ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 287, 4 December 1930, Page 11

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

j This evening will see the final serenI ins of "Spring is Here," the delight iul comedy of youth and. middle-age, which has been attracting large houses at the St. James" Theatre. Alexander ! Gray plays the part of a bashful young ' man who meeto incessant trouble in his desperate attempts to inspire the interest ot' the giri he loves, while the humour, a special feature of the production, h in the capable hands of Ford Sterling and Louise Fazenda. Zinnia Lizhtner, who sprang into instant fame for Her comedy work in '"'Gold Diners of Broadway," will make her second bow to the Auckland public in "Hold Everything," which will head tomorrow's programme at this theatre. A well-known musical comedy on the staze. "Hold Everything" has been lavishly produced by Warner Bros, wh't a truly all-star cast. It was filmed entirely in colour, and aside from other merits stands forth as one of the funniest comedies ever screened. .Joe Jw Brown, as a pugilist who determines to become the leading welter-weight of the town, is responsible for much of viie humour. As a sparring partner to him, Georggs Carpentier, the famous boxer, who has been on the stage for the past tew years, takes the supporting male role. Sally O'Neill, a charming young actress of promise, is seen as a young enthusiasts who is willing to wager anything tint '-or lover, (jink Schiner. will become a great boxer. The picture in sparkling humour and witty dialogue, while the musical score is equally attrae-

tive. "AFRICA SPEAKS." As the adventure-loving amateur cracksman, -Ronald Coleman gives a finished portrayal in '-Raffles,'' 'he famous mystery story, which will be screened for the last time at Lac Regent Theatre this evening. It is

no exaggeration to say that ne\ei before has there been screened a film like "Africa Speaks, in whicii ..he start realism of the Dark Contlnert has for the first time been to civilisation by the microphone. D.\ Paul Hoetler, the explorer, who supervised this wonderful film, was not financed by any "'movie''.company, and relied on none of the artificial devices bv which thrilling adventuies ais usual lv brought to the screen. He travelled through the African jungle with two trucks, bearing portable sound equipment, along hitherto uncxploica trails. In the course of its fourteenmonths' journey over veldt and througu jungle, the expedition spared no effort in presenting a record of wild life from an entirely new angle, often risking iiie and limb "in doing so. The film, which was accorded an enthusiastic reception at a private screening this week, poitravs innumerable incidents •vvhicii throw light upon the struggle lor existence which is daily waged by■ ■ :.i«

beasts of the jungle and of the .and the stark cruelty and savage. > which accompanies the working out the laws of nature is vividly re\eal-d. Elephants, zebras, lions and locusts weie not the only denizens ot the jungle captured by the explorer s sound cqutpnvn.. The disc-lipped Uliangi sa%age?, - • - - spearmen and pigmies are inclutedMn the seven comprehensive t eel» or - ' Tlic scene In which a IKH£ is depicted tearing a native to_p i eu.s within a few yards of the camera is mny one of the many thrilling episodes n Ss film, which has been recommended Tv the Smithsonian Institution as 01o'f tremendous scientific value.

PLAZA THEATRE. The double feature programme at the PWza Theatre, comprising "Double Crossroads." 1 and "Why Leave Homer the screen version of "The Cradle Sna chers," will have its final screening tomorrow. "Ladies of Leisure. *» noli will head Saturday's programme telU of the efforts of a young a. tut tj awaken the spiritual being >-t K Arnold. a gold-digger whom he ha™ engaged as a model. Interference on the part of the artists parents an<. friends separate the young people, but thev are finally brought together in leharmtojf denouement. The sfcol "f' S unfolded against the diverting backgrounds of cabarets, trusts studio... elaborate penthouses, and the boavdm - houses of the so-called ladies ot leisure.-' Admirable are iriven bv Ralph Graves, as the artist, Barbara" Stanwyck, as the model, and George Fawcett, as the young mans father. ,

LONDON THEATRE. Two outstanding films. "The Romance of Maoriland" and '"The X agabond King, are included in the new programme winch opened at the London Theatre to-oay. History and Nature combine in 'The Romance of Maoriland," which is marked bv many scenes of beauty and enchantment. "The numerous thriiling incidents depicted include the landing of Captain Cook, encounters during the Maori 'Wars and other engrossing pages from early history. Produced on' 'a. magnificent scale " '"The Vagabond . King" i» interpreted by a cast of 5000, headed by Dennis King and Jealiette Macdonald. Iu this well-known operetta of lath century France, Dennis King has the part of Francois Villon, the immortal but renegade' balladist, whose- fervour urges the populace to rise in rebellion. The scenes of the conflict between the insurgent peasants and the military forces are most realistic.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Famed as the greatest character actor of the screen, the late Lou Ghaney appeara as a criminal who masquerades as a ventriloquist in "The Unholy Three,"" which will be shown at the Empress Theatre, Newton, this evening. A strong supporting programme includes '"Blotto," a Laurel and Hardy comedy. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The late Lon Chaney, who has been aptly described as "the master of makeup, 5 ' appears as a ventriloquist with a bent for crime in "The Unholy Three," which will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mb. Eden, this evening. An excellent supporting programme accompanies tin's thrilling mystery story.