with Maciste, the giant of the European screen, playing the chief role. Some of the “stunts” contained in “The Giant of the Mountains” are truly hair raisers. For instance, one sees the star racing over fast melting ice in pursuit of an enemy, driving a sleigh in an almost hopeless race against an oncoming blizzard, and many other thrills which space here does not permit to mention. The supporting picture is “The Shakedown," a Cecil Do Milne feature production. “RIO RITA” SEASON.

As has been generally anticipated, there has been heavy booking this morning for Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller’s musical comedy session of “Rio Rita,” commencing at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening. Those who wish to make certain of seeing “Rio Rita” should make early reservations, otherwise they may be disappointed. “Rio Rita” .comes to the Dominion in its entirety, nothing having been' deleted, and will be presented here on the same lavish scale as at the St. James Theatre, Sydney, where it broke all records, by playing for seven months to full houses at every performance. Australia has long been recognised as the home of the world’s Anest ballet girls, and the very cream of these has been chosen for “Rio Rita.” The result is a beauty chorus and ballet, one of the Anest that has ever been seen on the stage, and whose work is a big feature of the show. As Rio Rita, Gladys Moncrieff has the part that suits her, an intense Mexican girl of the Texan border, loving and hating and singing with equal enthusiasm. Her song “Rio Rita” is ■the hit of the piece. Delightful and attractive Janette Gilmore, who makes an outstanding personal success as Dolly, the cabaret' girl, performs amusing acrobatics as she dances in eccentric and tireless style, doing a remarkably dexterous act on roller skates. Dave Mallen is responsible for most of the laughs with which the show is well sprinkled. Mexican in theme, “Rio Rita” lends itself to picturesque treatment, to gorgeous scenic effects, vividly aglow and pulsating with life.