AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 135, 9 June 1932, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. Tlio latest picture starring Marleno Dietrich, "Shanghai Express," in which slio is cast with dive Brook, Warner Oland and Anna May Wong, is so successful at the Civic that it is being carried on a sccond week at the theatre, against all former custom. The rise to stardom of Mariene Dietrich is regarded by motion picture executives as perhaps tlie most rapid in film history. As a stage filar in Germany, she was "discovered" by Josef von Sternberg when ho went to Berlin to direct Emil Janningsi in "The Blue Angel." Miss Dietrich then went to Hollywood, where sho was starred in "Morocco" with Gary Cooper and promptly acquired popularity and acclaim. A short time later she was again starred in "Dishonoured" (with Victor McLagleil), and then returned to Berlin 011 a long vacation. Upon lier return to Hollywood a few months ago, she was apprised of her selection for the stellar role in "Shanghai Express." Immediately she started to work 011 the script. Officials recently announced that Mies Dietrich has signed to a new contract, seven months before the expiration of her present 011 c. PLAZA THEATRE. So successful have Bert Wheeler and Bob Woolsey been in "Peach o' Reno" at the Plaza that they will continue an extended season there. As two divorce lawyers in Reno, Nevada, these comedians provide thousands of laughs, all of which are new—contrary to what might be expected after having produced eight or nine similar pictures. f When "Peach o' Reno 1 ' leaves the Plaza, the new picture will be "111 a Monastery Garden," a British film, in which an ! engrossing story is woven around the lilting strains of the famed eomposi--1 tion of the same name. John Stuart, Joan Maude and IJmnberstone Wright take the main roles and they certainly make a line success of them. It is seldom that an appreciation conies from a preview of a film, but this drama of the emotions of two brothers in Jove with the same girl and equally in love with fame, when screened here privately some time ago, created a very acceptable impression upon the small audience. It carries an honest recommendation with it. ROXY THATRE. Edward G. Robinson displays the talents fio revealed in "Little Caesar" once more in the film "Smart Money," a saga of the gambling dens of Prohibitionist America. This picture commenced a season at the Boxy Theatre last evening, being 011 a double-feature programme together with the strong drama 'Unconventional." 111 "Smart Money," Edward G. Robinson is cast as a gambler too big for one little town and too small for another big city. He would have succeeded in both, however, had it not been for his inordinate love for blondes—and hifi love-making always fails. Ho has an excellent supporting cast in this picture, headed by such celebrities as Evalyn Kriapp and James Cagney, with Boris Karloff and Ralf ITaroldo in the van. In "Unconventional," Barbara Stanwyck relates the story of a girl who had strange and desperato theories about love and marriage, and tried to carry them out—with the amount of success usual in such cases, but with an unbounded amount of drama collected in the trying. MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Stripped,of all false sentimentality about tlio "blue-coated guardians of the law," tlio truth concerning American police forces of to-day is said to be vividly revealed in "Disorderly Conduct," the film screening at the Majestic Theatre to-night. Neither a pious lecturo nor an impeachment, the picture deals with true-to-life characters—an ambitious motor cycle officer who becomes embittered when liis disregard of politics brings about his unmerited disgrace; tlio honest police captain who suddenly has to choose between love and duty; tlio politician's daughter whose arrogance starts all the trouble; the politician himself, using his influence ruthlessly for personal revenge. Those and the other important figures in the story were all drawn from life by the author, William Anthony McGuire. Sally Eilers, Spencer Tracy, Ralph Bellamy and Dickie Moore have tlio four principal roles in the picture, which was directed by John W. Coneidine, jun.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The iinal screening of George Arlis*' first modern picture, "The Millionaire," will take place this evening at the National Theatre. This master of characterisation is ably supported in this production by Evalyn Knapp, David Milliners, Florence Arliss and Noah Beery. Tho National will effect a change of programme to-morrow, the new film fnre being topped by "The Honour of the Family," in which Belie Daniels is cast. This film is essentially a comedy, but, as is the case with all good comedies, tho laughs are accentuated by a strong dramatic background—strong but not "sloppy." Bebe's work will be remembered in "Rio Rita," in which Wheeler and Woolsev made their names, also "Reaching For tho Moon" and "The Maltese Falcon." In "The Honour of tho Family," Warren Williams plays the chief male role. HOSPITAL CONCERT. Patients of ward 26 at the Auckland Hospital wero entertained at a concert on Wednesday evening arranged by Mrs. Racbuni and Mr. A. Hamblin. A delightful programme was given by Miss O'Lcary's pupils under the direction of Mrs. Boyle. It consisted of pongs, fancy dancing, ducts, and special items. The young people were all in fancy costume. Those taking part were: Misses I'. Boyle, K. Simeon, V. Payne, J. Beattio, .T. Rice, P. Pavno, X. Pyke. A. Arthur, H. Coney, .T. MeAlpine, little Rekanui Simeon, Master Noel Matheson, Neil Arrow and Mrs. Boyle as accompanist. LONDON THEATRE. To-day will mark the final screening of tho comedy-drama, "Mother's Millions," starring the veteran actress, May Robson, at the London Theatre. On the samo bill is a clever George SidneyCharlio Murray comedy, "Models and Wives." The entertainment offered to patrons to-morrow is headed by "After To-morrow," in which Charles Farrell plays a typical romantic role. Also featured will be "Soup to Nuts," a pleasing British comedy. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The famous waliz of Johann Strauss. "The Blue Danube," is incorporated into as fine a. British picture as has ever been produced, and this film will head the entertainment at the Crystal Palace this evening. A British comedy, "Almost a Divorce," with Sydney Howard, will also be seen. TIVOLI THEATRE. The strength of tiie white man's prestige in the pestilence-ridden jungles of Indo-China forms the magnificent theme of Ann Harding's latest film, "l'resti"c " which will be co-featured at the Tivoli to-night with the British picture, "The Stronger Sex."

REGENT THEATRE. A. "new Billie Dove" will flash across the screen at the Regent Theatre tonight when the widely-heralded How aid Ilu-hes production, "The Age for Love, Screened. This is Miss Dove's first pic U,™ since she retired front the screen IS months ago, discouraged by a nunibu of inferior pictures ill wluell she required to appear under a studio policy. Under the .»« w ', l j llu"hes producer/ship, and 111 one of t . I)10 st brilliantly entertaining P ,ctul since the advent of sound films t ; beautiful star is with a nc\\ glamour, and in a characterisation which metropolitan critics, hailing, he. as th new Dove," have declared ie; the performance of her caieei. 11 — 1 turo with Mies Dove are Churls St ,- rett, Lois Wilson, Edward Everett Ho. - ton Mary Duncan, Adrian Morris, Betty Ross Clarke and others. 1 lie story, .1 daring and sophisticated tale of modern love and marriage, is from the no\e 1 . Ernest Pascal, and the dialogue wd» written by Robert E. Sherwood, th. famous critic and playwrig.it.

COMMUNITY SINGING. A new departure in community sim'ino- will commence to-morrow, when Mr? t! T. Garland ("Uncle Tom ) will conduct a special sing for b " s '" cs « people in the Lewis Lady Hall duiin tho luncheon hour every Friday. With the greater proportion of young, xresli voice's these sings, which are to be broadcast by IYA, should provide something particularly good for listeners-ill. In order that'business folk will have equal opportunity of obtaining admission to the hall the doors will not be open till 12.5. The Australian cities have community singing all the year round. In the Old Land it is the order of the day where sporting events. are held. The main object of the idea is the sing itself. There will lie a collection to defray expenses. Any excess will go to the poor and needy fund.

EMPRESS THEATRE. One of flip proa lost linrrnr films ever produced is "Frankenstein, in which tho leading roles are taken by Boris Karloff, Colin ('live. John link's. Mac Clark and Frederick Kerr. This lilm will lie seen at the Empress Theatre to-Jiight, together with Buck Jones.' ''High tipced,"