AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 37, 13 February 1932, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

THE REGENT. From the opening film, which is an Australian newsreel with a thi'illing pictorial and verbal description of the tennis Test between Japan and Australia, also showing the funny side of 42-stone Harold Wirth, who is seen being discharged from hospital, to the close of the big super-feature, "Strictly Dishonourable," the new programme at the Regent is one that is destined to suit all tastes. There is never a dull moment. The Universal production, "Strictly Dishonourable," undoubtedly fulfils all that has been claimed for it in regard to its many-sided appeal. The intriguing title, which describes only probable intentions never even attempted to be put into action, is not the least clever part of the production, which has as its main attractions the delightfully piquant situations presented, the rich humour of the dialogue, the refinement and culture of the acting, and the striking contrasts between innocent, unsophisticated country folk and "hard boiled" men of the world and "speakeasy" habitues. The story is that of a young couple who change the quiet and puritanical seclusion of the waybacks of the States for the hurly-burly of New York. The role of the youri;* woman constitutes a triumph for the latest screen star, Sidney Fox. It is an extremely difficult character to portray successfully, that of the country girl come to town and forced to mix with the most sophisticated and experienced, but she accomplishes her task without in the least straining after effect. In a speakeasy the young couple arc forced to part—their points of view lie along divergent lines —and a lovable old judge and a dashing Italian count then take up the part vacated by the bouncing, blundering young fiance from the country. The conccrn of the judge bencines intense when the girl announces, with inherent innocence, that she will stay in the count's flat till she returns home to the country, and the methods the judge employs to avert his deepest suspicions are productive of the finest and funniest comedy on a refined level. The acting of Paul Lukas as the count, and Lewis Stone as the judge, is superb, while George Meeker as the fiance is extremely clever.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Bert Lalir and Charlotte Greenwood make a priceles pair of comedians in "Flying High," now showing at the Majestic Theatre. Charlotte Greenwood, of course, will be remembered chiefly for the part she played in "Palmy Days," while Bert Lahr has yet to make his first impression upon the majority of New Zealand picturegoers. "Flying High" was the comedy in which Lahr made a household word of his name on the legitimate stage in America, and he was induced to carry over his silccess into the talkies. The story concerns the madcap adventu»es of an inventor of a rather doubtful machine called the "aerocopter," which is meant to rise vertically from the ground. The hilarious conditions in which he succeeds in making it do what he had planned it to do make great entertainment. The Majestic's programme includes a wonderful "short" on the sport of tnna fishing in the South Pacific. There are also some unexcelled pictures of "Wizard" Smith's great car in action during his recent record run over a distance of ten miles.

ROXY THEATRE. Two films of unusual merit arc showing at the Roxy Theatre this week. The first is " The Guilty Generation," a story of the great fight made by a boy and a girl to free themselves of the shackles imposed upon them by a gangster feud between their families. The other film is " The Pagan Lady," a glamorous tale of smuggling and romance in tropical Cuba. Evelyn Brent plays the part of the Pagan Lady—a girl with a past, who feels the urge of the woman within her I to lead the life that she knows and that every woman is privileged to live. Conrad Nagel has a fascinating part, William Farnum is a whimsical old judge, and Charles Bickford, is the ardent, but unseeing smuggler-lover. NATIONAL THEATRE. George Arlise, one of the greatest boxoffice attractions of the day, will be seen for the coming week in "The Millionaire" at the National Theatre. In this latest triumph, George Arliss once more brings out his artistry, and shows that he can act modern roles to perfection as well as historical sketches. He plays the part of. a wealthy man who is ordered to take a rest cure by his doctor, and instead buys an interest in a country garage, where he meets with many adventures and ultimately find* the rest and peace of mind that Ik; desired. Florence Arliss (his wife), Evelyn Knapp, David Manners, and Noah Beery play the main supporting roles. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "Son of India," the latest appearance of that great romantic favourite, Ramon Novarro, will be screened on this even,fog's programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. "Alibi," a British picture, will also be presented. CAPITOL THEATRE. T.win features are offered at the Capitol Theatre to-night, when "Blind Wives," with Conrad Nagel and Genevieve Tobin, and "Transatlantic," starring Edmund Lowe and Lois Moran, will be shown.

EMPIRE THEATRE. "One Heavenly Night," a strong and appealing drama, gwill head the programme at the Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, to-night. Evelyn Laye and John Boles fill the main roles. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Joan Crawford will bo seen to-night in her latest starring vehicle, "This Modern Age," at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. A "Flip the Frog" cartoon and a Charlie Chase comedy will also be on the bill. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. Marie Dressier gives another of her inimitable character portrayals in "Min and Bill," to be shown at the Picturedrome, Milford, to-night. A Laurel and Hardy comedy, also a colourtone revue, "The Devil's Cabaret," will be screened. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT.

John Gilbert appears only at lengthy intervals, but he is still remembered as "The Great Lover." He will be seen in "The Phantom of Paris" at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. LYRIC THEATRE. "The Spider," a creepy tale of the marvels of the magician's art, is the main attraction announced for the Lyric Theatre this evening. A splendid' Cockney comedy, "Two Crowded Hours," with Jerry Varno in the leading role, will be presented. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Norma Shearer's most recent picture, "A Free Soul," in which she plays opposite Lionel Barrymore, will be screened at the Prince Edward Theatre to-night. "Man To Man" is also on the programme.,

CIVIC THEATRE. Auckland enjoyed every moment of "The Mystery of Fu Manchu." Auckland will be amazed at the thrill produced by Fu Manchu in "Daughter of the Dragon," which opened a season at the Civic Theatre last evening. There are many features to commend this exciting eastern film. One of its features is the first appearance in a "talkie" of Sessue Hayakawa, an old-time favourite of the silent screen. The cast is an excellent one. There is Anna May Wong, the only Chinese girl of prominence in pictures. Her English is perfect and her subtle work is refreshing. The creator of the screen character of Fu Manchu, Warner Oland, again plays brilliantly the part of the mysterious Oriental. He gives an effectively ominous portrayal of the Chinese menace of the picture. Hayakawa is superb. He plays the part of a Scotland Yard man who falls in love with the infamous Ling Moy. The story is a tense one, full of dramatic appeal. It tells of the return from the grave of Fu Manchu, of his determination to wipe out the Petrie family. He kills Sir John Petrie and attempts to kill his son Ronald, but before he succeeds he is shot by Hayakawa. As Fu Manclid dies, he passes on his vengeance to his daughter, the alluring Princess Ling Moy. She swears to kill, but finds that she has fallen in love with her intended victim. In the meantime, Hayakawa, who has sworn to protcct young Petrie from the vicious attacks of Fu Manchu, falls in love with the beautiful princess, not knowing that she is the daughter of the criminal devil Fu Manchu. • There is an excellent climax to this thrilling story. The princess dies from the revolver shot fired by her Chinese lover, who also goes to his death when he crashes from the roof of the mansion. Ronald Petrie and his English fiancee are brought together again, and so ends a splendid picture full of thrills that only the Orient could produce. There is an excellent supporting programme. Included in the Paramount Pictorial are some remarkable pictures of African wild beasts; a British Instructional film shows in a highly interesting way the functions of plant roots; an amusing musical number is "Mr. Gallalier and Mr. Shean," sung by A 1 Shean, the original Mr. Shean; and the bill of fare is completed by a splendid "short" comedy.

PLAZA THEATRE. A comedy presented in a most novel manner, "Fanny Foley Herself," which heads the bill-line at the Plaza this week, is a film of the first water. Edna May Oliver has achieved wonders in the leading feminine role, while Hobart Bosworth and John Darrow are cast in powerful supporting roles. Fanny Foley is a happy-hearted comedienne whose largo salary has served to keep her husband and her family of two girls. When the former dies, the girls desert their mother, who has made enormous sacrifices for them, because they imagine her work is not on their own level. They go to their wealthy father-in-law, who had disinherited his son on his marriage to Fanny, but while at hi.--camp in the mountains one elopes, and both are brought to realise the true worth of a mother's undying love. "Tilly of Bloomsbury," a laughable British picturc, with Sydney Howard, of "Splinters" fame, and Phyllis Konstam in the starring roles.

STROLLING PLAYERS' VISIT. A season will be commenced in Auckland on February 25 and 27 by Misses Joan and Betty Raynor, "Strolling Players," from the Theatre of Youth organisation. They will give programmes of plays, songs and ballads taken from the folk-lore of the world, wearing costumes in the fashions of the medieval troubadours. The ""performances will be given in the Lewis Eady Hall. They have already evoked much comment in America, Australia and the South Islajid of New Zealand. PUBLIC LECTURES. A series of public lectures on the principles and practice of Higher Thought will commence on Monday, February 15, when an address on "The Science of Prosperity" will be delivered in the Higher Thought Temple, Pitt Street. On the following three days, lectures on other psychological subjects will be given, and Sunday talks are ' also arranged. LONDON THEATRE. As a play, and later as a film, "New Moon" thrilled thousands in Auckland and elsewhere, but there are many who have not yet seen and heard the beauties of this masterpiece of musical comedy. Lawrence Tibbett and Grace Mooro have the leading roles. "New Moon" is now showing at the London Theatre. TUDOR THEATRE. Lionel Barrymore and Kay Francis make a fascinating pair in " Guilty Hands," the main attraction on the programme of the Tudor Theatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor exercise the subtle appeal that calls their audiences back more than once to see a picture again. They appear in " Merely Mary Aim" at the Britannia Theatre this evening. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Two excellent mystery thrillers will be shown at the New Regent, Epsom, this evening. These are "The Spcckled Band," a Sherlock Holmes drama, and "The House of Unrest." Both films are British.

AVONDALE TOWN HALL. "Old English," the third of George Arliss' great series of historical films, will be screened at the Avondale Town Hall this evening. Charles Farrell and Madge Evans will also be seen in "Heartbreak." ADELPHI THEATRE. "East Lynne" created many new "fans" for Ann Harding when it came through Auckland some little time ago. This film will be seen with "Women °of All Nations" (Victor McLaglen) at the Adelphi Theatre to-night. DANCING. Peter Pan "Summer-Time" danciii" programme. r Mayfair Cabaret, dancing. Dixieland, dancing to the Dixieland Band.

Click Clack Cabaret, modern and oldtime dancing.

Dixiana Dance Club, Balmoral, opening night, February 20. °

Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey "Lynn Labour party's dance. •

Orange Hall, Newton, Strollers' Dance Club. , .

O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, Monica Dance Club.

San Toy Studios, Royal Oak, special long programme.

Municipal Hall, Newmarket, old-time dance.

Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, "The Astonians."

Crystal Palace Ballroom, Kit Kat Dance Band.

Parisian Studios, members' private dance.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. An intense, gripping drama depicting the strange adventures of a young and innocent girl who suddenly finds herself the victim of cruel persecution of the Czarist Russian secret police is the theme of "The Yellow Ticket," shown for the first time in Auckland at St. James' Theatre last evening. The cast contains a brilliant array of favourites, headed by the beautiful Elissa Landi, Lionel Barrymore and Laurence Olivier. This portrayal of a romantic story contains some of the most lavish sets that have been flashed upon the screen for many a day. The dramatic plot, which was adapted for the screen from Michael Morton's stage play by Jules Furthman and Guy Bolton, revolves about a young and sensitive Russian girl who, through circumstances beyond her control, finds it necessary to match her wits against those of the insidious head of the Czar's secret police, with her own romance and the safety of her lover as the stakes of the struggle. In the end she is forced to kill the relentless menace, only to be then faced with graver problems that lead to a most startling denouement. The role of the girl, as acted by Miss Landi, is one that gives full play" to her histrionic talents, and during her emotional scenes she rises to heights of dramatic power seldom seen and heard on the screen. Lionel Barrymore appears as the cruel and scheming police head, and, as usual, gives a performance that is nothing short of superb. Laurence Olivier, who only recently came to the screen from the London and Broadway stage, is excellent in the romantic role. Other important roles are played by Walter Byron, Rita La Roy, Sarah Padden,' Arnold Korfl and Boris Karloff. As usual with the management at St. James', the supporting programme is well up to the high standard set by this theatre's owners. The two news reels are full of interest, and a comedy, "She Stoops to Conquer," is exceptionally funny. A feature of the performance is the bright, catchy music which is rendered between and during some of the pictures. Next Friday the St. James' change of programme will be "Possessed," starring Joan Crawford. The picture is said to be a triumph in artistic reproduction.

STRAND THEATRE. Bert _ Wheeler and Robert Woolsey prove irresistible attractions wherever their comedies are screened, and in "Caught Plastered," now showing at the Strand Theatre, they are every bit as pleasing as they were in their six other triumphs. With desirable little Dorothy Lee as the sweetheart of the handsome Bert Wheeler, the picture is assured of success. The story of "Caught Plastered" concerns the hilarious adventures of the two boys after they "take over" a drug store to help its owner—an old lady—and then find that instead of a new lemon syrup, they have been sold a highly alcoholised drink to place before their thirsty customers—they had turned the drug store into a eoda fountain. However, all turns out well in the end, and the boys look towards a rosy future with pretty Dot beside them to spur them on.

"LONELY WIVES." One of the finest comedies that Aucklanders have yet had the opportunity of seeing on the screen, " Lonely Wives," is the present attraction at both the Tivoli and Empress Theatres, Newton. Edward Everett Horton plays an unscrupulous husband to Esther Ralston, while Laura La Plante and Patsy Ruth Miller have supporting roles.

ALEXANDRA THEATRE. " The Speckled Band," a stirring British mystery picture, and "Shanghaied Love," a fine story of romance on the high seas, are the two main films listed for to-night at the Alexandra Theatre. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Ricardo Cortez and Kay Francis create definite starring roles in " Transgression," which will be presented at the Ambassador Theatre to-night in conjunction with "How Dry We Arc," a Slim Sommerville comedy. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. j "Shanghaied Love," a tale of the untamed men of the sea, and " The Deceiver" form the programme at the New de Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, this evening. " The Deceiver " is a gripping story of murder backstage in New York. RIALTO THEATRE. Ramon Novarro's most fascinating role—that of the lead in " Son of India " —will delight patrons at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, this evening, where he will be seen in that film. Madge Evans, the heroine of " Sporting Blood " and "Heartbreak," plays his leading lady. KINGSLAND TALKIES | A powerful, dramatic story is unfolded in "One Heavenly Night," the film listed for to-night at the Ivingland Talkies. John Boles and Evelyn Laye take the main Toles. "Skyline," with Thomas Meighan and Hardie Albright, will also be shown. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Laurel and Hardy are to be seen in their first long-run comedy, " Pardon Us," at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening. " Hello Sister " will also be screened. BAND PERFORMANCES. The Auckland Municipal Band will render a programme, including Beethoven, Puccini, Ponchielli and Wallace, in the Albert Park to-morrow evening at 8.30. Selections will also be given at the Zoological Park in the afternoon. On Thursday evening a programme will be played at Point Erin Park.

A special concert will be given by the Auckland Girls' Brass Band at the Devonport Rotunda on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock.