ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17935, 3 February 1930, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. THE NEW INSTALLATION. A GREAT SUCCESS. The large audience which filled the Strand Theatre on Saturday night was delighted with the excellent programme presented, and especially with the splendid reproduction by means of the newly-installed Western Electric equipment. Every word was heard riistinctlv, and the music came through mellow and soft—a refreshing change from the indistinct dialogue and the harsh “music” which had formerly made Hamilton’s talkies more of an irritation than 'a pleasure. The change In installation has been a great success, and nothing but praise could be heard as the audience left the theatre, after spending a thoroughly enjoyable evening. There were a couple of little hitches when the voices failed to synchrbniso, but these were minor matters which are not likely to happen again. It would be didicult to imagine a more entertaining programme than that screened on Saturday night. Especially gratifying was Hie fact that practically all the voices were English and it is only since we have heard some of those terrible American voices with their strange accents and weird inflexions, that we have learned to appreciate the English voice! The star feature was “The Doctor’s Secret,” a talkie version of J. M. Barrie's play, “Half an Hour.” This proved an intensely interesting production, telling a dramatic story logically, and holding the tense attention of the audience from beginning to end. It was perfectly acted, ■ with Ruth Chatterton (vividly remembered as “Madame X”) giving another striking performance as the wife. The talkies would he worth while if they had only brought us Ruth Chatterton; there is no-doubt that she is the outstanding personality, among women, in the new medium. 11.. B. Warner as the husband and Robert Edeson as the understanding doctor were equally good, and the supporting cast was excellent. “the Doctor's Secret” is one of the finest talkies so far screened.

To many people the short subjects are among” the most popular features of a talkie programme. Those presented on Saturday night were of a very high standard, and were delightfully varied. Outstanding, perhaps, was Bransby Williams’ Dickens sketch of Grandfather Smailweed. It was a vivid piece of work, and those of us who had seen Mr Williams do it “in the flesh” could hardly realise that he was not again on the stage. A visit to the Strand is worth while if only to see this sketch. Other entertaining items were the Movietone Gazette, giving world happenings in sound; the Victoria Girls, in an exceedingly clever dancing medley; “ Aooi-dental Treatment,” a broadly comic sketch featuring Ernie Lotinga, an English comedian who is now in Australia; the Florentine Choir, in a series of numbers of which the Toreador Song from “Carmen” was not the least popular; Roxy La Roeca, a gifted harpist with a pleasing personality; and Clapham and Dwyer, in the most amusing patter. Then there was the entr’acte, which was of special interest, for it was “Gipsy Love,” and introduced the melodious airs of the Hamilton Operatic Society's recent production.

Altogether it was a delightful programme, and justified Mr. Ferg. H. Mason’s promise that he would present a programme equal to anything in New Zealand. If tills standard is maintained—and, with the new installation, there is no reason why it should not be —there is no doubt that Hamilton picture-lovers will soon forget their previous Irritation and give the management its whole-hearted support. The Western Electric equipment has once again proved that it gives excellent results. It is safe to predict that the Strand Theatre will become a very popular resort.

THEATRE ROYAL“Broadway Babies,” which headed Saturday night's change of programme, is an all-talking, all-singing, and all- '■ dancing show, and proved an excellent attraction. Comedy, drama, and romance are combined in the story, while the singing and dancing numbers introduced arc very entertaining. Beautiful Alice White heads the cast, and is supported by talented players. A production brimful of gaiety results. The supports are of unusual interest and very varied, thus completing a programme of great merit. “Broadway Babies” is a story of Gay Broadway that swings from theatres to night clubs and into the dens of the racketeers along the Main stem and young “hoofers” who arc fighting for recognition in the theatrical world of New York. Large dancing choruses were drilled to the “pink” for this gala picture, and a huge cast—one of the largest in recent months —is seen in support of the star. Charles Delaney plays opposite Miss White. Marion Bryou and Sally Eilers arc seen as the other two hoofers, and Fred Kohler, Louis Natheaux, Jocelyn Lee, Bodil Rosing, Tom Dugan and many others make up the suppotring cast. “BroadwayBaby Dolls” is the theme song of the production. TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGEThe talkies at Cambridge are as popular as ever, and each evening large numbers of Hamiltonians are included in the big audiences in the Town llaall. Right from the beginning the management lias presented excellent programmes, perfectly reproduced, and has gained a reputation for worthwhile entertainment and service to the amusement-seeking public of which it may well lie proud- It deserves the lino support it is getting. The feature of to-night’s change ol programme is a Paramount production above the average standard. Jt has an Intriguing title, “The Wolf of Wall ’Street,” and features that fine actor flteorge Bancroft. The picture is written round mad Wall Street and high linaiVc. It depict’s the Wolf’s love of money, his taking of life for money, and his awakening to find that he has lost liis wife for money. R R a line drama. Playing opposite Bancroft is that superb actress Baclonova, also Nancy Carroll and Paul LukasCorning on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday is “The Flying Fool,” a drama of Lie air, with William Boyd m the leading role. Another feature is “Luck in Love,” starring Morton Downey. (Continued in next column.)

FRANKTON’S OWN. To-night’s change of programme will be headed by Clive Brook in “Midnight Madness,” in which romance and sensation are combined in entertaining fashion. There are strong supports.