AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA, TJVOLi, EVERYBODY'S,

"The Wreck o£ the Hesperus," which is being Screened at the Plaza, -Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres, as the name' denotes, is a drama of the seas. It is a sweet poignant love romance, with many heart appeals and some amazing thrills. The featured players are Virgina Bradford, Frank Marion, Alan Hale and Sam de Grasse. Aboard the schooner i Hesperus, commanded by David Slocuin, is his little daughter Gale. Land- has been sighted and - the skipper and • his daughter are happy at the thought of return home after a long cruise. Slocum is thinking of the bride he is to lead to the altar. When he and Gale land and are hurrying along a quiet New England street, they meet a wedding party, and Slocum learns to his dismay that the girl-lie'was to marry had wed another. "He told me you were dead," said the bride to the captain of the Hesperus, while-she pointed dramatically at her husband. Cursing bitterly Sloeum leads his daughter back to the Hesperus and once more the schooner goes to sea. Many thrilling incidents follow;, including a terrible storm which breaks with tremendous fury. Slocum lashes Gale to the mast as the heavy seas sweep the schooner and after a long fight with the elements the vessel founders. The girl is rescued and dragged ashore and eventually marries her preserver. This is a picture.away from the usual type, and is attracting large audiences nightly. At the Plaza and Tivoli the supporting picture is entitled "No .Place to Go," starring Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes. Thie is a spirited story with plenty of comedy and .is brimful of laughs. Mary _ Astor plays .the part -of a flapper. She is usually seen in rather reserved or intensely emotional parts, but in this picture sha is full of pep and particularly delightful. At Everybody's the supporting picture is "Love Me and the World "Iβ Mine," featuring Mary Philbin and Norman Kerry. All the glittering glory of the world's gayest city, Vienna, is shown in this outstanding film. ; , REGENT THEATRE. In a balanced programme at the New Regent Theatre this week the second-part feature is ■ a Paramount production, "Partners in Crime;" in/which the droll humour o£ Wallace Beery and '. Raymond Hatton is delightfully interspersed with hair-raising events o£ gang warfare in the underworld. Apart from' the work of tliese quaint comedians the stoi-y is so fast and racy as to smack of ■ the detective drama at its best. A gang_,cnrries out a raid on the business premises of a firm, which, for reasons of friendship, is under the self-imposed protection of another gong. The war is instantly on with a free play of giine and knives. Detectives and pplice are on the trail, and into the ewirl of excitement come the two innocents,, who thereafter contribute to the exciting complications. Wallace Beery, is irresistible as a detective, who. has turned waiter, and Raymond Hatton cleverly plays a double part. In the ;6nal. scene where they "disarm" gangsters, "detectives and police by the ,use oE tear-bombs they are immense. As a special novelty turn this week the management presents Michel and her Parisian models. Michel per-

forms . with daring on a high-swung trapeze, while in the background is a huge spider web contrivance, on which the human models display their physical charm. Last evening the act was warmly appreciated.. The Now Regent Gazette contains many interesting features, which include excellent pictures of some of the search parties la.quest of the survivors of the Italia in the Arctic. A comedy, "Horse Shy," provides fun of the fast and furious .kind and incidentally givee an unusual dethonetration of horsemanship'. -The art of c6loured photography is introduced in ■ "The .Czarina's Secret," a picture which ■" savours somewhat richly of an historic event in earlier Russian life. In addition to the numbers of the Regent Orchestra last evening, which included a fine rendering of "Masanello" (Auber),■Mr. Maurice Guttridge played on the Wurlitzer organ, "Tne Indian Love Call" from "Rose Marie," and Athe .pqpular. tune '.'Beautiful.?'- :■ .;.,-' ;■.,■' TUDOR THEATRE. ■ Picture patrons who prefer stories centred on a few characters of unusual talent' should be particularly pleased with "If-1 Were Single," now showing at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, in which May McAvoy and Conrad Nagel are the stars.. As man and wife they carry their roles with remarkable . ! ability .in a breezy, moitrimonial story, in which heartbreaks and comedy alternate? The second feature, "Under the Black Eagle," is a German .war story, with Mareeline Day and Ralph Forbes playing- the leads, while Flash, a new canine wonder, makes .his 6Creen debut. A young artist is parted from his sweetheart when-the-shadow of-the Black Eagle falls on him. How the lovers are united through the faithfulness of the ; dog forms a story which holde the interest from beginning-to end. A Southern comedy, "King Cotton," together with an interesting topic, and Gazette completes the bill. On Tuesday, Adolphe Menjou will appear in the comedy-drama, "A Night of Mystery," and Dorothy Gieh in "Tip Toes." This will be replaced next Friday with a newspaper story, "The News Parade," and David Belasco's picturisatipn of the civil war, "The Heart of Maryland." "UNCLE TOM'S CABIN."- ' Since the stage presentation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" nearly seventy years ago, it is estimated that over 220 "Tom Shows" have taken to -the l'oad. . It seems 'that there is no lessening of the popularity of this'play. Many stock companies, finding themselves in need of funds, are still putting on the: play to recoup losses and invariably reap success. - The gigantic picturisation .of the Harriet Beecher Stowe novel, a Universal SuperJewel production, will open at the Plaza, Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres • next Thursday. An all-star cast has been assembled for the picture,'including such players as Margarita Fischer, Arthur Edmund Carew, John Roche, Gertrude Astor, Lucien Littlefield, George • Siegmann, Mona Ray, Virginia.Grey, Eulalie Jensen, J. Gordon Rusell, Aileen Manning, Jack Mower, Vivien Oakland ..and others. There will also be an atmospheric prologue to the film, and full supports. STRAND- THEATRE. \\ "Ratnona," Dolores -Del-.Rib's latest starring vehicle for United Artists, continues to draw large audiences •to the Strand Theatre, where it is now in its third week; "Ramona" is the screen 'version of the novel by Helen Hunt Jackson and is the story of Ramona, a girl half Indian and half Spanish, who is v cared for-by the haughty Senora- Moreno, wealthiest'ranch owner in California, ■in the early days when'the dons were the undisputed:leaders in the land. Warner Baxter portrays Alessandro, the' Indian with * whom Ramona falls in love, and Roland Drew has the role of Felipe, the Senora's son;', with" whom Ramona eventually finds happiness, after the death' of Alessandro*. Among- the supports at the Strand are an "Our Gang" , comedy, a; Strand' Magazine and an interest film.' A. gramophone record of the popular song. "Ramona," actually "recorded •by - .Dolores Del Rio,: is played and' there is also an atmospheric prologue in . which Mr; Birr ell. O'Malley is ' the soloist. Eve Bentley's. orchestra provides enjoyable music ■ throughout the entertainment. ' '-. .■■ ''■■'•''■. '. j MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT.

A fine programme will be submitted: in the Town .Hall-by the Auckland Municipal Band to-night at eight o'clock. Two numbers presented for the first time are the Introductions to Acts 2 and 3 of Wolf-

Ferrari's 'opera, "The Jewels -of the Madonna" and a Southern "Virginia," by Haydn-Wood; other items are: "Marche Militaire, ■ Weber's'"Oberon" overture,-Rossini's quaint fancy, , "La Boutique Fantasque," ■Eas'thppe Martin's "Evensong" and a Jantasia,;" "Reminiscences of the Plantation." Vocal numbers will be'sung by' Mr. Stan Pritchard, .and instrumental solos played by Messrs. Hal C. McLennan, flute, and Frei Bowes, cornet. Mr. Leo ■Whittaker'will be at the piano. - \ '..'_ .' .. .. ......... ... .'

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Enjoyable, music, novelty, and the best in picture entertainment, form the programme Which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. The entertainment films are unusually eood,. esP?" » variety picture showing everything, from a novel light on a walking stick to a trip through Madeira. Comedy is provided by the pranks', of Hal EoaeVe raeoas inan "Our Gang" comedy, in which there is a mud-elinging scene more exciting aU the pie-throwing that has yet 'been filmed •and guaranteed to make even the most dour audience laugh. Scenes of ing event* from overseas are included in the- Majestic News, and the antwsot all season at the Strand, are thrown on tte vreen Quite the gem of the musical portion of the entertainment is the rendeg •ing of Mendelssohn's ."Concerto -in <* Minor" in which the Majestic on the stage is conducted through an accompanSt I Miss Lillian <W« rendering at the piano. It is a Beautiful composition, beautifully played, and*?: though the iionoum must go to JUise QuiM, Mr. John Whiteford-Wamgh ie to be congratulated on the manner in -which he directs his musicians through a difficult piece.. Then comes the pwnc.paVp ctuie attraction. "Diamond Handcuffs. It lT the story .of the, constant misfortune associated "i' ll a Xrdiamond, known as rthe. Shah, alluiing, glittering in Its beauty,, yet dangerous, even poisonous in the trail whichit leaves —death The story is unfolded like a slagVplay, in three acts, the first of which reveals a diamond mine in South Africa where a negro steals the Shah to give it to a girl who has infatuated him. J! or his crimo he pays the miprome penalty. When- .next seen, the Shah flashes its. charms from the window of a jeweller s shop. Hero again it brings misfortune, for it is through it that a domestic tragedy reaches its climax. It is in the third act of this drama that the Shah wreaks most havoc. It is stolen by an accomplice of Spike Mulligan, a ruler in the underwork, and sold to Tillie, his girl. The denouement is reached when the police raid Spike's cafe. There is a terrific,encounter between the police and Spike's gang, and the futility of the luet. for possession of the diamond is shown when the stone is crushed to powder.j

LYRIC AND EMBASSY. Quick action and unexpected situations are features of the picture "Lady Raffles, ■being screened at the Lyric and limbassy Theatres, 'l'he story centres round a clever girl detective who brings two jeweTroljbers to justice by her bravery and resource. There is a cowardly plot to steal the jewels and place -the blame on the shoulders of Lady Raffles, who completely turns the tables on the criminals. JLhere are many tenso situations cleverly aeveloped by Estelle Taylor, who moves the audiencp to laughter and tears as the story proceeds. The plot is cleverly conceived and worked out. - A fascinating love drama is interwoven, this picture story being one of .the b'est that has been presented for some time, as it is so different. Many charming robes ore worn by :the heroine, the photography being exceptionally good. Miss Taylor is certainly an artist who knows her business' thoroughly. Another outstanding feature is "A Race for Life," in which -the wonderful dog .Rin Tin Tin has the leading part. This popular hero is always sure of a welcome wherever he appears and this is not the leaet interesting picture Rinty hae made. In this film the dog'has. a new role, appearing as the pet of an ambitious jockey who gains fame and fortune with the aid of his clever canine friend. In the cast are Virginia Browne 'Faire, Carrol Nye and Bobby Condon. '<"■'-. BAND AT 200. The Municipal Band plays at, the Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. A well-balanced and interesting programme includes the overture "Dawn of Peace," selections "Operas of Offenbach" and "Attila," bright marches "The Return," "Carry- On" and "Royal Standard," intermezzo "Eventide at the Convent" and. other tuneful numbers. "

SHURA CHERKASSKY. Five years ago an eleven-year-old boy pianist, Shura. Cherkaesky, caused A sensa--tion in the United States. He Bad but lately arrived from- war-rid<len Russia, where his parents, aftei* years'of-priva-tion and suffering, were allowed by the Soviet Government to leave for America. The lad's mother was hcfself a concert pianist and teacher at the Odessa Conservatoire, and had supervised his musical training. Youthful prodigies are not rare •in these days and technical finesse does not provoke unusual comment, but Shura s mastery of his instrument bore the mistakable stamp of genius. In New York last November a capacity audience was riotously enthusiastic and the New York Press unreservedly conceded his astonishing artistry. "The boy," says a New York critic, "walke out. upon the platform with child-like simplicity of manner and an engaging naivete at the pianp fie'.becomes instantly masterful, authoritative. At hie command the lavish resources, astonishing virtuosity, youthful impetuosity and fire, glowing gradations of tonal colour,' • glowing warmth and poetic tenderness, but' he draws judiciously, carefully from them." So mature, so masterful his grasp that one-can only marvel at so phenomenal a fund of intuitive power." "Mr. E. • J. Gravestock has arranged for this ; young- musiSan to give three recitals in thei .Town Hall on Thursday, October 18, Saturday, October 20 and October 22". The arrangements for the box plan are advertised. . ORGAN RECITAL. > Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, has selected a popular programme for the recital in the Town Hnll to-morrow (Sunday) evening. He will play standard works by Bach and Guilmnnt, two popular minuets by Mozart and Beethoven, the "Prize Song" from Wagner's Maestersingers and Schubert's "Ave Maria." " DANCING. "Several novelties have been arranged for this evening's dance in the Dixieland Cabaret, Point Chevalier. Music Will bo supplied by the Dixieland Dance Band under Mr. Harry. Neilson, and all the latest;foxtrot hits will be played. i Another enjoyable entertainment has been arranged.fdr the Click Clack Cabaret, in the Rialto Buildings, Newmarket, this evening. Clyde Howley's Famous Inter* nationals will provide the- music, .and favours will be distributed among', the merry-makers. , . m .■■ • ' - The Parisian Dancing Club will hold another big dance in the Kitchener Hall this evening. Birtley's Society Orchestra (under the personal direction 'of Mr. Birtley) will provide a specially selected programme 'of syncopated dance music, and pleasing lighting, effects will give the cabaret a gay atmosphere. The usual Saturday night dance will be held, in the Mission B.ay Cabaret, Kohimarama, this .evening.

Mr. George Williams lias arranged a first-class entertainment for the Masonic Hall this evening. " • ' '

Old-time dances are hold every Wednesday and Saturday evenings in cipal Hall, Newmarket, under, the direction ofiJMr. D. Maj'cs. The Regal Five will provide a first-class programme of music at this evening's dance of the Ngaroma Social Clttb, to bo held in the Manchester Oddfellows' Hall, at the corner of Victoria Street, West, and Hdbson Street.