AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 124, 27 May 1932, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

A unique method of weaving broadcasting with a family difference which results in tragedy Is the main attraction in the new programme .now at the Majestic. "Are You Listening?" features the life of a radio studio man, married to a soulless, nagging woman, and in love at the same time with one of the artists who appears regularly in the studio. The wife's accidental death when she seeks her husband after ha has been dismissed from employment, the devotion of the radio girl who hears the police broadcast of the alleged murderer as he comes to bid her good-bye, the flight and arrest of the pair, form the thrilling sequence that ends in pathos and hope. Incidental to the plot is a series of scenes illustrative of how big broadcasting is conducted in America. To the New Zealand listener these are a revelation of all that we have been spared here, and they form no small part in the attractivenpes of the picture, the story of which covers a wide range of quick-action incidents most cleverly filmed. With the story in the hands of such artists as Wallace Ford, the radio writer, Anita Page, his wife, Madge Evans, the microphone actress, and Joan Marsh, the younger sister, who comes to seek city life, the interpretation of tha unusual tale is as convincing as could be. "Are You Listening?" is a picture with a direct appeal to the broadcast listener, and that means the general public nowadays. "In Walked Charlie" is another of those characteristic screams in which the inimitable Charlie Chase figures. How he helps in providing a husband with an excuse to feign lunacy, and ends as a prospective son-in-law, are followed through roars of laughter. This week's Fox Australian News is of special interest. It includes an excellent filming at the official opening of the Wellington carillon, and a series of unusually good Australian shots, one depicting wonderful aquatic evolutions by a bevy of girl swimmers at Bondi. It is a real water ballet. The cartoon, "Africa Squeaks," is a burlesque so clever that it needs even no acquaintance witli the source of its inspiration. In all-round attractions the Majestic has a thoroughly enjoyable programme this week. • STRAND THEATRE.

1 Comedy and drama are cleverly combined to make a picture of unusual interest in "Ladies of the Jury," which opened a season at the Strand Theatre last night. The story is wound around the problem which confronts a jury of deciding between the stories of two women—one, accused of shooting a husband who accidentally shot himself: and the other a servant of the former who perjures herself for her lover, the next-of-kin of the accused, who on the death of the young wife would inherit her fortune. The scenes in the court and jury room are full of humorous situations, intermingled with just sufficient drama, while the final .scenes, in which the actual crooks are exposed, provide a thrilling climax to a complicated court case. The part of the young accused is taken by Jill Esmond, who was Ruth Chatterton's daughter in "Once a Lady." She has an appealing charm all her own. Edna May Oliver (of "Fanny Foley Herself") provokes much laughter in her affected familiarity with the judge (Robert McWade), and her continual interruptions during cross-examination are genuinely funny. Ken. Murray and Rosco Ates contribute much humour in the jury room. The supporting programme is of the usual Strand quality, and includes a fine newsreel, a cartoon of the popular animal type, a most amusing comedy, and a true detective story which forms thrilling entertainment. PLAZA THEATRE.

Two compelling productions head the new bill of fare offered to the large audiences which attended yesterday's sessions of the Plaza Theatre. A portrayal of modern American youth is given in '"Are These Our Children?" which brings to the silver sheet a group of fine young actors trained by the Theatre Guild, and the film is one of intense realism. It was directed by Wesley Buggies, who made "Cimarron," and 'it follows the eventful careers of high school 'hoys and girls who stampede their way through mature experiences oblivious of the consequences. The characters live every moment of this swiftly moving study, which poinds the way to a great moral lesson quite outside its tragic ending. Erie Linden, who appears as the leader of the band of youthful renegades, is responsible for a masterly performance, imparting to the role the exact degree of self-aseertiveness it demanded. Mary, the lovable girl who never deserts her erring sweetheart, is played with charm and sympathy by Rochelle Hudson, and the fascinating leader of the female smart set is portrayed with complete understanding by Arline Judge. Beryl Mercer, as the grandmother, gives yet another of her magnificent interpretations of the motherly role. Other members in the cast are Ben Alexander, Robert Quirk, Roberta Gale, Will'iam Orlamond, Billy Butts, Ralf Harolde, and Harry Shutan. The aims and disappointments of a young couple form the basis of the second film, "After Tomorrow," in which Charles Farrell and Marian Nixon have the leading parts. The acting throughout is superb, 'it is a hard and a bitter struggle that the man and his maid encounter in their search for happiness, but patience gains its just reward in the end. The element of comedy has been cleverly interlarded with the undercurrent of pathos, and the film as a whole provides delightful entertainment as well as supplying food for serious thought. A Pathe Audio Review completes the programme. CONCERT IN SCOTS HALL.

A highly successful benefit concert was held in the Scots Hall last evening, when a varied programme was rendered. Contributors were: Ponsonby Boys' Brass Band, the Whitt.y family, Misses Hilda Morse, Alice McKio, Jessie Smith, and Messrs. Hal C. McLennan, Gordon Fagan, Fred Simm, Allan McSkimming, Joe Halford, Fred Beaeham, Rusden, O'Neill, H. Righton, and Woolford,. Mr. Righton was the accompanist. COMMUNITY SINGING. Community singing will he conducted in the Lewis Eady Hall at 7.30 this evening, under the direction of Mr. Matt Guthrie. PUBLIC ADDRESSES. The noted American scientist, Professor A. H. Compton, Xobel Prize winner and lecturer in physics at the University of Chicago, will this evening give an address in the Auckland University College Hall in Princes Street, on the subject: "Is Life a Matter of Change?" The public is invited to attend free of charge. , i

Mr. M. J. Savage, Labour M.P. for Auckland West and Deputy-Leader of the Opposition, will address an audience in the Prince Edward Theatre on Sunday evening. Orchestral selections will be rendered by the Waterside Workers' Band.

TO-NIGHT'S CHANGES. Only three theatres in the city will introduce new films this evening. They are: Civic, '"Service for Ladies," Leslie Howard and Geo. Grossmith; St. James', "The Devil's Lottery," with Elissa Landi and Victor McLaglen; and Regent, "The Impatient Maiden," with Mac Clarke and Lew Ayres. The Plaza, Majestic and Strand Theatres dhanged programmes last evening, and the Roxy on Tuesday. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" will commence a season at the National to-day.