AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 231, 30 September 1929, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Situations that grip the attention are the subject of the talking film, "Madame X," which began a season at the Regent Theatre on Saturday evening. Much lias been heard of the human story dealt with in the well-known stage play, but the human appeal has been made in the picture with a vigour and power that are clearly a triumph for the sound interpretation. Many of the important scenes were taken in surroundings that show the possibilities oi the talkies in themes of wide interest. The story is that of a woman whose life of misfortune begins in the home of a*\ husba:ad with wealth and a legal reputation. It moves to the Orient, a tropical isle and the rooms of a rogue and questionable character, who has dark schemes to reveal the woman's past. Many hearts were deeply stirred by the events in climax, which begin with the murder of the plotter, and include some striking close-ups of a murder trial. Imagine the woman, 20 years before, young and beautiful, standing in the dock, while a young man, her son, though she has not seen him since infancy, pleads for mercy. The trial scene in "Madame X" has been praised by the critics, and the emotional force of it appeals with much realism. To Lionel Barrymore belongs the credit of having done a notable piece of work. As producer of the film he lias undertaken the heaviest task of his career, and Metro-Goklwyn-Mayer have given him wonderful support in his directorial efforts. One must expect much of Barrymore after a beginning like this. His production has been fortunate in the choice of characters. Ruth Chatterton, who has the name part, appears in a role that requires her to change from youth and charm to a woman marked by the struggle of life, and she does it convincingly, with clever make-ups. Raymond Hackett and Lewis Stone each have parts that demand a high standard of acting, and the work of Hackett aa an advocate confirms the opinion tjiat was formed of him in silent pictures. The supporting programme includes a song and colourtone review, featuring Gus Edwards, songs by Johnny Marvin, Victor recording artist, Arthur G. Frost in selections from grand opera on the Wurlitzer, a Pathe Sound Xews, and Audio Review, and Phil Spitlaney, with his Hotel Pennsylvania Orchestra and Chester Hale girls. > "THE YOUNGER GENERATION." "The Younger Generation," which is to be presented at the Roxy Theatre on Wednesday, is a 100 per cent talkie. It is a story of tense human interest- x drama of love, sacrilicc and devotion. As a magazine story by Fannie Hurst it had millions of readers. Later it was made into a staga play, and enjoyed a long run. As a picture .it has made a hit wherever shown. The production has received a great amount of publicity in Columbia's national campaign. The. cast is one of the largest and best ever assembled for a single production. It contains some of the biggest box-offico names on record. Among them are Jean Hersholt, Lina Basquette, Rosa Ronanova, Ricardo Cortez, Rex Lease, Julanne Johnston, Bernard Seigel, and Julia Swayne Gordon. Child players are intriguing in screen productions. The sympathies of audiences always go out to the youthful performers because of their natural expressions, their innocence and the spontaneity with which they react to suggestion. Three of the most versatile of the younger players in Hollywood portray difficult roles. ORGAN RECITAL. The usual organ recital was given by Mr. Maughan Barnett last night in the Town Hall. The programme included Handel's ''Occasional Overture," two of Bach's "Choral Variations," Widors "Adagio," and works by Mendelssohn, Arcadelt, Barrie, Lemmens and Bocche-