ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18346, 4 June 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES

CIVIC THEATRE. “City Lights” which has had a run of over a week in Hamilton, will be screened ior the last, time tonight. Charlie Chaplin presents himself in his world-famous character and he is the central figure m the turmoil of the city. A blind tlowei girl is the second of Importance and brings to the screen for the first time Virginia Ghcrnll, who until assigned the leading feminine part in the picture was a Chicago society girl. other of the trio is an eccentric m. - llonaire, portrayed by Harry Myers, Important to the telling of the story is the' flower vender’s grand-mother, enacted by Florence Lee; the eccentric millionaire’s butler, Allan Garcia, and a prize-fighter, Hank Mann. Although 'there is not a spoken word from the beginning to the end of Ci-i Lights" the production Is completely svnehronised with music and sound effects. In this respect, Chaplin adds another accomplishment to h’.s versatility, introducing for the greater part entirely original music of his own creation, the arrangement of which is credited to Arthur Johnson, STRAND THEATRE. “The Middle Watch,” the screamingly funny British production in which the characters speak delightful English, is proving very popular at the Strand Theatre, and large audiences are the rule. For the first time on the screen we have a comedy set on a British battleship. Conviction to the settings and atmosphere is enhanced 'by the. fact that the Admiralty granted facilities for the scenes dealing with actual service routine. The comedy, which deals with two girls, accidentally marooned on a warship after a dance, and their encounter with an admiral, is most amusing, both ill dialogue and situation. As the admiral, who Is shocked at the irregularities and terrified of what his wife will say, Frederick Volpe is excellent. He is ably seconded by ’Reginald Purdell as a discreet corporal, and Henry Wenman as a marine. Jacqueline Logan gives a very good performance as one of the girls who captures the affections of Captain Maitland, played by Owen Nares. Jack Ralne has the role of a. naval commander, and Phyllis Loring is the girl to whom he is engaged, w'hilst Margaret Halstan is cast as the Admiral’s lady. Dodo Watts is also to be seen in this naval comedy, as Fay Eaton, who is engaged to the captain of marines—Hamiltpn Keene. This is altogether, a most enjoyable picture, and one which shows how far England has advanced in the making of first-class comedy talkies.

THEATRE ROYAL. “Swee'hearts and Wives” tells an interesting and amusing story, and the dialogue is clever and sparkling. ’Perhaps the most striking feature of the film is its revelation of the versatility of Billie Dove. She keeps the audience guessing; Which is she — a French maid, an English lady of the upper ranks, a chance traveller? ‘But in spite of these really astonishing metamorphoses she remains, in the last analysis, the Billie Dove whom so many thousands of moviegoers know' so well. She is a beautiful as ever, and acts convincingly. The story is all about a stolen diamond necklace. There Is a little lonely inn in the south of France where the action takes place—and it’s the sort of action that keeps one sitting on the edge of one’s chair. Leila llyarns has a good part, and makes the most of it. Fletcher Norton, Crauford Kent, 'John Loder—all of them turn up in realistic characterisations.

“Courage," the tender-comedy-drama, depicts a mother’s valiant struggles to give her children the finer things of life against overwhelmingodds. Belle Bennett enacts the mother, while Marian Nixon has the role of the eldest daughter. ROXY THEATRE. The return of Ruth Chatterton and Clive Brook Is sure to draw a large audience to the Roxy Theatre. This time they are seen in “The Better Wife,” a strong comedy-drama which holds the attention of the audience from beginning to end. The acting of the stars is as polished as ever, and they have the support of an excellent cast, including Paul Lukas, as the villain of the piece. There is an entertaining supporting programme.

HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION. .it "THE HEADMISTRESS" TO-NIGHT. The plays and operattas presented each year 'by the pupils of the Hamilton High School never fail to provide entertainment of a high standard, and this year's production, "The Headmistress," promises to eclipse all past performances. "The Headmistress," a humourous musical extravaganza in two acts, will be staged tonight by the boys of the school as the opening performance of a three nights’ season. The cast has been carefully chosen, and weeks of rehearsal have evolved an excellent entertainment. The story is centred around a boys’ school In 1950, and is full of humourous incidents. The girls of the school will be seen in a series of “Faust” ballets. An orchestra of ten intsruments, under the baton of .Air E. H. Apthorp, will provide the music for the play and the dancing. . Tho proceeds of the programme are to be devoted to providing dressing rooms for the new school swimming baths.

MISCHA LEVITZKI, PIANIST. PROGRAMME FOR HAMILTON. Mr E. J. 'Oravestock, who is responsible for the visit of M. Miselia Levitzki, the famous pianist, to New Zealand, has, after careful consultation with M. Levitzki, arranged Die following programme for lire Hamilton concert in the Theatre Royal, on Thursday, June 1 i :—Organ Toccata and Fuguo in D Minor (Baeh-Tausig), Melody from “Orpheus’’ (GluekSgambafci), Sonata, Op. 57 in F Minor, “Appas'sionala,” (Beethoven), impromptu in F Sharp Minor (Chopin), two studies, Op. 10, No. 8 F Major, Op. G-i No. 10 in D Flat. Major (Chopin), Waltz in A Flat Major (Chopin), Polonaise in A Flat, “Heroic” (Chopin), The Girl with the Flaxen Hair (Dehussy), Golliwog’s Cake Walk (Debussy), Jcux d'eau (Ravel), Waltz in A Major, Up. 2 (Levitzki) and Hungarian Rhapsody No. G (Liszt). The inclusion of the "Appassionata"

sonata is of special Interest, as Levitzki's Interpretation of this work has aroused considerable discussion in Australia, owing to unusual treatment of this great sonata. With the exception of the “Heroic” Polonaise, the other items of the Chopin group are not so frequently played as most other Chopin pieces. The inclusion of Debussy, Ravel, -Bach, and Liszt, in the programme, as well as the pianist's own popular little waltz, should'please all classes of music lovers. ■Air'Oravestock says that the distinguished pianist will be delighted to consider any suggestions for extra numbers. Levitzki’s generosity in this respect led to some remarkable scenes in Australia for his final recital in Sydney lasted until 11.15, an hour and ten minutes after the announced programme had been given. * Tho box plan will open to-morrow.