AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

I REGENT THEATRE. Against the glowing background of 1 night life in the gay, pleasure-seeking city of Budapest is Fritzi, darling of the cabarets, whose recklessness evenI tually leads to her arrest. Round this ! has been weaved a sparkling story, and the film version "One Heavenly Night," presented at the Regent Theatre for the first time last evening, is a picture which has all the ingredients and attractions that go to make first-class entertainment. "One Heavenly Night" brings to the screen a new and brilliant star — Miss Evelyn Laye, a London stage star, who scores a triumph in this, her first talking picture. "One Heavenly Night" is a story that suits her admirably. Fritzi, played by Lilyan Tashman, idolised by soldiers and students, the darling of the cabarets, brings to an end her spectacular career by starting a serious brawl in one of the most fashionable cabarets. For the good of herself and the good name of Budapest, it is decided by the police that Fritzi must go. So she is banished. In the cabaret there is a pretty little flower girl, Evelyn Laye, dazzled by the triumphs of the sparkling Fritzi, and longing for the opportunities for a life of gaiety and romance. Her opportunity' comes when Fritzi sends the flower girl to the magistrate of Zuppa, Count Mirko (John Boles). For Lilli, the flower girl, there are tense moments when she finds herself alone with the count. But she outwits him and laughs at his advances. Lilli invites the count to dinner. Again he makes advances, and while he is making love to the flower girl, Fritzi arrives. Lilli believes that her dream has come to an end. .She goes back to her garret in the city, but the count follows, and there is a pretty ending. Through the picture delightful music is played, the stars 'combining in several lilting numbers. The picture is also strong in comedy, to which Miss Laye contributes skilfully, but he,: who brings a laugh whenever he appears is Leon Errol, a brilliant Australian comedian. One of the finest supporting programmes presented at the theatre for a long time is also screened. Charlie. Murray and Josephine Dunn make merry laughter in "Stay Out," in which Murray succeeds in getting himself' into a series of screamingly funny matrimonial tangles. The other films are a Paramount Sound News, a Pathe Review and , another Pathe picture called "High Steppers," an excellent athletic film. ROXY THEATRE. The inimitable Jack Oakie appears as the lightweight champion of the American marines, who takes the place of a young millionaire in an expedition to a mythi° cal republic in "Sea Legs," the main attraction at the Roxy Theatre. In his endeavour to conceal his identity he meets with many amusing complications, but eventually extricates himself with the aid of the captain's pretty daughter. Lillian Roth and Eugene Pallette head the supporting cast. In "Stolen Heaven," the supporting attraction, Nancy Carroll is seen as a New York girl who befriends an unfortunate young man (Phillips Holmes). The boy, as "sick of life as she is, proposes that they spend the proceeds of a robbery he has committed in one last gay fling at life. The money is soon exhausted, and nothing remains for Holmes but death. But Holmes and Nancy discover their love for each other, and this adds a new meaning to life, makes it something worth lighting for. NATIONAL THEATRE. Ralph Lynn and Yvonne Arnaud, who will be remembered for their excellent work in the Lonsdale comedy "On Approval," head a talented English cast in fhe rollicking farce "Tons of Money," now showing at the National Theatre. It was written and directed by the popular favourite, Tom Walls. It is a triumph for Ralph Lynn, who proves that British comedy is in a class by itself, and stands pre-eminent in the world of merriment. He plays four separate roles, his characterisations being excellent. The story concerns a Central American legacy that comes in the nick of time for Ralph, who is pestered by creditors and threatened with bankruptcy. Ralph and his wife go mad with joy, but on coming to their senses realise that their creditors will receive most of the fortune.' The distant cousin who is to succeed to the legacy in the event of Ralph's, demise is reported to be dead, although there is no proof of this, and so it is arranged that Ralph shall "die" and turn up as the distant cousin. With the hatching of this scheme the fun becomes fast and furious, and complications set in with great rapidity. "Heroes of the Flames," a story 'of fire-fighting in a great city, head's the supporting programme. TIVOLI AND RIALTO. Delightful- satire on the foibles of Americans and Englishmen is provided by Will Rogers, America's driest and most famous comedian, in the comedydrama "So This Is London," now screening at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. He appears as a Texas oil magnate whose homely manners and speech are the despair 'of his socially-ambitious wife and daughter. The family set out on a visit to England, and the way in which he rides-rough-shod over the conventions of the English "squirearchy" is a source of hilarious, amusement. Irene Rich and Maureen O'Sullivan are in the supporting cast. LYRIC THEATRE. "The Yellow Mask," which heads the current programme at the Lyric Theatre, is a melodramatic fai - ce by the popular novelist Edgar Wallace. Lupino, Lane, famous London comedian, heads a talented English cast. "Ex-Flame," the supporting film, is a modernised version of Mrs. Henry WockPs matrimonial drama "East Lynne," with Neil Hamilton and Marion Nixon <yi the leading roles. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The part of a flirtatious Parisian waiter who wins a fortune in a lottery is played by Maurice Chevalier, worldfamous entertainer, in "Playboy of Paris," the current attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. • "The Silent Enemy," the second film, is an artistic production dealing with the eternal battle waged against hunger by the Ojibway Indians of Canada's sub-Arctic forest reserve. EMPRESS THEATRE. Walter Huston, the star of "Abraham Lincoln," is seen as' a prison warder who is called upon to govern the fate of an unfortunate youth who falls into crime in 'The Criminal Code," now. screening at the Empress Theatre. Phillips' Holmes is excellent in the juvenile role. DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. "Cimarron," an engrossing drama of pioneering in the Middle West, is the main attraction at the De Luxe Theatre. Richard Dix and Irene Dunne are the principals. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. "The Criminal Code," starring Walter Huston, and "Way for a Sailor," with John Gilbert and Wallace Beery, arc the attractions at the Alexandra Theatre.

CIVIC THEATRE. "Madam Satan,' 5 which commenced a season at the Civic Theatre last night, is a most entertaining film, and is entirely different to the ordinary screen story. It contains many novel features, chief of which are the elaborate spectacular sequences and dry comedy. Nothing more lavish has been screened for some .time. The masked ball on board an anchored dirigible is something new. The costumes aro dazzling, and the action is kept at an, exciting pace. It becomes suspensive when a terrific storm arrives, damaging the Zeppelin and breaking if away from its mooring mast. The guests are terrorstricken, and are forced to strap parachutes on themselves, and make a wild plunge to earth. Viewed as a gigantic farce, the entertainment is unusual, and roars of laughter greet many of the comic situations. The story concerns a young married woman who loses the love of her husband through her cold exterior. He seeks pleasure and entertainment away from home, and is "discovered." Then to bring her husband back, the young wife, disguised as Madam Satan, attends the masquerade ball on a dirigible, because she knows that her husband and his girl frieud will be there. So alluring is she that the husband .is fascinated and makes love to the unknown woman, never realising that it is his- wife. After the storm and safe arrival on terra firma, the young couple are reunited. The story was written by Jeanie MacPherson, an directed by Cecil B. De Mille. Kay Johnson, Reginald Denny, Roland Young and Lillian Roth are the principals of the cast. There is an interesting supporting programme, including a grand organ number, played by Mr. Howard Moody. LONDON THEATRE. Cyril Maude, famous English actor,, plays the part of an eccentric, but lovable, old lawyer in -Grumpy/' now screening at the London Theatre. His ward's fiance return from South Africa and is robbed of a valuable diamond while staying at the old lawyer's country house. "Grumpy" pursues the thief to London, but there are many exciting adventures before the criminal is finally convicted. Phillips Holmes fills the juvenile role. EDENDALE CINEMA. "Hell's Angels," one of the most thrilling air films ever produced, is the main attraction at the Edendale Cinema. Ben Lyon and James Hall are seen as two British airmen, and Jean Harlow a3 a V.A.D. girl. "Ex-Flame," a modernised version of "East Lynne," is also being screened. REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. "Beau Ideal," a thrilling . sequel to "Beau Geste," P. C. Wren's ,story of the Foreign Legion, is now showing at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, with Ralph Forbes and Lester Vail in the leading roles. "Way for a Sailor," starring John Gilbert and Wallace Beery, is also being shown. * ONEHUNGA THEATRES. "Men of the North" is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onchunga, this evening. "The Canadian Pioneer" will be screened at the Foresters' Hall. • PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. "The Cuckoos," a comedy starring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, will be shown at the Picturcdrome this evening. The pictures will be followed by dancing. SOUTHERN CROSS THEATRE. "Du Barry, Woman of Passion," the story of the favourite of King Louis XV. of France, is. the main attraction at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie, with Norma Talmadge in the title role. A comedy, "The Swell-Head," is also being shown. COMMUNITY SINGING. A feature of the community singing at the Town Hall during the lunch hour on Wednesday will be an organ recital from 12 to 12.30 by Mr. Ewart Lyne. Mr. Len Barnes will be song leader and the soloist will be Miss Winifred Johnson.

ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for the recital in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon will include organ works by Bach, Handel and Guilmant. Mr. Maitghan Barnett will also play Schubert's popular "March in D," and a group of charming pieces by English blind composers. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. "The Desert Song," the popular comic opera of romance in Northern Africa, is being screened at the Ambassador Theatre. John Boles heads a- talented cast. WEST END THEATRE. "Gold Diggers of Broadway," a musical comedy starring Winnie Lightnar, is now showing at the West End Theatre. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. Misses Bona Richardson and Edna Tye will give a pianoforte recital at the Lewis Eady Hall on Thursday evening, July !). They will be assisted by Miss Phyllis Tye, mezzo-soprano. The piano works will include compositions by wellknown composers. "MUSICAL MAP" RECITAL. A series of ' pianoforte selections, which will be representative of various countries, will form a "musical map" recital, to be given by Miss Margaret A. Parker, in the Grafton Library Hall, on October 23. TRAINING COLLEGE BOYS. "Mr. Sampson," a Western comedy, and "Cleopatra," an operatic burlesque, will be presented by students of the Teachers' Training College, at the Scots Hall, on Thursday evening. The proceeds will be devoted to improvements in the college grounds. HOSPITAL ENTERTAINMENT. The Neville Carlsen Revue Company gave a, variety entertainment -to patients of Ward 20 at the Auckland Hospital on Thursday' evening. The performers included Madame S. °Paskell and two Rotorua Maori girls, Sally and Jennie, Mrs. G. Davics, Misses Mavis Ward, Zoo Madigan, Lorna Skinner, Marjorie Pearson, Nora Wallace and Messrs. R. Hart, I>. Wright, G. Davics and N. Carlsen. Miss Eileen Brennan was the accompanist. SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENTS. "Love at Midnight," starring Billie Dove, a comedy and -ncwsreel, .vill be shown at the Majestic Theatre to-mor-row evening, under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. Mr C F Major will speak on "The City Council and Sunday Amusements.". The Auckland Philosophic,,] So-uetv will present a programme at the" Civic theatre to-morrow evening j u ~;«] n f unemployed women and girls. H ?i include a lecture, orchestral ~»ri , Hems and the S Selections will be given bv W \r V Boys' Orchestra and Mi , C/ffl of London, and there will i , ' number of shorter Zl s alß ° b ° a

PLAZA THEATRE, The main attraction at the Plaza. Theatre is a Wheeler and Woolsey: comedy, and when such favourites as "Cuckoos," "JSeM-Shot at Sunrise" and - "Hook, Line and Sinker" are recalled, it will be sufficient guarantee of the stan* dard of entertainment offered in the latest arrival, "Cracked Nuts." The theme of the production could not have been Letter adapted to the ' capabilities of this inimitable pair, an&. while their acting reaches a high stan-: dard it is in the clever and witty dia? logue that much of the effectiveness of their work lies. The story is centredround the monarchy of El Dorania, which changes its rulers with unvarying regi*. larity. A lovesick youth desires to prove to tiie hostile aunt of his affianced his, claims as a man of substance and worth, and makes up his mind to buy the king, dom. When he arrives in the realm he finds that the reigning king is a very old and intimate friend, whom he must first, of all put to death in order to mount the throne. This is much easier said than done, and the candidate for royal honours is mercilessly hampered by his wish to prove himself a worthy lover and the utter impossibility of ending the ■ life of his long-lost friend. The way out of the impasse comes in a highly novel manner. An outstanding interpret tation is given of the role of the scorning guardian by Edna May Olive, the comedienne of "Cimarron." The sup, porting films are all of a humorous strain, "Mickey's Winners" is a Mickey McGuire child production which is excellently acted by juvenile stars, and in "She Went for a Tramp," Hugh Herbert and Eoscoe Ates have full play for their fun-m:fking talents. "Latest Screen , Snapshots" is a film on an unusual plan, and "Soulmates" cartoon is a Krazy Kat item that causes hearty laughter. CAPITOL THEATRE. The fotir Marx brothers, the inimitable comedians of "The Coconuts," .run riot at a fashionable house party* in "Animal Crackers," the main attraction at the Capitol Theatre. . Rod La Rocqua is seen as a swaggering beachcomber. in "The Delightful Rogue," the supporting film. EMPIRE THEATRE. "Bixiana," a spectacular musical re-- ■ mance of life in the Southern States, is the main attraction at the Empire Theatre. Bebe Daniels, Robert Woolsey and. Bert Wheeler fill the leading roles. MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. An excellent programme has been arranged for the Municipal Band concert at the Town Hall this evening. Miss B. Stuart, a vocalist well known . in Australia, will sing Haydn's "The Spirit Song" and Gounod's "When All '< Was Young." Mr. F. Campbell, popular baritone, will sing two numbers.; Messrs. McLennan, Bowes, Davies and Jackson will give instrumental items. The band numbers will include - works by Delibes, Massenet, Auber, Saint Saens, and other great composers. Mr. ,L, Whittaker will be the accompanist. MUSICIANS' SUNDAY CONCERT, Items will be given by Miss A. Mencm* (contralto), Miss G. Munro (soprano), Mr. G. Barnes (tenor), and Mr. T. Harris (elocution) at the Musicians' Union concert at the St. James Theatre to-morrow evening. The film, "A Paradise for Two," starring Richard' Dix and Betty Broneon, will be - screened. " '

DANCING." The Peter Pan Cabaret will hold a dance this evening. Music will be played by the popular cabaret band. ' ' ■ ; The Apache Club will give a dance this evening at the Kitchener Street Hall, which has been newly decorated and improved. • There will be a cabaret dance at Dixieland this evening. Novelty attractions will be a feature of the entertainment. A dance will be held this- evening at Romano's Cabaret. Howe's orchestra will supply the music. An old-time dance .will be held at the Druids' Hall this evening. The Revellers' Band will supply the music. There will be an old-time dance at tho Click Clack Cabaret this evening. Mußic will be provided by Morrow's orchestra. There will be a dance at the Bon Ton Hall, Royal Oak, this evening. Hay's Vagabonds will render the music. An old-time dance carnival will he given at the Orange Hall, Newton Road, this evening. Novelty attractions will be a feature of the evening. The Ventura Club will hold a dancc,at St. Sepulchre's Hall this evening. T. Eady's band will be in,attendance. The Parisian Studio will hold its weekly dance in Upper Queen Street this evening. The Akarana Yacht Club will hold its dance at the clubhouse, Campbell's Point, this evening. A full band will be ill attendance. ' Tho Grey Lynn Labour party will hold an old-time dance in the Masonic Hall this evening. Musie will be played by Paltridge's orchestra. The Balmoral Cabaret will give a dance at the Zealandia Hall this evening. Music will be' played by the Monte ? Carlo orchestra. There will be dancing at the Carlton Hall, Sandringham, this evening. The Cavaliers' orchestra will supply the music. Meredith's Adclphians will be in attendance at a dance in the O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, this evening. A dance will be held at the Point Chevalier Sailing Club's pavilion this evening. A dance will be given a<; the Oak Hall, Liverpool Street, this evening by the Workers' Social Club. There will be a ratepayers' dance at the Point Chevalier Hall" on Tuesday evening. Connon's orchestra will be in attendance.