“SECOND WIFE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1076, 13 September 1930, Page 15

“SECOND WIFE”

MATRIMONIAL PROBLEM AT STRAND “BEAU BANDIT” Can a second wife live happily in the surroundings and atmosphere created by her husband's first wife? This is the problem that confronts the second Mrs. Fairchild in “Second Wife," which was screened at the Strand Theatre last evening. When Walter Fairchild was about to marry again, his wife-to-be points out how impossible it would be for her to live in the home that had been furnished by his late wife. Fairchild realises that it will be necessary to allow her to create her own home atmosphere, and decides to remove all associations that his homo has with the dead woman. Refurnishing and a new home solve part of the problem, but his child by his first wife raises another question in his mind. In order to make her happy he sends his son to school in Switzerland, and a very happy year follows. A crisis arises, however, when, just when his wife needs him with her, a cable is received informing him that his son is dangerously ill with typhoid fever and is calling for him. ITe straightaway prepares to go to his son and in his anxiety to be gone gives no thought to his wife, who bitterly resents his lack of consideration. Tie goes to his son and thereby loses his wife's love. But the wife eventually realises the extent of her husband’s predicament and a happy reconciliation follows. Conrad Nagel is excellently cast as the husband, and pretty Lila Lee plays a difficult role well. Hugh Huntley and Mary Carr are also in the cast. Pleasing contrast is provided by the second big picture on the bill, “Beau Bandit,” a Western story with a rather unusual and entertaining plot. Rod la Rocque plays the role of a Mexican bandit who suffers from the disability of being incurably romantic. Rod la Rocque is admirably cast and makes a very picturesque and also very entertaining bandit. Doris lvenyon, who lias the principal feminine role, is also well cast. A fine soprano voice is a good asset to the actress. Pictures of the sinking of the Tahiti add interest to a well-balanced programme. COMMUNITY SING ON SUNDAY “Sunday Songs” is the definition of a special typo of community singing to be introduced by Uncle T.om, who. has accepted the invitation to be at the Strand Mission on Sunday night. Community singing in secular gatherings is enjoyed by many and the mission believes that an appropriate adaptation of the same method will have a charm for the people who find a mission atmosphere to their likihg. The Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, New Zealand’s only air pilot parson, will .speak on “Flying in a Rainbow." A grand piano will be used for the accompaniments which will be played by Mrs. Barrington Snow.

“TUTANKHAMEN” OPERATIC SOCIETY’S REVIVAL “Tutankhamen" will be revived by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society at His Majesty’s Theatre on September 25. The history of “Tutankhamen” is a curious one. The conception originated in the notion that a burlesque of tlie opening of the tomb would make a good short comedy. It was found, however, to be capable of treatment of a much more telling nature, and the first-night audience experienced amazement at the enthralling stoi'y which was unfolded amid a wealth of beautiful music and startling scenes. The result was two seasons, when hundreds were turned away, unable to gain admission. It was “Tutankhamen” which first proved to Aucklanders that they had a master of music in Mr. 3£!ric Waters, the composer and conductor. He possesses the peculiar faculty of catching “atmosphere” in his music, and as the plot of “Tutankhamen” turns from dramatic to humorous, from dance to dialogue, liis music is always amazingly appropriate to the theme. Many new and exqu'isite numbers have been included in “Tutankhamen," which is to be revived at His Majesty’s immediately. The Auckland Amateur Operatic Society is fortunate in again being able to cast Miss Lynda Murphy as “Annubis,” the young, bewitching queen of the pharoah “Tutankhamen.” Her conception of this part will ever remain in the minds of those fortunate enough to see this musical play. PETER PAN CABARET Auckland's luxurious new cabaret, the Peter Pan. will be open again this evening, when another brilliant dance will be held. The Peter Pan Dance Band will provide the latest and brightest music. The Peter Pan Grill Room will also be open.

MAJESTIC | “THE PAINTED ANGEL” ! A cast of uniformly high calibre i supports Billio Dove in “The Painted ! Angel,” her newest First National j and Vitaphone starring vehicle, curi rently showing at the Majestic Theatre. I Miss Dove’s leading man is Edmund ! Lowe, ono of the most popular actors on the screen. Important roles arc handled by George MacFarlane, Cissy Fitzgerald, J. Farrell MacDonald, Nellie Bly Baker, and others of cinematicprominence. “The Painted -Angel,” which concerns the dramatic story of a Broadway night club hostess, was directed by Millard Webb, who recently gained notice by his direction of “Gentlemen of the Press.” In fact a new Billie Dove is to be seen and heard in “The Painted Angel” with all the charm and beauty of the Billie Dove -we knew. The chief item on the interesting supporting programme is “Detectives Wanted” a comedy by Clark and McCullough. COMMUNITY SINGING ! Ten Barnes, .of IYA,, will be the j leader at the big community sing in ; the Town Hall next Wednesday between 12.30 and 1.30. He will be assisted by an orchestra from the Auckland Professional Musicians’ Union. There will be a collection for charities. WEST END, PONSONBY “Condemned," the current talkie attraction at the West End Theatre, is a particularly exciting film based on the experiences of convicts at the French penal colony of Devil’s Island. Ronald Colman, as a. convict, has the leading role, supported by Ann Harding and Louis Wolheim. Bright talkie shorts will also be shown.