ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 45, 17 November 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. Undoubtedly “The Bat” is the best guessing game which has reached the stage and screen in many years. It is fulfilling its destiny of perplexiug at the De Luxe Theatre this week. One of the chief reasons for the success of this Roland West motion picture mystery melodrama, from the play by Alary Robert Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, is in its success in persistently cLa.l- - audiences to identify the aich criminal behind the stirring trail of mystery, which grows as the film pro greases. Nightly audiences try their very best to fasten identity on the elusive prowler who throws a well-brdt red household into a maze of ordeals. The supports are good, and the orchestra plays melodious iucidental music. “THE MIDNIGHT SUN.” Pat O’Malley’s make up as the Grand Duke Sergius in “The Midnight Sun,” the Universal super-production to commence at, the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next, caused the handsome actor no little ,embarrassment on at least one ocasion during the filming of this spectacular picture. Pat O’Malley was was mistaken bv a zealous Russian royalist for one of the lost Roman offs, it is related. During the making of the picture, which is a story of prewar Russia, several hundred Russian icfugees were used as extras. When O’Malley appeared on the, set wearing the uniform, insignia, and medals of a grand duke, a man broke from the ranks, and calling out something in Russian, fell on his knees before the actor, and deluged his hands with kisses. O’Malley was startled by the man’s actions, ami did not recover until another one of the Russians explained that his countryman had mistaken Pat for the Grand .Duke Boris, who had long been missing. It appeared that most of tho Russians were hired without their knowing exactly what their employment was to" be. Most of them were veterans' of the old Russian army, and appear in the military scenes cf the pro Auction. As the grand duke, O’Malley's wardrobe was most extensive. Following court custom, he had a different uniform for almost every occasion ami hour of the day, and it kept him busy changing from cue to the other. Not only did he have a variety of uniforms hut also a wonderful array of medals, swords, scarves, boots, and bats." “The Midnight Sun” was directed bv Dimitri Buchowetzki, and is presented by an allstar cast, headed by Laura La' Plante Miss La Plante’s appearance in , this picture marks jhcr departure from’ her usual comedienne roles, and is seen as a dancing girl suddenly come to power. Others in the cnM arc Raymond* Keane, in the role, of hero; George Stcgmann, Arthur Hoyt, Ear] Metcalf, Cesare Grav.ina, and Ninn Uoniano. The screening of “The Midnight Sun” will bo accompanied by a special musical programme by the orchestra. Box plans are open at the Bristol, nt Aitken’s Book Arcade, or seats may lie booked at the theatre, telephone 23—080. . EMPRESS THEATRE. The programme commencing at the Empress on Friday is being heralded as one of the finest shown this year in Wellington. Tn “The Blind Goddess,” .Tack Holt deserts the wide open spaces of the West where men are menaced, for the criminal courts of the East, where men are innocent until proven guilty. As a brilliant young prosecuting attorney, faced with the dilemma of choosing between the girl he loves and his ideal of duty. Holt has a powerful dramatic role, radically different from any he has previously portrayed. The story, directed by Victor Fleming with Esther Falston, Ernest Torrence and Louise Dresser sharing featured honours with Holt, was adapted from Arthur Train’s widely read novel of the same name. The locale of the picture is New York, and the action ranges from the grim routine of the criminal courts to tile smart social atmosphere of Fifth Avenue’s exclusive homes. Romance, politics, mother love and a spectacular murder trial are deftly interwoven in a plot throbbing with human interest and genuine heart appeal. Horses, men, mountain lions, bears, and wolves pile up thrill on thrill in “Black Cyclone,” a Manter picture, featuring Hal Roach’s magnificent wild horse, Rex “Black Cyclone,” says a critic, leaves a deep impression and a sense of having seen something almost miraculous, for it is difficult for a mere spectator to understand how any director or trainer could get a horse to register a personality—to woo his lady, to nose around in the herd and drive out undesirable horses, to plunge into battle, try to make man understand his horso. talk—and countless other subleties we had thought it only given to human beings to register. Tins directorial achievement is Fred Jackman’s. A feature of the funeral of Sir James Carroll will also be shown. JOY NIGHT NO. G Specially aware of the way money becomes earmarked as the year draws to its close, the commercial travellers have begun early their good work for raising funds for the benefit of the sick and orphaned It is a hard man who can close his ears and purse to an appeal for Christmas cheer for the needy, but generosity often needs a reminder, and it has been the self imposed task of the Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Club for several years to provide the reminder, jind the opportunity. They do this in so pleasant a wav that those who respond can thoroughly enjoy the result, and doubly realise that it is as good to give as to receive. Tha Joy Night will take place at the Town Hall and Concert Chamber on Friday, November 2G, and all friends of those little ones who deserve a better lot than has befallen them will wish the effort success. A raffle of a gold nugget worth £250, and four beautiful oil paintings will be a feature of the ball. The prize for the lady’s most original dress will be a gold wristlet watch, and a special prize for the best man’s dress will also be presented. KING’S THEATRE., “Lovey Alary,” Bessie Love’s latest offering at the King’s Theatre, is a Him of the highest quality. Bessie Love is fust seen as an orphan, and it is while she is under restraint in 'the orphanage that her baby nephew is entrusted to her care. The child’s mother claims the infant after it has been cared for by Mary, but the latter refuses to part with it, and leaves the orphanage by night and seeks a sanctuary at the Cabbage Patch. From then on events move quickly, and the picture is not without its comedy and pathos. The artistic handling of the picture both by director and actors, who show a rare delicacy of touch and insight into the beauty of the original work, gives a production of the highest quality. William Haines has the loadin'’ male role, and his romance with Mary is one of the bright spots of the picture. The supports include a news, screen snapshots, New Zealand scenic, and a comedy. Tlie orchestra supplies appropriate music.

HIS .MAJESTY’S THEATRE. “Exit Laughing” is the revue now being presented at His Alajesty s Theatre bv the Hector St. Clair Coin’ puny. Hector St. Clair is seen at hitbest in "The All-in-one Police Court, in which he plays the treble role of counsel, judge, and jury, provoking much laughter by . his impassioned speeches to himself in his various capacities. "Murder Will Out” and Ye Simple Maidens” are two other clever sketches in which various members of the company cause much laughter. The Three Rodneys make a good impression by their youthful grace in "Cecilia. Tn the vaudeville first half. Bertini gives a masterful performance on his violin, being ablv assisted by Byrne nt Ibe piano. Lorna, Lance and Co., a quartet of clever youngsters make a welcome reappearance with their song and dance turn. Paul du Bur and his partner tear paper into the most Ditncate designs, and the Carthy Bros mingle bright comedy with some -uhnirable dancing.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Constance Talmnd.ee adds yet another triumph to her credit in "The Duches= of Buffalo.’’ now showing at the Paramount Theatre. At the Russian capital, in nil its splendour of pre-war days. Marion Duncan. an American dancer, captures the heart of n dashing lieutenant in the Guards. The Grand Duke Gregory also falls in love with her. and imprisons the officer when lhe_ latter seeks permission to marry. The girl goes

to another city, but the young man escapes and follows her, not knowing that the duke has made his way to the same city. The dancer’ masquerades as the Grand Duchess, who suddenly arrives on the scene herself, the resultant tangle being extremely amusing. Tuttio Carminati. Edward Martindel, Rose Dione, Chester Conklin, and Lawrence Grant are in the supporting cast. A gazette, n\ cartoon, and the second series of "Amundsen’s Polar Flight” are also shown, while, delightful music is provided by the orchestra.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. Starring Edmund Lowe, Aliidgo Bellamy, and Leslie Fentou, “Black Paradise” is the feature now showing nt the Quhen’s Theatre. Madge Bellamy has the part of Sylvia Douglas, the girl nround whom the plot revolves. Edmund Lowe, as the detective, does sterling work. In this role he follows a young crook to an isolated island in Ihe South Seas, on a "rum runner.’’ falls in love with the girl, who has accompanied her sweetheart aboard the. ship, and finally, through the intervention of Fate, accomplishes all he sets out to do. A Fox News, scenic, and coniedy are also shown, with pleasant incidental music by the orchestra. A RTCRAFT THEATRE.

All lovers of horses will welcome the opportunity of seeing the great horse, Mau o’ War in "Kings of the Tutt,” which will be screened again to-night, and finally to-morrow night at the Artcraft Theatre It tells tl.e life story of a thoroughbred filly, and was shot in the picturesque Blue Grass region. Some of the world’s greatest thor mqhhreds and characters in tub story are actually seen. A good news arid a highly amusing comedy arc included in the programme, all to special music by James Haydock, whose entr’acte, "Variations on in Old Plantation Melo-ly’’ is being accorded a warm reception nightly. GRAND CARNIVAL AND TUG-OF-WAR. Commencing to-night, a grand carnival and tug-of-war tournament will be held each night in St. Francis’ Hall, Hill Street, until November 29. His Grace Archbishop Redwood will perform the opening ceremony to-night nt 8 o’clock. Amongst the many attractions af the carnival will be a special exhibition of dancing given by Wellington teachers. This will fake place each night al 8.30 p.m. Mr. Joe Knowsley has arranged and designed a grand spectacular military manoeuvre entitled "The Parade of the Black and White Ponies." Two rounds in the tug-of-war tournament will he staged this evening: Collins’s team will be ' matched with Connell’s team and Oiiirke’s ami Dear’s men will fry conclusions. Rudolph’s orchestra Will be in attendance. There is to be ' a special matinee next Saturday afternoon at 2.30.