Round the Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 447, 31 August 1928, Page 14

Round the Shows

PLAZA

VAUDEVILLE AND PICTURES The charm of an old world minuet in the lace and ruffles of the Elizabethan court with the bright vivacity of jazz and the lilt of Maori music—what a combination, yet they make up the enjoyable programme presented by the Punch Bowl Revue Company at the Plaza Theatre last evening. “Revue at its best” can well be said of the Punch Bowl Company. It includes a really humorous comedian, a vivacious soubrette, an acrobatic and classical dancer of rare charm in Zenda Banky, and finally a hard-working, good-looking and beautifully frocked ballet. What more could one expect from a revue?

No small part of the success of the show' can be attributed to the hard work put in by Linda Bale and Rex Mack. Songs, dances and sketches followed one another from these artistes and the audience was kept in a constant simmer of laughter at Frank Moran. Petite and lithe, Zenda Banky is personality plus. Her dancing was a revelation in nimbleness and grace, and the Apache Dance interpreted with the assistance of Rex Mack was something quite out of the ordinary, being one of the surprises of the evening. The minuet scene was delightful. Linda Dale and Rex Alack sang that beautiful old ballad, “Until To-morrow, I’ll Dream of You,” while the chorus girls danced gracefully to the tune of Paderewski’s “Minuet.”

rousin S- “Toreador’s” song from Carmen” was sung effectively by Air Walter Brough. The company presented as a finale a Alaori scene. Rex Mack sang ‘There’s a Little Maori Alaiden,” while the chorus girls in Alaori costume swayed in a near- Alaori style. “Waiata Poi,” by Linda Dale, the final song, the ensemble was ag_ain Maori in its characIt is seldom that an actress who has been definitely catalogued as a comediSnMmftS Z*®? lnt ° a fleld ° f dl *ama unlimited in its scope and give a performance of the finish that marked Colleen Moore's appearance in “Happiness Ahead,” the chief pictorial attraction last eevning. Never was applause more deserved than that which came spontaneously at the close of last night’s showing.

The story of "Happiness Ahead” about an unsophisticated g-irl from a small town, who becomes the wife of a city card-sharp. Her disillusionment, and the subsequent regeneration of her husband, provide the framework of a plot that is as unique as it is interesting. Edmund Lowe who plays opposite Colleen Moore, is provided with an unusually strong role—and he takes full advantage of his opportunities. The players in support represent an admirable example of casting. The supporting programme includes a remarkable UFA nature film, entitled “A Fight for Life.” It shows the slimy denizens of the deep in the eternal war on one another in an unbelievably terrible way. A gazette and comedy complete the programme, which Is accompanied by Mr. Ave’s orchestra of 15 players. Selections from “The Mikado,” the opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, were played as an overture.

EVERYBODY’S AND TIVOLI A DRAMATIC MASTERPIECE An unalloyed treat was afforded the large crowd at the Everybody’s and Tivoli Theatres last evening, when the Universal-Jewel production, "A Man’s Past,” made its appearance. For sheer interest and story value we believe that this picture is the best of the current cinema season. The story is excellently told, the players are perfectly cast and the direction leaves nothing to be desired. The story concerns a noted physician who is sentenced to prison for putting to death one of his patients suffering i from an incurable disease. He es- ; capes from the prison and Is well on the road to rehabilitate himself in new surroundings when he Is discovered by a former officer of the prison. The love interest is especially strong in that the officer and the surgeon both love the same girl, and it appears that the officer will expose the doctor in order to get him out of the way. He does not. however, which sends the story into an entirely different climax which is both original and thrilling. Taking it all in all, “A Man’s Past” is excellent screen fare, and everyone should see it during its run. Colleen Moore’s latest picture, “Happiness Ahead,” was also shown at these theatres. This is a happy comedy of a simple country girl who became the wife of a city card-sharper, and is as full of whole-hearted comedy as it is of dramatic suspense. TUDOR, REMUERA “ACROSS TO SINGAPORE” Ramon Novarro, the star of “BenHur,” will be seen in “Across to Singapore,” an exciting story of life on the high seas, to be shown at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, this evening. “Brass Knuckles,” a story of a convict who made good, Is the second feature, starring Monte Blue. BOOKS IN DEMAND AT THE AUCKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY FICTION “THE WOMAN WHO RODE AWAY,” by D. H. Lawrence. “THE SARDONIC SMILE,” by L. Diehl. “THE RUNAGATES CLUB,” by John Buchan. “WILLIAM THE GOOD,” by Richmael Crompton. “THE LOST FIGHT,” by H. F. M. Prescott. “TANAGRA FIGURES," by W. Hubbard. “CRIMSON ROSES,” by G. L. Hill. “FEMALE OF THE SPECIES,” by “Sapper.” “EDDIE AND EDOUARD,” by Baroness von Hutten. “VASCO,” by M. Chadourne.

NON-FICTION “THE ROAD,” by H, Belloc. “DRAMA,” by Ashley Dulces. “THE LONG LEAD,” by M. H. Ellis. “WHERE THE WHITE MAN TREADS,” by “W. 8.” “FORM AND DESIGN IN MUSIC.” by H. N. Statham. “THE PRIMA DONNA,” by H. S. Edwards. “SHIPS—AND PEOPLE,” by J. C. Beaumont. “GLIMPSES INTO SPIRIT LIFE,” by T. J. Mcßride. “ENGLAND OVER,” by D. Carew. “THE PASTON LETTERS."

LYRIC

“THE OPENING NIGHT” There is something - about ‘‘The Opening Night” which gets under the skin and remains there. Long after this production had faded from the screen, the haunting memory of it j lingered. The picture, which opened i at the Lyric Theatre last evening, is a psychological study. It exposes" the j Queer mental twists which in an instant turn a man from deeds of valour to the most cowardly of acts. It is fascinating to watch the character unfoldment of Robert Chandler, theatrical producer, devoted father and husband, and a staunch friend. Carol, his wife, married him because he was so kind and gentle. Those in trouble came to him to relieve their distress. He gave his lifebelt to a crippled child when the liner upon which he was crossing the ocean sank. Then Fear threw its mantle over his eyes. A mad desire to see his wife and child turned this gentle, self-sacrificing man into a cringing coward. The role is ably portrayed by E. Alyn Warren. It is one which requires great skill in interpreting. Mr. Warren’s screen picture shows a keen insight into human emotions and a marked ability to live these before the camera. Claire Windsor, who is starred in the photo-drama, delineates the wife. In the story she is a stage favourite about ' to foe starred in her husband’s new pro- j duction. The role gives Miss Windsor 4 ample opportunity to wear many i beautiful and chic costumes which ] catch the feminine eye. The joys and sorrows of the small < theatrical players are tenderly brought < out in “Good Time Charley,” the < second big attraction last evening. It J tells in the short space of one hour 4 the life of a song-and-dance man < whose star of success faded as that J of his daughter rose. It is wholesome and human, and can- 4 not help but leave all who see it with < a renewed belief in their fellow mor- < tals. Helene Costello, who heretofore ] has been known as “the sister of Do- < lores,” has an opportunity to show her I histrionic talent and her brilliant < dancing, and she uses the opportunity 1 vastly to her own credit. < The Lyric Orchestra, under the ( baton of Mr. A. Marbeck, capably * played “On Geneva Lake” (suite by ! .Bendel), “The Rag Doll Dance,” “The < Carnival Suite” (Burgmien),' and “An- < dante” from “Fifth Symphony” J (Tsaichowsky). “My Soul” is played J as a cornet solo. 4 RIALTO AND REGENT, EPSOM j “THE YELLOW LILY” Hungarian court life in the days * when Emperor Charles held sway in Europe’s most brilliant and colourful court, forms the background for Billie Dove’s latest starring vehicle, “The Yellow Lily,” commencing the the Rialto and Regent, Epsom, Theatres this evening. Tile story goes behind the scenes of royal life in Budapest only a few years ago, and mingles intimate romance with its exotic colour and ' intrigue. It was adapted from Lajos '• Biro’s famous Hungarian play, also c called “The Yellow Lily.” Clive Brook plays opposite Miss Dove in this elaborate First National 1 picture. “ < “The Hawke’s Nest,” starring Milton Sills, is the second attraction. In the photoplay, “The Hawk’s Nest,” 1 by reason of disfigurement to his face Sills has secluded himself In China- ! town since his return from the World 1 War. Here he operates a night life 1 resort and it is only after an opera- 1 tion bringing into play the science of plastic surgery, that he comes out into < the open.

“MY BEST GIRL” AT GRAND Mary Bickford’s latest production, “My Best Girl,” will be shown at tlie Grand Theatre again this evening. "My Best Girl” is a perfectly simple story adopted from a novel by Kathleen Morris. Its theme is by no means new, but somehow these old situations never quite lose their fascination. Mary, the stock girl in the Merril 10cent store, finds that she has to work in company with Joe Grant, a young man making his first appearance in commerce. Joe, of course, is really the son of old man Merril, and he is in the store for the purpose of proving that he can win advancement for himself without the aid of paternal influence. Time goes on, and Joe begins to see that Mary has qualities lacking in the society girl his mother has chosen for his bride. The climax comes when the parents propose to give a dinner party at which the desired engagement is to be announced. Joe, however, decides to have a little unanticipated celebration of his own. “Wyoming,” a story of the early days in the West, starring the popular outdoor actor, Tim McCoy, is also screened. EMPIRE SHOWS “SIMPLE SIS” Romance, thrills, laughter and pathos commingle in “Simple Sis,” a delightfully human story of the love quest of a laundry girl, now showing at the Empire Theatre. Louise Fazenda and Clyde Cook are the principals, and it goes without saying that these peeriess mirthmakers extract the maximum of fun from each droll situation The part of “Simple Sis” is perfectly suited to Miss Fazenda’s unique genius It is the first romantic role she has had for some time, but the love interest does not, for a moment, slacken the pace of the rollicking comedy. Clyde Cook is the timid but amorous truck driver, who seems miraculously sent into the lonely life of Sis in answer to her prayers for a husband. Love Hungry,” a comedy-drama starring Lois Moran and Lawrence Gray, will also be shown.