ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17886, 5 December 1929, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. INAUGURATION OF TALKIEB. The talkies were inaugurated very successfully at the Theatre Royal last night, before a crowded house. The principal attraction was “ Interference,” a screen version of the successful stage play. The story, briefly, is that of a London surgeon, at the peak of his career, and honoured by his King; his wife, who adores him; a female blackmailer, who threatens to ruin the career of the husband and the happiness of man and wife; and a wealthy scoundrel who comes back from the dead and redeems himself under most remarkable circumstances. “ Interference ” is splendid entertainment with a succession of tense situations and dialogue that keeps the interest alive. The cast includes such sterling performers as William Powell, Clive Brook, Evelyn Brent, and Doris Kenyon. The part of the famous English surgeon is played to perfection by Brook, while Powell’s interpretation of the profligate who redeems himself by giving his life for the woman he loves, although she is the wife of another, is very fine. The short subjects which preceded “ Interference ” were very interesting. Bruce Bairnsfather told entertainingly of how ‘‘ 01’ Bill ” was created, and sketched cleverly as he talked. “ A Russian Wedding ” was a spectacular presentation, in which there was some splendid dancing. ‘‘ Hawaiian Nights ’’ Introduced a party of Hawaiians with ukuleles and steel guitars and hula dancers. Two Gazettes brought world hapenings before the audience in an interesting fashion, and were a very popular feature of th.e programme, despite the fact that they were “ silent.” This programme will be repeated to-night. “SMILING IRISH EYES.” The First Natlonal-Vitaphone production, "Smiling Irish Eyes,” in which Colleen Moore makes her first appearance in screen dialogue, will have its first local showing to-morrow at the Theatre Royal. The picture, an alltalking and singing special, has been acclaimed as Miss Moore’s finest production, and it offers the opportunity for her followers to hear her voice for the first time. .Tames Hall is Miss Moore’s leading man in this Irish romance. The popular song hits "■Smiling Irish Eyes” and “A Wee Bit o’ Love,” are introduced in this picture.

TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. The change of programme at the Cambridge Town Hall last night drew another large audience, including many Hamiltonians. Take a story dripping with human interest in an atmosphere that everyone likes to hear about, give it a cast of fine, magnetic actors and a production that puts into it every possible value, and you get a picture like "Gentlemen of the Press.” On the stage "Gentlemen of the Press” was the sensation of New York, and the story has been faithfully reproduced for the screen. A master cast, headed by the incomparable stage artist, Walter Huston, includes six members of the original stage cast. The story deals with a veteran newspaperman who has given up everything in life for his business. When his daughter was born, he was covering a prizefight; when his wife died, he was on assignment covering a Mexican uprising; when his daughter graduated from high school, he was writing about Lindbergh. The only thing he has not given up is his fatal susceptibility for a pretty women. It is this character that Walter Huston portrays. “BULLDOG DRUMMOND.” “Bulldog Drummond," .one of the most fascinating, characters in fiction, will be screened to-morrow night, with popular Ronald Oolman, an English actor ol' distinction, in Lhc title rol.c. The London Daily Mail reported recently that "Bulldog Drummond” had reached ils 500th presentation in London—a record for length of run in the world's metropolis. This speaks for itself. The story of "Bulldog Drummond,” written by "Sapper,” puls its hero into'a fierce struggle with a gang of criminals whose methods of procedure arc based on the fiendish torturing ability of Dr. Lakington, a physician who .delights in inflicting pain. STRAND THEATRE. Billie Dove, the beautiful First National star who has advanced so rapidly In popularity during the past two years, scored a great success in her first all-balking production, "■Careers,” which opened at the Strand Theatre last night' before a large audience. The story deals with the ambitious wife of a young magistrate, who seeks to obtain his advance In the diplomatic service by interceding with his superior officers. The startling events that follow this determination make up a plot that Is noval and thoroughly interesting throughout. Antonio Moreno, who was seen opposite Miss Dove in “Adoration,” her former stellar vehicle, is again the leading man In "Careers.” He plays the husband In a thoroughly artistic manner. Others of the large cast who deserve special mention for their work are Noah Beery, as the governor; Carmel Myers, Thelma Todd, Robert Frazer, Robert Sellable, Robert T. Haines, Holmes Herbert and Sojin. The beautiful star was never seen to better advantage. "Careers” is featured with unusual ancl exotic settings and the rich luxury of the Orient. The excellent supporting programme of talking and musical short subjects includes Gene Morgan and his dance band, the famous Florzaley Quartette, and the Arnant Brothers in their amazing novelty acts.

HAMILTON LITTLE THEATRE. To-night the Hamilton Little Theatre Society, whose production of “Falling Leaves” reached such a very high standard some time ago, will make its second appearance in Somerset Maugham’s "The Constant Wife," at the Town Hall. “The Constant Wife” £•;. presents a modern problem in a; modern I-way, and the dialogue and situations are very intriguing. Judging by the success of the rehearsals a good performance is assured. The cast includes some of Hamilton's leading ■ amateurs, and they are sure to give a good account of themselves. Special scenery has been painted, and nothing .V has been left undone to make "The u constant Wife” a success.