Round The Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 661, 13 May 1929, Page 15

Round The Shows

STRAND “IN OLD ARIZONA” Occasionally a motion picture production comes to town preceded by giowing advance notices as to its entertainment worth. Occasionally many such widely exploited pictures do not live up to all that is promised for them. Rarely, however, does a picture come that far exceeds the optimistic advance notices. “In Old Arizona,” which was shown for the lirst time in Auckland at the Strand Theatre last week, today has its best advertisement in the people fortunate enough to see it. In the first analysis “In Old Arizona” has every ingredient that real entertainment calls for, plus Fox Movietone. Despite the fact that it is the first feature-length drama entirely in Fox Movietone, “In Old Arizona” would be a pronounced hit as a silent picture. With Movietone it goes into the superproduction class. The story, by Tom Barry, famous stago playwright and master of dialogue, is of the romantic south-west before the era of standardisation had erased much of its glamour and colour. Its central figure is the “Cisco Kid,” a bandit, youthful, handsome, daring, a killer of men, a lamb among the fair sex, a role particularly well played by the popular Warner Baxter, who looks the role; who enacted it perfectly and whose voice is heard for the first time on the screen in this production. “Cisco Kid” loves Tonia Maria, played by Dorothy Burgess, a recent recruit to the screen from the legitimate stage. She is a half-caste with the face of a Madonna, the passion of a Carmen and the soul of a humming bird. The depredations of the “Cisco Kid” not only aroused the countryside, but the military authorities, and Sergeant Mickey Dunn is taken to task by his colonel for not capturing him. Mickey, played by Edmund Lowe, is so peeved he decided to capture the bandit single-handed, and waits for him at the home of Tonia Maria, where he is sure to come. Mickey is a ladies’ man and falls for Tonia Maria. She reciprocates and they plot to get the “Cisco Kid.” He overhears the plan and figures out a way to check it that furnishes a series of thrills which make one grip the seat and hold on. This great entertainment also features an all-talking programme of Fox Movietone celebrities, including Beatrice Lillie (Lady Robert Peel), the famous English stage comedienne, Befi Bernie, the king of jazz, with his band of 16 soloists, and the Royal Hawaiian Singers in a selection of Honolulu melodies. Finally there is a Fox Movietone Gazette with prominent events of the day in sight and sound. ST. JAMES GEORGE WALLACE’S REVUE There are some particularly bright spots in the programme now at the St. James Theatre, and George Wallace. the leader of the band of comedians who has been holding the stage for so long, figured prominently in most of them. Very enjoyable music is provided by the Flaming Youths’ Jazz Band, and the Rascals’ Ballet presents a number of new and fascinating dances. The singing of Marshall Crosby. Mari.) Xvman. Maida Jones and others, and the items by |e Two Dudleys and Jack Scott all contribute to the success of the entertainment. George Wallace's Revue Company will conclude its long Auckland season on Thursday evening, when there will be a special farewell and souvenir programme. The booking for Thursday is already very heavy.

MAJESTIC TWO FINE PICTURES With two of the screen world’s most talented stars, George O’Brien and Lois Moran, playing the leading roles, “True Heaven” continues to attract screen lovers to the Majestic Theatre. It is not a war play, but a stirring drama in which love is the theme. The war serves only as a background. O’Brien essays the role of a British lieutenant who falls in love with “Judith,” a mysterious and beautiful girl who, as the play (unfolds, is revealed as a member of the enemy intelligence unit. Miss Moran appears as “Judith.” “True Heaven” is filled with action and thrills and affords both O’Brien and Miss Moran opportunities to set forth their talents in a most convincing manner. Their claims to stardom are more than substantiated in this picture. As a soldier O'Brien is magnificent. He looks the part and acts it, while as a lover he fcakes rank with the best of screen Romeos. Miss Moran, as “Judith,” has apart that calls for a wide range of talent, and she meets every emergency. In the final scenes she is dramatically superb. “Q Ships,” the amazing film based on some of the most thrilling adventures of the men who manned the British Mystery Ships, is the second big attraction on the Majestic programme. This film, which has been made by the New Era Company, is notable for the fact that Earl Jellicoe himself appears in the picture, a submarine and a three-masted schooner were sunk to provide spectacular scenes for the film, and it is the first time that a film company has taken the Mystery Ships as the “leading members” of a picture cast. * Geoffrey Barkas and Michael Barringer. two young and enthusiastic directors of whom the film world is likely to hear a great deal in future, are responsible for the picture. There are of course the usual supports in a Majestic Magazine and a U.F.A. gem. Excellent music is provided by Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Orchestra. “THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS” HIS MAJESTY’S ON WEDNESDAY The box plans were opened this morning for the farewell eight nights’ season of the Midnight Frolics, which organisation will make its reappearance here at His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday night next. Clem Dawe, the irresistible comedian, Eric Edgeley, Dorothy White, William Perryman, Les. White, Gregory Ivanoff and Gertie Cremer constitute a team of clever and popular singers, dancers and pantomimists, and they are all certain of a hearty welcome on Wednesday. The occasion will also witness the appearance of a number of new artists, including the famous English revue artist and comedienne, Miss Mona Magnet, who has, on a former occasion, delighted Aucklanders with her brilliant artistry. On that occasion she was the outstanding figure in the big J. C. Williamson, Ltd., revue, “The Peep Show,” which enjoyed a record season here about five years ago. On several occasions since then the Williamson management has endeavoured to induce Miss Magnet to return to Australia, but her London contracts would not permit of this until quite recently, when she was enabled to obtain a release from one of her engagements. Miss Magnet will introduce some of her latest song successes and she will also take part in j a number of the latest Midnight Frolics » sketches. The Frolics Jazz Band will present an] entirely new programme.

THRILLS GALORE “THE WRECKER” AT H.M.T. Thrills galore, with shrieking whistles and grinding brakes imitated in a very realistic fashion cannot fail to hold the imagination of the audiences nightly at His Majesty’s Theatre in “The Wrecker.” Crowded with tense moments in scene and action, it is a play that appeals to sensation-lovers. “The Wrecker” is a worthy successor to “The Ghost Train,” both from the pen of Mr. Arnold Ridley, who has based his plot on the same foundation of suspense and hidden identity. One of the most spectacular and finest thrills of the play is witnessed in tlio final act set in the signal box of the Great Trunk Railway, in which the hero and heroine combine to defeat the villainous plans of “The Wrecker.” With outstanding ability, Mr. Greene plays the role of hero, and Miss Wilson is seen as a very effective detective. Tho remainder of the company provide good support for the principals.

NEW REGENT “WHITE SHADOWS OF THE SOUTH SEAS” Thrilling adventure and exotic romance l'eaiure the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer sound synchronised production, “White Shadows in the South Seas.” which is still attracting record houses to the New Regent Theatre. The plot is built on the regeneration of a white mail, who, after having sunk to the level of a beachcomber, pulls himself together to avenge a wronged child, and as a result of his chivalry is lured on board a plague ship, lashed to the mast and set adrift. The ship wrecks on the reef of a tropical paradise where, after a series of thrilling and romantic adventures, he is adopted by a native tribe and wins the love of the sacred village virgin. What happens when pearls are discovered on the island, the fight between greed and a desire for civilisation and bis love for the native girl, forms a story of intense dramatic appeal. Monte Blue plays the role of the whito man. Opposite him is Raquel Torres, one of the new sensational dramatic “finds” of the season. Robert Anderson is also in the cast. A large group of native islanders supply the authentic and picturesque atmosphere. The company, under the direction of W. S. Van Dyke, spent five mnths in filming tho scenes on the island of Tahiti. Tho supporting programme includes a comprehensive range of “talkie” and newsreel subjects. Sir Henry Segrave and the late Mr. Lee Bible are seen racing on Daytona Beach, and Mr. Bible’s fatal accident is graphically recorded. There are also a Patlie sound news, a record of the inauguration of President Hoover, a speech by Dr. Nansen, and vocal numbers by Marion Harris. In addition an all-talkie drama, ‘ Confession.” featuring Eddie Nugent, the by reprter of “The Bellamy Trial, is being presented. “THE KING OF KAWAU” AT ST. JAMES ON FRIDAY “The King of Kawau,” or “Seventy Millions,” is the title of the musical farce to be presented at the St. James Theatre by the Auckland University Students’ Association for a season commencing on Friday next. . The book was written by two L Diversity people. Dr. J. C. Andrews and Mr. J. Nigel Wilson. The musical numbers were, for the most part, composed by Mr. Trevor Sparling, who will act as musical director. The production is in the hands of Mr. J. A. S. Coppard, whose name is associated with the successful production of the popular extravaganza, “Tilly of of Tamaki,” while the chorus and ballet work is in the hands of Mile. Yaleska. _ . . The plot deals with the financial difficulties of the State of Kawau, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. In order to have expert advice, Sir Joseph Hoard has been imported as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Much of the action takes place at cabinet meetings. . _ .. A special feature of the production will be the topical songs and the gorgeous costuming. “MATINEE iDOL” AT BRITANNIA There’s a breath of the old days when cheap melodrapras toured the country under canvas in “The Matinee Idol,*’ now at the Britannia Theatre. • Tommy Atkins,” which is also being shown, is a story of the British Army in the Sudan in peace time. Lillian Hall-Davis and Walter Butler are the stars.

PLAZA “THE SINGING FOOL” The sensational public acclamation of the “talkies” is well demonstrated by the crowds which have flocked to the full talking programme being presented three times daily at the Plaza Theatre. As an overture the New York Philharmonic Orchestra is heard in “Tannhauser.” The programme of support- j ing “talkie” subjects is really out- j standing, and includes solos by Giovanni Martinelli, the leading dramatic j tenor of the Metropolitan Opera Com- j pany, a Howard Brothers’ comedy and j singing numbers, “Between the Acts of i the Opera,” “In a Monastery Cell,” which includes a number of songs by well-known artists, and pieces by Mischa Elman, the famous violinist. Then comes “The Singing Fool.” a special Warner Bros.’ “talkie” production, featuring A 1 Jolson in a wonderful story touched with tragedy. Jolson is recognised as one of America’s foremost entertainers, and in this picture he is given every scope for the display of his remarkable capabilities. In “The Singing Fool ’ he is revealed as one of the most powerful emotional actors on the screen, and his creation is a decided contrast to his work as a comedian. Appearing first as a singing waiter in a New York cabaret, he marries a revue artist, who abandons him and their child, to whom he is passionately devoted. Thfe child later dies, an occasion for the introduction of Jol- ■ son’s famous song, “Sonny Boy.’ Betty Bronson and Josephine Dunn j are seen in the leading feminine roles, j and other well-known players in the j supporting cast are Reed Howes, j Arthur Houseman and David Lee. The clarity of the whole entertain- j ment is a wonderful triumph for the j Western Electric producing and repro- j ducing equipment. AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA FIRST CONCERT ON TUESDAY WEEK The Aeolian Orchestra will present its first concert for the coming season in the Lewis Eady Hall on Tuesday, May 14. Mr. 11. Hollinrake is the conductor, and he has selected an enjoyable and varied programme. The soloists will be Mr. W. Gemmell (vocal) and Mr. N. Walker (violin). Dorothy Sebastian, who plays the role of the Southern girl in Tim McCoy’s new Metro - Gold wyn - Mayer starring vehicle, “Morgan’s Last Raid,” is herself a Southern girl, having been born in Birmingham, Alabama. She was educated at the University of Alabama, then joined George White’s “Scandals.” and thence gravitated to the screen. Among her roles for M-G-M are those m “Our Dancing Daughters,” “Wyoming,” “California,” and “A Woman of Affairs.”

DANCING AT DIXIELAND Dancing will be enjoyed again this evening at the popular and luxurious cabaret. Dixieland-by-the-Sea. Music will be supplied by the Dixieland Dance Band, which plays all the latest and best numbers. “A British comedy drama without compere” can easily be said of tho latest British International picture, “Week-End Wives.” The entire British Frees has been more than enthusiastic over this comedy. Monty Banks, together with Estelle Brody, Jameson Thomas, Annete Benson, and not forgetting the clever comedian, George Gee, well-known in this country through his antics in his naxtjv appearance on the stage, are responsible for the laughs, which are many and continuous.