CIVIC’S NEW PROGRAMME

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 941, 7 April 1930, Page 15

CIVIC’S NEW PROGRAMME

FINE MUSICAL SELECTIONS “THE LONE STAR RANGER” Trom the first bars of the overture by the orchestra to the last scenes of the picture, every minute of the splendidly varied programme at the Civic Theatre on Saturday evening was a delight. The theatre was almost full at 7.30 p.m, for the musical selections by Ted Henkel and his Civic Concert Orchestra, and Fred Scholl at the grand organ. Selections, grave and gay, ranging from opera to jazz, were played with the polish that is inseparable from the work of these talented musicians. One of the most popular numbers was a piccolo solo, “The Wren,” played by Frank Poore. The applause which greeted this musical innovation augurs well for its future success. During the programme there was further opportunity of hearing Ted Henkel’s orchestra. It played the delightful tunes of “The Merry Widow,” as well as a stirring introductory march. Fred Scholl was as entertaining as ever at the organ. His pieces were the beautiful Spanish dance, “Sequidilla,” followed by one of his most popular playings of old-time melodies, with modern parodies, for which he received cordial applause. Outstanding among the items on the supporting programme was the talkie film describing the arrival of the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe, in Wellington recently. The views included the swearing-in ceremony at Parliament Buildings, every word of which was clearly heard. The remainder of the programme included two sound gazettes, with a budget of world events, a talking comedy, “Turkey for Two,” and a “Krazy Kat” cartoon. Last, but certainly not least, comes “The Lone Star Banger,” not only an old-time western story, but a stirring outdoor talkie of thrills, spectacle, and romance. As Buck Duane, outlaw by circumstance, George O’Brien spurns fate and terrors for a woman’s smile, in this Fox Movietone all-talking romance, which has been adapted from Zane Grey’s widely-read novel. Sue Carol, who portrays the chief feminine character, furnishes the beauty, and the combination of O’Brifep, Miss Carol, and Zane Grey is a happy one. It provides a distinct treat in the first real “western” to be transferred to the audible screen. Few pictures made, silent or talkie, ever presented many more thrills, so much spectacular action, and so entrancing a romance. The story deals with the stirring adventures of the daring Texas Hangers in the days when the West was “wild and woolly.” A delightful love story threads its way through the unfolding of the plot, and the climax is dramatic.