ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17980, 27 March 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMME. The happy-go-lucky atmosphere of life in an American co-educalional institution lias been transferred to the screen in “So This is College,” which will be shown to-night at Cambridge. The story deals with two devoted friends who quarrel over a charming girl student who flirts with both of them alternately. The bitterness between the two affects their play in an important football match in which their co-operation is badly needed. At half-time, however, they discover that the girl is not seriously inclined toward either of them. Explanations follow and the two old friends are reunified, playing a wonderful combined game that leads their team to victory. The principals are Sally Starr, Robert Montgomery and Elliott Nugent. The interesting plot is filled out with many touches of real humour, supplied in particular by Windy, who was famous as Cliff Edwards in “Ukulele Ike” on the New York stage. Babs is played remarkably naturally and well by Sally Starr. The picture is well worth seeing for bright, wholesome entertainment. STRAND THEATRE. A spirited and tuneful drama that clearly shows the possibilities of 'the new form musical film entertainment is the Radio Picture “Street Girl,” which opens to-night at the Strand Theatre. The picture is distinctive in that the movement of the story and the musical sequences are naturally dependent and correlated. Betty Compson, who has reached new heights 'through the medium of talking pictures, heads the cast of wellknown players. This talented star possesses a rich, sweet voice and a wealth of dramatic power. Her role in “Street Girl” is.regarded as the greatest characterisation of her career. Miss Compson is seen as a girl of the streets who obtains employment as a violin player and entertainer in a small Hungarian cafe in New York’s east side. The ability of the little group of musicians with whom she works is finally recognised after an unpromising start. Success obtains for them a night club of their own after ’ a series of disheartening experiences. Miss Compson-is well qualified to play this particular part, for she started her professional career as a violinist on a western vaudeville circuit* THE, CIVIC. “Dynamite,” Cecil B. De Mille’s first talking production, has been running since Saturday night to crowded houses. This story by Jeanie MacPherson introduces a spectacular coal miner into high society, and accomplishes a dramatic result not unlike, in effect, those achieved by such earlier productions as “Manslaughter” and “Male and Female.” Charles Bickford and Kay Johnson, borrowed from the speaking stage, are splendid as Hagon and 'Cynthia, while Conrad Nagel and Julia Faye have great parts which are done in the usual finished fashion one expects of these two artists. “Dynamite” is a colourful melange of coal mines, wild parties, pretty girls, pretty gown*, country clubs and state prisons THEATRE ROYAL. The radiant blonde Vilma Banay comes into her own as a full-fledged slar in “The Awakening,” a dramatic love lyric of peace-time Alsace, which opened at the Theatre Royal last night. “The Awakening” is “The Scarlet Letter” retold in a modern setting of quaint beauty and gorgeous colour. Vilrna Banky reaches the topmost pinnacle of her art in a portrayal of great power and charm. As Marie Ducrot, the idolised saintly belle of a picturesque Alsatian village, who yields her heart to a fickle young officer of many loves, she has a role of fire, tenderness, charm and gaiety. The chilling drama of midnight warfare and wild rides through the gloom of battle-razed lands; the spectacular beauty of carnival day; the gleam and snap of courageous cavalry on a holiday; the 'tragedy of cruel tongues lashing innocence to shame and banishment; the calm majesty of cloistered peace; sweeping romance and the joy of young love beneath moonlit skies—these are the sights that give "The Awakening” a wide appeal. FRANKTON’S OWN. “Craig’s Wife,” featuring Irene Rich, will head to-night’s programme. A Gazette and a comedy are included-