AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 96, 24 April 1931, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE.

, Comedy is the key-note of the programme which was presented for the first time at the Plaza Theatre last evening. " The Matrimonial Problems ' is an out-and-out farce, and "'Sinner s ; Holiday," although of a more dramatic } nature, contains a broad element of I comedy. The former film is Seymour I Hicks' adaptation of a French comedy, . and is a new version of the husband who returns from the dead to find a rival in his place. The story opens showing the wife of the presumably dead Adolphe Noblet happily married to another man. One evening she engages a hairdresser, who later turns out to be her long-lost husband. A doctor friend of Noblet brings back his memory, which vas shattered in a train smash five years previous to the action of the story, and Noblet takes up his life just as he left off. Complications immediately arise, especially as Noblet, the hairdresser, had been rather a Don Juan. Added to this is the child of his wife and her second husband, and the fact that the hairdresser has married and has two sets of twins. At first Noblet cannot understand the attitude of these people who are affected by his dramatic return from the dead, and naturally, Curtayne, the man who had taken his place, resents his attentions to their mutual wife. Comedy runs high, and as the story develops more complications set in. Noblet, finally, is enlightened and has to choose between going back to his fr«s» wife or remaining with his second. He chooses the latter course and, in connivance with the doctor, returns to his life as a hairdresser. The cast is excellent, and includes Frank Fay, Florence Eldridge, Lilyan Tashman, Beryl I Mercer and Arthur Edmund Carew. The second picture is a story of show life, with which are given some sidelights on the "boose racket." The picture contains many dramatic situations, lively romance and plenty of . comedy. Grant Withers is excellent as the hero and Evelyn Knapp supports him capably. ROXY THEATRE.. A compelling drama of the Californian desert and a sparkling society comedy comprise the current programme at the Roxv Theatre. In "Desert Vengeance," the "popular Buck Jones is seen as the bandit Cardew, the central figure m a battle between two rival bands of desperadoes for the supremacy of the district surrounding an abandoned mining town. Cardew falls in love with a pretty city girl who comes wes", but imprisons her in his stronghold when he discovers that she is an adventures?. His enemies attack the "ghost" city, and after a terrific battle between the two gangs, Cardew and his sweetheart leave to begin life anew. The supporting cast includes Barbara Bedford, A 1 Smith and Douglas Gilmore. Edward Everett Horton. famous American comedian, fills the title role in "The Sap," which 1? the supporting attraction. He plays the part of an impractical inventor who is laughed at bv his friends, but proves to be a wizard of high finance. Patsy Ruth Miller appears as his wife. TIVOLI AND RIALTO. "A Warm Corner," the principal attraction at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres, is the screen version of a popular London stage farce, with Leslie Henson, not=d British comedian, in the leading role. He plays the part of Corner, a nev. Tlyrich manufacturer of corn plasters, who leaves his wife at home and goes out to /seek adventure on the Lido, near Venice. He there falls in love with an adventuress who determines to blackmail him on his return. Many amusing complications followed Corner's arrival back at his English castle, where his domineering wife holds undisputed sway. The story ends on a note of hilarious comedy. An orchestra appears at each theatre. LYRIC THEATRE. The of war dramatically depicted in the film version of Eric Remarque's famous story, "All Quiet on the Western Front," which is now screening at the Lyric Theatre. Lewis Ayres gives a talented portrayal ps the .German youth who enlists enthusitical'v with a crowd of friends, only to see them killed off one by one. The late Louis Wolheim is excellent as the rascally but kindly old company sergeant. EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Better Wife," an engrossing story concerning the gallant efforts of a wife to hold the love and respect of her ambitious husband, is the curreit attraction at the Empress Theatre. Ruth Chatterton and Give Brook, talented stage players, head a capable cast. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Vivacious Lois Moran fills the leading role in "London's Gay Youth," the main attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The film is based on "The Dancers," a stage drama of post-war society. Phillips Holmes and Walter Byron are aaiong the supporting players. CAPITOL THEATRE. Claudette Colbert, the talented actress who was seen in "Manslaughter" and "The Big Pond," gives an excellent portrayal in "Young Man From Manhattan," now screening at the Capitol Theatre. She is seen as a woman journalist who divorces her husband, a clever but irresponsible writer, and is later reconciled to him. Charles Ruggles heads the supporting cast. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. "Compromising Daphne," a sparkling society drama, heads the current pro gramme at the Picturedrome, Milford. The picture will be followed this evening by two hours' dancing. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Clara Bow scores another comedy success in "True to the Navy," now screening the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. She is seen as a flirtatious waitress who finds the tables turned when she falls in love with a handsome gunner in the Pacific Fleet. Frederic March and Harry Green head the supporting cast. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Norma Shearer gives a brilliant portrayal in the society comedy, "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," the principal attraction at the Kings land Talkies. She plays the part of a charming Australian who 'enters English society under an assumed name and engages the attentions of a duke. Basil Rathbone fills the leading male role. D ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, will give a recital in the Town Hall on Sunday afternoon, when his programme will include works by Bach, Dubois and Pyne, Guilmant's "Funeral March" and "Hymn of Seraphs," and The \ pres Melody," arranged for and bells. " c MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band, under the direction of the bandmaster, Mr. Geo. Buck- | ley, will give a programme at the Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon. As the Town Hall is not available on SaturI day, May 2, a programme to be rendered by the band will be broadcast from IYA studio. The series will be ! resumed on Sunday, May 10.

REGENT THEATRE. " fell's Angels ,» one of the most spec- - tacular films ever produced an* acknowledged by experts as the fiSfc air picture to date, is now in its week at the Regent Theatre It » produced by Howard Hughes, a yo C millionaire who sought to pay eloquent tribute to the work of the Force and to bring home to the lavmlr» the perils of aerial warfare. He utiK the services of 20,000 people and speS a million sterling. The picture toot three years to complete. Nothin* Wa „ •faked/ Authorities on war"- time aviation agree that it is one of the greatest achievements in the history of aeronautics; 87 aeroplanes, plus « bombing 'plane and a Zeppelin, were employed for the aeroplane warfare scenes, and were manned by 137 dare devil aviators. The destruction of a German Zeppelin over London, and an aerial battle in which 40 'planes take part, are two outstanding episodes. The * love interest is introduced through a beautiful Y.A.D. girl, who engages the attention of two young aviators. Ben Lyon, James Hall and Jean Harlow ai* the principals. NATIONAL THEATRE. "Madonna of the Streets." which opens a season at the National Theatre to-day, presents the talented and attractive Evelyn Brent in an extremely interesting characterisation that allows her to display her undisputed acting ability. The story is about an wt scrupulous woman who went to every extreme to satisfy her own selfish but experiences a phenomenal change in character and outlook when she falls in love with a man whose every thought, deed and action is noble. Against the varying backgrounds of the Barbary waterfront, a luxurious San Francisco dwelling, and a modest Californian country cottage, this interesting tale is unfolded. Robert Ames, tlw talented young actor of '"Holiday* gives an excellent portrayal as {he young visionary Josephine Dunn heads a capable supporting cast. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. "The Perfect Alibi," a tfhrilling mttrw der mystery written by A. A. Milne, will be screened at the Alexandra Theatre this evening. Robert Lorraine heads a talented English cast. CINEMA, SANDRINGHAM. "Rich People," a drama of an heiress who falls in love with a young salesman, hgads the current programme at the Cinema, Sandringham. Constance Bennett gives a brilliant portrayal ia the leading role. REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. Victor McLaglen is seen as a soldier of fortune who has many adventures in. a South American republic in "A Devil With Women," the main attraction at the Regent Theatre, Epsom. There is a good supporting programme. UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' PLAY. "Frenzy," a clever topical comedy concerning the rise of' one Marmadnke Jones from the position of middle-class householder to that of dictator of Xew Zealand, will be staged by the students of the Auckland University College at His Majesty's Theatre for a short season commencing May 16. The play is a "straight" comedy, but several witty topical songs have been introduced. A capable cast has been assembled. "BILL-OF DIVORCEMENT." "Bill of Divorcement," Clemence Dane's famous play, has been chosen by the fLittle Theatre Society for its 21st production. It will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre on April 30 and May 1 and" 2. The story outlines the effect of the Great War on a middleclass English family. The play is being produced by Mr. Kenneth Brampton, who is to leave for England shortly, and'the cast includes: Miss Y. McVeagh (as Margaret), Miss X. Wright (Sydney), Miss Mina Wallbank (Hester), Mr. W, H. Graham (Pumphrey), Mr. J. Mackle tGray), Mr. C. Zahara (Kit) and Mi; A. J. Fisher (Hilary). JOSEPH HISLOP TOUR. Joseph Hislop, celebrated British tenor, who made a memorable tour through Xew Zealand in 1927, will be heard again at the Auckland Town Hall for a season of three nights, on Thursday next and the following Saturday and Tuesday; Mr. Hislop, who was born in scored his first operatic success in Stockholm, and has several times given performances before Royalty. He has just concluded a successful tour through Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Norway and Sweden. His present tour should be highly successful, as his repertoire, which ranges from grand opera to simple ballads, is such as to make an effectiva appeal to all tastes. Messrs. J. and Xi, Tait again have the handling of Sir. Hislop's New Zealand tour, and, desiring to bring the recitals within the scope of all, they have provided for concessions to students of musical and educa» tional institutions. Mr. Isidor Goodman a talented pianist, accompanies Mb» Hislop. WEST END THEATRE. "Check and Double Check," an amus* ing comedy of two negroes who take OTi a taxi business, is now screening at the West End Theatre. Amos and Andj, famous radio stars, are the principals. COMMUNITY SINGING. Following the success of the community singing during "Cheer Up Week," another gathering will be held at the Town Half during the lunchhour next Wednesday. "Uncle Tom" will be the song leader and Mrs. BarringtoO Snow will be the accompanist. SUNDAY PICTURES. A comedy, "Chinatown Charlie," will be screened* at the Majestic Theatre on Sundav evening, under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. An address on modern education will be given by Captain W. J. Lyon. "The Iron Mask," starring Douglas heads the programme at tha Rialto Theatre on Sunday evening. Pro* ceeds will be devoted to charities. DANCING. The Peter Pan Cabaret will hold a "Cheer Up" dance this evening. Music will be played by the popular cabaret band. There will be a "Cheer Up" dance at the Apache Club this evening. -^ Us ' c will be played by Bolton's band. Kodama, a Japanese juggler, will appear. The Grey Lynn Labour party will hold an old-time dance in the Masonic Hall this evening. Music will be playe<* by Paltridge's orchestra. Novelties will be a feature or .the Carlton Club's dance at the Carlton Hal, Sandringham. this evening. G. PooreS orchestra will be in attendance. The Balmoral Cabaret will "Cheer Up" dance at the Zealandia Ha this evening. Music will be played J, L. Jones' orchestra. An old-time "Cheer Up" dance will he held at the Druids' Hall this evening. There will be many novelties. The opening dance of the season of the St. John Ambulance Brigade will be he in the Masonic Hall, Eelgium Street, o» Wednesday evening. There will be a "CTieer Up" dance Romano's Cabaret this evening. NoV e • ties will be a feature of the entertainment.