ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 113, 10 February 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

I’A RAM 0U N T THEATK E. Richard Bartlielmess’s super special, "Tiie Talent Leather Kid,” which has been adapted from a story by Rupert Hughes, is opening ut the Paramount Theatre to-day. in this remarkably entertaining him, Barthelmess is responsible for a wonderful characterisation as ‘‘The Kid,” whose activities in the prize ring will not bear the closest investigations. Molly O'Day does amazing things with the role of “The Golden Dancer.” It is hard to believe that a gin ot seventeen is responsible lor this noble eharacterisaI tion. In the famous hospital scene, she I attains such realistic heights of drama that the attention 1 almost painfully intense. The war scenes are the last word ' that the attention is almost painfully inenthralling course of the story, eager for the denouement, which provides au inspiring climax to a worthy production. "The Patent Leather Kid” is an outstanding achievement, and a pulsing, epic story of the regeneration of a coward finding his soul through the horror of war and the love of a loyal woman. Mr. L. D. Austin, who has beeu appointed us the uermanent musical director of the Paramount, has arranged a particularly beautiful score, while a vivid presentation has been arranged by Mr. Colin Crane—reflecting something of the spirit of the production, and lending au added interest to the big picture. The box plan is at the theatre daily from 10 a.m. Telephone 21—842. DE LUXE THEATRE. France may well be proud of the epic film portrayal of Victor Hugo’s famous classic. "Les Miserables.” which will commence screening at the De Luxe Theatre to-night. Perhaps never before m the history of motion pictures has a production been made witli such fidelity. The scenes representing Paris are said to have been built at the studio, as it was impossible to reconstruct the actual Parisian streets. These massive and beautiful sets have the authentic look of time, and it is difficult to believe that thev are not real, like the others. Gabriel Gabrio. in tire character of Jean Valjean, proves himself a sterling actor. His role is a difficult one to portray, out he makes the part exist. He is first seen in the prison scenes. These, incidentally, were taken at the old prison at Toulon, convicts enacting the extra roles. When he emerges from the gray walls after his long imprisonment he presents a figure that is forbidding indeed. for the remaining spark of human sympathy in the man has been buried deep under the hardened ava of hate. The striking transition that takes place after the kindness of Father Myriel lias fanned the dying spark of love into a tire of regeneration is portrayed by Gabrio with matchless art. The sensational scenes at the barricades when the soldiers of the Empire storm the stronghold of the communists, are exciting in the extreme and filled with pulsating drama. Throughout the entire length of the stupendous production one is held in the grin of interest, sympathy and heightened suspense. It is a really great picture. REGENT THEATRE. At the matinee to-day at, 2.15, those monkey movie marvels, Max, Moritz, and Akka, will make their first personal appearance on the stage ot the Regent Theatre. The remarkable interest being taken in these famous animals by young and old was strikingly evidenced at the Thorndon Railway Station on the arrival of Max, Moritz, and Akka yesterday, when a great crowd of children and adults gathered to see the monkeys, clad in their stage clothes, leave their carriage for the motor-cars in which they were driven through the city to the theatre. The management specially draws the attention of parents to the special children’s session being held on Saturday morn.eg at 11 o’clock, when the monkeys will perform specially for the voting folk. This session will be preceded by a special reception, when Max, Moritz, and Akka will be brought into the vestibule and the children will have an opportunity of meeting their favourites in person. On the stage the animals go through a hundred and one antics, and are far funnier than they are on the screen. They are the nearest approach to human beings imaginable, and as natural as possible. Record booking is beinj; taken for the limited si-asc.u, not only for the evening sessions, but for the'matinees and to-morrow morning’s special performance. The plan is filling rapidly at the theatre (phone 44 —144) and the Bristol. EMPRESS THEATRE. So successful has been ‘‘Resurrection,” the United Artists’ screen version of Count Leo Tolstoy’s world-famous novel, that the management has decided to screen this big production for a further wtek. 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 his two maiden aunts, the girl whose love is defiled and sullied, only to be won again through the remorse of the Prince. Miss del Rio is afforded her greatest screen opportunity to date, and she makes the most of it, giving a splendid performance through out. 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 desnoiiation of the Prince’s pure love for the peasant maid, the evil companionship and the mad cart using of the Prince at St. Peters burg, and the Prince on the jury that tries Katusha Maslova, the girl he himself has betrayed. Finally, there is that grand march to Siberia, Prince and peasant alike labouring over the steppes as the chains of exiles clank and hoofs thud on the hard-baked roads. Prior to the last screening each night, Billie Hart sings a “Russian Lullaby.” Good supports are also shown, and appropriate incidental music is supplied by the orchestra. CHERNIAVSKY TRIO. An extra farewell concert will be given to-morrow by the Cherniavskys. There could not be a better illustration ot the remarkable sympathy and accord that bind the brother of the Cherniavsky Trio than the fact that the youngest, Mischel, married a Vancouver girl, and that three years later the second brother, Jan, married her sister. The brothers have not been separated except for a brief period to study since they left their birthplace near Kiev, Russia on their first tour, in 1901. Even when it wa° considered advisable that they round out their early studies under the masters then teaching in Vienna, the boys went together. The marriages of the two younger brothers have seemed to complete the harmony of the family circle. After Jan Cherniavskv’s marriage in Vancouver to Miss Elspeth Rogers, daughter of the late B. T. Rogers. Canadian sugar magnate, in June, 1922, all the Cherniavskys went to Europe for. a long vacation, and for study. While

touring in Canada, they became naturalised British subjects. The box plan is at the Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. I’o-night is the last opportunity patrons of His Majesty's Theatre will have of seeing Gayle Wyer and bis popular Band Box Revue Company. This, their last programme, is one of the best in the repertoire and goes with a swing from beginning to end. The first half consists oi an old-time Nigger minstrel show, in which all the popular old-time songs are sung. "Ou the Beach at Waikiki." a farcical revue, fills the second half. Further interest is added to the show by the inclusion as a solo dancer ol Miss Muriel Wilton, a fourteen-year-old Wellington girl. To-morrow at the matinee. Joe Brennan. New Zealand’s own comedian, will open for a short season with his novelty, comedy and dramatic revue company, which is said to offer something out of the ordinary. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Another of the Queen s popular two-star programmes commences with to-night's screening. It is headed by the proven success. “Firemen. Save My Child l ” which stars R.aymond Hatton’and Wallace Beery. The most famous comedy team ill thb history cf motion pictures has beeu re-united. Wallace Beery and I Haymond Ratten, the pair of laughmakers which set the world in an uproar of joy in "Behind the Front," and "We’re in the Navy Now," appear together once more m “Firemea, Save My Child,” which is considered to be the year’s best comedy. Li supporting cast are to be found 'lorn Kennedv. the big sergeant of the other two pictures, well to the fore as the Chief of the Fire Station. The girl in the case is Josephine Dunn, the Fire Chief’s daughter, always in trouble, and calling the fire department. The other attraction is Zane Grey’s famous romance "Nevada." in photoplay form. Thelma Todd and William Powell head an extensive supporting east. The Queen’s Quality Quartet is to be heard in a special score of incidental music. KING’S THEATRE. "Spring Fever.” William Haines’ newest starring vehicle for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which is now being shown at the King’s Theatre, is one long. loud laugh. The fun starts when Haines as Jack Kelly, a shipping clerk, is discovered by his boss to be a coining golf champion, when the . boss takes him along to an exclusive country club, and it doesn’t end until Kelly has overcome a mountain of opposition in winning the girl of his heart. Joan Crawford acts with charm the part of Allie Monte, opposite Haines. And George K. Arthur, who co-starred with Karl Dane in "Rookies." presents another great comedy role. George Fawcett and Bert WoduMiff also appear in a cast of favourites. Edward Sedgwick, who directed William Haines in "Slide, Kelly, Slide.” agaiu directed him in “Spring Fever." Au excellent supporting programme is coupled with delighteul incidental music. “ROSE MARIE.” Voted by all to be one of the most popular anil picturesque of musical comedies, "Rose Marie,” the beautiful musical version of "Tiger Rose," is still attracting crowded houses nightly to the Grand Opera House. The show, which is now in its second week, is tuneful, and is beautifully mounted, the dresses being one of tiie chief features of the production. Rose Marie is a beautiful Freneh-Canadian, who is the darling of all hearts, particularly of Jim Kenyon, who, after many adventures, finally wins her hand. The dancing in the show is of a very high standard, especially that of Miss Stephanie Deste, who, as Wanda, the halfbreed. gives a remarkable performance. In her fan dance she gives the impression of being entirely boneless. Rose Marie is played by Miss Harriet Bennett, a vivacious ’ young lady who sings and dances well, and who nets in a most convincing manner. The hero is played by Reginald Dandy, who is possessed of a really good voice. The comedian, Mr. Frederick Bentley, still keeps the audience in shrieks of laughter every time he appears. His work with Lady Jane (Miss Yvonne Banvard) is one of the hits of the show, which goes with a swing from start to finish. Mabel Lambeth Noel Allan, and James Hughes are also good. The marvellous Totem Pole Ballet is the outstanding feature of "Robo Marie.” “Rose Marie” will be played nightly until further notice. NILV PRINCESS THEATRE. Starring Eddie Cantor, supported by Lawrence Gray, Clara Bow and Billie Dove, “Kid Boots.” Paramount's screen version of the popular musical comedy, is the feature which will commence screening at the New Princess Theatre to-day. Eddie Cantor, the new comedian in “Kid Boots." is a real find. His comedy in this picture is something that has never been seen before and which is full of laughs all the way through this tale of tangled love affairs. Eddie is a golf caddie who knows as much about golf as he does about riding horses. When lie rides he ties himself on so he won’t fall off. The second feature is “Lady Robinhood," starring Evelyn Brent. It is a colourful storv of a Spanish girl who wins freedom for the downtrodden peasants of his district. Full of adventure and romance, it is excellent entertainment. Good supports will also be shown.