ROXY THEATRE

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 230, 28 September 1929, Page 13

ROXY THEATRE

"A Dangerous Woman," the headline attraction at the Koxy Theatre, has been attracting large audiences at all sessions, and the management has extended the season, which commenced its second week yesterday. It is a stirring emotionaldrama with a cast headed by Baclanova, Clive Brook and Neil Hamilton. The plot is worked out in a corner of Africa, where a commissioner has the duty of administering British justice to the natives. He has an intriguing wife, who enslaves first of all the commissioner's assistant. He commits suicide, and is replaced by the commissioner's brother. The wife, not satisfied with what she has already done, ensnares the new assistant, and retribution is brought about by a servant who knows what is going on and introduces a venomous snake into the bed of the temptress. She dies, but the servant is the only person with a key to the secret, and he keeps a still tongue. It all ends happily, the brothers going on furlough together, neither being aware of the facts. It is a story of thrills and suspense, and there "is not a moment of dullness throughout the screening. A full programme of talking featurettcs is also presented. PLAZA THEATRE. A dramatic phase of Hollywood's critical attention to talking pictures was uncovered shortly after the completion of George Bancroft's all-talking picture. '•Thunderbolt," the Plaza Theatre feature, when the star announced the dissolution of a national body of investigators, formed 'by himself, to report on opinions reflecting on his first appearance in dialogue films, "The Wolf of Wall Street." Bancroft's first talking picture was of vital interest to the star, but the acclaim with -which it was received removed any doubts he may have had about his ability to perform in dialogue pictures. Paramount officials were never in any doubt about the splendid tonal qualities of Bancroft's voice. Bancroft, however, sought a, more comprehensive verdict and, accordingly, framed his "national jury," composed of friends in. every section of the country, acquaintances among leading showmen and 300 persons who had written him intelligent "fan" letters. In each case he asked an impartial opinion. "No presidential candidate hae ever awaited vote- counts with more genuine interest," he says, "and my returns poured in by long distance- telephone, by wire and mail. My self-created 'intelligence department , has been very encouraging." "Thunderbolt" has has a wonderful vogue, and the season has had 'to be extended. The featurettes are all good and in keeping with the main feature. STRAND THEATRE. Nothing so thoroughly arresting has come to the screen of the Strand Theatre in many a. moon a≤ the Fox movietone picture, "The Black Watch," with Victor McLaglen, which is in its fourth week. And if the manner in which it was received is any indication of success "The Black Watch," which is done entirely in dialogue, will prosper and be there for many more days. To say 'that it is the most entertaining talking picture that has even been made is a statemeat few wHI feel inclined to quarrel with.' It's simply the sort even hardened reviewers rave about. It's got just about everything, including exciting intrigue, amorous adventure, thrills and romance. The characters, thanks to the excellent cast, actually live. The direction k flawless, and the story throughout is admirable and logical, never lagging yet never slipping over the best spots. lhe supporting featurettes are all of an interesting character. EMPRESS THEATRE. A comedy depending as much on the dialogue as on the humorous situations, is seen and heard in the big talkie "Give and Take," now at the Empress Theatre. \. splendid cast was selected to interpret this talkie comedy, including George Sidney, Jean Hersholt and George Lewis. The story concerns John Bauer, owner of a fruit-canning factory, who •has built up a prosperous .business tor the sake of his only son. The boy, Jack, returns from college and as formally installed in Ms new office in the factoiy, and promptly discloses his ideas on business, which do not coincide with those of his father. Bauer, senior, and his secretary, Marion Kruger, object to the proposed change in policy, but Jack is supported by Kruger, the factory foreman, who favours a plan whereby the factory employees would share in the profits of the business. Bauer, senior, owes the bank a considerable sum oi money, and difficulties arise when Dium, the bank president, threatens to foreclose but salvation comes from an unexpected quarter. It is good comedy throughout. The supports are all in keeping. > MOULIN ROUGE. The programme this evening at tin Moulin R age, Remuera includes tin screening of "The One W T oman Idea, featuring . Rod La Rocque and Marcelmc Day, followed by the college romance "Hold 'Em, Yale." The usual topical: and a short comedy are included, m< pictures will be followed by two hours of dancing to a musical programme sup plied by Clem Mason's Internationals In "The One Woman Idea," Rod Li Rocque takes the part of a Persiai Prince. ■ Marceline Day plays dua characters, first- as the wife of an Eng lish nobleman and as a seductive halt caste dancing girl. There are bevys o Eastern beauties on a fast paced story On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday a sound synchronised programme wil be shown, including D. W. Griffith' special, "The Three Passions." MUNICIPAL MUSIC. The Municipal Band will play at tht Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon The programme includes the firsperformance by the band of Sigiemunc Romberg's "The Desert Song/ , whicl contains many very bright numbers melodious and up-to-date in harmoni. devices.: Other items are "Les Cloche* de Corneville" overture; hymn, "Tin Emperor"; "Marche et Cortage" fron "La Reine de Saba," the popular suite "The" Courts of Granada" (by request) "The Gondoliers" selection; "Th Turkish Patrol"; cornet solo, "A Shep herd's Morning Song" (soloist, Mr. J Davies), and other interesting numbers The city organist, Mr. Maughan Bar nett, will give a recital in the Town Ha-1 to-morrow evening, when he will pla; Handel's "Occasional" overture, Bane "Toccata," a set of chorale variations b; Bach, Mendelssohn's. "Spring Song" an< Boccherini's "Minuet." On Saturday next, in the Town Hall the Municipal Band will continue it series of concerts and present a citizens concert, the programme being selectei bv the public. A splendid selection ha so far come to hand. The numbers t be given will be those gaining the great est°number of votes. SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENTS. \t the Majestic Theatre to-morro\ niaht there will be a picture screen in. bv°the Rationalist Association. A c.nein service will be held at the Staw Theatre.