ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18030, 27 May 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE CIVIC THEATRE. TO-NIQHT’S ATTRACTIONS. In “Married hi Hollywood” there are nine distinctive song hits, one of which, “Dance Away the Night,” has an appealing lilt. Another tuneful,number is “Until One Comes Along”; and still a third entrancing number is “Deep in Love.” “Married in Hollywood" is based on the operetta by Oscar Straus, one of the outstandingly important figures in international music. The cast is notable from the fac-t that four former stars of musical comedy and opera are featured. J. Harold Murray, for more than two years singing star of the original “Rio Rita” company; Norma Terris, beautiful star for 72 weeks of “Show Boat”; Walter Catlett, star of a dozen musical comedies; and Irene Palasty, beautiful and youthful Hungarian prima donna who -had the stellar role in “No, No, Nanette,” form the- brilliant quartette of principals. John Garrick (better known here as Reginald Dandy, hero of “Rose Marie”), Tom Patricola, Douglas Gilmore, Gloria Grey and a score of other notables support.

STRAND THEATRE. Thomas Meighan, for years one of the most popular stars of the American stage and the silent screen, makes his -talkie debut in “The Argyle Case,’: now being screened at the Strand Theatre. The part he portrays is that of a master detective, who by means of deductive reasoning weeds out from a group, of suspected persons the one responsible for a most baffling Crime. Meighau’s characterisation has authority and dignity. Lila Lee is delightful as the beautiful girl who falls under suspicion, but at'the same time finds her way into the grim detective’s heart- Another amazingly good performance is that of Zasu -Pitts, as the gossipy housekeeper. For once she is not required to weep, but her latest part is as cleverly done as any of her doleful ones. 11. B. Warner, always impressive in whatever part he undertakes, succeeds in creating a distrubingly sinister character in Hurley, counterfeiter. Howard Bretherton, the director, has succeeded admirably in creating an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, and by so manipulating his chessmen as to baffle his audience completely. The play of “The Argyle Case” long ago proved itself to be a well-constructed work and the screen has augmetned its power immensely. A MIDNIGHT MATINEE. The midnight matinee to be given at the Strand Theatre to-morrow, conimencing at 10.30 p.m., is creating much interest, and a large audience is assured. “No, No, Nanette,” a screen version of the great stage success, will have its first screening in the Southern Hemisphere, and is particularly suitable for a midnight performance, being full of romance, humour, and tuneful melodies. TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. “Sky Hawk” provides excitement and entertainment in a superlative degree. The scenes are at an aerodrome near London during the height of the Zeppelin air raids over England. Jack Bardell is in training and receives word of his transfer on short notice to the front. After a flying visit to his fiancee he crashes on the flying field. It is rumoured that his crash was done purposely, and he leaves the force in disgrace. Although paralysed in both legs, he determines to resume flying. He obtains possession of a condemned machine and wins honour and glory when he attacks and brings down in flames a Zeppelin which is carrying out a raid. The fight between the small fighting scout and the Zeppelin is one of the most thrilling episodes in the picture. There are several realistic scenes in London streets during the progress of a raid. John Garrick (better known here as Reginald Dandy, “hero” of the stage production of “Rose Marie”) has /the principal part in the picture as Jack Bardell. His acting and speech are wholly convincing. A major part is taken by Gilbert Emery, who portrays Major Nelson, Bardell’s superior officer. An excellent performance is given by Helen Chandler as Joan Allen, whom Bardell marries.

FIRST WIDE-ANGLE FILM. The invention which has revolutionised the talkies, the new giant screen, whereby the characters appear as in real life, particularly in the singing and dancing sequences, the chorus and ballets appearing as if actually on the very stage, wi\l be seen on Thursday night, when “Puttin’ on the Rltz,” featuring the idol of New York night clubs, Harry Richman, will be screened. THEATRE ROYAL. Of recent years it is difficult to recall any overseas theatrical star making a greater success than Leo Carrillo, who has just concluded a prolonged visit to Australia and New' Zealand. Tnis famous American actor’s personality and abilities have been much in evidence in “Lombardi, Ltd.,” and therefore much interest is manifested in his first talkie, "Mr Antonio.” In the picture Carrillo depicts, with his flair for dialect, an Italian hurdy-gurdy man who is a philosopher to wit. It is a very entertaining comedy-drama. The second attraction is “The Careless Age,” featuring Douglas Fairbanks; iun This is a story of youth and the pitfalls which beset young people m their seeking for romance. FRANKTON’S OWN THEATRE. “Daring Dangers” is the special attraction at Frankton’s Own Theatre. A gazette and comedy are also leatured. .