ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17979, 26 March 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE CIVIC. TO-NIGHT'S PROGRAMME. “Dynamite” is crowding the Civic Theatre nightly, and the season promises to be one of the most successful in local film history. Though the story of “Dynamite” is built up on situations which, if analysed, are not very convincing, there is no doubt that the film is packed with humour and sensation, leading up to one of the most thrilling climaxes ever devised. it is scarcely fair to reveal the theme on which “Dynamite” is based, because patrons have a right to get the whole story as a surprise on visiting the theatre. It is sufficient to say that the story deals with a young society girl and her relationship to a polo-playing dilettante and a stalwart, two-fisted coalminer. Charles Bickford as the coal miner, Kay Johnson as the society girl, and the redoubtable Conrad Nagel in the part of the dilettante, contribute some of the best performances the screen has ever seen. “Dynamite" is packed with what its title indicates. A particularly funny comedy, “The Motor Salesman,” is included in the supporting films.

THEATRE ROYAL. To-night's change of programme will be of special interest, for it will mark the re-appearance of Yilma Banky, one of the most beautiful women in films. For years Miss Vilma was co-star with Ronald Colman in a series of great successes, and won great popularity by the excellence of her acting and the attractiveness of her personality. In “ The Awakening ” she lias a vehicle that displays her talents to the fullest advantages. There is a story that combines romance and action in a manner that holds the attention of the audience throughout, while the settings and production are all that could be desired. Miss Yilma also has the support of a talented cast. In support of the star feature there will be a splendid series of short subjects, which are always popular. Tonight’s programme is one that should not be missed. TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE.

“Flight,” the great film of the air, is thrilling large audiences at Cambridge. Many thrilling scenes in the air have been incorporated into the picture, which deals with the adventures of a college student who finds himself the butt of his fellows on account of his awkwardness on the football field. He runs away and becomes a recruit in the flying squad of the United States marines. The aviator under whom lie is placed is so impressed with the lad’s ability 'that he invites him to join him in an expedition to Nicaragua to assist in quelling a bandit uprising. There the two become estranged through the instrumentality of a girl who attends the supply train accompanying the expedition. Eventually, however, in the course of a skirmish with a company of bandits, the two comrades are reunited, and matters are satisfactorily adjusted. The picture is particularly rich in realistic scenes of outdoor action. The battles between the bandits and the marines have been filmed with especial care, and in addition there are some sensational episodes showing the airmen in action. Jack Holt and Lila Lee are in the leads.

STRAND THEATRE. “Three Live Ghosts," which has had a very successful season, will be screened for the last time to-night. Three British soldiers escape from a German prison- camp and return to their former haunts in London, only to learn that they are legally dead in the eyes of the Government and their friends. One of them, an American, foiled in his hope for death on the battlefield to expiate a crime he had committed in his native land, finds himself the object of a search by the police. The second member of the trio has lost his reason, a victim of shellshock. His mind clears following a blow from a - policeman's club and he discovers he has kidnapped his own child! The third wages a battle of wits with his gin-soaked stepmother, who, dazzled by the reward offered for the American, connives to bring about his arrest. A dramatic and humorous story develops. Brilliantly acted by an all-star cast, “Three Live Ghosts" introduces several new and magnetic personalities to the screen as its absorbing story unfolds. Prominent among them is Beryl Mercer, who, as “Old Sweetheart,” a product of London's slums, gives one of the finest characterisations ever seen on the screen. Charles McNaughton, Claud Allister and Robert Montgomery, as the “Three Live Ghosts,” give delightful and convincing performances, as does Shayle Gardner, the New Zealander, as the detective. The less immportant parts are capably handled. FRANKTON’S OWN.

“The Night Flyer,” featuring popular Jobyna Ralston and William Boyd, pleased the audience at Frank ton’s Own last night. GAY REVUE COMPANY. Shortly before Christmas a small theatrical party was formed by some young people of Frankton West. This company, under the name of the “ Gay Revue Company,” has been practising energetically for several weeks, and is now ready to produce. Franktonitcs will have the opportunity of seeing this performance at the Frankton Town Hall on Tuesday, April j, and it is to be hoped they will patronise their local talent, as a good entertainment. is assured. Surplus funds will bn used in improvements in the sports area in the Frankton School ground.