ROUND THE SHOWS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 463, 19 September 1928, Page 14

ROUND THE SHOWS

“BELLE OF NEW YORK” HIS MAJESTY’S TO-MORROW It is interesting to recall that “The Belle of New Y’ork,” which will be produced this week by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, was written to present in stage form the outstanding events of its day. Many personages are characterised for that purpose, the audience being taken in succession through the mansion of the popular millionaire of the day, where his idiosyncrasies are displayed; through the Chinatown of New York, where the joys and frivolities of a typical Chinese New Year are tasted, and through the casino on Narrogansitt Pier, where they are intros duced to the Folies Bergere. The Belle herself is a Salvation Army lassie and it is in these environments that the good influence of the Army is felt, and at last triumphs, being instrumental in bringing happiness to all. “RED HAIR” AT CAPITOL The whispered and innermost secrets of modern society and a girl's heart is the highly dramatic theme of Fox Films’ “Come To My House,” now being shown at the Capitol Theatre, with Olive Borden in the star role. Miss Borden not only gives a scintillating performance as the dashing society girl, but turns to high dramatic powers in the end of the story when she cannot decide which of two men she really loves. Antonio Moreno plays opposite Miss Borden, and others in the excellent cast are Doris Lloyd, Ben Bard, Cornelius Keefe and Richard Maitland. An enjoyable comedy romance starring Clara Bow, and entitled “Red Hair,” will also be shown. EMPRESS “SECOND TO NONE” Although not produced as propaganda for the Navy, the picture “Second to None,” to be shown this evening at the Empress Theatre, presents many scenes illustrative of the work of "the Senior Service apart from an intriguing story. But although the screens taken on board the warships will prove wonderfully interesting, it is certain that the scenes taken in the Royal Naval Training establishment at Shotley, by permission of the Admiralty, will be- received with rounds of applause. GRAND SHOWS “THE GAUCHO” Douglas Fairbanks in “The Gaucho” is the attraction at the Grand Theatre this evening. In “The Gaucho,” Douglas Fairbanks has the most dashing part he has ever played. A gaucho is a picturesque nineteenth centry character little known in North America, and apparently destined to attract more than ordinary attention there as well as in South America. The story has no definite locality, but is laid in the pampas regions at large, making no pretence at historical accuracy, but using the picturesque environment as a background for romance. “The Gaucho” is a tale of treasure, combat, intrigue and love. ‘The Patsy,” a merry story of a typical American girl, will also be shown. Marion Davies is the star.

STRAND “SUNRISE” “Sunrise,” the remarkable picture npw being shown at the Strand Theatre, is a study of moods, sinister, menacing, joyous and throbbingly human. “Sunrise” is the story of a man, a farmer, tempted to murder his wife because he is in the toils of a city siren. He agrees to a plan by which he will upset a boat with his wife in it and save himself with a bundle of bullrushes, acting like a life preserver, which the siren prepares. But at the critical moment his conscience reasserts itself and he rows his wife back to shore. She flees from him in horror, going to the city. He follows, trying to explain that his murderous intentions have been conquered. Finally, in a church, where she has sought refuge, they become reconciled and spend the rest of the day in 'the city on a second honeymoon. Miss Eve Bentley’s orchestra supplies an excellent programme of music, and Miss Sarah Stagpoole is heard in “The Angelus,” a delightful prologue to the showing of “Sunrise.’* PRINCE EDWARD “MY BEST GIRL” Mary Pickford’s latest story, “My Best Girl,” will be shown again this evening at the Prince Edward. In her new picture Mary Pickford plays the role of Maggie, a little shop girl in a cheap store. Mr. Merrill, the owner of the store, decides that his son Joe should learn the business from the bottom, and starts him in a lowly position under an assumed name. In a very short time Joe and Mary fall madly in love, although Mary is not aware of Joe’s real identity. Charles Rogers plays the role of Maggie’s young lover. “Soft Living,” an interesting story in which Madge Bellamy has the leading part, will also be shown. Fred Mayfield’s Cowboy Band, one of the most unique musical combinations that has ever appeared in New Zealand, will make a special appearance at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening and to-morrow evening.

LYRIC AND EMBASSY NEW PROGRAMME TO-MORROW The current programme at the Lyric and Embassy Theatres, including ‘Blighty,” with Ellaline Terriss in the cast, and “The Play Girl,” starring Madge Bellamy, will be shown for the last time this evening. WTiich type of girl does the modern man want for his wife, the old-fashioned or the flapper? The answer to this question is to be found in Fox Films’ “Don’t Marry,” which is the new attraction at these theatres to-morrow, with Lois Moran and Neil Hamilton. “Don’t Marry” is the story of the delighful romance of Priscilla Bowen, who, despite her puritanical surroundings, is a product of the modern age. When Priscilla falls in love with Henry ‘Willoughby her life becomes a real problem, for this handsome young man believes that the old-fashioned girl is the only girl for a wife. The second attraction to-morrow will be “A Race for Life,” starring the famous dog actor, Rin-Tin-Tin. Rinty as the pal of Danny O’Shea, who rides Black Raider to victory after Bruce Morgan, owner of a rival horse, had been frustrated in a daring attempt to cripple him, has one of the best parts of his screen career. A splendid cast, including Virginia Brown Faire, Carrol Nye, Bobby Gor- , don, Pat Hartigan and James Mason are featured in “A Race for Life.” THE CONGRESS AT SYDNEY AT PLAZA, TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY’S An interesting film of the great 29th International Eucharistic Congress held recently at Sydney will be shown at the Plaza, Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres this evening. ■ The film depicts nearly all the important events of the great festival, including the arrival of the Papal Legate, views of the great St. Mary’s Cathedral, some of the special masses, views of the Church dignitaries, and the procession of the Host. The slow and stately procession through the crowded streets is most impressive. World-wide interest has centred round this notable event for some time past, and the film should be cordially welcomed. The usual full supporting programmes will be screened at each theatre. TUDOR, REMUERA “A BUSH CINDERELLA” “The Bush Cinderella,” New Zealand’s first “super-production,” is attracting large numbers of people to the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. That Aucklanders are desirous of giving the New Zealand film industry a helping hand is eloquently shown. “The Bush Cinderella” provides surprisingly polished and satisfying entertainment, apart from the interest created by its atmosphere of New Zealand, and in particular Auckland, and it is confidently expected that the be a pleasant surprise to most picturegoers.

“Under the Toto Rim,” the wellknown Zane Grey story, will also be shown.

WEST END AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME The drama of a man with a “fear complex,” entitled “The Sap,” with Kenneth Harlan in the leading role, will be shown at the West End Theatre this evening. Harry Weston, coddled and Kept from danger by liis mother, grows up a great coward. The 'war claims him and he is flung into the thick of it. He is sick with fear and actually refuses to go over the top until his superior officer threatens him with death of he does not. Bewildered, not knowing what he is doing, he scrambles madly back to the trenches behind 22 Germans, who gave themselves Up as prisoners. Harry is decorated as one of the great heroes of the war. A full supporting programme will also be shown. "HONOUR BOUND” AT EDENDALE The new attraction at the Edendale Theatre this evening will be “Honour Bound,” a remarkably dramatic story of prison labour. The stars are Estelle Taylor, who, by the way, is the wife of Jack Dempsey, and George O’Brien. The story is about John Ogletree, who goes to prison to protect a woman entirely unworthy of such sacrifice. After two years he is transferred to the coalmines where he finds that his former sweetheart has become the wife of the cruel and grasping coal baron who operates the mine. Having tired of her husband, she attempts to win back the affections of Ogletree which leads to a series of complications. “One Round Hogan,” an exciting boxing story with Monte Blue in the leading role, will also be shown.

RIALTO AND REGENT, EPSOM “BARDELYS THE MAGNIFICENT" “Bardelys the Magnificent,” Rafael Sabatini’s famous story, will be shown at the Rialto and Regent (Epsom i Theatres again this evening, with John Gilbert in the leading role. “The Big Parade” gave Gilbert a world-reputation as a great dramatic star. “Bardelys” not only sustains that reputation, but reveal? him in many new aspects. He is an astonishingly versatile young man, possessing not only a classic handsomeness, but genuine acting ability and really remarkable athletic attainments. His sword-play is a revelation; his horseback feats unusually convincing: while his nonchalant leaping from house-tops, over fences and impossible barricades, his airy swinging from building to building, on fragile ropes and tremendous curtains, are calculated to give spectators an honest thrill. Those two black face comedians, Pic and Alf, will also give their enjoyable performance, and a full supporting programme shown. “ON YOUR TOES” AT EMPIRE “On Your Toes,” Reginald Denny’s latest picture, will be shown at the Empire Theatre this evening. The film depicts Denny in the role of a boxer who fights his way to the heavy-w’eight championship of the world. It is the most successful picture the star has appeared in sinc» entering the screen world. Supporting him in the picture are Barbara WoEth as the leading lady, Hayden Stevenson, Frank Hagney, Mary Carr, Gertrude Howard and George West. “The Yellow Lily,” a dramatic story of an Hungarian prince, will also be shown. Billie Dove and Clive Brook are the stars.