GLAMOROUS SHOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 875, 20 January 1930, Page 15

GLAMOROUS SHOW

CIVIC’S FOURTH UNIT PROGRAMME REGINALD DENNY AT HIS BEST With a musical feast from the magnificent orchestra and organ, a gorgeous stage show that strikes the notes of novelty and variety, and a splendid motion picture Show, the Civic’s Fourth Unit Programme was presented on Saturday evening. The audience, which filled the house, enjoyed a programme of such distinctive merit that the two and a-half hours passed far too rapidly. The applause so frequently given showed that the dancing and musical items and varied film offerings were instantly popular. In the chief talking attraction the management has been singularly fortunate. The title, “Embarrassing Moments,” is an intriguing one, and the story more than lives up to its title. Coming as it does after two or three other successful talking comedies, “Embarrassing Moments” definitely establish the Civic as the house for excellent and amusing screen entertainment. Reginald Denny can always be depended on for farcical situations and lively humour, and in this film he surpasses himself. It all happens when Marian Fuller revolts against the tiresome pettiness of Fullerville, a “one-horse” town that has missed the swirl of progress and jazz. She tells her father about an imaginary “trial marriage” she contracted while in New York on holiday, and the scandal shook the staid, oldfashioned family to its foundations. Father demands the name of the scoundrel and in desperation Marion concocts the name of Thaddeus Cruickshank. But, alas, there was a real man of that name, and when he arrived and found himself half-married to an exceptionally pretty little girl, the results can be imagined. Needless to say, however, there were endless complications in which Mr. Denny gets into the wrong bedrooms, and so on. The fun is fast and furious, but one incident eclipsed all others in the roars of laughter it drew from the audience. The dialogue is exceptionally clearcut, the acting and character work throughout unimpeachable, and the whole film well worth seeing. The overture, selections from “The Desert Song,” was given with the smooth and delightful instrumental blending that one has learnt to associate with Ted Henkel’s orchestra, and later, the lively dance numbers were played with a smart polish that was irresistible. The Stage Show, entitled “Noveletta,” was an entertainment in itself. Marie Crowther and a miniature ballet were seen in a delightful phantasy, “The Butterfly and the Moon Moths,” that for setting and lighting has rarely been equalled on any Auckland stage. Ted Henkel introduced a catchy little song of his own composition, “Just You,” complete with vocal and orchestral accompaniment. Another wonderful success was achieved by the Civic ballet. Its “Upside Down” dance was absolutely unique. Later, Ted Henkel introducd individual girls, each of whom gave a whirlwind dance of welcome. Fred Scholl played on the Civic grand organ “LTtalia,” a medley of popular Italian airs such as “O Sole Mio,” “Funiculi” and “Santa Lucia,” also a clever and amusing sketch entitled “Honey Bees Kneeze.” This featured the popular song “Honey,” in which the audience was asked to sing the chorus. A Fox Movietone News with an American and an Australian edition, a talkie feature in which is heard the glorious voice of Gigli, singing in one of the big scenes from “Cavalleria Rusticana,” and a film biography of Rossini, completed a long and enjoyable show. A film showing the successful motor speed record by “Wizard” Smith has been secured by Mr. T. A. O’Brien for inclusion in this programme. The views are being brought from the Ninety Mile Beach and will probably be ready for screening this evening. It is expected that Mr. Smith will make a personal appearance at the Civic during the week.