ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18076, 21 July 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S ATTRACTIONS. TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. Man’s conflict with toe forces of the air forms the basis of “ The Lost Zeppelin,” which will open a season at Cambridge to-night. The picture was inspired by toe great Arctic explorations carried out recently by Wilkins, Amunsden and Byrd, who have used airships and aeroplanes in reconnoitring work. A huge dirigible is seen starting for toe South Pole on a trip that is destined to end in disaster and tragedy for the aJi'ship, but in ennobling the lives of at least two of the explorers- Many of the scenes are awe-inspiring, as the audience sees the monster airship slowly fighting its way against blizzards over the limitless icefields and as disaster finally overtakes it, when, buffeted by the storm,'it strikes a gigantic ice pinnacle* The picture, however, is more than of educational interest, for a strong story of human conflict and passions is woven into it. .

STRAND THEATRE. “ The Gold Diggers of Broadway ” was screened four times on Saturday, each time to a large audience. It will be shown again to-night. Produced on lavish lines “ The Gold Diggers of Broadway ” follows no ordinEiry standards, and copies no previous film. From the first flicker of toe screen it moves on easily, rhythmically, and tunefully, through one magnificent scene after another, to the olimax of colour, harmony, and artistic dancing with which it closes- Miss Winnie Lightner is toe life and soul of toe piece. Her drolleries are irresistible, her laughter is infectious, and her gaiety is always sparkling. The cast is an unusually strong one, and includes a chorus .of over 100 beauties who dance and sing in a most capable fashion. There are many effective song numbers, including the popular “ Painting the Clouds With Sunshine," and “ Tip-toe Through toe Tudps.”

THEATRE ROYAL. Theatregoers are treated to a little snatch of song by toe charming Dolores Costello in “ Madonna of Avenue A," her latest starring production in which she enacts the pstrt of a girl who has for years attended a fashionable school lor girls, but who realises at length that the compelling force of. heredity has brought to her various unconventional traits, a totally unexpected heritage from her mother. Having formed an acquaintance with a seaman, the unsophisticated Dolores goes with him that evening to his ship, anchored offshore, and it is when he goes out of toe cabin for a few moments that the beautiful star steps to his guitar and sings a little song in a voice that will further endear her to her admirers. In toe story, however, all the song has gone from Dolores’ heart before the evening is over, and she eventually finds herself in the hands of Federal raiders, disgraced, expelled and' started on an absorbing series of adventures that centre around a notorious New York night club. Supporting Miss Costello in “ Madonna of Avenue A ” are Grant Withers, Louise Dresser, Otto Hoffman, Douglas Gerrard and Lee Moran.

ROXY THEATRE. Thrills, mystery and humour are well blended in “ The Locked Door,” which heads the. current programme at the Roxy Theatre. The story deals with the effects of a secret revealed years after the original event is forgotten. An unscrupulous man uses his knowledge of a foolish action in a woman’s life to bring ruin and tragedy in later years, when she is happily married. It is only by risking everything that the danger can be averted. Rod La Rocque, Barbara Stanwyck, William Boyd and Betty Bronson play the leading roles. The stage version of “ The Locked Door ” was played in New Zealand some years ago, and the talkie version proves even more luteresting. .. j.; j.jESfci

CIVIC THEATRE. “ The 13th. Chair ” is one of the most absorbing murder mystery dramas yet brought to the screen, and from beginning to end holds the tense attention of the audience, the dramatic climax being a complete surprise. Years ago “The 13th. Chair” was played in New Zealand by a Williamson company headed by Margaret Wycherley, and the same great aotress is seen in the talkie version, giving a striking performance of the spiritualistic medium who, in order to save, her daughter, solves the mystery. The rest of the cast are also excellent, the result being a particularly fine production in every way. The < endeavours of a young singer to obtain success are unfolded in “ Let’s Go Places,” the second attraction. He is possessed of a most enthusiastic manager, who eventually enables him to achieve eminence at Hollywood. He discovers, however, that his success has not been without its complications, and his frantic efforts to pacify the people who have suffered from the indiscretions of his manager provide the picture with an entertaining plot.