AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 78, 2 April 1932, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

THE CIVIC THEATRE. T'lose who were attracted by th-j monument of "Daddy Longlegs" will fin - equal pleasure in "The Beloved Bachelor," which began its season at the Civic Theatre last night, and, with the strong supporting program me, makes an entertainment whose appeal should draw a steady flow of patronage. The keynote of the story, which achieved wide success in the United States as a play, is Lhe chivalrous tenderness of the hero towards his ward. Unconsciously the girl as a child lias wrecked the marriage plans of her guardian, and in concentration on her upbringing the latter finds balm for his bitterness, and suddenly awakes to the fact that what he had regarded as being an ordinary paternal a flection for his beautiful ward has suddenly burst into a flaming love that lie has to smother and conceal that he may not baulk the girl in her quest or her life's happiness. The pair fence delicately at cross purposes before the grand iinale comes in the sudden mutual knowledge that the other is "the one." Paul Lukas, who has jumped into popularity as "the new star that everyone likes," makes an especially appealing character in the leading male part, in ji man who combines intense virility with ; i tender and most attractive chivalry. Dorothy Jordan enacts the role of a girl who romps into the affections of everyone around her, and finally breaks down the reserve of her beloved bachelor. Delightful streaks of humour combine with msp action to make the entertainment ;nost alluring. Charlie Ruggles, in the character of a friend who hides his consistent charity of thought and deed behind a mask of quiet buffoonery, is one i>f the outstanding roles of the picture. Included in the supporting programme jire a Paramount newsreel, a very striking educational film of the steel industry, a Cinesound special of the Sydney 3ridge scenes, and a Slim Summerville comedy. Each of - these has something i>f special appeal, the gazette dealing, Among other things, with the Chinese .ind Indian troubles, the steel-making ;ilm featuring vividly the human risk jjkl mastodonic machinery of the industry, and the comedy being one of the jest Summerville efforts to date.

NATIONAL THEATRE. "What price divorce?" That is the iiuestion propounded in Paramount's •'Road to Reno," which heads the new entertainment at the National Theatre. The collective result of all the colourful, exciting, humorous and at times gravely dramatic action of the play is to bring forward an argument against divorce and in defence of the holy institution of carriage—originally arranged for two human beings to live in harmony and happiness all their lives, carrying out the fundamental law only as an incident. Excellent acting in "The Road to Reno" brings out this modern anti-marital viewpoint to a wonderful degree, showing the follies and foibles that are inseparable from our "enlightened" twentieth century civilisation. For the story told is the mental and moral story af most young married couples of the ige. They squabble and abide not each other's faults, seeking instead the divorce court and false freedom. Lilyan Tashman may not arouse much sympathy by her role of the modern mother who goes to Reno, the city of Nevada where divorces are easily gained within six weeks, merely because the practice seems to her to be the fashionable thing io do. But for all that her work justifies every atom of the popularity that has come her way, for she has turned out a remarkable performance. So also ■have the other members of the cast— irving Pichel, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Judith Wood, William Boyd, and Peggy Shannon. There are five actual stars in the film, a most unusual number. Skeets Gallagher does more of his monkey tricks, providing the bulk of ;he comedy in this comedy-drama, which has also a strong dash of pleasurable lomance. In fact, the whole picture is most enjoyable. STRAND THEATRE. Drama and comedy can be delightfully mingled by a director who knows his Job, and there is noi doubt that Albert Rogeir, who was responsible for the altimate form of "Suicide Fleet," which itommenced a season at the Strand Theatre last evening,- has succeeded . In his task, for the film is just as careful a combination of laughter and sheer drama as could be found anywhere. Some exciting war scenes, all on the ocean, are used as the base of the picture, while forms a most pleasurable framework. This aspec, is supplied mainly by a new actress in popular favour, "Ginger" Rogers, who takes her name from the vivid shade of her hair. In temperament and chaira she greatly resembles the red-haired Clara Bow, whoso earlier type of film Miss Rogers seems to bo usurping with considerable success. Robert Armstrong, the unforgettable comedian of "Shipmates," is the laughing young hero, while William Boyd and James Gleas.m (father of the illustrious Russell) are also given important parts in the cast, which includes approximately 5000 of the United States Navy's officers and men from no less than six destroyers and threo submarines. It would bo extremely difficult for a patron to go away from any other show in town more pleased than he would be after having seen "Suicide Fleet." Every member of the cast does his or her work in admirable fashion, but there is little doubt that "Ginger" Kogers steals the histrionic honours of the film by her intensely vivid and natural performance. ROXY THEATRE. Two fine pictures form the film fare offered at tho Roxy Theatre this week. They are . "Caught" and "Women Love Once." In the former Louise Dresser makes a welcome reappearance, this time as tho roughest character in the West — the proprietress of a dingy cafe who jibs at nothing to attain her petty ends. She is called "Calamity Jane," and well does she merit the name. She makes it her business to frustrate the romance springing up between Frances Dee and Richard Arlen, but these two carry out their hopes to the logical conclusion of happiness. Richard Arlen has been a favourite for many years, and he has not lost any of his attraction with the rising of a new generation. In the other film, "Women Love Once," Paul Lukas and Eleanor Boardman are co-starred, and the picture is eminently worthy of • such a combination. PLAZA THEATRE. Well into the second week of screening, "Splinters in the Navy" shows little sign of weakening in attendance at the Plaza as yet. This fine British comedy boasts Sydney Howard, the laugh-maker who never laughs, as its leading light. His is the personality that made such successes of "Splinters," "Tilly of Bloomsbury," and "Up for the Cup," all within recent months. Hal Jones is very good as the little Cockney who is Sydney Howard's right-hand man and companion in all his triumphs and woes. Reg. Stone, the well-known female impersonator, also has a most entertaining role.

THE REGENT. A feature of the new programme at the Regent, which never fails to meet with public approval, is a wealth of topical subjects portrayed in the news reels, two of which are Australian productions. The pictorial account of the historic opening of the Sydney bridge with the sensational incident depicting Captain de Groot, will be serened for the second last time to-,lay. while the new Cinesound reel contai. - a further budget of events in Australia and New Zealand and proves highly popular. A splendid scene of the Auckland Show at* Epsom is included, giving a view of the parade of stock and the steer-riding event. A travel film takes the audience to historic monasteries of the Balkan States, while a comedy film embracing a wonderful eccentric dance item, and a screen song completes the supports. The top of the bill is allotted to "Bought," an adaptation of the novel "The Jackdaw's Strut," featuring the vivacious and talented Constance Bennett. The picture has been admirably chosen as a vehicle for the cultured qualities 011 which Constance Bennett has built up her popularity, and throughout her impersonation of the young and infatuating socio ty butterfly and lier earlier striving in a lower strata for the glamour of the upper circle, she scores an impressive success. Stepliany Dale ia obsessed with a desire for grandeur and is blinded by the glittering of wealth and luxury. She is born in humble circurastanccs with a discreditably selfish complex! Her personal appearance is her greatest asset and she attains a position as a model, which paves the way to an entry into society and leads to romance as well as prevarication regarding her progenitors. But she must have wealth and grandeur. Her real affection lies in humble circumstances; she is devoted to a struggling writer, but she deceives herself by the passion for position and affluence, considering the greatest sacrifice a young woman can make~as not too much to attain he. objective. When, however, she has established herself a favourite with the aristocracy sho. discovers how shallow is the life they live and her disillusionment is complete. The acting of the principals is certainly supreme.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"The Silent Witness," wliicli is the feature of the programme at the Majestic Theatre, is a murder mystery refreshingly good because at no stage does it go beyond the bounds of reason. A pocket wallet and portion of a cheque indicates that Sir Austin Howard (Lionel Atwill) is the murderer, and the circumstances point to the crime being the outcome of an affair between him and the beautiful and alluring Nora Selmcr (Greta Nisaen). As a matter of fact, it is the son of Anthony Howard (Bramwell Fletcher) who has been associated with the woman, and when he discovers she has been playing with him the while he has been serious in his love for her, he loses control of himself a.nd strangles her, or he believes he has. The father believes so, too, and shoulders the responsibility, confident he has a watertight alibi, but in a remarkable Court trial under a severe cross-examination Sir Austin sees his alibi crumbling. The situations are tense, but there is a sensational climax when the criminal is proved to be one of the very last the police suspected. It is a fine picture, well acted, and the interest is sustained from beginning to end. The first half of the programme is excellent. Sidelights on the public and private life of the champion racehorse, Pliar Lap, are well covered. He is shown in training, at his stables, winning the Melbourne Cup of 1930, and the Randwick Plate. Benny Kuben, in "The Messenger Boy," is a delightful short comedy, and in the newsreels are pictures showing the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the sensational arrest of Captain de Groot, who cut the ribbon, a fire brigade rally in Victoria, bullfight in -Spain, Melbourne, celebrating St. Patrick's Bay. the drawing of the marbles in Tattersail's consultations and a film of the Auckland Girls' Brass Band in action. LONDON THEATRE. Ronald Colman always has a different leading lady in his popular films, but few have been so pleasing as Loretta Young, who was cast opposite the romantic star in "The Devil to Pay," the main film offering at the London Theatre this week. "The Devil to Pay" is clever and just a little risque for sedate .New Zealand audiences, but nevertheless it has proved exceedingly popular. CAPITOL THEATRE. Lionel Barrvmorc is seen with Leila Hyams in John Gilbert's "The Phantom of Paris," which will share screening honours at the Capitol Theatre this evening with the Janet Gaynor-Charles Farrell film, "Merely Mary Ann." EMPIRE THEATRE. Few actresses have been so popular as Norma Shearer, and her "Let Us Be Gay" lias a record that might be envied by many a director. This film (with Marie Dressier in the cast) will be screened at the Empire Theatre tonight.

STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA.

"The Squaw Man," the film version of a popular play, which is to be screened to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, features Warner Baxter in the main dramatic role, with Eleanor Boardman and Lupe Velez in the feminine leads. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. Marion Davies is a perpetual favourite with all comedy-loving audiences, and in "It's a Wise Child," listed for screening at the Picturedrome, Milford, to-night, she is quite as good as ever. Dancing will follow. LYRIC THEATRE. One of the most lucrative pairings ever made in Screenland was that* of Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, and these two in "Merely Mary Ann" reach the climax of their work. The film will be shown at the Lyric Theatre to-night. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier' is a magic name for box-offices. This laughing, romantic Frenchman will be seen to-night at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonbv, in "The Smiling Lieutenant." Claudette Colbert is also in the cast. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Joan Crawford gives of her best in her latest stirring drama, "This Modern Age," which will be presented in conjunction with the drama, "Reckless Living," at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening. Mae Clark heads the cast in the latter film. AVONDALE TOWN HAIL. Zane Grey's red-blooded stories will always hold their attraction. The film version of "The Riders of the Purple Sago" will head the programme at the Avondale Town Hall to-nighc. George O'Brien plays the hero. RIALTO THEATRE. "Sporting Blood," an epic drama of the turf in the most "racy" part of the United States, will form the main attraction at the liialto Theatre, Newmarket, this evening. A Laurel and Hardy comedy will also be screened.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

With a notable cast, the dramatic story of espionage "Mata Hari" attracted crowded audiences at St. James Theatre yesterday to both the afternoon and evening performances. This film is something out of the ordinary both in respect to its acting and the story itself. Greta Garbo and Ramon Xovarro are always great drawing cards, but the producers, not content even witn these two stars in the leading roles, have assembled for the presentation of this film such well-known actors as Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone, C. Henrj

Gordon, Karen Morlcy, Alec B. Francis, and many other gifted performers. Tlic story is based on the }ife of the notoiious dancer whose intrigues as a spy during the World War resulted in her execution by a French firing squad. The picture deals with Mata Ilari's love affairs and with certain aspects of lier espionage work where she uses all her charm and brains to secure State secrets. The rolo she takes is one of the most drama;,ie and effective of lier career, and she holds Iter audience tense throughout the screening. From the viewpoint of stoiy, direction, settings and photography, the picture sets a new standard. There could not be a better combination than Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro to portray so consuming a romance/ It is a hectic love story. The great dancer held men in high places spellbound with lie" seductiveness, and as a spy could worm herself into tile confidence of the more important officials. For her men became traitors and cowards. She was the queen of temptresses, but all the influence of high places could not save her at the final moment, when she was brouglr, to book by the head of the French Secret Service. The supporting programme is 011 a par with the main feature. The film of the opening of Sydney's bridge, including the famous ribbon-cutting incident, is excellent and worth seeing, apart from all else. There are other interesting featurettes, one in particular dealing with the pearl industry. The enemy of the divers, the devil fish, is given thrilling prominence. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Eddie Dowling is one of the most popular of American stage stars, and lie brings his art to the screen in ''Honeymoon Lane," which will bo presented at the Alexandra Theatre tonight, together with "Waterloo Bridge," a drama of war-oppressed London. TIYOLI AND EMPRESS. Once in a while there comes to delight and fascinate film audiences a picture that is truly great, and all the superlatives in existence will not describe it so well as its reputation. Such a film is "East' of Borneo," which will be presented at the Tivoli and Empress Theatres, Newton, this evening. Charles Bickford and Rose Hobart play the main roles. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Produced in British studios, with British capital and British acting, 110 film, if of the same standard of entertainment, should merit British patronage more than "The Outsider," listed tonight for the New De Luxe Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. One of the greatest dramas ever filmed from a work of fiction will be screened this evening at the Crystal Palace Theatre, 'Mount Eden. This picture is "Waterloo Bridge," a war-time story of London, starring Mae Clarke and Kent Douglas. "Honeymoon Lane," with Eddie Dowling, will also be presented. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Ann Harding comes back to the standard of her former triumphs in "Devotion," to be shown to-night at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. In this fine dramatic picture Miss Harding lias Leslie Howard as her leading man. EDENDALE CINEMA. Paul Lukas, although he has been acting in films for some time, has only lately sprung before the public eye. He gives of his best in "Strictly Dishonourable," to be screened to-night at the Edendale Cinema. TUDOR THEATRE. Simplicity is the keynote of "Bad Girl," the entertaining film which is announced for screening at the- Tudor Theatre this evening. James Dunn and Sally Eilers play the sympathetic roles of husband and wife. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE.

A fine assortment of entertainment will be offered at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, this evening. Will Rogers will be seen in "Ambassador Bill," and Loretta. Young in "Too Young to Marry." ADELPHI THEATRE. "What a Widow," with Gloria Swanson in the lead, will form the main film fare at the Adelphi Theatre this evening. "Hello Sister," with Olive Borden and Lloyd Hughes, will also be screened. A free dance for patrons will follow. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Gloria Swanson's latest glamorous film, "Indiscreet," will be to-night's chief draw at the Kingsland Talkies (Theatre Royal). Olsen and 'Johnson will also be seen in "Fifty Million Frenchmen," a comedy. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEYONPORT. "Scandal Sheet," a newspaper drama, will be screened to patrons at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. George Bancroft is seen as an unbending editor, with Kay Francis, Regis Toomey and Clive Brook supporting. WEST END THEATRE. Beautiful in the sense that it is a really great story of human drama at the height of sacrifice, "The Rosary" has uplifted thousands of filmgoers. It will be shown, with "Heartbreak," at tlie West End Theatre to-night. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Sydney Howard lias become almost overnight one of the most popular comedians of the screen, and in "Up for the Cup" he is just as laughable. This film will be shown, with "The Outsider," at the New Regent, Epsom, tonight. MAORI CARNIVAL. Next Saturday the management of the Maori Hostelry will conduct a combined sports and concert meeting in the Mangere Mountain Domain in aid of funds for the erection of a new hostel at Mangore. The programme will be in the nature of a fair, sideshows and attractions being heavily booked. A concert of Maori items will also be presented. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. The Little Theatre Society will produce "The Constant Nymph" at His Majesty's Theatre 011 April 14 and the following two nights, with a matinee on the Saturday. Special scenery and effects have been prepared, and a cast of local players lias been rehearsing. The names of players that appeared in our paragraph yesterday were included by error. They belong to the cast of "Nothing But the Truth."

"NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH." Mrs. Zoo Bartley-Baxter's Players will on April 9 present at His Majesty's Theatre the delightful comedy of manners "Nothing But the Truth," acted by a east of local players. The proceeds will go to 'the Rev. Jasper Calder's City Mission. Tim Hudson plays the leading role, with Ysolinde McVeagh as the heroine, Lees -Bullot as the father, and Dan Flood in a strong supporting role. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will offer a selection of music in the Zoological Gardens to-morrow afternoon, and at the session in Albert Park in the evening pieces will be played from Wagner, Schubert and Gilbert and Sullivan. THE SKATING RINKS. Roushworth's Skating Rink, Khyber Pass Road, will see high revel at the grand opening carnival session to-night. A special programme has been arranged to meet the needs of the occasion. The Auckland Girls' Brass Band will be in attendance, supplying suitable music, which will be all the more acceptable since the floor is composed of asphalt and deadens all sound. Exhibition skating will be given by Messrs. R. and H. Rouslnvorth and partners. Many novel arrangements have been made for the convenience of patrons. The liivoli Skating Rink will offer tte patrons the laughable "ass and monkey" race to-night, which has hitherto not been seen in this country. DANCING. Dixieland, Miss Jean Home in a special exhibition of dancing in 1830. Peter Pan, special race ball. Mayfair Cabaret, dancing. Parisian Studio dance at the Manchester Unity Hall, Victoria Street West. Scots Hall, Symonds Street, Melbourne Silver Star dance. 'Crystal Palace Ballroom, Auckland Cycle Club's dance. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. Bon Ton Hall, Koyal Oak, Don Hay and his "Vagabond" Players. Kitchener Street Hall, Wendy Dance •Club (late Apaches). Druids' Old-time Cabaret, Newton, "The Famous Revellers." Dixiana Cabaret, usual jazz programme. Orange Hall, Newton, "Strollers'" Dance Club. O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, "' ' ' t ' V '