ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 123, 22 February 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Bcbe Daniels is the star of “She’s a Sheik," the big feature now at the Regent Theatre, and is well supported by Richard Arlen, William Powell and Josepline Dunn. What the dashing comedienne does to men who deign to give her the cold shoulder is the foundation for one of the best photoplays Miss Daniels has ever made. The setting of ‘ She’s a Sheik" is in Algeria, home of the Foreign Legion and intrigue, and the popular star squeezes every possible bit of romance and colour out of these picturesque surroundings by taking the offensive in the game of love. . Good supports are also shown, and delightful incidental music is supplied by the orchestra. KWONG SING WAHS. Kwong Sing AVah and his, troupe ,ol acrobats jugglers and magicians arrive at Thorndon at 9.30 this morning, and open at the Regent Theatre for a short season at the matinee at 2.15 to-day. Something quite out of the ordinary is promised by these Oriental wonder workers, who claim to be the greatest combination of its kind that has ever come from China was worthily upheld in Australia, where their seasons in Melbourne and Sydney were an absolute triumph. They present a whirlwind entertainment of 50 minutes’ duration, including amazing contortionism, acrobatics, wizardry, and juggling, ending with a death-defying dive through knives and hoops of name. The Kwong iSing Wabs, headed by their giant leader, are hailed as being far superior to any net of the kind that has ever toured the Dominion. The members of the cast are all drawn from Northern China and are all giants compared with the average Oriental seen 111 Wellington today. Two little boys in the combination are the cutest fellows alive, and they make a great appeal. The Kwong Sing Wah troupe is the second of the big expensive acts engaged under the new policy of J. C. Williamson Filins. There season will be a short one. The picture on the bill until Thursday inclusive will be Bebe Daniels in her brightest comedydrama, “She’s a Sheik.” On Jrtday, Adolphe Menjou will appear tn Ins latest offering, “A Gentleman of Paris- Booking for the Chinese is exceedingly heavy at the theatre (’phone 44—144) and the Bristol, and patrons are advised to reserve early, while women and children are urged to attend the matinees to avoid the evening crushes.

KING’S THEATRE. , “The Lone Eagle,” a Universal screen version of Lieutenant Ralph Blanchard s story, “Winged Victory,” is the big icature now screening at the King’s Theatre. Raymond Keane and Barbara Kent are starred in this thrilling production, rhe story centres round a young American youth (Raymond Keane) attached to a veteran unit of the Royal Flying Corps. He overcomes his, fear of the horrors or war; falls in love with a charming little French girl (Barbara Kent) and vindicates himself in the eyes of his British comrades. Jack Pennick has an excellent part and does it well. Don Stuart, Nigel Barrie and Cuylcr Supplee complete the cast. Good supports are also, shown and delightful incidental music is supplied by the orchestra.

“BEN HUR.” The return season of Mctro-Go! awynMayer’s film triumph, “Ben Hur, will be shown at tho King’s Theatre on Friday at 2.30 and also at 8 p.m., and thereafter twice daily at the same hours. Concerning “Ben Hur,” a contemporary wrote: —“So much has already I een written regarding the motion picture version of ‘Ben Hur’ that to add anything further is almost as difficult as endeavouring to add another hue to the rainbow. Almost all the superlatives in the English language have been called into commission in an endeavour to give some idea of the magnitude, of this truly mighty screen production, but mere words cannot do justice to its magnificence—it must be seen to be appreciated. ‘Ben Hur’ is easily the greatest screen snectavle ever screened m a Christchurch theatre. Scenes which have never before been attempted by producers ore among the outstanding features ot the production, and there are so many these mighty spectacles and all of them on such a colossal scale that it is aimcuit to say which is the finest. The story, of course, offers exceptional opportunities for gorgeous settings on a lavish scale, and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, who were responsible for the production, obviously laid themselves out to surpass any and all of the big spectacular productions of the past. Of special interest are tho Biblical scenes., such as the Nativity, the entry of Christ into. Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the trial of Jesus by Pontius Pilate and the Crucifixion. So reverently have these scenes been handled that no one could take the slightest exception to them; indeed, lor the most part, they are tableaux of some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces—the paintings of famous Italian. British and Flemish masters. But not all the greatness of ‘Ben Hur lies in its spectacles. The most human story in history runs through it—the story ot the Man of Sorrows. With an art almost inspired the story of. the life ot Christ is unfolded, culminating witn the collapse of the Roman power on the first Good Friday.” Au introductory prologue, “The Star of Bethlehem. will precede the picture. Box plans at the Bristol are filling rapidly.

DE LUXE THEATRE. George O’Brien is the star of ‘‘Paid to Love,” the current feature at the De Luxe Theatre, and he is well supported hv Virginia Valli, J. Farrell McDonald, and William Powell. The story deals with a mythical kingdom, the crown prince of which is more Interested in mechanics than women. The old King would have his elder son marry, and produce heirs, rather than remain single and produce strange noises in the royal garage with his machinery. But what happens is entirely out of the schedule. Good aUDDorts are also shown, and the usual excellent musical programme is provided.

“VERY CONFIDENTIAL.” Madge Bellamy is the star of “Very Confidential,” the William Fox production which will commence screening ai the De Luxe Theatre on Friday. Not since the days of Mabel Normand has the screen developed a more sympathetic actress than Madge Bellamy. In this picture Miss Bellamy sets her heart upon winning the Jove of a stalwart, football hero, and she is kept busy inventing new excuses to keep in his good graces. She starts by posing as a courageous big-game hunter, and finishes by doing an amazing stunt that would be a credit to the world’s champion automobile racer. A big supporting programme will be presented, including a scenic, comedy and latest Gazette. The box plans arc now open at the Bristol Piano Company. Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre, 'phone 23—080.

“GRANDMA’S BOY.’’ Harold Lloyd again gives the public another legitimate comedy with a dramatic theme, on the order of his memorable “Grandma’s Boy.” With producers once more resorting to the brand oi comedy that was popular five years ago, Lloyd feels that the type of fun staying

longest with theatregoers is the wellmotivated, human kind with a solid story foundation. The comedian has just completed “The Kid Brother." which deals with a. wholesome, everyday type of character. This picture will be screened at the De Luxe Theatre for the week commencing Friday, March 2. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The Joe Brennan and Cyr’l Northcote Revue Company are now in their second week at His Majesty’s Theatre, and their current presentation is “Keep Smiling." a merry concoction of song, dance and sketch. Joe Brennan, the company’s principal comedian, is in excellent vein, and his every appearance is a sign for long sustained bursts of laughter. “The Inaudible Actors." “The Woman Over The Road." “The Huggins Give a Musical Evening,” and “Joe’s AVedding" are all clever and humorous sketches. Dell Barnes and Peggy Sharpe again provide a clever jazz and song turn. George Corelli. operatic tenor, sings “Because" and "Wlien Autumn Leaves are Falling." and Gus Dawson supplies, with the assistance of Dell Barnes, a clever singing and novelty-dance turn. G. W. Desmond acts the fool as a policeman and does a clever eccentric dance. Muriel Wilton, the clever Wellington dancer, again wins applause, while the bright and snappy chorus of six help to make the show go with a swing. EMPRESS THEATRE. 'Hie programme commencing at the Empress Theatre next Friday should prove a big draw, seeing th.it the Heeney-Shar-key fight pictura will be shown, in addition to “Millionaires.” This fight again caused much discussion in the American Press, and no wonder. The picture seems to show that Heeney won by all British standards. He forced the pace from start to finish, and although Sharkey outboxed him at times, Heeney kept boring in and refused to let him settle, down. Sharkey time and again rocked Heeney with blows, but Hcenev took them all and kept coming in asking for more; in the fifth round Heeney landed a blow’ that shook Sharkey and landed him against, the ropes. Sharkey slipped later on, but no damace was done. "Millionaires” is a delightful Jewish comedy-drama with a strong cast, which includes George Sidney. Louise Fazenda. Vera Gordon, and Nat Carr. The story tells of a poor Jewish family who buy supposedly worthless oil shares, which suddenly become exceedingly valuable. It is filled with many laughable incidents, for which George Sidney is mainly responsible, in his experiences whilst mixing in “select circles.” The titles are particular!}- good. In addition to the above pictures, the latest Pathe Gazette will be shown.