ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 111, 8 February 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Alter bringing forth gales of laughter from all those who witnessed “Beltiud th: I'r.ont” and “We’re in the Navy Now,’’ Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton, that illimitable pair of comedians, are now bringing forth Iresh gales of laughter at the Regent Theatre this week, where “I'ireinen, Save My Child,” their latest comedy, is the current offering. This time they are seen as firemen, and are as funny if not funnier Hum ever. Another clever Max, Meritz, and Akka comedy is included in the big supporting programme, while excellent music is supplied by the orchestra. MAX, MORITZ, AND AKKA. Parents are urged by the management of the Regent Theatre to send the children to the special morning session at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning when Max, Moritz, and Akka, famous movie monkey marvels, appearing in person on the stage, will perforin, especially for Hie small folk, who will avoid the crush of the usual matinees and evening sessions by availing themselves of Hie extra performance. Max, Moritz, and Akka open their season at the matinee on Friday next. Already phenomena] booking has been recorded for the short season, and it is advisable to reserve without delay for both day and evenin',’ performances. The animals will arrive from Auckland at Thorndon Station by the 12.30 train to-morrow and will be met by a representative gathering of theatrical folk and others. The monkeys will be attired in the clothes they wear in the movies, end will be driven in nroces=ion throm-fli the streets to the Regent Theatre,. Tn view of the interest beidg taken in the nnnronrhinv Season, v.afrons ere .advised tn bool- without del.nv nt theatre, phone 41 —144. or Ihe Bristol, for both maiinee and evening performances. TTTE KWONG SING WATTS.

Continuing the big boom commencing on Friday next with Max, Moritz, and Akka. the Regent, at tlie conclusion of the monkey season, will present another phenomenal season act —that of the Kwong Sing W 7 ah Chinese troupe. There are. it is reported, ten marvellous magicians, acrobats, and jugglers in this com. pany, which is declare ! to outshine anything of the kind every presented in Australia or New Zealand before. For sheer mystery, thrills and amazement the Kwong Sing Wahs are said to he unequalled. It is several months since the Regent endeavoured fo obtain rhe act, but it was not until recently that the Chinese comnleted , their long extended seasons throughout Australia. Their season in Wellington will be limited, and promises to make fresh records.

DE LUXE THEATRE. When does romance die after marriage? There have been many answers to this ouestion. but Lew Cody'and Aileen Pringle. the screen's new comedy co-starring team, believe they have offered the best solution of all in their initial appearance together in “Adam and Ev 1." a Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer comedy now screening- at the De Luxe Theatre. In “Adam and Evil" the opening scenes reveal a y< ung coupie reading the morning paper and paying no attention whatsoever to each other until they discover the news is broken into two se’-tions, each being in possession of only one piece. From this is developed a. most unusual plot, delicately flavoured with sophistication—al ideal vehicle for the inimitable Cody in a dual role. Miss Prinele also re•vals herself to be a finished cotnedii/uie. Good supports and the usual excellent music complete the programme. "LES MISER ABLES." Victor Hugo's powerful work, “Les Miserables" is coming to life on the screen at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday. Produced by Cineromans. of Paris, and purchased by Universal Pictures Corporatbvn for exhibition in England and America it might be declared that tl is. tlie greatest of Hugo’s epics, was specially created for this medium. Nevertheless. it is about half a century ago t‘ at. one bv one. the ten volu nes of the work ■( forth from Guernsey to the great public. The exiled author completed them down there, seated at a little table in the tower of Nanteville House facing the open sea and sky. They were begun m the heated atmosphere of 1848 and completed a dozen years later. In Hugos mind “Les Miserahles” was a novel with a purpose—a protest against the illogical laws which were opposed to the saving of criminals. In France, from 1862. the date of Proclamation. the harsh laws were considerably ameliorated, due primarily to the sensation caused by the publication in seven different capitals of "Les Miserahles.” It is no longer regarded as revolutionary, but it is still, ivni always will be. the most human of books. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A dramatic tale of love and hate against the background of a sheep ranch in Arizona is unfolded in “While Gold,” the big feature now showing at the Paramount Theatre. It is the story of a dancing girl, who anxious for home life marries the son of a sheep tanner. The father dislikes the girl, and when another man falls in love with the neglected wife, tragedy soon follows. Jetta Goudal is starred, supported by Kenneth Thompson and George Bancroft. A topical budget and comedy are also shown. A light comedy interlude, “Satire on Life” (before ami after marriage) is presented by Colin Crane and Miss E. Kimbell. Under the direction of Mr. L. D. Austin the orchestra supply tuneful musical items. ‘THE PATENT LEATHER KID.” Only once in a while is a ■picture of the calibre of Richard Bartherniess’s superspecial “The Patent Leather Kid” to be seen. This line study, opening at the Paramount on Friday, deals with the love and regeneration of a young East Side pugilist and a little dancing girl. It is, said that Richard Barthelmcss has never been seen in a characterisation that is so clever and individual, nml his interpretation is something that will long bo remembered. His lioxiny bouts, “framed” by the manager, add to a ehnrining romance, and tho second part of the production features some remarkable high-lights. The ■ dventurcs of the hero in the Tank Corps are recounted convincing! >•. and the powoi of “The Kid’s" personality pervades even the war scenes. Molly O’Day is a

complete surprise as “The Gulden Dancer/- ’ so sincere and so earnest is she. Th© comedy is very line, and the titles are iaugh-pro\oking. The scenes showing tanks in action arc describctl as most impressive, and the thrillin? sequences provide more th an one sur " prising denouement. Brilliant supporting eharasterisations, particularly that of "Puffy” and “Colonel Breen,” are features of the film. "The Patent Leather Kid” will be preceded bv an elaborate stage presentation produced by Colin Crane, and Mr. L. D. Austin has arranged a special musical score for his Orchestra Paramount. The boxplan is at the theatre daily from 10 a.m. KING’S THEATRE. “The Road to Romance’’ is based on the famous story “Romance.” by Joseph Conrad, and is the current feature at the King’s Theatre. A more adventitious, thrilling and truly romantic picture could not have been chosen for Ramon Novarro. who reached the heights of nnblie esteem by reason of his work in “Ben Hur.” Marceline Dav has the leading feminine role opposite Novarro. and nlavs the part with striking sincerity and charm. Roy D’Arcy, has the “heavy” role, and he works with all his accustomed verve and thoroughness. Other members of a strong, well-chosen cast are Marc McDermott. Cesare Gra.vina. Bobby Mack, Otto Matteson, and Jules Cowles. Tn support are a M.G.M. news New Zealand scenic. New Zealand topical, and comedy, with tuneful musical numbers by the orchestra. “SPRING FEVER.” William Haines’ newest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, "Spring Fever,” said to be one of the season’s outstanding comedies. ‘!ominenc<!S next Friday at the King's Theatre. It delightfully combines sport, love and humour with a keen study of human nature. The new picture is an hilarious comedy romance laid on pleasant and exclusive country golf links, with Haines in the role of a shipping clerk, whom his boss introduces to the club because he is a "dark horse’ capable of defeating all the local cracks. Dashing and handsome, and very well pleased with himself, the clerk causes no little consternation amongst the highbrow guests when he captures the heart of the prettiest, and wealthiest, girl in the club. From this juncture the picture version of the great stage success is packed with laughs and a very human love story. Joan Crawford in everyday gowns lacks nothing in • spirit, beauty, and feeling. George K. Arthur, vzho costarred with Karl Dane in "Rookies, has a brilliant role. "ROSE MARIE.” Night follows night with no diminution of enthusiasm in the reception of "Rose Marie.” Last evening saw another crowded audience at the Grand Opera House to see. hear, and enjoy this captivating musical comedy of the Canadian Rockies with its tuneful melodies, clever libretto, epimdid scenery, brilliant lighting, ana gorgeous dressing. The solo and ballet dancing again delight the audience, who were thrilled by the magnificent and fascinating Totem Pole dance. Charmingly cast in the title role. Miss Harriet Bennet scored yet another great success in her acting, and notably in the singing of the haunting melodies that are in her part. Throughout Miss Bennet is abl.v supported by all the other per formers, .-including Reginald . Dandy (t lie hero). James Hughey Frederick Bentley. Jim Kenyon, Noel Allan. George Bryant. Stephanie Deste. Yvonne Banvard. Mabel Lambeth, and others of the clever oast. "Rose Marte” will be played again this evening, and every evening until further notice. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Gayle Wyei- and his popular Band Box Revue Company ate now in their final week at His -Majesty’s Theatre, and their current programme is one of the best of the many good ones they have presented. The first halt is an old-time nigger minstrel show, and the audience relish the old-fashioned numbers, of which “Oh, For the Lite of a Minstrel,’’ "Old Black Joe,” “My Ohl Kentucky Home,” “'Way Down bonder,” and “Laughing Pete” are but a few. “On the Beach at Waikiki” is the till© of the farcical revue which fills the second half. Further interest is added by tlie appearance of Miss Muriel W'ilton, a fourteen-year-old XVellington girl, as a solo dancer. On Saturday at the matinee Joe Brennan, New Zealand’s own comedian, will open for a ♦short season with his novelty, comedy and dramatic revue company. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Resurrection.” United Artists’ screen version of Count Leo Tolstoy’s worldfamous novel, is the big feature now at the Empress Theatre. Rod La Rocque is the star of "Resurrection." playing the role of the Prince who sinned and sorrowed. Dolores del Rio is Katusha Maslova, the peasant ward of b.is two maiden aunts, the girl whose love is defiled and sullied, only to be won again ihroiiErh the remorse of the Prince. Miss del Rio is afforded her greatest screen opportunity to date, and she makes the * of it. and gives a marvellous performance. The very human story of "Resurrection." the film, is identical with that of the novel, no major liberties having been taken, even with the logical ending. There is the despoliation of the Prince’s pure love for the peasant maid, the evil companionship, and the mad carousing of the Prince at St. Petersburg, and the Prince on the jury that tree Katusha Maslova, the girl he himself has hetraved. Finally, there is that grand march to Siberia. Prince and peasant alike labouring over the steps as the

chains of exiles clank and hoofs thud on tl>” hard-baked roads. Good supports are a>--o shown, and appropriate music is supplied by the orchestra. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The mirth-provoking marines cf “What Price Glory.” pr.mmy Cohen and Trd McNamara have been teamed again, this time in' the featured roles of "The Gay Retreat." the hilariously >unny war comedv now at the Queen s Theatre. The storv deals with a sleep-walking doughboy' and the two pals who join the army to‘keen h’ni from walking into No Mens Land in his sleep. The second big Mature is "Tumbling River.' a fast-moving Western, starring Tom Mix.