AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 137, 11 June 1932, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

'PRIVATE LIVES."

; Tiie adage that "the path of true love ■ never runs smooth" is well borne out in the screen adaptation of the highlyI successful Noel Coward play, "Private I Lives,' , which commenced a season at the St. James' Theatre last evening. [Noel Coward is probably the most successful playwright alive" to-day, and his "Private Lives," as interpreted by . Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer. is a worthy example of his genius. The film features Norma. Shearer in the leading rolo as Amanda, who, after two years of wedlock with Elyot (Robert -Montgomery), speka and gains divorce. She then marries Victor, a stodgy egoist, while Elyot weds Sybil, a woman whose first line of defence is a catty hysteria. By a strange mischance, both couples go to the same place for their honeymoon, and the firai scenes of the new married life of the two couples lead one to gueee that neither Amanda hoc Elyot will be deliriously happy. When each finds out by sheer chance" that the other is there, bo'th try to persuade their respective better halves to leave the place. Elyot tells his wife that he is psychic on soma subjects and that he liac. a feeling of disaster imminent. The upshot is that the old lovers, Amanda and Elyot, run away together, even though they are both married to someone else, and love and quarrel as they ever did; but love predominates. The picture is one that will convulse any audience with laughter. Nothing just like ifc has come to Auckland film-goers previously. Amanda and Elyot, particularly as portrayed by Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery, are lovable characters. The supporting programme is notable for two songs by Sir Harry Laucler. The audience showed a deep appreciation of his singing of "Tobermory" and "Stop Your Ticklin', Jock," which were only two of' the ditties that made his name a household one. Some pretty glimpses of Madeira were given in a travel film, and two news pictures gave prominence to many recent events of world significance. A humorous picture gave "shots" of training American athletes for the Olympic Games.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The following, which has been built up among lovers of good acting by Sally Eilers, is little less than amazing. This actress, who is cast with Spencer Tracy, Ralph Bellamy and El Brendel in "Disorderly Conduct" at the Majestic, usc-1 to be seen first of all in the leading feminine roles of many of the cowbo/ adventure films of Hoot Gibson —whom she later married. Then, in more recent times, she was given the main role with James Dunn and Mae Marsh in "Ovoithe Hill." While waiting for its production, Dunn and Miss Eilere were cast in "Bad Girl," and their sensational success bore witness to their ability. Next came "Dance Team," then a series of films in which they were separated. Rally Eilers was last 'starred in "Sob Sister," ami now "Disorderly Conduct" arrives to bring her latest screen triumph.

STRAND THEATRE. The current attraction at the Strand is not so much the film "Lady With a Past," but Constance Bennett who is starred in the picture. This actress is one of the "most popular on the screen, her salary of £0000 per week—the highest in the- world —proving indisputably that every one of her films is a fimt-rate box-office "hit." Her wearing of good clothes, her undoubted acting ability and her physical beauty, added to her irresistible "charm and appealing wistfulness, arc responsible for her phenomenal success. Filmgoere will not be disappointed with her performance in "Lady With a Past," which possesses a strong dramatic story admirably suited to her talents. Her former film triumphs include "This Thing Called Love. "Common Clay," "Born to Love," "Bought and "The* Common Law." BRITANNIA THEATRE. One of the finest character and dramatic actors of his day, Walter Huston, star of "Law and Order," will be seen in that picture at the Britannia Theatre to-night. C'laudettc Colbert's "Secrets of a Secretary" will also be screened. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Real mystery and genuine thrills will accompany the screening to-night of the Eastern detective picture, "Charlie Chan's Chance," at the Grey Lynn Cinema. "Secrets of a Secretary" (with Claudette Colbert) will also be offered. EMPIRE THEATRE. Wheeler and Woolsey are the orginators of the laughter that will be heard in the Empire Theatre this evening. The film in which they • are starring is "Caught Plastered," a comedy of two crazy clowns in a drug-store. ADELPHI THEATRE. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell will be the life" and soul of "Merely Mary Ann," now screening at the Adclphi Theatre. Tin's picture tells the wistful story of a brilliant young musician and a charming little boarding-house waitress. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Two of the best pictures that have been screened in Auckland this season will offer at the Kingsland Talkies to-night. These films are "Over the Hill" (James Dunn. Sally Eilers and Mac Marsh) and "Little Caesar" (Edward G. Robinson). GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. Clivc Brook has one of his characteristically impressive roles in "Silence," an entertaining dramatic film showing at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, this evening. Free dancing until midnight will be provided for patrons.

ST. ANDREW'S CONCERT. The opening concert and social of the St. Andrew's Society will be held in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening. A special programme of Scottish songs, elocutionary items and a one-act play entitled "The New Provost," will be presented. Supper and dancing will follow. RIALTO THEATRE. Jackie Cooper and Wallace Beery hav.j plenty of comedy and drama in their roles in "The Champ," which, will delight audiences at the Rialto Theatre to-night. Slim Summerville's "Racing Youth" will also be seen. CRYSTAL PALACE. Sydney Howard, the frozen-faced comedian scon in .several British films recently, will star in "Almost a Divorce' , at the Crystal Pnlace Theatre this evening, together with the British musical hit, "The Blue Danube." AVONDALE TOWN HALL. One of the best of recent Western films is George O'Brien's "The Rainbow Trail," in which Cecilia Parker is the heroine. MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. A concert will be given by the Municipal Band in the Town Halt this evening under the direction of Bandmaster George Buckley, when solo itcm6 will bo given by Madame Amy Milburn fsoprano), and Mr. Barry Coney (baritone). A line programme will be rendered on Sunday afternoon in the Zoo- j logical Park. I

I NATIONAL THEATRE. All the three main aspects of good film entertainment are combined with clever direction in the Nationals new film, " The Honour of the Family," which started a season at that theatre last evening; , . Comedy, drama, and romance have their parts in varying quantities, and to judge by the response of the audience to the film the mixture was \ciy well judged. There is little doubt that Honore Balzac is one of the greatest novelist,? of the world, his happy tales having- an appeal to all classes of people. In the Warner Brothers film from one. of his stories the popular actress Bebe Daniels'has the leading part, that of a lady who is loved by every man who comes within her circle- of acquaintances. She is seen as Laura, nurse and companion to an old nobleman, who plans to ask her to marry him. Just at this stage, however, a dashing young swordsman, Captain Boris Barany, arrives, and proceeds to "protect" the old man—his uncle—fr%m the snares of such, women as he conceived Laura, to be. The latter is actually in love with Tony, who is far below her yi wealth arid station. Captain Barany fight*, a thrilling duel with Tony, turns aside his uncle's thoughts of marriage in order to save the family honour, but ends by falling in love with Laura himself. William Warren plays the role of Captain Barany to perfection. This actor is noted on the American stage, the recruiting ground for so many of Hollywood's stars. Alan Mowbrey, another ex-stage star, is cast as the old uncle, while other players in the film are Frederick Kerr, Ditrt Parlo, and Harry Cording. Among a pleasing array of supporting films is included one of the popular Bobbie Jones series of golf pictures, " The Niblick." News reels, featurettea, and r splendid comedy complete an excellent programme.

REGENT THEATRE. Ever since her disastrous "fade-out" from screen work two years ago us the result of bad direction, Billie Dove lias remained in retirement—until she was persuaded to make one more attempt to regain her lost throne, with a popular novel for a plot, a line supporting cast, and Howard Hughes, the man who made "Hell's Angels," backing her up. The actress started rehearsing for "The Age For .Love," and. to judge by the reception she has been given in the past two days at the Regent Theatre, there is little doubt that she has quite succeeded in convincing the public that she is an AI actress. Billie Dove plays opposite Charles Starrett, whose name, although not well-known in Australasia, is a household word among American theatre patrons. Edward Everett Norton, who created much laughter in "Lonely Wives," has another ludicrous role in this picture. ROXY THEATRE. Of the two films now showing at the Roxy Theatre it would be a difficult task to choose the one most acceptable to an average audience. The first is "Unconventional," starring Barbara Stanwyck in one of her most true-to-life roles. She is supported by such players as James Rennie, Ricardo Cortez. Charles Buttorworth and Joan Blondoll. The other picture is.a real treat for those who love a combination of fine histrionics, breath-taking plot, bniva men and beautiful blondes. This film if ".'-mart Money." which boasts the name of the man who made famous on the .screen the title role of "Little Caesar" — Edward G. Robinson, whose passionate weakness for those same-blondes was his eternal stumbling block and his ultimate ruin. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Joan Crawford will be seen in her latest dramatic film. "Possessed, ,, at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. this evening. The handsome young Clark liable, favourite actor of thousands, takes the lending role, that of her wealthy sweetheart. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. Leslie Howard, the striking British actor who has made a series of highly successful films in Hollywood, will be seen in his second effor.t, "Never the Twain Shall Meet" (from Peter B. Kync's tale) at the Picturedromc, Milford, to-night. LYRIC THEATRE. "My Sin" was the latest vehicle for the appearance of Tallulah Bankhead. and this picture will be screened at the Lyric Theatre to-night, in conjunction with the comedy, "Social Errors," starring Leon Errol and fine cast. | TUDOR CINEMA. Beautiful in an unearthly way, Ann Harding is one of the most popular of screen stars. She will be seen with Leslie Howard in "Devotion" at the Tudor Cinema to-night, with "Hunting Wild Tigers in India," a fine adventure film. LONDON THEATRE. The role that Charles Farrell is given in the dramatic film, "After To-morrow," in which he is to be seen at the London, is one of intense realism and trueness to life. Marion Nixon has a charming part to play as his trusting sweetheart. The London Theatre is also screening "Soup to Nuts," a really funny English comedy.

NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. The British comedy success, "Mischief," starring Ralph Lynn, will be on a joint programme with Slim Summcrvillc'* "Racing Youth' , at the New Be Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, this evening. Both are well worth seeing. ' WEST END THEATRE. A fmo Edgar Wallace story forms the plot of ''The Menace," which will bo seen this evening at the West End Thesitre, together with the British musical drama, "Tho Beggar Student." starring Lance Fairfax, Shirley Dale and Mark Daly.

RIVOLI SKATING RINK. Owing to a protest having been entered against the dead-heat decision in the Williams-Porter one mile race last Wednesday, the management of the Rivoli Bleating rink has decided to renin the race to-night. Both competitors are keen and an exciting race is anticipated. SUNDAY CONCERT. A popular conceit will be giveii at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow evening under the direction of Mr. Arthur D. AVylic. Among the artists assisting will be Madame Bernaldi (Continental and English soprano), the Mounce Sisters, the Five Wonder Musicians, Mr. George Fowler (violinist), Mr. G. Dean (trumpet), Mr. Sidney Wilbraham (tenor), the King Sisters (saxophone duet), John Yardley (war piper), little Maurie Robertson, Dudley's 3LO Broadcasting Trio, Percy Carter (pianoforte solo). Mr. Arthur D. Wylie will lecture for live minutes on ''How to bo Happy."

I STUDENTS' PLAY. The annual Auckland University College extravasanza will bo held on June 20 in the Town Hall. The play will this vear be entitled "The Goat'* Train," a parody on Arnold Ridley's famoiie thriller, "The Ghost Train."

i CIVIC THEATRE. ■ The Civic is a theatre which ie not given to prolonging the life of a film beyond the customary period of one week, and any such picture has to be unusually good to "qualify for thLs distinction.' "Shanghai Express," the latest film in which glamorous Marlene Dietrich is ca.st, is quite' bearing out thc expectations of the management in making it.3 decision to keep the film for two weeks. Clive Brook, in the male lead, ie cast ae a British officer who fallis in love with the "Shanghai Lily," a beautiful woman whose notoriety extends from end to end of the China coast. Anna May Wong and Warner Oland, noted players of Oriental roles, support Clive Brook and Miss Dietrich. Incorporated in the story are several engrossing of the peculiar type of warfare waged only in China. The recent Shanghai and Manehiirian conflicts make thie aspect of the picture almost topical. "PEACH 0' RENO." Such an unbounded success have Bert Wheeler and Bob Wooleey proved at the Plaza Theatre that the management has decided to retain the picture for a further season. In thie film thc laugheters are seen us two very hilarious divorce lawyers in business in Reno, Nevada, U.S.A., where marriage dissolutions are gained in the easiest manner in the world—except, perhaps, in Russia. Little Dorothy Lee id given her old role, that of; (Sweetheart to handsome Bert Wheeler, while Zelma O'Xcid, a comparative newcomer to screen work, has a good part making love to cigar-in-thc-nioutli Bob Wootoey. The film which is booked to replace "Peach o' Reno" i* "In a Monastery Garden,"' a (ine British romance in which John Stuart and Joan Maude have the leading roles. AN INTERESTING LECTURE. An opportunity to receive a' little knowledge about those relatively unknown creations—the sun and moon — will bo afforded the public on Monday night, when Professor H. W. Sogar will give a lecture on the subject in the. Auckland University College Hall. Numerous lantern slides will illustrate contrasting features of the sun and moon, their influences on the earth and their co-operation in the production of eclipses. CAPITOL THEATRE. A dramatic story of the power and mystery of the inscrutable East ill the heart of staid old England is unfolded in "Daughter of the Dragon," to screen at the Capitol Theatre to-night with the comedy "How Dry We Are." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Zane Grey's popular novel, "The Conquering Horde," will form the mainstay of to-night's picture programme at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton. An excellent array of "shorts" and comedies is also announced. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Tlil> strains of thc immortal Strauss waltz. "The Blue Danube," in the film of that name, will be heard at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, to-night. Sydney Howard's latest comedy. ''Almost a Divorce," will also be shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. Colin Clive and Boris Kaiioff play thc two chief roles in the horror film, "Frankenstein," screening this evening at the Empress Theatre, in conjunction with Buck Jones' racing thriller, "High Speed." TIVOLI THEATRE. The indefinable terror of the tropical jungles is well emphasised in Ann Hurding'e ''Prestige." This Jilm. featuring Adolpho Menjou, will be seen with "The Stronger Sex," at the Tivoli Theatre to-hight. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. One of England's finest comedy stars —Ralph Lynn, usually associated with Tom Walls—will be seen this evening ill his most recent film. "Mischief," at th<> Alexandra Theatre. Grewi Lane. A good supporting programme is listed.

RIALTO SUNDAY NIGHT. Ono full-length British comedy ami an excellent variety of. ".shorts' , form thn entertainment lo be offered at the. Ritillo Theatre, Newmarket, to-morrow evening. The main film is British — "Tilly of Bloomsbury," in which Sydney Howard, Phyllis Konstain and several other well-known stage and screen stars are cast. KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. ■ Mickey the Mouse will be seen in a typical comedy at the King's Theatre, Northcote, this evening. This is "Fishin' I Around,-' which will share screening honours with the dramatic film, "The Lawyer's .Secret." EDENDALE CINEMA. Some fine songs are sung by Lawrence Tibbctt and Lupe Velez in the romantic picture, "The Cuban Love Song," whica will screen to-night at the Edendale Cinema The plot concerns a broken romance, which heals in the customary manner. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. Rouehworth's Skating Kink will organise a hockey match to-night between the Bay of Plenty Maoris and the Auckland B team. Further entertainment is offered for patrons. COMMUNITY SINGING. Opening a series of winter sessions, "Uncle Tom" will conduct community singing next Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. in the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton. Proceeds will go to the Unemployed Women's Committee. Community singing will be held i;i the Town Hall on Wednesday at 12.30 p.m., under the leadership of Mr. Leu Barnes. Miss Kay Christie will givesolo items. The pianist will be Mrs. Barrington Snow. "BLUE ROSES." Playgoers will read with pleasure the annouHcement that it has been definitely arranged by J. C. Williamson, Limited, to send to New Zealand for a brief tour, beginning at Auckland about July 26, the very successful musical comedy "Blue Roses." The leading roles are taken by Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard, who, since they last appeared in New Zealand, have appeared successfully in. a number of important musical plays in London and Australia. DANCING. Peter Pan, usual dance programme. Dixieland, special exhibition numbers. Click Clack, Morrow's Orchestra. Akarana Yacht Club, usual weekly dance in clubhouse. Bon Ton Hall, Royal Oak, Bon Ton Dance Club. All Saints' Hall, Ponsonby, Dick Saxon's Band. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour Party's dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Monday, Crescent Club's dance: St. Sepulchre's Hall, Mentura Dance Club. O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, Tuesday Dan Callinan's Parisian Orchestra. Scot-s Hall, Thursday, A.F.A. dance, with Dixieland Band. Crystal Palace ballroom, Wednesday, Elite Dance Club.

■aw————mii —in ii Mtmtmmmmmmmmmmmmcm AMBASSADOR THEATRE. ' The pretty Lancashire actress, Gracie Fields, is starred in her first talking picture, is "Sally in Our Alley," to be offered- to to-night's patrons at the Ambassador Theatre. "Men in Her Life" (Lois Moran) will also be screened. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. Charles Bickford, the new "he-man" of the screen, will be seen with Rose Hobart in the novel drama of the tropics, "East of Borneo," at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. Good supports are offered. LABOUR LECTURE. An address will be given in 'the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, tomrorow evening by Mr. W. J. Jordan, Labour M.P. for Manukau. Items will be rendered by the Watersiders' Silver Band and vocal and instrumental artists.

HOSPITAL CONCERT. An enjoyable concert, arranged by Mr. A. Hamblin, was given at the Epsom Infirmary on Thursday evening. It was directed by Mr. and Mrs. <J. W. Bailey, and the delightful programme consisted of songs, duets, dancing, recitations, pianoforte solos, humorous sketches and short plays. At the close of the concert a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bailey and the artists for the splendid entertainment, also to members of the Rotary Club r Messrs. D. Chambers and A. Menzies, for providing transport. Those taking part were: Misses M. Higgins, G. Barton, I. Lockwood, R. Warbrick, G. Clark, D. Katipa, Mrs. J. W. Bailey, Mr. A. McSkimining, Mi - , and Mrs. J. W. Bailey, Master Rangi Katipa. Miss M. Higgins acted as accompanist.