AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 85, 11 April 1931, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS.

| REGENT THEATRE. Good clean comedy will always please, and everyone who sees "Fast and Loose" at the Regent Theatre will thoroughly enjoy themselves. Jfor some weeks the management of the Regent have been in the happy position of being able to present an outstanding picture at each change of programme, and "Fast and Loose" continues the sequence. Adapted from the successful play, "The Best People," the film version is delightful entertainment, and serves to several clever artists recruited from the legitimate stage. A very fine performance is given by Miss Miriam Hopkins, who, as the pampered daughter of a millionaire/startles her parents by preferring a motor mechanic to an earl for a husband. She has a brother, a "drunken little fool," who is infatuated with a chorus girl, whom he is determined to marry. Both the millionaire and his wife are shocked at the possibility of the marriages, and equally concerned is a rich uncle of the girl and her brother. The daughter breaks off her engagement to the earl during a party, and to get away from any unpleasantries which might follow she takes a car and drives to a beach, where the car becomes stuck in the sand. She is helped out by Frank Morgan, a young motor mechanic. The pair fall in love, but he refuses to marry her because o£ the position her parents hold in society. A frame-up to bring the father into touch with Morgan, the mechanic, and Miriam Hopkins, the chorus girl, is planned, and all meet at a cabaret. The millionaire is surprised to find that the girl and mechanic are fine young people, and when the police raid the cabaret he uses his influence to put everything right. The story ends as all good stories should, and four young people make two very happy couples. The comedy work is very refreshing and clean, some clever burlesque being done by Miss Carole Lombard when she makes lave to the -rich uncle. Added to the feature film is a particularly interesting programme of supports. The Paramount News deals with important happenings abroad, "Love in the Suburbs" is a screamingly funny comedy featuring Victor Moore. "The Teacher's Pat" is a very humorous cartoon—one of the best yet presented—while a further set of pictures of the "Strange As It Seems" series supplies many interesting items. Tom Terriss, the vagabond director, takes the audience for a tour through Spain. The overture is played by Don Tasker's orchestra.

ROXY THEATRE. The turbulent rivers and wooded mountains of north-west Canada form a picturesque setting to the engrossing drama, "Tiger Rose," which heads the current programme at the'Roxy Theatre. A beautiful French-Canadian (Lupe Velez) is in love with a young engineer (Grant /Withers), whose work in railway extension is deeply resented by the primitive Indians of Hudson Bay. The girl's eccentric old guardian is accidentally shot in a quarrel with the young man, and the hero, aided by his sweetheart, escapes into the woods. The lovers are tracked down by a mounted police officer (Monte Blue), who is also in love with the girl, and who finally enables them to escape, after many thrilling adventures. In "Second Choice," the second attraction, Dolores Costello appears as a society girl who falls in love with a young man without money, and is later jilted by him. The coin: plications which arise when she in turn marries a young millionaire provide an engrossing story. Chester Morris and Jack Mulhall are the supporting players. TIOLI THEATRE. "Little Accident," the main attraction at the Tivoli Theatre, is an amusing comedy concerning a young man who, 011 the eve of his marriage to a society girl, is given charge of the child of a former wife, and falls in love with the nurse engaged to look after it. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Anita Page are the principal players. The programme includes selections by the Tivoli orchestra. RIALTO THEATRE.

A dramatic story of American newspaper life is unfolded in "Big News," now screening at ,the Rialto . Theatre. Robert Armstrong is seen as an irresponsible reporter, who loses his job, becomes separated from his wife as a result, and determines to regain his news editor's esteem. He wins his ambition when he ia able to secure* a confession involving influential business men in a smuggling scandal. An orchestra appears at evening sessions. SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. "The Yellow Mask," Edgar Wallace's latest "thriller," now screening at the Sandringham Cinema, has the novelty of an exciting story, combined with a large measure of comedy and a bright musical score. Lupino Lane, famous comedian, and Winnie Collins appear as two rival reporters. "The Eyes of the World," a drama of the Californian mountains, is the second attraction. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. George Arliss, famous actor of "Disraeli" and "Old English," appears as an Eastern potentate in the mystery drama, "The Green Goddess,".which is the main attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Will Rogers, a noted American comedian, is featured in "Lightnin'," the supporting picture. LYRIC THEATRE. The story of a woman who is forced to abandon her child and seek refuge in the* Californian mountains is unfolded in "The Eyes of the World," now showing at the Lyric Theatre. Her daughter is brough up by wealthy guardians, becomes the pafron of a young artist, and grows insanely jealous when he falls in love. Joh'n Holland and Una Merlcel fill the romantic roles. . EMPRESS THEATRE. "Escape," John Galsworthy's famous drama of the convict who escapes from Dartmoor prison, heads the current programme at the Empress Theatre. Sir Gerald du Maurier gives a brilliant portrayal in the leading role. "Check and Double Check," an amusing "Amos V Andy" comedy, is the second attraction. CAPITOL THEATRE. Will Rogers and Irene Rich are the stars in the delightful comedy, "So This is' London," now screening at the Capitol Theatre. Thomas Hardy's story, "Under the Greenwood Tree," featuring the young Auckland actor, John B&tten, will also be shown. PICTUREDOME, MILFORD. "He Knew Women," a bright society comedy, featuring Lowell Sherman and Alice Joyce, will be shown at the Ficturedrome, Milford, this' evening. The pictures will be followed by dancing. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Edmund Lowe and Joan Bennett are the principals in "Scotland Yard," now showing at the Kingsland Talkies. Lowe appears as a London criminal who impersonates an aristocrat and wins the Hove of his beautiful wife.

NATIONAL THEATRE. | A time-honoured success on the stage, "Charley's Aunt" loses none of its boisterous humour by its transference to the screen. The film, which has the English comedian, Charles Ruggles, in the title role,. is now in its second week at the National Theatre. The story takes place at Oxford University, where two students, "Jack Chesney and Charley Wykeham (Rodney McLennon and Hugh Williams) are trying to devise ways and means to win the two girls of their choice. To do this they have to outwit the girls' guardian, Stephen Spettigue, a role played' by Halliwell Hobbs. Upon "Charley's Aunt" advising by cablegram that she is paying a visit, the students invite their fiancees to meet her at lunch. The aunt, who rejoices in the name of Donna Lucia D'Alvadorez, however, fails to arrive at the appointed timev and a fellow student, "Babs," is commissioned to impersonate her. Further complications ensue when the real aunt arrives, a role charmingly interpreted by Miss Doris Lloyd, and "Babs" has to explain his behaviour to the girls. REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. The four Marx brothers, who will be remembered for their comedy work in "The Coconuts," are "gate-crashers" at a house party in "Animal Crackers," now showing at the Regent Theatre, Epsom. "I'p the River," a burlesque of life in Sing Sing prison, l will also be screened. ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. John McCormack, famous Irish tenor, heads the cast in the delightful romance of old Erin, "Song o' My Heart," which is the main attraction at the Adelphi Thdatre, Grey Lynn. He is heard in "The Kose of Tralee" and other delightful songs. Maureen Sullivan and David Garric-k fill the romantic roles. EMPIRE THEATRE. "Show of Shows," a brilliant revue in technicolour, heads the present programme at the Empire Theatre. Winnie Lightner, John Barry more and a host of other stars appear.

MUNICIPAL CHOIR. The concert programme to be given by the Municipal Choir in the Town Hall this evening includes choral selections by Palestrina and Brahms And modern settings of Scotch and. Manx follt-songs. Miss Doris Bransgrove will be the vocalist, and the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, will play organ solos. Meissrs. E. Randal and Leo. Whittaker will be the accompanists. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. "Enter Sir John," a thrilling murder mystery by Clemence Dane, will be shown at the Southern Cross Theatre this evening. The story is brilliantly interpreted by an English cast. MUNICIPAL BAND. A free recital will be given in the Town Hall to-morrow evening by the Municipal Band and assisting artists, under the direction of the bandmaster, Mr. G. Buckley. The programme will include Tschaikowsky's overture, "1812 Solenelle," and a fine selection from Sullivan's famous operas. Bishop's "Lo Here the Gentle Lark" will be played as a duet for flute and clarinet by Messrs. Hal C. McLennan and M. J. McGregor. Mr. Fred Bowes .will give a cornet solo, „ "BILL OF DIVORCEMENT."

The effect of the Great War on a middle-class En^fish' family la brilliantly portrayed in Clemence Dane's-" A Bill of Divorcement," wlpch. has been chosen by the Little Theatre Society as its 21st production. The play willbe presented at His Majesty's Theatre on April 30, May 1 and 2, under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Brampton, who will leave for England shortly. A capable cast includes Miss Y. McVeagli (as Margaret), Miss N. Wright (Sydney), Miss Mina Wallbank (Hester), Mr. W. H. Graham (Pumphrey), Mr. J. Mackle (Gray), Mr. C. Zaliara (Kit), and Mr. A. J. Fisher (Hilary).

MUSICIANS' CONCERT. Miss J. Hould (elocutionist), Mr. L. Stuart (baritone) and Mr. G. Carlsen (tenor) will contribute items at the Musicians' Union Concert in the St. James' Theatre to-morrow evening. Mr. G. Poore's orchestra will assist. A film, "Eagle of the Sea," will be screened. ORGAN RECITAL. A programme of organ works by Bach, Rheinberger and Cesar Franck has been arranged for the recital in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon. Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play transcriptions of Wagner's "Star of Eve" and Debussy's "Arabesque." DANCING. The Peter Pan Cabaret will hold its usual dance this evening. Music will be played by the popular cabaret band. There will be a cabaret dance at Dixieland this evening. Novelty attractions will be a feature of the entertainment. The Apacbe Club will hold its usual dance this evening. Bolton's Orchestra will be in attendance. The Grey Lynn labour party will hold an old-time dance in the Masonic Hall this evening. Music will be played by Paltridge's Orchestra. Novelties will be a feature of the Carlton Club's dance at the Carlton Hall, Sandringham, this evening. G. Poore's Orchestra will be in attendance. The Parisian Studio will hold its weekly dance in Upper Queen Street this evening. Dress is requested. The opening dance of the Technical Old Boys' and the Ventura Dance Club will be held at St.' Sepulchre's Hall this evening." T. Eady's Band will be in attendance. There will be an old-time dance at the Click Clack Cabaret this evening. Music will be provided by Morrow's Orchestra. The Balmoral Cabaret will give a dance at the Zealandia Sail this evening. Music will be played by L. Jones' Orchestra. ' ' An old-time carnival dance will be held at the Druids' Hall this evening. There will be many novelties. The Ambassadors' Dance Club will open its season at the Kitchener Street Hall on Tuesday evening. Bolton's Band will be in attendance. There will be many novelties. A dance will be given by the Crystal Dance Club in the Te Papapa Hall on Monday evening. The Vagabonds' Band will attend. >

The Balmoral' Dance Club will hold an old-time dance in the Zealandia Hall, Balmoral, on Monday evening.« There will be many novelties. / There will be a dance'at the Bon Ton Club's Hall, Koyal Oak, this evening. Tlieie will be many novelties. The Olympia Dance Club will open its season at St. Sepulchre's Hall, Kliyber Pass, on Wednesday. Bolton's Orchestra will be in attendance. There will be an old-time dance at the Municipal Hall, Newmarket, this evening. Music will be played by Ewart'a Orchestra.

| PLAZA THEATRE. Robert Woolsey and Bert Wheeler are funnier than ever in the Plaza Theatre attraction, "Hook, Line and Sinker," a rollicking farce which hae to do with such intriguing subjects as hotel management and war against gangsters. Imagine the combination, especially jVhen allied with such consummately clever comedy work. Woolsey is innocence personified; his bland appearance is a foil to his Puck-like humour; he wanders into all' sorts of trouble and then wanders out! It is all very clever, the art that conceals art. The popular duo appear ae two insurance salesmen, who meet a charming heiress (Dorothy Lee), and take charge of a large hotel she has inherited so that she may escape marriage with her unattractive suitor (Ralf Harolde). She and Wheeler fall in love, but the girl's mother (Jobyna Howland) violently opposes the match. Woolsey's charms,. however, prove too much for her, and' the four of them co-operate in making the hotel an exclusive resort for dowagers. A band of gangsters, led by the disappointed suitor, raid the hotel in an effort to abduct the girl and rob the guests of their jewels, but when a second gang arrives things become complicated. In the thick of the battle Woolsey and Whefclet sectire a machinegun, and the manner in which they clear the hotel provides abundant humour and excitement. The supporting cast includes Natalie Moorliead, George Marion and Stanley Fields. The supporting programme includes an amusing animal cartoon and a news reel that depicts interesting events in many parts of the j world.

WEST END THEATRE. "Animal Crackers,?' a comedy concerning the adventures of th© four Mai x Brothers at a house party, will be shown at the West End. Theatre this evening. There is a good supporting programme. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. William Powell plays a highly dramatic part in "Shadow of the Law," the main attraction at the Alexandra Theatre. A comedy of prison life. ''Up The River," will also be shown. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. "Disraeli," an exciting drama of the purchase of the Suez Canal shares by England, will be shown at the Ambassador Theatre this evening. George Arliss is seen as Disraeli, British Pfime Minister. SUNDAY PICTURES. "Two Arabian Nights," an amusing comedv starring William Boyd, will be screened at the Rialto Theatre to-mor-row. evening. Proceeds will be devoted to Newmarket charities. An aviation drama, "Hard-Boiled , Haggerty," will be screened at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow evening, i under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. Mr.- G. A. Rawson will give an address on "Man's Invisible Foes." SKATING. Four sessions are held daily at the Dominion Skating Rink, Elliott Street. There are special classes for beginners. Roushworth Brothers' roller rink at Khyber Pass will open its season next Saturday evening. A new floor has been built, and arrangements for hockey matches have been completed. Several country teams will visit the rink during the season. The Roushworth brothers arc well-known as expert skaters, and will give "special lessons to learners.