ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 119, 17 February 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. “Tho Loue Eagle,’’ which commences to-night at the King's Theatre, is said to be the most historically orrect war picture ever filmed. It was written by Lieutenant Ralph Blanchard, a member of the United States air service, who saw two years of actual service at the front, and the majority of the actors are ex-soldiers. The leading toles in the picture are played by Raymond Keaue and Barbara Keut, two of the younger school of players who have made rapid advancement during the past year, while tho suDhorting cast includes Nigel Barrie, Jack Pennick, Don Stuart Cuyler tsupnlee, and many others. 'The Lone Eagle,’’ dealing with the aviatlou section of the Great War, commences to-night at the King's Theatre. Raymond Hatton portrays the American youth attached to a veteran unit of tho British B’lving Corps. Barbara Kent is delightful as his French sweetheart. The scenes in which the two of them annear leave nothing to be desired. An excellent supporting programme is coupled with exceptional incidental music as a further attraction. ’’BEN HUR.’ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Royal command” epic, “Ben Hur,” which broke all records at the De Luxe Theatre during its sensationally successful season of two weeks in the early part of the year, has been secured by Mr. W. It. Kemball for an extended return season, which will commence at the King’s Theatre on Friday afternoon next at 2.30. Since leaving Wellington, “Ben Hur” has established overshadowing records at Auckland. Hamilton, Napier. Hastings and Wanganui. At Dunedin, showing simultaneously for two consecutive weeks in the Octagon and Empire Theatres, “Ben Hur," it is claimed, grossed £loot> more than any other picture attraction ever shown in the Southern City. The presentation at The King’s will be upou a special scale and will include an introductory prologue, “The Star of Bethlehem.” with Mr. Wm. Goudie as soloist arid special music by an augmented orchestra, conducted by Mr. Jerome. Box plans are uow open at the Bristol, and in view of the great popularity of the picture, early application for reservations is advisable. The King's season will be played at popular prices. REGENT THEATRE. An entirely new picture programme will open at the Regent Theatre's matinee to-day with the monkey movie marvels, Max, Moritz, aud Akka who will be seen in new tricks and antics. The monkey season is drawing to a close and those who have not yet seen the “almost human are advised not to miss this amazing act, which has drawn crowded and enthusiastic audiences throughout the week. The picture portion of the big bill will be headed by Bebe Daniels in her latest and best comedy-drama “She’s a Shiek," which is classed as far funnier than the popular star’s recent “Swim, Girl Swim." In an Eastern setting, reminiscent of “Beau Geste,’ is enacted the brightest, and at the same time, the most thrilling story that has been screened for a long time. The tale concerus the beautiful ward of a desert ruler who falls in love with a handsome young officer of the Foreign Legion and determines to win him—by fair means or foul. She kidnaps him and then the fun begins. Into the theme is woven adventures with a band of villains on whom the tables are reversed by the heroine and a pair of Yankee comedians. The supporting roles are taken by Richard Arlen and William Powell (of “Beau Geste” fame). A comedy gazette and cartoon will also be shown, while the Regent will present Arthur G. Frost, recently appointed musical director, and the Regent Operatic Orchestra, In special selections. Heavy booking is being recorded at the theatre — 'Phone 44—144; or the Bristol. KWONG SING WAHS. On Wednesday next, at the matinee at the Regent Theatre, the great Kwong Sing Wah troupe of ten marvellous magicians, jugglers and acrobats, w’ill commence a short season. On their first visit to New Zealand, the Kwong Sing Wahs are regarded as the most brilliant Oriental wonder-workers ever to visit the Dominion. Individually, they outrival Long rack Sam’s party which was in the country some time ago. For thirty minutes these Oriental magicians, acrobats, jugglers, and comedians present a whirlwind act that keeps one gasping from beginning to end. Their tricks are performed with an originality and neatness that evades discovery of the deception. Producing bowls of water, flowers and rabbits is. however, onlv a small part of their act. Marvellous feats of strength and balance are given by members of the troupe, assisted in no small manner by two little boys. The juggling with plates, with bowls of water, and with balls of fire, mystifying illusion tricks, is capped by adaring dive through two frames of steel knives, and another frame of flame. Booking has commenced at tho theatre and BristoL PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “For the Love of Mike” will be shown at the Paramount to-day. Pen Lyon has the leading role with George Sidney. Ford Sterling, Claudette Colbert, Hugh ron, Richard Sheets Gallagher, Rudolph Cameron and Mabel Swor. A foundling is discovered by three bachelors living in the notorious Hell’s Kitchen district in New York. The men are an Irishman, a German, and a Jew. and all three claim the little youngster, but compromise at last by agreeing to bring him up cooperatively, so to speak. Ben Lyon has tho part of the boy. with George Sidney, Ford Sterling, and Hugh Cameron as his "fether ” Claudette Colbert is seen as the boy’s childhood sweetheart. A strong s’<Pporting programme includes a scena. featuring the Barcarolle, from “The Tales of Hoffman” (Offenbach), presented by Colin Crane, assisted by Miss E. Kimbell, and Mr. L. D. Austin has compiled a special musical score, includinc: Overture, "Beautiful Galayhea (Suppe), "Dance of the Dwarfs” (Grieg). The box plan at at the theatre daily from 10 a.m. "ROSE MARIE.” To-night and to-morrow right are the final performances of the popular musical comedy, “Rose Marie-’ This is one of the most attractive productions staged in New Zealand for years, and the settiuga in the Canadian Rockies and later in the resorts of the big city, make it very effective; an effectiveness which is increased by the super ballet and the specially-selected body of principals, lhe novel manner in which ipany of the scenes are presented, the spectacular dancing of 40 active ballet girls, much humour, and some inusic, which is too well known to need any comment, constitute “Rose Marie.” The result is a success which is eloquent. Harriet Bennet as the captivating girl, Rose Marie, Frederick Bentley, as her lover, Jim, and the inimitable Reginald Dandy, all do fine work, and the supporting artists are cf good quality. There is a final matinee to-morrow, and day gales are made at the Grand Opera House Confectionery.

DE LUXE THEATRE. “Paid to Love,” a William Fox comedyromance. is the feature which will commence screening at the De Luxe 9 heatre to-day. The story of “Paid to Love ■lls of a young prince who was more interested in machinery than girls. His father, the king, desired an heir and was displeased. Then, with the aid of a globetrotting American, he finds the Parisian dancing girl, hoping that she will arouse the prince’s belated fancy for the fair. She does. But the king had expected it to be merely a temporary affair, after which a lady of royal blood would attract his youthful highness. It doesn't work out that wav. but everybody is happy and the prince does finally marry. The story is written by Harry Carr, a famous newspaper man and war correspondent. George O'Brien is starred as the unromantic prince Virginia Valli is the petite Parisian dancing girl. J. Farrell McDonald provides Plenty of mirth as the American millionaire, and William Powell is the villain. Good supports will also be shown and tho usual excellent musical programme will be supplied by Mr. Aarons at the Wurlitzer organ, and by the orchestra.

EMPRESS ' HEATRE. "Private Izzv Murphy,” the Warner picture which will -ommence screening at the Empress Theatre to-day. stars George Jcssel, the famous "Jazz Singer” who won such enviable acclaim in New York last year Featured with Jessel are Patsy Ruth Miller and Vera Gordon. An excellent company is in support, and the filming was directed bv Lloyd Bacon, son of Frank Bacon, star and author of “Liglitnin Private Izzy Murphy” is the story of Izzv Goldberg, a young delicatessen keeper’ of New i'ork, and of his dealings witli the Irish. For business reasons he decides to change his name to "Murphy,” and goes overseas with an Irish regimenunder that name. The story does not burlesque racial traits, but is a piny with that, “touch of nature’’ which "makes the whole world kin.’’ Louise Dresser. Jason Rollands and Virginia Browne Faire are the featured players in "White Flannels.” the second feature. It is a drama of a Polish family ill the coal fields, and the mother’s struggle to win an education for her son. Good supports will also be shown, and the usual incidental music supplied by the orchestra.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Starring Lon Chaney, without his usual make-un. "Tell It To Ihe Marines." is the feature heading the programme to commence screening at the New Princess Theatre to-day. Briefly, the story telle bow a stern marine sergeant makes a man from a voung ne’er-do-well, and sees him safely through a riot of adventure m the welcoming ?.rms of a pretty naval nurse. It is a strongly dramatic tale unfolded to the thunder of the bitt guns and the sweep of tremendous fighting through foreign waters. Williams Haines Eleanor Boardman. Eddie Gribbon. and Carmel Mvers are in the supporting cast. Ramon Navarro and Alice Terry

of "Lovers,” tho second big feature. A gripping drama of love. / at ®’ and jealousy, laid in modern Madrid, it tell« of the tragic effect of scandal on a homo and upon human fouls. Good supports will also be shown. fflS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Joe Brennan monopolises must of the laughs in “Happy and bnappy, the openin" presentation' of the Joe Brennan and Cvril Northcote Revue Company, now at His Alajesty’s Theatre. Joe Brennan is a versatile performer, who injects large quantities of humour into every piece in which he appears. George Corelli, v.ho has a beautiful tenor voice, sings O bole Mio” and “When Autumn Leaves are Falling,” besides several duets with Ida Vanda. Dell Barnes and Peggy Sharp provide a most refreshing turn by dancing and singing the “Blackbottom. With Gus Dawson. Miss Barnes also supplies a novelty song and dance, while Dismal Desmond provides an exceptionally clever eccentric dance. Some of the of the many good sketches are “A Flapper s Version of History.” "Araby." “Paul Revere's. Famous Ride.” and The Imding of Moses in the Bullrushes, while Miss Muriel Wilton again seres heavily with her ’solo dancing,