AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE,

"Ramona," starring Dolores Del Rio, continues to attract large audiences to the Strand Theatre. "Ramona," which is United Artists' picturisation of Helen Hunt Jackson's famous romance, owes its success to its simplicity. It is the story of Ramona, a gitl, half-Indian and halfSpanish, who is cared for by the tyrannical Senora Morena, wealthiest ranch owner in old California in the days when the dons were undisputed leaders in the land. The story goes on to tell of her sisterly love for Felipe, Senora Morena's son, her elopement with the Indian Alessandro (for the senora would never consent to her marrying an Indian), her tragic life with him —tragic because of the death of their baby, the burning off their home by cattle thieves and the murder of Alessendro —and her final return to the home of Felipe after bis mother's death. Even at this stage of the story,. a sad ending seems inevitable, for Ramona, griefstricken by the death of Aleesandro, has lost her memory and Felipe's attempts tS restore it are futile. But he perseveres and finally the memory of her past returns to' her and she recognises him. Roland Drew plays Felipe admirably, while Warner Baxter's Aleesandro is another likeable character. The supports at the Strand include an atmospheric prologue, in which Mr. Birrell O'Malley is the soloist, an "Our Gang" comedy, a Strand Magazine and the playing of a gramophone record of' the popular song "Ramona," actually sung by Dolores Del Rio. Eve Bentley's orchestra provides enjoyable music throughout the entertainment. NEW REGENT THEATRE. Harmston's performing cockatoos are appearing on the programme which opened for the change at the New Regent Theatre to-day. The birds seem almost hurnan in their intelligence and capabilities. One of them answers questions from the audience, sutfh as ringing any required number on a bell, telling the time from a watch or solving simple arithmetical problems. Others play tunes on bells or chimes, and the cockatoo acrobat would make any circus clown jealous with his feats. Each bird has an understudy that can do any of his tricks without going back on his own part. "Cockatoos are the easiest creatures in the world to train," explains Miss Harmston, who is responsible for their splendid performance. "After a little patient training they never forget what they have learned and it is only a matter of impressing it on them in the first instance. They enjoy performing too." Also on the new programme is Adolphe Menjou's latest vehicle for Paramount, "His Tiger Lady." In this film, Menjou is an "extra" at the Folies Bergere, who loses his only suit of clothes by a prank played on him by his friends. He doas his stage clothing (that of an Indian maharajah) and in this guise wins a wealthy lady. He finds himself in all sorts of complications, which are not eisily straightened out by the time the climax is reached. Evelyn Brent plays opposite him. Among the supports, are a Regent Gazette, an interesting travelogue and a newer eel. Mr. Maurice Guttridge, besides conducting the operatic orchestra, which renders enjoyable music, plays "the Wurlitzer organ. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.

"The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary," which is now being screened at the Everybody's Theatre, car> boast more thaji one unusual feature. Not the least of these is the fact that its star, May Rdbeon, created Aunt Mary in the stance production 32 years ago. Miss Robson lives again in her old part and even such a long time has made no difference to the admirable manner in which she is capable of playing it. "The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary" is a farce-comedy, telling of an old lady who was s« sure that she was ill that she had actually chosen her own tombstone. But the a Mention given to her by a pretty young nurse,' who constantly hints at the truth, convinces Aunt Mary that her ailment is imaginary and so energetic does she become that she embarks on a series of wildly exciting adventures, which culminate in her winning a gruelling cross-country motor race. Phyllis Haver plays the nurse and Harrison Ford has tha role of the nephew, who, to his aunt's knowledge, is in charge of a large sanatorium, but who is really working on an invention designed to revolutionise motoring. "The Poacher," which accompanies "The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary" at the Everybody's, is a UFA production, starring Helga Thomas. It is a thrilling mystery story in which the suspense is well maintained.

PLAZA AND TIVOLI. "The Four-Flusher" and "Code of the Scarlet" are the two features of the current programme at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. "The Four-Flusher" is the entertaining story of a young clerk in a shoe' store, who poses before an heiress as a. millionaire. His impersonation leads him into all sorts of intriguing situations, but before the story reaches its cliniax everything is straightened out to the satisfaction of all concerned. Marian Nixon and George Lewie (star of "The Collegians"). head the cast of this delightful comedy-drama. "Code of the Scarlet" is a gripping story of the North-West Mounted Police, starring Ken Maynard and his wonderful horse Tarzan. The word of the force—"Get your man"—forms the basis of the theme of this picture and into the sequence of events there has also been woven a charming romance. Comedy has not been neglected, but has been supplied in just the right amount. Tarzan delights film fans with his splendid performance. He is as important as Maynard himself, and it cannot be denied that the star's success in his thrilling stunts depends largely on the cleverness and intelligence of Tarzan. There are entertaining supports at both theatres. " SCHOOL CONCERT.

When the Brixton Road School sets out on a financial venture such as the raising of funds for the purchase of a school piano, it does so with a thoroughness which ensures success. Scots Hall, in Symonds Street, was crowded last evening for an excellent concert provided by the pupils of the school. The programme was thoroughly enjoyed, and the entertainment was in every way one of the most successful of school achievement!. The performers included the tiniest boys and girls of the primers, and the whole range of school life up to the highest standard. There were folk dancing and ballet dancing, character dances and flag drill; marching songs, physical drill, animal impersonations and touches of life in the Orient were also provided wiht sparkling effect, and songs, choruses and part songs added greatly to the enjoyment of the entertainment. The piano fund will deservedly benefit to a large extent by this worthy effort. The concert resulted in a sum of approximately £60 being available for the purchase of a Diano. MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The happy combination of May McAvoy and Oonrad Nagel in leading roles In ' Slightly Used" proved so successful that the two are again starred in "If I Were Single," opened to-day at the Majestic Theatre. "If I Were Single" is a fastmoving farfcical play somewhat after the type of the previous McAvoy-Nagel success, and one which is admirably adapted to their adept portrayals of mixed comedy and drama. The pair are introduced aa following closely upon the first ecstasies of love, which cauie them to be plunged into a series of hilarious situations beginning' with a harmless flirtation- and a first anniversary gift. Also on the Majestic's programme are a New Zealand scenic, a Majestic News and an "Our Gang" comedy. Miss Christina Ormiaton and the Majestic Quartet are heard in gems from "The Bohemian Girl," and Mr. John Whiteford-Waugh's orchestra playe

LYRIC AND EMBASSY. Who, even among those who are not followers of the stage, does not know of Sir Harry Lauder? There can be but few. His fame as a comedian is world-wide, and it will be pleasing to his admirers to know that he is to be seen on the screen also. TTia first big British picture, "Huntingtower," is now being screened at the Lyric and Embassy Theatres. "Huntingtower" is the entertaining stofy of a Glasgow grocer who went to the aid of a princess in distress. It is from the story by John Buehan. Sir Harry introduces a number of drolleries quite new to the screen, and it is doubtful if he is not more enjoyable on the silver sheet than on the spoken stage. Scenes were taken on the actual location of the story—the castle of Huntingtown. "The News Parade," starring "News-reel" Nick Stuart, accompanies "Huntingtower" at both theatres. The story deals with the adventures of 'a newsreel cameraman in pursuing a camera-shy millionaire and his beautiful daughter. All the exciting experiences with which a cameraman might meet—and more—are seen, and the action races along at a great pace from beginning, to end of the story. Sally Phipps has the feminine lead. There are also good supports at both houses. MARGARET BANNERMAN. "Other Men's Wives," in which the famous London actress, Miss Margaret Banserman, and Mr. Anthony Prinsep's London Company will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre by the. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management on Wednesday night next, was written specially for Miss Bannerman by the author of "Ambrose Applejohn's Adventure," which was popu- j lar here some years ago. It is said that' Miss Bannerman scores right through "Other Men's Wives." "Stepping right into the picture," wrote a Sydney critic, "at her first entrance she maintains herself with ease and grace, making the most of the many piquant, dramatic and comedy situations provided by the clever author, Walter Hackett. The swift action of the plot, with its comedy and mystery and thrills, gives Miss Bannerman a chance to wear some beautiful costumes and two sete of aetonjshing pyjamas. She is probably" at her bes£ in the dramatic climax to the second act, when she rises to the greatest height of her dramatic genius." Miss Lily Tither 'xlge, who will appear in "Other Men's Wives," is a member of the distinguished Titheradge family. Louis another member of the company, comes with a big London reputation, which he more than sustained by his splendid work with Margaret Bannerman in Sydney and Melbourne. Mr. Ellk Irving is already well known to New Zealand, principally for his portrayals in the plays staged here by the Rene Kelly company. Four only can be staged of "Other Men's Wives," and it will be followed by three representations each of "Our Betters" and "Sexes and Sevens," and two of "Diplomacy." The box plans will be opened on Monday morning at 9 o'clock. BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH BAND. The eleventh annual concert held under the auspices of the Birkenhead Borough Band took place in the Foresters' Hall, Birkenhead, last evening. An enjoyable programme was submitted, the band items, under the conductorship of Mr. Greg. Smith, including the march "Waldemere" (F. Losey), selection "Les Huguenots" (Meyerbeer), selection, "Squire's Popular Songs" (arranged by Ord Hume), and the march "Blaze of Glory" (Abe Holamann). These were supplemented by vocal items by the Munter Quartet (Mra. A. L. Lewis, Miss Jean Black, Messrs. James Littler and Will Farrow); humorous songs byMr. Arthur Austen; soprano solos by Miss Jean Black; contralto solos by Mrs. A. L. Lewis; tenor solos by Mr. Will Farrow; baritone solos by Mr. James Littler; duets by Mrs. A. L. Lewis and Mrs. W. Farrow and Miss Jean Black and Mr. Jas. Littler; and character recitations by Miss Clara Billman. Mr." P. Black officiated as accompanist. GRAMMAR SCHOOL CONCERT.

Pupils of the Auckland Grammar School gave an entertaining concert before a large audience in the Town Hall last evening, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the sports fund and to improvements to the school grounds. Items by the school choir, under Mr. J. K. Dellow, and the orchestra, under Mr. F. M. Price, were especially enjoyable, and some clever sketches were staged by members of the school's Dramatic Club. This combination also presented a one-act play, "The Lost Silk Hat," by Charles Dickens. Songs were sung by D. M. Campbell, A. L. Litt, D. L. Campbell, and the choir, a piccolo solo waj played by N. Johnstone, accompanied by the orchestra, and clarinet duets by Mr. C. N. Nicholls, F. K. Garry, P. W. Estoe and F. O. Nops. One of the features of the programme was a gymnastic display. It was obvious that the boys are enthusiastic about their work in the gymnasium, and the display was an exhibition of good combination, the result of careful training.