AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 65, 18 March 1931, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

"FRENCH LEAVE." "French Leave," a sparkling British comedy of love behind the lines, unmarred by harrowing wartime scenes, will head Friday's new programme at the National Theatre. The story, which was written by Captain Reginald Berkeley, is set in a French village, where Brigadier-General Root and his officers are billeted at the house of Madame Denaux. When the young aide-de-camp enters to arrange for the general's room, he finds, to his pleasure and surprise, a charming mademoiselle, who is introduced as the daughter of the house. But when Captain Glenister is introduced to Juliette he realises that she is his own English wife masquerading as a French girl. For an army officer to have his wife so close to the lines is against all regulations, and matters become complicated when the general himself falls in love with the beautiful "demoiselle." Aided by the general's orderly, the wife succeeds in concealing her identity, but further difficulties arise when another officer suspects her of being a German spy. The following episodes are amusing in the extreme. Madeleine Carroll, who was seen to advantage in "Young Woodley" and "The W Plan," is charming as Juliette. Sydney Howard, the solemnfaced comedian of "Splinters," is hilariously funny as the orderly, and the cast of officers lives up to the best army traditions. "Queen High," the screen version of the popular musical comedy, will have its final screening at the National Theatre to-morrow. The nonsensical but amusing story deals with the varying fortunes of two partners in a garter manufacturing business, who are forever in conflict. Their continual bickerings lead to a novel plan, whereby they settle their differences by a hand of poker. "DU BARRY, WOMAN OF PASSION." Norma Talmadge, who will be remembered for her brilliant portrayal in the silent film "Camille," brings all her talents to bear in her characterisation of a famous French beauty in "Du Barry, Woman of Passion," which will have its premiere at the Regent Theatre on Friday. She plays the part of Jeanette Vaubernier, the impetuous shop girl, who later commands the favour of King Louis XV. of France. Although loving the young and handsome Cosse de Brissac, a private in the King's Guards, she is swayed by the prospect of luxury, and through the scheming of the king is married to the effete Comte du Barry, She is formally admitted to court, but she nevertheless yearns for the love of the dashing de Brissac. Filled with jealousy, the king upbraids her for her ingratitude, and he arranges a fete, at which the principal event is to be the execution of the young soldier, who has become the leader of the revolutionary and desperate populace. The remaining scenes are of intense dramatic strength. William Farnum, veteran of the silent screen, is seen as King Louis, and Conrad Nagel as young de Brissac. Beautiful eighteenth century settings are a feature of the production. "The Better Wife," an impelling drama of a wife's struggle to win and hold her husband's admiration, will have its final screening at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Ruth Chatterton and Clive Brook head a talented cast. TIVOLI AND RIALTO. Two noted stage players, Genevieve Tobin and Rose Hobart, make thenscreen debut in the sparkling comedydrama, "A Lady Surrenders," which is now screening at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The plot concerns a woman novelist who tires of her husband and goes abroad to get a divorce. The husband meanwhile falls in love with her charming friend, but the wife's sudden return gives rise to many complications. Conrad Nagel gives a skilful portrayal in the leading male role. There is an interesting supporting programme. LYRIC THEATRE. "The Sea Bat," an exciting drama of the West Indies, heads the current programme at the Lyric Theatre. Racquel Torres is seen as the daughter of a drunken trader at a pearl diving settlement, where the native divers are harassed at their work by a giant ray, the "sea bat." Charles Bickford plays the part of an escaped convict who masquerades as a clergyman, and falls in love with the young girl. "Pardon! My Gun," a Western comedy, will also be I shown.