ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18139, 2 October 1930, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGIIT’S PROGRAMMES ,1 lOLANTHE. The - production of the Gilbert and Sullivan opera “ lolanthe ” by the girls of the Hamilton High School, to-night and on Friday and Saturday, at the school assembly hall, is creating much interest and , large audiences are assured. “ lolanthe ” is one of tho most melodious of the famous operas, while the plot is interesting, with many touches of humour and fantasy. Under the ‘direction of Mr E. H: Apthorp the girls have been reheasing for some time, and have attained a high standard. It will be a delight to renew acquaintance with Gilbert and Sullivan. STRAND THEATRE. Filled with mad waggery, riotous fun and delirious nonsense, “ The Cuckoos,” is an innovation in sound pictures. “ The Cuckoos ” is not a musical revue. It is a full-length production based on a well-developed plot, with the comedy sequences holding full sway. Gorgeously produced, with scenes in technicolour, “.The Cuckoos ” is an extravaganza starring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. Wheeler and Woolsey, who scored sensationally in their first picture, “ Rio Rita,” carry practically all the; action of “ The Cuckoos.” They frolic madly through the broadest comedy which is ' said to be the most amusing of its kind ever brought to pictures. They are assisted materially by Dorothy Lee, also a featured player in “‘Rio Rita.” and Jobyna Howland, a new find pictures. Romance is not neglected. June Clyde and Hugh Trevor provide the heart interest in most capable fashion. Marguerila Padula, who will ! be remembered as the “ Layinia ” of “ Hit the Deck,” is heard again with her great “blues” voice, and Mitchell Lewis, leading screen “ heavy,” is the menace.

ROXY THEATRE.

The , return of Ruth Chatterton is a popular feature at the Roxy Theatre. Miss Chatterton occupies an unique place in the affections of. film-lovers, and can always be relied upon to,, give a sterling performance, while her cultured English is a delight to listen to. In “The Laughing Lady,” she has full scope for the display of her many talents. It is the 1 story of a woman’s fight for happiness and the comfort of her child, and has several scenes which move the 'audience to tears. She lias the support of a splendid cast. THE CIVIC THEATRE. Popular Joan Crawford, who had not been seen in Hamilton for some time, returned last night in “ Montana Moon,” a musical romance of the West. Miss -Crawford’s supporting cast includes John Mack Brown, Dorothy Sebastian, Ricardo Cortez, Benny Rubin, Cliff Edwards and Karl Dane. This is one of the first pictures to be filmed without the use of artificial scenery, all the exterior scenes being taken on a cattle ranch in the San Jacinto MounA large part of the extra cast was recruited from the cowboys employed on a local ranch. The story concerns a New York debutante who visits her father’s extensive holdings in Montana and falls in love with a cowboy. The conflict between their love and the disparity in their social positions forms the dramatic situation. Particular stress is laid on the wealth of scenic beauty and the contrast between the Western locale and that of the sophisticated Park Avenue environment, with which’ the star has heretofore been most exclusively associated.

THEATRE ROYAL.

. - Monte'Blue has never appeared on the 'screen in a part similar to the stellar role, in “ Skin Deep.” He enacts a scarred and dangerous gunman in . the 'first part of the picture—one of the most dramatic characterisations of his career. In the second ‘part he is seen ,as the Monte Blue the world knows. In order to correctly look, as well as play, the scarred and hardboiled gang leader in “ Skin Deep,” Monte undergoes a complete facial change. With the aid of modern make-up, his features ■ are distorted to comply with the hideous appearance of the underworld leader. Through an accident and with -the aid of plastic ssurgery, his face is made over. Four-year-old Davey Lee gives a moving portrayal as the child who saved the ex-convict from committing murder. Betty Compson and Alice Day have the only feminine roles while , John Davidson, John Bowers, Georgle Stone, Tully Marshall and Robertj Perry enact important supporting roles.