AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 197, 21 August 1930, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

"Sally" as a stage play was one of the prettiest musical comedies in history. As a picture its beauty exceeds even that of the stage version, for the screen allows a much greater latitude in spectacular settings and effects. On the stage "Sally" was Marilyn Miller's greatest success, on the screen it has already established her as a star of the first magnitude and full houses have been the order at St. James' since Opening night. The cafe scenes (for which an entire restaurant was constructed and equipped —from the front door to the kitchen), the' huge Balkan gardens, the spectacular revue scenes and the exquisite Long Island ■ garden party are all rich and colourful to a degree, which is said to be unequalled in the history of the screen. Miss Miller is surrounded by a splendid cast, including Alexander Gray, Joe E. Brown, T. Roy Barnes and Ford Sterling. STRAND THEATRE. The double feature programme at present being screened at the- Strand Theatre will be replaced .to-morrow by "All Quiet on the Western Front." The picture deals with states of mind which are probably far more profound to the observer than to the subject observed. It deals, in fact, With the front-line thoughts and deeds of men at war, in a situation which is anomalous from every angle when viewed in the light of normal civilised experience. Remarque's story is told by a cast of fresh young actors who tackle their work sincerely and are obviously giving the performance of their life. With them are associated two or three older figures, one of whom, Katczinsky, the muchloved "Kat," gives a marvellous performance. The part is played by Louis Wolheim in superb fashion. Nothing better could be wished for. Lewis Ayres, as Paul Baumer, has a part of extreme difficulty, and manages it magnificently. NATIONAL THEATRE. An excellent programme is being presented at the National Theatre. The main attraction is "Be Yourself," in which Fannie Brice, the noted Broadway comedienne, makes her initial bow to Auckland theatregoers. Unlike most musical productions, "Be Yourself" has a strong plot. Cabaret and theatre scenes, which give Miss Brice the opportunity to sing several "hit" numbers, and the more serious sequences, are component parts, and tliey blend into the comic whole without jarring effect; "Be Yourself," though it features several prize-ring scenes, is by no means a "fight-picture." The principal scenes in this elaborate production show the versatile Miss Brice in an atmosphere of niglit clubs and cabarets. She sings six of her most popular songs against back grounds of the most lavish sets ever constructed at the huge United Artists studios in Hollywood. The supporting feature is "Paris Bound." Next Saturday afternoon- and each afternoon next week, 40 tiny tots will be presented in "Tom Thumb Vaudeville," which should have a special appeal for the children. ROXY/THEATRE. That British film production Has reached a high standard of perfection was amply demonstrated at the Roxy Theatre last evening, when two British International pictures, "The Hate Ship" and "Harmony Heaven" were screened for the first time. The latter is studded with artistic stage settings, and is brimful of catchy musical numbers. It is also remarkable for its treatment in teclinicolour—the first British production of ,the kind —as the scenes are minus the usual blur that robs such presentations of a good deal of their interest. Polly Ward is the star. The other feature, "The Hate Ship," is a gripping sea mystery story of a type never previously exploited.

LONDON THEATRE. A complete change of programme will be presented at the London Theatre tomorrow. The main attraction, "The Loves of Robert Burns," has Joseph Hislop, Eve Gray and Dorothy Seacombe in the leading roles. Beautiful and inspiring singing is a feature of this production, which is a British classic of the audible screen. The photography is beautiful and should appeal to all Scotsmen. The second feature is '"The Wrecker," with Carlyle Blackwell and Benita Hume heading the cast. This is a railroad thriller and another British picture. The story is adapted from Arnold Ridley's railway romance. It deals with an unknown fiend, "Jack, the Wrecker," and was staged at His Majesty's Theatre some time ago. The scenes in the picture are more realistic than is possible on the stage. The film should create much interest in Auckland. CRYSTAL PALACE.

One of the most spectacular technicolour scenes ever filmed was staged for "Chasing Rainbows," now playing at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road. Bessie Love's dancing with the chorus in the "Everybody Tap" number is one of the outstanding sequences of the picture. PETER PAN CABARET. Auckland's new cabaret, the Peter Pan, will hold its opening ball to-night. The cabaret is constructed on modern lines and sumptuously furnished. The special band of nine selected musicians under the direction of Mr. F. Briggs will play all the latest music. In conjunction with the cabaret a grillroom will be conducted on Continental lines. , PLAZA THEATRE. Commencing to-morrow .a return season of "T?fe Divine Lady" will be commenced at the Plaza Theatre. This is a sound synchronised, picture, and tells the love story of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Corinne Griffith, Victor Varconi and H. B. Warner are the feature players, j