ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE ! Few films have merited such exceptional -success as that which the great historical drama "The Scarlet Pimpernel ' is enjoying; at the Regent Theatre. Adapted from the celebrated novel of the same name by Baroness Orczy, who was also one ot the collaborators in producing the screen version, this film paints with unusual wealth of colourful detail a vivid picture of the enthralling period of the French Revolution, with all its excitement and intrigue. The adventures of "the Scarlet Pimpernel" in smugging refugees out of France form one of the most exciting stories of literature, and this role is taken with wonderful polish and resource by the great English actor Leslie Howard. Others in the cast are Merle Obecon, Raymond Massev and Nigel Bruce. An outstanding supporting programme includes "Goddess of Spring," the latest Walt Disney cartoon. ST. JAMES' THEATRE "Naughty Marietta," a Metro-Gold-wvn-Mayer production, which commenced a season at St. James' Theatre yesterday, is a musical film of the highest class. Based on the widely-known operetta by Victor Herbert, the picture derives distinction from its attractive singing and its talented cast. Principal roles are taken by Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddv, a new film actor, who seems destined for a highly-successful screen career. The story is told in a series of spirited episodes, which delight the fancy, quite apart from the lovely songs and music in which the film abounds. As Marietta, Jeanette Mac Donald appears in the part of a charming French princess at the court of Louis XV. Betrothed to a foreigner, she runs away to escape a diplomatic marriage and joins a party of young women, who are being sent to a French colony in America to become wives of the settlers. The romance has a dramatic conviction, which makes it an eminently satisfactory structure for Victor Herbert's tuneful music. Miss Mac Donald, who -has appeared in such notable musical successes as "The Love Parade" and "The Merry Widow," handles the heroine's role with characteristic efficiency. She sings, as ahvays, with warmth and beauty. But not even her charm can overchadow Nelson Eddy, whose performance more than justifies the praise it has received from overseas critics. Besides possessing a magnificent baritone voice, Eddy has a masculine style of sicting, which gives an attractive [ impression o:f virility and confidence. [ He and Jeanette Mac Donald sing their way through a film which contains some of the best music heard from the screen for some time. The songs include "I'm Falling in Love With Someone" and "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life," two numbers which show Herbert, the composer, at his. best. The production derives vitality and pace from the skilful direction of W. S. Van Dyke, who has made such diversified films as "The Thin Man" and "Trader Horn." The minor roles are also well taken. Frank Morgan has a characteristic part as the susceptible and faltering governor of Louisiana, while Elsa Lanchester (Mrs- Charles Laughton), who played Anne of Cloves in "The Private Life of Henry VIII.," gives a humorous study as an over-suspicious wife. As is usual with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, th«i film is lavishly mounted and excellently photographed. The scenes at the beginning of the picture of a ship in full sail are particularly good. Judging by the reception it received from last night's - audience "Naughty Marietta" should easily find a place among the most popular films of 1935. As usual, _ an excellent supporting programme is screened. A. St. James' Gazette of latest newsreels includes pictures of J. E. Lovelock s recent victory over the American runners, G. Cunningham and W. Bonthron, in the "Mile of the Century." Another enjoyable item is a coloured Fitzpatrick travelogue depicting scenes of charm and interest in Los Angeles. A I>aurel a:ad Hardy comedy, " Going Good-bye," a gem of knock-about-comedy, completes the supporting films.

PLAZA THEATRE The delicacy and sympathy with which Genu Stratton-Porter wrote of the lives of humble folk is faithfully expressed in the screen version of "Laddie," one of her well-loved stories ■which bega.n an Auckland season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The film is the work of R.K.O. Pictures, the studio that produced "Little Women" and "Anne of Green Gables," and again it has succeeded in achieving a portrayal that is an inspiration. Here, as in the book, is depicted with a charm of treatment the simplicity, pride and affection of an ordinary family. Set amid the picturesque Indiana fajrmlands, the story tells of the fight made hv Laddie Stanton, a young farmer, for the girl he loves, Pamela Piyor, the daughter of an English aristocrat, who went to America to escape tihe disgrace of his son's misdeeds. Embittered and disillusioned, Pryor looks upon the farmers with contempt, and when Laddie seeks his permission to marry Pamela, he ridicules their love, calls Laddie a common yokel and orders him from the house. The return of the erring son leads to Pryor's forgiveness and happiness for the young lovers. John Beal, who gained attention for his work in "The Little Minister," is appropriately cast as the hero. He plays the part with deep sincerity. As Pamela Pryor, Gloria Stuart gives a convincing performance of a graceful gentlewoman torn between love for Laddie and respect for her father. Donald Crisp makes a forbidding parent, but in spite of all his austerity, blustering and insults one cannot help feeling sorry for him. Impressive though it is, the work of these principals hardly surpasses that of a seven-years-old girl, Virginia Weidler, who is Laddie s "Little Sisrter." First to appear, she stands to the end first in the admiration of the audience. She provides the comedy, hut is equally as lovable in some tender scenes. Living rather than acting her part, she is the perfect little sister, sharing the secret of her brother and his sweetheart, acting as their messenger and giving them encouragement. Interesting films support the feature. A Pathe News and Pathe Topics arc followed by "The Isle of Spice," a record of customs in Ceylon. The programme is completed by a colour cartoon and a highly amusing comedy, "Object Not Matrimony."

RIALTO THEATRE Margaret Sulla van and Herbert Marshall form a delightful combination in the charming comedy romance " The Good Fair;.'," which is being shown at the Rialto Theatre. A second attraction is a fast-moving comedy, " The Daring Young Man," with James Dumi in the leading role. EMPRESS THEATRE " Murdex on a Honeymoon " and "Are You a Mason? " comprise the entertaining programme being presented at the Empress Theatre. ADELPHI THEATRE " Sing As We Go " (Gracie Fieldsi is the main film being presented at the Adelphi Theatre. There is a wide selection of shorter pictures. NEW REGENT THEATRE Two full-length films, " Society Doctor " and " Carnival," comprise the programme being presented at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom.

CIVIC THEATRE A rollicking romance of the South American cattle country, "Under the Pampas Moon," which opened a season at the Civic Theatre yesterday, is one of those rare outdoor films that combine excitement with humour. The hero, far from being the traditional unbelievably daring and handsome person who is as much at home in a dreßs suit as in the saddle, is quite often a figure of fun. A grfucho who is uncrowned king of the pampas, he mingles an air of bravado with a complete lack of self-consciousness, which makes him a delightful and very human figure. Warner Baxter plays the chief role with zest and ability, and, thanks to his efforts, the film never Hags for a moment. The story concerns the change which an aeroplane party which makes a forced landing, effects in the carefree life of the pampas. The "king of the pampas," beloved by all the girls in the district, loses his heart to a beautiful blonde singer, played by the French actress, Ketti Galliau, while his horse is stolen from him at the behest of the girl's manager. He traces his beloved animal to Buenos Ayres, where he cuts a comical figure in the midst of the glittering night life of the great city. His naive self-assurance is mixed with a determination and attractiveness which overcomes ail obstacles, however, and with the help of his comrades, he sets out to defeat the villainy that threatens to rob him of his horse, which proves as great a performer on the n;ce track as on the pampas. A series of highly exciting scenes brings the film to a "climax. A brilliant specialty dance, "Cobra Tango," by Veloz and Yolanda. is a. leature of the production. Two numbers by Dennis Palmistra. talented French musician, at the Civic, grand organ, selections by Alf Healy's Band, a comedy, "Hayseed Romance," and two newsreels, form a strong supporting programme.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The first film on a particularly entertaining programme of three splendid pictures now being shown at the Rosy and Tivoli Theatres is a sparkling comedy, " 10 Dollar Raise," in which the inimitable comedian Edward Everett Horton gives what has been acclaimed bv enthusiastic audiences as the finest characterisation of his career. He is cast as bookkeeper in a large office and is lifted out of the rut in vrhich he has been content to remain for some years by his romance with the stenographer, and the farcical adventures he encounters before he achieves sufficient fortune to bring the story to a satisfactory conclusion, offer uproarious entertainment. Others in a distinguished cast are Karen Morley and Alan.Dinehart. The second film, " Part Wire," is another comedy, but of a different type, affordiftg a fine study of small town manners and the pernicious practices of gossipers. Victor Jay and Jean Arthur appear in the leading roles. There is a charming romantic interest which is very capably handled. The third film is the first episode of a thrilling new serial, " The Call of the Savage," which presents some amazing scenes of jungle life in an absorbing story.

STRAND THEATRE The main attraction on the splendid double-feature programme which -was shown at the Strand Theatre for the first time yesterday is a delightful comedy drama, "Lady By Choice." The story, which is rich in human appeal, concerns the lives of a dancer and a drunken old woman whom she adopts as her mother, and it makes fascinating entertainment. The dialogife is particularly good and there is some brilliant humour. The leading roles are taken by Carole Lombard, May Robson and Roger Pryor. On the same programme is being shown "It Happened One Night," a film which was enthusiastically acclaimed in its irst Auckland season as one of the most charming comedy romances of the year. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert are the principals. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The celebrated character actor Charles Laughton scores another striking triumph in the leading role of the great American comedy "Ruggles of Red Gap," -which has been transferred in the height of its successful season at St. James' Theatre to the National and Prince Edward Theatres. This film is always uproarious and has a -wistful undercurrent after the Chaplin manner. Others in a strong" cast are Charles Ruggles, Mary Boland and Roland Young. There is an excellent supporting programme.

STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Two of the most popular artists on the screen, Jeanette Mac Donald and Maurice Chevalier, are the principals of the screen version of the celebrated operetta "The Merry Widow," which is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. There is an excellent supporting programme.

BRITANNIA THEATRE Robert Armstrong and Ann Sothern give dramatic portrayals in the leading roles of "The Hell Cat," which will be the main attraction at the Britannia Theatre to-night. "A Lady for a Day" (May Robson and Warren Williams) .also will be shown. CAPITOL THEATRE The main attraction at the Capitol Theatre to-night will be the hilarious comedy of Australian life, "Grandad Rndd," with Bert Bailey in the leading role. Evelyn Lave is the principal of "Evensong," which also is being shown. TUDOR CINEMA An entertaining programme at the Tudor Cinema to-night will be headed by the thrilling mystery drama "Evelyn Prentice," with Myrna Loy and William Powell in the leading roles. There will be a splendid selection of shorter films. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Warner Baxter and Janet Gaynor have the principal roles in " One More Spring," one of the attractive films being shown at the State Theatre, Onehunga. " White Lies " is the second attraction on the programme. NEW EMPIRE THEATRE Charles La ugh ton, Norma Shearer and Fredric March lead a strong cast in the powerful drama " The Barretts of Wimpole Street." which is the main attraction at the New Empire Theatre. There is an enjoyable selection of shorter films. ALEXANDRA THEATRE " The Good Fairy " (Margaret Sullavan ) and " Gigolette " are both being presented with success at the Alexandra Theatre. There is an entertaining supporting programme. PRINCESS THEATRE " Oh, Daddy,'.' an uproarious farce with Leslie Henson and Robertson Hare in the leading roles, heads an attractive programme at the Princess Theatre. " Lilies of the Field " (Winifred Shotter) also is being shown. WEST END THEATRE Shirley Temple appears in the principal role of Little Colonel," which heads the programme being shown at the West End Theatre. " Mills of the Gods " ie the second attraction.

MAJESTIC THEATRE For those who like an exciting picture, with a strong strain of comedy rippling through its entire length, "Vagabond Lady," which started a ! season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, has much to commend it. The picture has plenty of action, its plot is unusual, and it has a cast of clever players. The story concerns the two sons of a millionaire department store owner and a pretty girl, an employe** of the store, but also the daughter of a college contamporarv of the owner. One son, staid and dignified, desires to marry the girl, but gets little encouragement.. The other, who has shuddered at the thought of marriage in the past, suddenly finds that he is also attracted. The result is a most amusing battle for possession. Curiously enough, the man who plays the part of the very serious son is Reginald Denny, maker of many laughable pictures in the past. His acting is good, but he is bettered by Robert Young, in the part of the second son, and naturally the hero. The prize of their endeavours. Evelyn Venable, gives a spirited rendering of a part that calls for a great deal of versatility. Added humour is given to an excellent film by the antics of Frank Craven and the stolid heaviness of Berton Churchill In support of "Vagabond Lady" is a first-class programme of short features. Notable among these is " The Calico Dragon," a Happy Harmony coloured cartoon, cleverly drawn. A Fitzpatrick travelogue, " Colourful Guatemala.' shows much of interest about the littleknown Central American State, giving special attention to the coffee industry, on which the country relies for the greater part of its wealth. By a happy coincidence there are two newsreels in each of which a great racing classic is featured, the English Derby in one and the Kentucky Derby in the other. Additional films include a Hal Roach comedy and an interesting reel about American football. LONDON CINEMA The popular actress Kay Francis takes a leading role with Joel McCrea at the head of a fine cast in the bright comedy "Girls About Town," which is now tie main attraction at the London Cinema. A particularly interesting selection of shorter films also being shown includes one of a day in the lives of the Dionne quintuplets. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The inimitable American comedians Laurel and Hardy are the principals of " Them Thar Hills," which is the main attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. " Society Doctor " (Chester Morris and Billie Burke) and " Oh, Daddy " (Leslie Henson) also are being shown. STATE THEATRE j The main attraction on an enjoyable ; programme to be shown at the State Theatre to-day is a delightful comedy, "Happiness Ahead," with Dick Powell and Josephine Hutchison in the leading roles. On the same programme will be shown a thrilling mystery drama, "Murder in the Clouds," a film which presents some particularly clever flying.

STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORT The celebrated character actor George Arliss gives a fine performance in the leading role of " The Iron Duke," the main film being screened at the State Theatre, Devonport. SUNDAY PICTURES A particularly attractive programme arranged to be shown at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow night is headed by the thrilling mystery film " The Scotland Yard Mystery," with Sir Gerald du Maurier in the leading role. There will be an excellent selection of shorter films. The proceeds are in aid of local charities. SUNDAY LECTURE A well-varied programme comprising a short address, talking pictures and a lantern slide lecture, will be presented at the Strand Theatre to-' morrow night. Mr. Norman Douglas will speak on "War and Religion," while the film selection will include "The Skin Game," which is adapted from one of John Galsworthy's works.