AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17, 21 January 1931, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE,

Cvril Maude, who has few rivals in the sphere of character acting, gives a delightful portrayal in the title role of "Grumpy," which has scored a great success at the Regent Theatre. - The brilliant wit and subtle humour that

was characteristic, of "Disraeli" is caught again in this faithful and illu-

minating study of that typical old English gentleman, "Grumpy" Bullivant, who hides a heart ol gold behind an outwardly irascible disposition. Famous as a stage plav, the story of the old lawyer who solved a theft mystery, and brought a romance to a happy conclusion, is one of the best that has been brought to the audible screen. The play opens at Grumpy's country house, where Ernest Heron, who is in love with "Grumpy's" daughter, Virginia, pays a surprise visit. Heron has in his possession a valuable diamond, a fact which is known only to his host. The only other guest at the time is Jarvis, a former close friend of Virginia. While in a dark library Ernest is attacked and rendered unconscious, • and the jewel stolen. The only clue is a camellia, which is found clutched in his hand. "Grumpy" deduces that Jarvis is the thief, but a long pursuit is necessary before the criminal is brought to justice. Phillips Holmes is convincing as Heron, while Paul Cavanagh is impressive as Jarvis. Frances Dade makes a charming heroine. On the supporting programme is a travelogue, "On the Road to Mandalay," a highly amusing cartoon, and other interesting items.

NATIONAL THEATRE. Clara Bow, one of the most popular of screen stars, will be seen in another sparkling comedy, "True to the Navy," which will have its premiere at the National Theatre to-morrow. She plays the part of a waitress who has a sweetheart on every ship in the American Navy, but complications arise when the entire fleet lands in San Francisco, the city where she is employed. When she meets Gunner McCoy (Frederic March) she falls in love with him, but he decides to take her down a peg or two. The manner in which the final reconciliation is brought about provides a delightful climax. ' i/hoopee," the lavish ZiegfeldGoldwyn musical comedy, will have its final screening at the National Theatre to-morrow. Brilliant ballets, picturesque settings in technicolour, and magnificent scenic "shots" are features of this notable production. Apart from the definite appeal which the picture has from the point of view of spectacle it is notable for the ready wit of Eddie Cantor, whose unobtrusive drolleries are irresistible.

STRAND THEATRE. "The Sea Wolf," Jack London's famous story, will have its screen presentation at the Strand Theatre on Friday. Tlhe part of "Wolf" Larsen, the masterful captain whose name was feared throughout the Seven Seas, is played by the late Milton Sills, and there is a, strong supporting cast. "The Last of the Duanes," the present Strand Theatre attraction, deals with the adventures of a young ranch-owner who is outlawed following the shooting of his father's cowardly murderer. The hero, played hy George O'Brien, later wins his pardon as well as the heart and hand of a beautiful girl by aiding in the extermination of a notorious band of cattle rustlers. Lucille Brown appears as the heroine. Ted Healy, Stanley Smith and Francis McCoy head the cast in ' Soup to Nuts," a bright revue by Rube Goldberg, famous comedy producer. Comedy and romance, songs and dances provide excellent entertainment.

roxy theatre. Two fine stories of outdoor life, "The Concentrating Kid," with. Hoot Gibson, and "The Fighting Legion," featuring Ken Maynard, have their New Zealand premiere at'.the Roxy Theatre to-day. New lariat and gun feats, coupled with superb horsemanship, are features of Hoot Gibson's portrayal in "The Concentrate Kid." In "The Fighting Legion" Maynard is seen as a desperate bandit, who, secure from pursuit on his outlaw horse, is the scourge of Western outposts. Maynard is also heard \to advantage in a number of appealing songs. There will be an excellent subordinate programme.

LONDON THEATRE. "Holiday," one of the finest society dramas of the year, will head the new programme at the London Theatre on Friday. Ann Harding, Mary Astor, and Robert Ames are the principal players in a talented cast. "Elstree Calling," the current London Theatre attraction, provides the brightest items in British A'audeville, brought to the screen by a novel wireless television device. The picture opens with selections by Teddy Brown and his well-known dance band, and this item is followed by an exhibition of whirlwind dancing by the Three Eddies. Other features are a clever burlesque of "The Taming of the Shrew," dance fantasies, and Russian dancing and balalaika playing.

TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES

"Journey's End," R. C. Sherriff's famous war drama, will have its screen presentation at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres this evening. The central characters in the play, which portrays the effect of the war strain on courageous men, are Raleigh, a young and inexperienced public school boy; Stanhope, the untiring though nerve-racked captain; Osborne, philosopher and visionary; the seemingly carefree Porter, and the temporary coward Hibbert. There are excellent shorter films. Coming attractions at both theatres are "Rookery Nook," "Holiday," "Africa Speaks," and "On Approval." MUNICIPAL BAND. A well-varied programme will be played by the Municipal Band in the Domain this evening. The band will be led by the conductor, Mr. G. Buckley*

CIVIC THEATRE. The fate of three daughters of today, each with a different outlook on life, is revealed in "Blushing Brides," a powerful and original society dram), which will have its premiere at tinCivic Theatre on Friday. Brilliant settings and polished acting by r. talented cast, which includes Joan Craw - ford. Dorothy Sebastian, Anita Pasc. Raymond Hackctt and Robert Montgomery, are features of the production. The use of the panoramic screen giv<additional vividness to "The Big an amazing study of American prison life, which will have its final screening at the Civic Theatre to-morrow. Chester Morris, Wallace Beerv and Robert Montgomery play the central male roles three cellmates, about whom the riot, hate and ferment revolve. Beery is soph as a gangster, vicious, yet with sardoni' humour: Morris takes the role of « forger who eventually finds regeneration, while Montgomery gives a splendid characterisation of the boy whose soul is gradually corroded by the influences that surround him. A grea! prison riot, which is only quelled by the arrival of the army tanks, provides ,> thrilling climax to the story. There is an interesting programme of supports.

"A LADY SURRENDERS." Genevieve Tobins and Rose Hobart. famous Broadway stars, play opposite Conrad Nag-el- and Basil Rathbone, well known for their polished portrayals on the audible screen, in "A Lady Surrenders," which will open a season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Miss Hobart, who is seen as Conrad NagcF* wife, neglects her husband, and gocabroad. Thinking that she desires a divorce, the hero becomes engaged To his greatest friend (Genevieve Tobinh but the sudden return of his wife to take up her place in his home complicates affairs. The scene in which she surrenders her rights to make the legal marriage of the two lovers possible provides the title and the climax of the story. The present Majestic Theatre attraction, "Way Out West," will have its final screening to-mortow. William Haines, who will be remembered for his bright comedy portrayals in "Alias Jimmy Valentine" and "The Girl Said No," is cast as a circus performer who gets into trouble and is forced to go to work on a Western ranch. His love affair with the feminine "boss" i 3 enlivened by his education as a cowboy, a thrilling rescue racc, an attempted lyrtching, and some amazing riding feats. .

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The story of a girl who strives to live down her tragic past in the face of poverty and social intolerance provides a highly dramatic theme for "Common Clay," which is attracting large audiences to the St. James' Theatre. Constance Bennett, who was seen to advantage in "Sod. of the Gods," gives a superb portrayal in the leading role, while Lewis Ayres, star of "All Quiet on the Western Front," plays the part of the young man who is the cause of her misfortune. The play centres round the life of a pleasure-loving girl who accepts a position in a cabaret which has a doubtful reputation, because of the gaiety and music she craves. When the establishment is raided by the police the girl abandons this livelihood for the more prosaic one of maid at a fashionable residence. There she later falls in love with the young heir of the house, who deserts her. The woman's subsequent efforts to secure justice, with the unexpected turn of events at the climax, form the basis for one of the most interesting films of recent months. Beryl Mercer appears as the girl's mother, and Hale Hamilton portrays the role of a prominent New York lawyer, who opposes the girl's efforts to secure justice. •'Common Clay" is accompanied by a well-selected supporting programme.

"WILD WEST" RODEO. A programme of many thrills and a variety of interests is promised by the Wild West Rodeo, which will be held at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon. A large number of entries from local and overseas competitors have been received for the various championships. John Aasen, the world's biggest man, will make a special appearance.. fC Red" Montgomery, a noted American cowboy, and Lance Goodyer, New Zealand champion, will appear in the buck-jumping and "outlaw" horse-riding competitions. There will also be wrestling on horseback, without saddles, a wood-chopping championship, and exhibitions of ropespinning, whip-cracking, and bowieknife throwing by Mr. Tex Hilton.

LUNA PARK. Concession cards providing special "cut rates" are available to clubs and large parties who wish to enjoy the many attractions at Lima Park. As the park lies near the harbour front there is always a cool breeze, and the scenic railway, the underground caves, and other novelties, afford ideal relief from the heat of the city. There will be a matinee entertainment next Saturday, and on Anniversary Day, January 29.