ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 561, 14 January 1929, Page 15

ST. JAMES

GEORGE WALLACE REVUE The George Wallace Revue Company are still delighting revue-lovers at the St. James Theatre with another entertaining programme. George Wallace himself is a genuine fun-maker, and never strains after effect. Marie Nyman is a very big asset to this combination, her work always being of a convincing kind. This also applies to the breezy Marshall Crosby, whom time deals lightly with as regards appearance and voice. Two sketches, both written by George Wallace, occupy this week’s pro gramme, leaving abundant opportunities to Wallace to take the centre of the stage. He can not go wrong with liis audience and every action, whether intentional or not, draws forth roars of encouragement from the packed house. The “Six Rascals” ballet is still to the fore and its artistic dances are excellent. Exceptionally good frocking adds charm to the dancers. The jazz band is also very well received. Maida Jones and Jack «cott provide some enjoyable turns and the other members of the company help to make the show go with a swing. NATIONAL “LEGION OF THE CONDEMNED” Aviation thrills to* startle the most hardened movie-goer are provided in the big picture, “The Legion of the Condemned,” now in its second week at the .National Theatre. “The Legion of the Condemned” is an'epic of the war in the air, but it is more than that, for an intensely dramatic story runs through the whole production. The story tells of a young American newspaper man who was betrayed by his sweetheart, and sought forgetfulness in the wildest and most dangerous part of the war—an unattached squadron of flyers who performed ail the most perilous flights. From every corner of the world came, that valiant band of youths whose last illusion and first love were dim memories. They had tried everything in life but death . . . and death they eagerly courted. High above the heaving earth they flirt with death. No mission was too hazardous In their wild desire to die. It was while the young American was on one of the most dangerous missions that he fotutd his sweetheart again—then he realised he wanted to live. William Wellman, himself a member of tlie La Fayette Squadron during the war directed the production. Fay Wray, “discovered” by Eric Von Stroheim. has the leading feminine role, with Gary Cooper opposite her, and a large cast, including Barry Norton and La ne Chandler. During the screening of the picture realistic sound effects are produced in the theatre of the rat-tat-tat of the guns, the roar of the airplanes’ engines, and the whining of the air through the struts. An excellent supporting programme of smaller films is also presented, including a sensational picture entitled “Cruising in the Arctic.” Sympathetic musical accompaniment is provided by an augmented orchestra, under the baton of Mr. F. Bartlett. During the present warm weather, an electrically-driven fan. weighing two tons, circulates 30,000 cubic feet of pure fresh air in the theatre eyery minute.