ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18157, 23 October 1930, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. STRAND THEATRE. The possession by seven people of a key each to a deserted mountain hostelry leads to remarkable complications in “ Seven Keys to Baldpate,” which commenced a season at the Strand Theatre last evening. The central figure is popular Richard Dix, who is cast as the author of. popular fiction—.fiction which it transpires is similar to the melodrama in which he is to be involved. Dix, as William Magee, writer of mystery stories, has a wager with a friend that he can' produce a complete novel in 24 hoursi if given a place of absolute quiet in which to work. Baldpate Inn, a summer resort closed for the winter, is chosen for the purpose. It is midnight When Magee reaches the inn, to be welcomed there by the caretaker and his wife. They leave for the village, a mile down the mountain side, with the assurance that Magee has the only key to Baldpate in existence, and he is alone. No sooner does he settle down to work than a second key turns in the lock and Magee suddenly finds himself in the centre of an adventure more thrilling than any he has ever written. The night is a procession of arrivals, by the last of which Magee gathers that there are seven keys to Baldpate. He also finds that the night’s happenings have given him material for his novel. With each turn of the key there arises a new and sensational situation, and the ending of the story is itself the greatest surprise of the picture. The novelist has declared that love at first sight is something found only in fiction, but he experiences it himself, and the romance which follows runs the length of the story.

TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. Conclusive proof tnat the talking screen is as satisfactory a medium as the speaking stage is given in “Ladies of Leisure." The story has to do with an artist and an idealist who falls in love with and seeks to reform a girl of the streets. On this simple theme a fine picture is worked, which met with a great reception in Auckland and elsewhere. Most of the heavy work falls on the shoulders of Ralph Graves, who gives a sterling performance. Barbara Stanwyck gives a sympathetic rendition of the girl in the case, and Lowell Sherman has a strong character part. The delightful comedienne, Marie Prevost, contributes many laughs in a frivolous role-

THEATRE ROYAL. The British film, “ Song of Soho,” will be screened to-night, with a cast headed by Carl Bri&son, Edna Davies, and Donald Calthrop. Carl Brisson is the well-known London musical comedy favourite who has become equally popular on the'screen. The story presents! Brisson and Calthrop as two friends just discharged from the French Foreign Legion. Coming to London to Calthrop’s haunts, they link up with a run-down restaurant in Soho and . give it a new lease of popularity through Brisson’s ability as a floor performer. Between the daughter of the proprietress, Edna Davies, and Brisson, . a romance springs up, involved by the entrance of another woman, but of course all ends happily. The interest of the audience is held throughout.

ROXY THEATRE. The change of programme at the Roxy Theatre to-night will be headed by “Thunderbolt," featuring George Bancroft. This is an exciting dfama, with a charming romance, and many humorous touches. Mr Bancroft, the popular V he-man ” of the Alms, has a very strong role, and is supported by an excellent cast. New York’s Negro district, with all its -sinister, hidden underworld, is revealed on the screen as it actually is. Bancroft portrays the part of a hardAghting gang boss in love with Fay Wray.

KUBELIK, VIOLINIST. Not only is Jan Kubelik a great artist; he is- also a great man, with a heart that goes out in sympathy to the unfortunates of the Adelaide, during his recent Australian tour, the world’s greatest living violinist of hi-s age played at the Sunday' afternoon service of the City Mission, his playing on behalf of the unemployed having a striking response in the hearts of the men. The famous man, who has, in the course of his astounding musical career, been almost overwhelmed by official recognition in lands of many nationalities, was at his simplest facing the large Mission audience when he enthralled with his wonderful playing and the naturalness of his personality- Kubelik who is touring New Zealand, will appear at Hamilton on Tue-sday, under the J. and N. Tait banner with Mr Claude Kingston personally directing the tour. As accompanist to Kubelik, Mr Otto Hasa pleased all critics in all lands. The booking opened this morning.