Round The Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 368, 31 May 1928, Page 14

Round The Shows

“LILIES OF THE FIELD” AT CONCERT CHAMBER ON SATURDAY The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with branches throughout the world carries on a noble work with voluntary labour and self sacrifice and in Auckland we have a body of men and women who devote time and money to ligthen the burdens and prevent cruelty to our poor dumb beasts. The local society is in need of funds and the Auckland Comedy Players have come to their assistance by offering a performance of J. Hastings Turner’s charming and piquant three-act comedy, “Lilies of the Field,” which met with so much success on its premier a few weeks ago. This performance will take place at the Concert Chamber on Saturday evening next and judging by the very large number of tickets already sold a “capacity house” is assured. The cast is the same as before and includes the following leading amateurs: Mesdames Susan McCallum, Constance Clark, Margot Finlayson, Joy Bartley, Cecily Russell, Ysolinde McVeagh, Ruth Robertson; Messrs. W. H. Graham, Montagu Steele, John N. Gordon, Hamish Henderson. Production under the personal direction of Miss Una Dysart Buddie; musical director, Mr. H. C. Luscombe, and honorary manager, Mr. Scott Colville. A special souvenir programme has been prepared and should prove a handsome contribution to the funds. The box plan is at Lewis Eady, Ltd., where reserved tickets may be obtained. LYRIC “TRIUMPH OF THE RAT” “The Triumph of the Rat,” which will be shown to-night at the Lyric Theatre is an entertaining and dramatic story of Parisian life. The picture is a sequel to “The Rat,” which was shown to crowded houses in Auckland some time ago, and is played by a strong cast headed by Ivor Novello. The plot revolves around Pierre Boucheron, once known as the Rat, who is now the idol of Parisian society but particularly of the beautiful Zelie de Chaument. At least, he is her idol until he fell in love with Comtesse Madelin de l’Orme and wagered that she would be in his arms within a month. He won his bet but incurred the bitter enmity of Zelie, who vowed to avenge hrself by causing his downfall. This she does so completely that in the end he is forced to the gutter, friendless and alone. The other film on this big programme will be a thrilling picture of a boy in search of excitemnt and life, who found it with his father’s scretary. It is entitled “Lightning Romance,” and the featured players are Reed Howes and Ethel Shannon. PRINCE EDWARD “WOLF FANGS” Thousands of stampeding cattle usually are a menace to human life and property, but in the Zane Grey picture, “Open Range,” -which is now being shown at th e Prince Edward Theatre, they are the salvation of an entire village. When Indians attack Marco, the hero of the picture stampedes the cattle through the town and drives the Indians out. Lane Chandler, new Western “find,” plays the virile cowboy, Tex Smith; Betty Bronson, the “Peter Pan” girl, is cast as Lucy Blake in her first Western. The second feature is “Wolf Fangs,” a thrilling picture starring the famous wonder-dog Thunder. CAPITOL “IN A TURKISH BATH” Wives who have grouchy husbands, or husbands who have gouchy wives, would do well to take them to see Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall in “Ladies’ Night in a Turkish Bath,” a comedy drama replete with laughs, now being shown at the Capitol Theatre. When Mulhall and Jimmy Finlayson suddenly find themselves in a Turkish bath on a “ladies’ flight,” as they are trying to escape from pursuing poicemen, the audience goes into a roar of laughter that compels most of them to hold their sides. One has yet to see two more scared-looking individuals than Mulhall and Finlayson, or to witness greater consternation than among the ladies who were disporting themselves when the two arrived. Richard Dix in “Shanghai Bound,” the second feature, is a thrilling story of unrest in China to-day. 1

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI “THE WHIP WOMAN” TO-NIGHT Estelle Taylor and Antonio Moreno are the stars in “The Whip Woman,” a strange story of a prince and a peasant girl, which will be shown to-night at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres. “The Whip Woman” is 6trong, though simple, in theme, and concerns a peasant girl living on the banks of the Danube, who insists on leading her own life, and who is considered something of a disgrace to her village because she will neither marry nor have a lover. Miss Taylor is a little spitfire in this role, defending herself from the unwelcome advances of men with the butt of the whip with which she goads her ox team. Yet in her heart she cherishes every woman’s dream that romantic love will come into her life. Antonio Moreno appears and romance develops after Estelle saves him from ending his life in the Danube because he has been cast out by his family, members of the nobility. She brings him to his senses through a rap over the head with her whip, and rehabilitates his self respect. The second attraction on the programme will be an unusual though brilliant picture, “private Affairs,” featuring Gladys Hulette, Robert Agnew and Mildred Harris. “Private Affairs” is a story of a small town post office, in which a packet of letters goes astray for five years. When they are discovered circumstances in the town are so altered that what were quite harmless letters now cause an upheaval. “Private Affairs” is a most delightful and humorous story. BRITANNIA “A WOMAN ON TRIAL” Pola Negri’s dramatic acting is seen to flne advantage in “The Woman on Trial,” which will be shown to-night at the Britannia Theatre. The theme of “The Woman on Trial” is taken from “Confession,” a noteworthy stage play by Ernest Vajda, Hungarian dramatist. It concerns the sacrifices a woman makes in the name of love. Caring deeply for one man who is deathly ill, she weds another to obtain money to restore the first to health. When her child by the loveless marriage is taken from her through a jealous and deceitful scheme she runs true to the instincts of woman and motherhood to regain the happiness of which she has been cheated. A second attraction on the programme will be “A Trick of Hearts,” a Hoot Gibson Western picture with a humorous background. RIALTO AND REGENT, EPSOM “THAT’S MY DADDY” One of the greatest rural classics ever filmed, “The Country Doctor,” with Rudolph Schildkraut in the title role, will be shown to-night at Rialto and Regent, Epsom, Theatres. The story vividly portrays the work of a country doctor throughout the year, struggling against the most varied climatic conditions. The story begins with summer, a peaceful countryside with two young lovers dreaming in the sunlight. Then comes autumn with the chill of cold December, and one of the great dramatic scenes which precipitates the smashing climax. And then the thrilling moments which precede the crisis. Winter! A blinding blizzard with the cruel wind of the frigid north whipping the swirling snow, trees sway and cra,sh~—a lonely figure appears, fighting his way over dangerous roads where a mis-step means death A deserted world with the rural practitioner alone defying the elements. Reginald Denny’s latest and greatest comedy “That’s My Dade'—" will be the chief feature on the programme. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have put “Detectives” into production with Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, famous comedy team, co-starring. This pair rocked the world in “Rookies" and recently completed “Baby Mine.” The new picture is said to be a masterly burlesque of the typical mystery story, and should afford great scope for the comedy of the Dane-Arthur team. Marceline Day has the feminine lead, tyhile Clarence Lyle and Tenen Holtz have also been included in the cast.

STRAND “THE MERRY WIDOW” Based on the world-famous musica comedy romance, “The Merry Widow/ the lavish and spectacular screen version, is still attracting in large numbers, enthusiastic patrons to the Strain Theatre. Eric von Stroheim, has produce< “The Merry Widow” on a magnificen scale and the star is the handsonn John Gilbert, foremost of the screen : “matinee idols.” Mae Murray has thi title role. She appears as the dancin§ star of the “Manhattan Follies,” j troupe of theatricals who find them selves in a beautiful town of Monte bianco. Sally, the dancer, finds herself attended by princes and barons, but sin rightly suspects them all. She denies Prince Banilo the love of a moment and succeeds in arousing in hin a life-long affection. The prince’s family points out that he has a duty tc his country and poor Sally is left on hei wedding morning. But she has hei revenge through marriage with a baroi and through the inheritance of his millions. She leads a merry danci through the European capitals as “Th« Merry Widow” and has a following o: kings and princes. A delightful treat for lovers of the musical comedy is the programme presented by Eve Bentley’s Strand Symphony Orchestra, who render throughout the screening of the photoplay, th< original “Merry Widow.” orchestra score. A fine atmospheric prologue precede* the photoplay, Miss Ina Bosworth bein£ the solo violiniste. Mile. Valeska ant Mr. Len Wilson, two well-known performers, present the entrancingly beautiful “Merry Widow” Waltz. Another attraction, is the persona appearance of Miss Bale Austen, whe is appearing in conjunction with hei film, “ ‘Miss New Zealand’ in Movieland,” a vividly interesting film, showing her arrival in Hollywood, her subsequent experiences meeting the stars and players, and taking her screei tests. MUNICIPAL CONCERT BAND AND VOCAL ITEMS Another success was achieved bj the Municipal Band with the concert given at the Town Hall last evening The principal feature of the performance was the playing of overture, “Lenora.” No. 3 (Opus 72), t number calling for the best possible treatment. Under the capable direction of Mr. Christopher Smith the bant provided a very pleasing interpretation, altogether a very commendabh performance being given. Two pleasing numbers were Mr Smith’s own arrangement of Schumann’s “Sylversterlied” and “Traumerei” for the reeds alone. Two excellent performances were given. Other popular items were “Silvei Trumpets” march, “Jubilant” overture (Galuska), “Blue Danube” \valt2 (Strauss), “Treasure Island,” Drigo’c serenade, “Les Millions d’Arlequin," and a selection from Wagner’s “Valkyrie.” Vocal duets by Miss Beryl Smith ant! Mr. J. Simpson, Landon Ronald’s “O Lovely Night” and “Island of the Purple Sea” (Geehl), proved very popular, extra numbers having to be given Artistic accompaniments were provided by Mr. Leo. Whittaker. EDENDALE “COME TO MY HOUSE” Antonio Moreno and Olive Border are the stars in “Come To My House,' a story of a Kiri's battle against convention, which is now being shown at the Edendale Theatre. The story is about Joan Century, a girl who has beauty, fire, intelligence and every luxury monej can buy, but wht cannot master hoi -wn heart. She is continually torn between the man t.< whom she is en gaged and another played by Antonit Moreno, who has flashed across hei life like a meteor. “Millionaires,” a story of poor tailor.suddenly made rich, is the second feature, and stars George Sidney, Louise Fazenda, and Vera Gordon. May McAvoy has started work in a new Warner production, “Fools in a Fog.” Conrad Nagel has the leading male role.

“A FLORENTINE TRAGEDY" BOX PLANS NOW OPEN One of the most gripping single-ac: tragedies ever written, which holds th® audience spellbound from the rising of the curtain to the terrific climax, u 1 this masterpiece of Oscar Wildes. Throughout the beauty of the text the sinister under-current is apparent all the time, and one feels this motive even through the most poetic moments of the verse. The last tableau come* as such a surprise that many critics think the title “Tragedy” a misnomer. The beautiful fourteenth century costumes add to the exotic air of romance and gallantry of the period, and nothing has been overlooked in the way of furnishing, stage lighting and effects to give the correct atmosphere to this gem of English blank verse. The object of the players is to assist the PlayAssociation in augmenting its {unda. This very enthusiastic band of worker® aim at providing a community club for the entertainment of those children of the city whose pleasures in life are ’ conspicuous by their unfortunate at- ■ sence. To this end, the committee of the association is devoting its uttermost energies, and those to whom th® I happiness and welfare of little children means much will realise that ia assisting at the Florentine Tragedy on the sixth and seventh of next month. "Wednesday and Thursday next at the Lewis Eady Concert Chamber, they are helping a very worthy movement. The box plans are now open at Lewis Eadv, Ltd. EVERYBODY’S “THE AIR PATROL" ‘•The Air Patrol,” a story of secret service aviators, is the big picture which will be shown at Everybody's Theatre to-morrow night. A 1 Wilson is the star, and the background of the story is a plot to smuggle diamonds If airplane, which is being watched and followed by an air patrol of secre: service aviators. Battles in the clouds are some of the thxills in this picture, and Al. Wilson rislis his neck a hundred times in the course of the plot It is a stark drama of airmen. To bring to those millions who have no concrete conception of the stupendous workings of Nature which occur in that vast area of 600,000 square miles known as Alaska, was the purpose of the trip undertaken by Captain Jack Robertson and Arthur H. Young, the film version of which, “ ’Neath Arctic Skies,” has caused so much interest in Auckland that it has been transferred to Everybody’s Theatre, where it is the second feature * on the current programme. ROYAL, KINGSLAND “WHAT PRICE GLORY” “What Price Glory,” acclaimed as one of the greatest war stories, is now being shown at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland.. The background of the story is personal enmity between two marine sergeants, Flagg and Quirt. The world war finds Flagg a captain in one sector, and Quirt, in spite of his feminine conquests, still a sergeant. Flags’* outfit comes back from the front, shot to pieces, and without a top sergeant He receives word that a new sergeant is being detailed to him. In the meantime, he meets Charmaine, a beautiful French peasant, and proceeds W forget war. Just when things are gojng famously for Flagg, with Charmafc=* the new sergeant appears. He * Quirt! Flagg would like to murder him, but he realises that Quirt is of the best soldiers working trade, and accepts the situation. From then on the story Is one of continual squabbles between the tw friends for the hand at CharmaineEMPIRE “LES MISERABLES” “Les Miserables,” the story of '*■**'. Hugo’s book, is now being the Empire Theatre. The character of Jean ValJJ® played by a French actor, Gabne rio. Valjean is an escaped c° who has made a fortune as a n l *® turer. Javert, a. relentless r of police, suspects the manufa of being the ex-convict who sto silver plate, and who also too francs from a hurdy-gurdy boy - ve before. But Javert is unable t® F* { his case until one day a* l , IXI jgjt man is charged with Valjean b . crimes. Then Valjean steps and confesses, saving the m* iet> conviction. The lenient J] 10 ®. gjd Valjean go, but Javert _ e«claps him into gaol. fortune in capes, and hides his great JL* be ** the forest of Montfermiel bei again captured and sent to tn for life. , .. vfunrf George Sidney and ChtfU are stars in a rollicking conl . * beia# at the Front,” which is au(.shown-