Round The Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 464, 20 September 1928, Page 17

Round The Shows

NEW REGENT

“THE LAST COMMAND” Th 3 merry comedy of a young man who wanted to be honest but couldn’t, entitled “Easy Come, Easy Go," in which Richard Dix plays the leading part, will be presented for the last time at the Regent Theatre this evening. The greatest motion picture favourites of America and Europe have been assembled for the cast of The Last Command,” the Paramount picture which comes to the Regent Theatre to-morrow with Emil Jannings as the star. Pleading the European representation, is. of course, the star himself, Jannings, whose two I American-made pictures, “The Way of All Flesh” and “Variety,” have given him in this country the same pre-eminence he enjoyed abroad. Evelyn Brent. “the girl of mysteries,” so-called because she has starred in more mystery and crook dramas than any other actress, is Jannings’s leading woman, and with her in the American contingent is William Powell, arch-villain of the screen, who adds to his long line of sinister portrayals the part of a rabid revolutionist, who provides menace in generous and convincing qualities. Also, in the cast is Nicholas Soussanin, the Russian actor whose work as the waiter who wept was such a sensation in the Adolphe Menjou pictures, “Service for Ladies” and “A Gentleman of Paris.” Tom Katz and his Saxophone Band Will appear for the last time this evening. On the stage a huge dancing spectacle will be presented underl the title of the “Winter Frplics.” Over 30 performers will take part in this act. A big musical programme is also planned by the Regent Operatic Orchestra under the baton of Mr. Maurice Guttridge. Mr. GUttridge will also play the Wurlitzer organ.

WEST END

“THE FIGHTING EDGE” There is a rattling: good melodrama of the Mexican border at the West End Theatre, where "The Fighting: Edge” is now showing, with Kenneth Harlan and Patsy Rathe Miller in the leading roles. The story concerns the smuggling of aliens into the United Stated, and gives the hero, a Spanish-Irish young man, an opportunity to engage in some exciting lights with the smugglers, and to convince the pretty heroine that beneath his indolent manner lurks the fighting edge that carries him successfully through all difficulties. _ ;4

The picture is based on the novel by William McLeod Raine. The remainder of the cast includes Heinie Conklin, W. A. Carroll. Pat Hartigan, Lew Harvey, Eugene Pallette, Pat Harmon and "Red” Kirby. Scenes at the great Eucharistic Congress at Sydney are also shown.

A MAN OF VERSATILITY

SIR BEN FULLER, COSMOPOLITAN Sir Benjamin Fuller is expected to arrive next week from Sydney and will be in Auckland for the final of the grand opera season. That he is a power in other avenues of life, as well as in the world of the theatre, is indicated by the following letter written to him by. the honorary organiser of the great Eucharistic Congress recently held in Sydney:— "Since my interview with you some few -weeks ago in connection with the

Eucharistic Congress I feel it is my duty to tell you (now I have been most sucessful) that came to the one conclusion that we must attribute it to you and no one else. Your public statements in support of the function have been most penetrating and wliere three of our big firms had hesitated over contributing £SO each, they have since given £SOO each and several cheques for £IOO, and so on, "You have our deepest gratitude.”

TUDOR, REMUERA

“THE BUSH CINDERELLA” The New Zealand-made film, "A Bush Cinderella,” in which the leading role is taken by Miss Dale. Austen, Will be shown this evening at the Tudor Theatre, Kemuera. The work of Miss Dale Austen, who has the leading role of the little Cinderella, is the greatest of the many surprises the picture has in store. Her acting is at all times charming and convincing. Especially fine is her work in the prologue to the picture, when she appeals as the tragic little lover, turned out from home by her harsh guardian. As a fine contrast comes her role in the story proper, when she appears as a sunny-natured, happy-go-lucky orphan, brought up by a kindly farmer. Mr. Cecil Scott, in the leading male role, appears as a handsome young naval lieutenant, full of vitality.

MAJESTIC

“TELLING THE WORLD” To-night marks the final presentation of Fred Mayfield’s famous Cowboy Band, which has been delighting Aucklanders with marvellous interpretations of the art of jazz and its allies. To-night will see also the final presentation of “The Gateway of thfe Moon,” and the brilliant supporting programme. To-morrow at the Majestic Theatre another of the incomparable programmes which are presented week after week will be offered to patrons. Heading the bill of pictorial fare will be “Telling The World,” starring William Haines. “Telling The World” is an unusual comedymelodrama dealing with the transmission of important news by radio and telegraph. Its Oriental scenes are said to be among the most realistic ana picturesque ever filmed. Anita Page, a new screen discovery, plays the leading role. Sam Wood directed, with a cast that includes Bert Roach, Polly Moran, Mathew Betz, Frank Currier, Eileen Percy and others. Outstanding in the supporting programme is a New Zealand scenic, “The Southern Lakes,” and the Majestic Magazine. The many news items include scenes of the annual cricket match between English Admirals and Nautical College, Lord Jellicoe being captain of the Admirals’ team, Russians flocking to the new Soviet zoo, a very spectacular short filMNof a British Guards parade, Japanese war canoes in a striking regatta, dancing girls on the roof of the famous Roxy Theatre in New York, and surf riding at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu.

An hilarious comedy, “The Fighting Pest,” starring Charley Chase, concludes the pictorial programme. “Wendy and Alphonse,” known throughout the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand as two clever entertainers, whose turn has been described as “one long laugh,” will appear on the stage to-morrow. Bright comedy, good music and the charm of two attractive personalities, makes theirs a popular stage turn wherever they go. Mr. Whiteford Waugh and his Majestic Orchestra will present another of their beautiful musical programmes. Liszt’s famous composition, “Seventh Rhapsody,” will be featured as the Overture. A “NEWLYWED” COMEDY The happy combination of May McAvoy and Conrad Nagel in leading roles in “Slightly Used’’ proved so successful that the two are again starred in “If I Were Single.” “if I Were Single” is a fast moving comedy, somewhat after the type of the previous McAvoy-Xagel success, and one which is admirably adapted to their portrayals of mixed comedy and drama. The pair are introduced as following closely upon the first ecstasies of love when they are plunged into a series of hilarious situations, beginning with a harmless flirtation and a first annfversary gift. Myrna Loy and Andre Berenger appear in featured supporting roles.

“ERNANI” AT ST. JAMES

A PLEASED AUDIENCE FINE SINGING HEARD Much of the singing in Verdi's opera “Ernani,” hs presented in the St. James Theatre last night by the Fuller-Gonsalez Company, was a pure delight. Good also was the acting and the general presentation of the work. The people went away well satisfied. “Ernani'’ is one of the most tragic of stories. It gives opportunity for fine dramatic work, and calls for able acting. Last evening this tale of old Spain was justly treated. There are four important roles, and so well were they all portrayed that it is difficult to praise any one of them as being the best. As the tragic Elvira—betrothed to an old Grandee, in love with a bandit, and sought in marriage by the King of Castile—Signorina Rosita Silvestri was truly delightful. Her acting, finely dramatic when drama -was needed, was marked otherwise by a pleasing restraint.. Her singing was always sweet and graceful, right onward from her firstact solo, “Ernani, Ernani, Huvolami,” to the dramatic fourth act that closes the story.

As the King of Castile, Signor Franco Izal did superlatively well. His fine baritone voice gave full justice to the several excellent songs that adorn the role. His best work, in singing and acting, was in act 3, Where, waiting at the tomb of Charlemagne to surprise a band of plotters, he sings the famous air, “Oh, de’ verd’ anni miei.” The third act is the greatest in the opera, in point both of setting and music. In it there is the dramatic surprise of the conspirators (who ih-‘ elude Ernani) by the king, who orders their instant execution. Ernani makes a passionate appeal for their lives. The royal pardon is impressively given; the king, though he himself loves Elvira, unites her and Ernani, While in chorus the courtiers exalt the nobleness of the monarch. Last evening’s presentation of the act was deeply impressive, and won the warmest applause Signor Arturo Tamburini was an admirable Ernani. Ho impressed the audience early, in the delightful song of his love, in which he so moves the bandits that they declare they will storm the castle of her betrothed (the old Hon Ruy Gomez de Silva) and get her out. Everyone admired Tamburini’s fine tenor voice and his acting throughout. Then the rolling . bass of Signor Ernesto Funtagalli (as de Silva) delighted the audience. He sang the fine aria, “Infelicel e tuo credevi,” with excellent effect. Indeed, his singing and acting all through were deeply impressive. There was splendid work in the last act by Fumagalli, Izal and Silvestri. The lovers, united at last (but for so short a time), are startled on tho balcony by the dread blast of a horn that speaks Ernani's doom, for the erstwhile bandit had given a rash vow to de Silva that he will at any time and place kill himself when de Silva sounds a certain note. . Lofty heights were reached in this act of passionate pleading. But de Silva has his revenge. Erani stabs himself, sings brokenly as his life-blood flows, and Elvira falls prostrate on his body. And with that tragic scene the story closes. Lesser roles were well portrayed by

Signor A. Gilardi (an esquire of the king. Signor C. Gislon (an esquire or da Silva), and Signorina Matilda Pirimraer (in attendance upon Eivira). The orchestra deserved nothing but praise for its performance.