ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 120, 18 February 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. An entirely new picture bill was preBGiitcd At the Regent Thea.ti'6 last night, in addition to the appearance of Max. Moritz and Akka, the almost human monkeys. The new picture stars the vivacious Hebo Daniells, and is entitled ■'She's a Sheik." Hebe Daniells is given a chance to indulge in all the rapid-fire action and laugh situations that Director Clarence Badger could devise. She tights u duel with the man she hates, kidnaps the man she loves, tries to tame him, and change his hate into love, saves the Foreign Legion troops when they are surrounded by Arabs, and prevents a shooting squad from killing her fiance. Following Bebe and aiding and abetting her through the film are Richard Arlen. William Rowell, Josephine Dunn, James Bradbury, Jr„ Billy Frauey. Paul McAllister and Al Fremont. John McDermott. the author of "Senorita,” wrote "She’s a Sheik" especially for Miss Daniels. Lloyd Corrigan prepared the scenario. Max, Moritz and Akka. whose last appearance is billed for Tuesday next, present fl host of new and surprising tricks. These monkeys arc immensely popular, and their new programme is even more amusing than last week’s one A news film, a cartoon. and a Christie Comedy, "Oh Mummy." complete the programme. The Regent Operatic Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Arthur G. Frost, plays many tuneful items. KWONG SING WAHS. Ou Wednesday next, at the matinee at the Regent Theatre, the great Kwong Sing Wah troupe of ten marvellous magicians, jugglers and acrobats, will commence a short season. On their first visit to New Zealand, the Kwong Sing Walls are regarded as the most brilliant Oriental wonder-workers ever to visit the Dominion. Individually, they outrival Long Tack 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 oi water, flowers and rabbits is. however, only a small part of their act. Marvellous feats oi 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 a daring dive through two frames of steel knives, and •another fraile of flame. Booking has commenced at the theatre and Bristol. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "For the Love of Mike," a story of a foundling sent to college by three old men, is showing at tlio Dioatre laramount this week. The three old men find him as a baby iu a notorious part of Now York. One man is Irish, another German, and the third Jewish. They each claim the youngster, and later •agree to rear him between them. They save, and by making many sacrifices manage to send him to High School, and as he shows promise of having a brilliant career, decide to send him to college as well. At college he becomes popular through his love for sports, and is soon in the thick of things there. On the night of his twenty-tirst birthday the three old men arrange a party for him. inviting their more influential friends iu the hope that they would be of some use to the boy. He is inveigled into going to another party, which a girl who is in love with him is giving, and he arrives at the banquet late and in a. drunken condition. The guests leave in disgust. The boy goes back to college and starts gambling, getting deeper and deeper into debt. There is a. special stage prologue featuring the "Barcarolle.” from "Hohman." presented by Mr. Colin Grano and Miss S. Knubell. assisted by the orchestra, under the direction of Mr. L. D. Austin, and a gazette and comedy are on the programme also. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE "Keep Smiling" heads the new prokramme for presentation by Joe Brennan and Cyril Northcote's Revue Company at His Majesty’s Theatre this afternoon. Indications pom: to a most attractive and entertaining olfering. Special attention is called to a championship bout by two well-known wrestlers. The i rize is a £lOO belt. During the contest the proceedings will be broadcast from the ringside. Several exceptionally novel sketches will be g-resented. some of which are, "Joe’s Wedding,” "The Woman Over tic Road.’ "All Aboatd.’’ and "The Huggins Give a. Musical Evening.” Joe Brennan himself will be seen in one of his famous pantomime "dame" numbers "I'm Out." in which he is assisted by Miss Ida, Ntwicn. A specialty item will be given bv Dell Barnes and Peggy Sharp who, last week, so successfully introduced "Ibe Black Bottom.” Another specialty nuuiler will be presented by "Disiual Desmond" aud Gus Dawson and Dell Kar.ncs will bo seen together in a singing and dancing item. Well chosen numbers have been selected by the company's brilliant tenor. George Corre'li and Ira Vanda, stixaphonist and soprano singer. Miss Linda Dale, who will bo remembered ‘n association with the Jim Gerald Revue Company, has been included in the cast of principals. Misi Dale is a talented soubrette. and will also prove an acquisition to the nuis’cal side of the prograuuuo, being also gifted with a pleasing soprano vouc. She will make lire first appearance at the matinee til’s afternoon. "BOSE MARIE." The members of the Australian cricket team were the guests of the management at last night's performance of "Rose Marie" at the Grand Opera House. This big attraction is still going strong, in spite of the fact that it is concluding a three-weeks’ season and last night's audienoe was as enthusiastic as any of the earlier houses over the haunting melodies which run through the piece, the famous totem pole ballet, and the numerous other attractions. There was not a dull moment in the whole performance. A matinee is announced for this afternoon, and the Wellington season willl be brought to a close with to-night s performance, which is expected to take the form of a send-off to a company which has made itself extremely popular during its lengthy stay in Wellington. EMPRESS THEATRE. George Jessel, a newcomer to the screen is the star of "Private Izzy Murphy." the entertaining comedy-drama which 'heads the big double feature programme now screening at the Empress Theatre. The film tells the story of a Jewish liov who takes the .name ol J. Patrick Murphy for business reasons. Then, one day Eileen Coliannigan. ravishing Irish beauty, comes into his life, and Cupid’s arrow once more found its mark. Then came the war, and, true to bis adapted name, J. Patrick joins a New York Irish regiment and goes to Prance. There, wounded in aiding an Irish friend. Private Izzy Murphy, as he is known as. is given up for ocad, and in the hospital he writes to his Irish sweetheart telling her that he has deceived her, and that he is Jewish, not Irish. Patsy Ruth Miller makes a charming heroine, while good support is given bv Vera Gordon. Nat Caw and William fetrauss. "White Flannels," featuring Louise Dresser, Jason Habards and Virginia Brown Faire. is the second big feature. Good supports are also shown, and tuneful musical items arc supplied by the orchse ta. DE LUXE THEATRE. The kingdom of San Sebastian, one of the most picturesque spots of Europe, and one of the most financially einbar; assed. is the setting of "Paid to Love, the William Fox feature which began its Wellington season at the De Luxe Theatre last night. Prince Michael, of this small kingdom, has more interest in motor-cars than in women, and it is only when the pressing needs of the kingdom are offered relief by a. wealthy American, who promises a loan if it can be shown that, the Crown Prince is fit to take care of the country that the plotting against Michael begins. Paris iu combed for a woman suitable to be taken back to Ban Sebastian and entrusted with the task of “waking Michael up " and it is the fascinating brunette. Gaby, direct from a resort in the Montmatre. who is chosen. There are some, excellent supports, including 'he latest. Fox budget of topicalities and an entertaining comedy. At the Wurlitzer organ Mr. Eina.’iuel Aarons plays Just a Memory" (Henderson) and "Shanghai Dream Man' 'Davis and Akst), while the De Luxe Orchestra gives some splendid music, including a selection from "Rigoletto" and the famous Intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana." The programme will be repeated until Thursday next inclusive and there is a matinee to-day at 2.J0 p.in. The box plans are at the Bristol Piano Company, aud Aitken’s Book Arcade, and the theatre 'phone number is 23 —CBO. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Starring Lon Chaney, supported by Eleanor Boardman. William Haines and Carmel Myers. "Tell it to the Marines is the biir feature heading the current programme at the New Princess flic■itre. This production is an immensely interesting drama of life in the Marine Corps. On shore in barracks, afloat, in lonely tropic regions and in wild Oriental countries, it depicts with amaz iug vividness the spectacular interest in the rarierl life of a marine. Asa grizzled marine sergeant Chaney appears entire ly without the grotesque lualie-up that lias made him famous. Ramon Novnrro and Alice Terry arc the stars ot "Lovers" the second big feature. Uns production is a gripping romance of love ■ind the fruit of scandal Hamon Novarro is seen ns a young playwright 'lirown into a sensational scandal with the wife nf lii“ best friend, though both are entirely innocent. The situation is well ilcveloped and the climax unusually powerful. Good support! ate also shown.

KING’S THEATRE. “The Lone Eagle,” which commenced for the first time at the King’s Theatre last night, is one of the most exciting films presented in Wellington for many a day. It is a story of an American youth who becomes a member of a British Hying unit. His reaction to the grim reality of battle and his gradual but nevertheless forcible change from a care-free youth to serious manhood is played with great subelty by Raymond Kenne. When Keane, who takes the part of Lieut. William Holmes, joins the Air Force he has an overpowering dread of combat in the air, but when he meets Mimi, a beautiful French girl (Barbara Kent) in the nearby French village he boasts to her of his imaginary victories in the clouds? with the result that she worships him as het hero. The real hero, however, is Keane’s best pal, played by Donald Stuart, but soon after Keane meets the girl the other is killed in a skirmish. Then Keane in shame confesses that he is a coward, but the girl loves him just the same. This love works wonders with the aviator, and he sets out to what almost seems certain death when he goes up and tackles the leader of the German flyers, who is the terror of the Allies. The great experience of the Hun prevails, however, and the young American comes down with a crash. Fortunately he is not killed, and later when he goes up he finishes the German wonder "ace” for all time. There are many thrills in this exciting film, which is full of interest from beginning to end. "The Lone Eagle” is taken from the famous book "Winged Victory” which was written by Lieut. Ralph Blanchard, who was a member of the United States Air Service during the war. An up-to-date gazette, and a laughable comedy, combined with an excellent orchestra, help to popularise the entertainment. “BEN HUR.” “Ben Hur," which has been classed by the London "Times" as a "screen miracle,’’ will be seen at the King's Theatre on Friday, at 2.30 p.m. It will be shown on Friday evening, at 8 o’clock, and twice daily thoreafer at tho same hours. "Ben Hur" attracted unprecedented crowds at Auckland, Dunedin, Napier, and Wanganui. The "New Zealand Herald” wrote: “After its triumphal world tour, ‘Ben Hur’ opened its Auckland season yesterday. Critics have used almost every word in the dictionary in lauding 'Ben Hur.’ All one can do is to endorse every comment made, and say that not one has been exaggerated. 'Ben Hur’ is magnificent. The immense expense involved in such productions as 'The Ten Commandments’ and 'lntolerance' has been the principal factor in making them milestones in motion picture history. ‘Ben Hur’ excels either of these iu every way—iu massive sets, theme, cast, photography, and in its irresistible appeal to the emotions. It has curried the art of the silent drama to a stage which makes ordinary criticism and even description seem futile. Too often such stupeudous products of the screen have had the charge of 'mere spectacles’ laid against them. To make such a charge against Ben Hur’ would be to ignore the wonderful story based on some of the most moving incidents in the New Testament and the powerful character delineations of the leading players. The introductory scenes of the Nativity, showing te arrivhl of Mary and Joseph at Bethlehem, and the advent of the three wise men, are mostly done in technicolour, and so faithfully are thejreproduoed that they are reminiscent of the famous paintings of the Old Masters. The athletic scenes at Antioch are amazing. In the arena scene over a dozen lour-horse chariots are seen speeding over the sand, pictured from every angle by the camera. No finer combination of sustained action and suspense has ever appeared on the screen.” "Ben Hur" will be preceded each evening by a fine prologue. "The Star of Bethlehem." with Mr. William Goudie as soloist. The box plan is now open at the Bristol. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Spoilers of the West," a realistic drama of the frontier days, is being screened at the Queen’s Theatre this week. Chief iiig Tree, playing the part of Red Cloud, an Indian 3hii:t threatens to lead his braves on the warpath unless all trappers are cleared out of the reservation within ninety days. Fast and furious action follows when Lieutenant Lang a young iVmerican cavalry officer, charged by General Sherman with the task of driving out illicit trading posts, ropes the leader of the trappers, only to discover that the outlaw i« a pretty girl who, evading him by a clever ruse, gallops away on his horse. The plot reaches a thrilling climax • hen, two days before the expiration of the time limit, all the intruders have been expelled, with the exception of one settlement, which a police visit reveals to be owned by the runaway prisoner, Mary Barton and her brother Jim. The trooper defeats Jim Barton in a fierce struggle, only to be shot down afterwards by the latter from ambush. Red Cloud has now massed an overwhelming force of Indians, and events reach a gripping climax when tho trappers surrender their post only just in time to avert the redskins’ first charge. Lieutenant Laug is cleverly played by Tim McOoy. while Marjorie Daw lives up to her reputation in the part of MaryBenton, being ably supported by w illtam Fairbanks as Jim. Other interesting features arc a gazette and a New Zealand scenic film, while an amusing comedy completes the programme.