CIVIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 880, 25 January 1930, Page 14

CIVIC

NEW PROGRAMME TODAY The splendidly-varied programme of pictures and music, with spectacular stage presentations and dancing, which has delighted Aucklanders at the Civic Theatre since its opening, will be eclipsed by the fine new programme to be presented there this evening. In eveny department this new programme is outstanding. "Married In Hollywood,” the chief pictorial attraction, is the first operetta to come to the sound screen. It is the work of Oscar Straus, famous composer of "The ‘Chocolate Soldier” and other successes, directed by Marcel Silver and with additional musical numbers by Dave Stamper and Arthur Kay. J. Harold Murray for more than two years, the American star of "Rio Rita,” and Norma Terris of the Broadway "Showboat” fame, are co-featured and the supporting cast is one of the most notable ever assembled for one production either for stage or screen. Included in its personnel are such names as Walter Catlett, star of many musicals, Irene Palasty, famous Hungarian prima donna, who was the toast of Berlin, and Vienna for many saesons, Reginald Dandy, now known as John Garrick, youpg Australian star, Tom Patricola, America’s foremost dancing comedian, Douglas Gilmore, Gloria Grey and Lennox Pawle. Marcel Silver, who was so suqcessfLil in directing "Fox Follies of '1929,” promises to eclipse all former efforts with this Viennese operetta; and Dave Stamper’s added numbers, especially tho love motif, "Dance Away the Night,” strike a new note in entrancing music. Harlan Thompson made the adaptation and wrote the dialogue and lyrics while Edward Royce, famous stage director of musicals, handled the ensembles. In addition to the cast of principals numbering more than a score, the singing ensemble of mixed voices numbers 100, and the dancing ensemble includes the famous Fox Youth Unit of a score of girls, all in their teens and rated by Royce as the finest dancers in America. Ted Henkel will present his talented orchestra in several new selections, and entirely new pieces will be played on the Civic Grand Organ by Fred Scholl. In addition there will be another colourful stage show under the direction of Mr. Henkel. With bright dancing by the Civic ballet, and snappy music by Mr. Henkel’s stage band, this show should prove as popular as its predecessors. “ANZAC” ON VIEW Mr. Wizard Smith's famous speed car, "Anzac,” will be on exhibition at the Concert Chamber on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. A small charge is being made for admission, and this will be passed over by the Auckland Automobile Association to the War Memorial Roll of Honour Fund. JOHNNY HINES AT LYRIC The comedian. Johnny Hines, is at his funniest in the title role of “Chinatown Charlie,” at the Lyric Theatre, the barker and guide of a' New York sight-seeing bus that takes the credulous to the mystic mazes of Chinatown and the underworld. The comedian’s most hilarious and thrilling stunt to date is his sensational aerial feat in the picture. Trapped in a Chinese mandarin’s house he makes his escape by walking over a human bridge of five acrobats, who swing across the Chinatown street from one second storey window to another. And Johnny manages to make the crossing with a basket on his head, balancing himself with a parasol. A particularly thrilling drama, "Stars of Sands,” is the second feature. It stars Wallace Beery and Jean Arthur.