AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 161, 9 July 1932, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. I For unadulterated and irresistible fun the programme which opened its season at St. James' Theatre last night would be . hard to beat. On the liceis o£ an interestI ing gazette conies a Pathetoue vaudeville j specialty, culminating in an intriguing comedy monologue. Laughter that lingers through the course of an instructional film is brought bubbling back by the I appearance of Harry Lander in one of his most famous Scottish characterisations, which are as tunny to-day as when they lirst took London by storm. And then follows, in the star lilm, a feast of comedy and burlescjuerie of the rollicking order -an English counterpart of the Luiirel and Hardy style of fun making. For the first time of seeing at any rate, j the Leslie Fuller party of lunmakeis surpass the noted American comedy twins in appeal, probubly because they include a i considerable ca'.o of [specialists and no one 'of them appears too much. Many folk would consider a night well spent on any programme, including Lander's song and character sketch, "The Saftcst o' the Family," both for its entertainment value and for its memories. But that partieu- | lar turn is here definitely challenged for first place in tils regard of patrons by Konald Frankau's contribution. As essentially English as Lander's is of the Scots, Fruukuu'ts melange of witticisms, spoonerI isms and mannerisms can only be described i by using the particular language of expressive inanities which he exploits; it recalls the great English adjective "priceless." The star picture in its quieter domestic and social episodes brings distinct memories of "Bindle" and "The Better 'Ole," by its Cockney melody ami free repartee, but it goes on to hilarious action inside a prison workshop, which revealed Leslie Fuller as an irresistible artist of knock-about comedy, and when the prisoners are entertained by a visiting concert party the audience is sent into convulsions of laughter. Included iu the Fox gazette are scenic, thrilling and topical features. Perhaps most notable of them all is a view from the air of Peking, which shows the historic places of that ancient city as they could never bo seen otherwise, and also a panorama of the Great Wall and its many thousand forts. Altogether it is a lirstclass programme.

STRAND THEATRE. A film whoso very intensity seems to pervade the atmosphere and to cause its happenings to stand out in bold relief as occurrences from history forms the main attraction at the Strand Thuare this week. This in "The Mad Genius," in which John Bairymore and Marian Marsh continue the success that they enjoyed in the hitter's film debut, "Svongali. in "The Mad Genius," which is the tale of a great man's insane ambition to train a young lad to become the world-famous dancer that his own club-foot had prevented himself from being, John Barrymore places some remarkable acting to his credit in his role of Tsarakov. Don Cook is cast as Fcdor, tho young protege, who upset all his great master's plans and schemes, many of which had been bought with other people's hap-' piness. by daring to fall in love with a beautiful dancer (Marian Marsh). Altogether, "The Mad Genius" provides excellent entertainment. ROXY THEATRE. Tim McCoy, the handsome young cowboy with the pleasing smile and the everready gun for the cause of right and fair play, not forgetting its sworn purpose to protect any of the fair sex who might be in danger, is the star of one of the big films listed in this week's attraction at -tho Rosy. This picture is "Daring Danger." and Tim is ably supported by demure little Alberta Vaughn. The Roxv's other feature i« "The Mystery Train,' a most entertaining picture with Maix-eline Day and "Nicky" Stuart in the main roles. Thie programme is one well worth the patronage of any audience. "THE CIRCLE." A season of four nights will be devoted to the twenty-sixth production of the Little Theatre Society, "The Circle," from Somerset Maugham's successful stage play, which will bo presented in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Wednesday, July 13. The cast is composed of, among others, Mr. B. Brittain, Mre. Gwen Rose Youngs. Miss Maisie Free, Mr. J. D. Swan, Mm. Sissio Phillips, and Mr. A. H. Fryor-Raisher, who has taken part in many a University play.

GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. An entirely British programme will be offered to patrons at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, this evening, the double feature fare being composed of "Carmen," or "Gipsy Wood" and "Old Soldiers Never Die," with Loslio Fuller. AVONDALE TOWN HALL. Tho pair who made such a. boom in "Bad Girl" and "Dance Team" are seen together again in "Over the Hill," which serves as the vehicle for Mne March's return to the screen. This picture, with Tom Keene's "Sundown Trail," will bo shown at the Avondalo Town Hall this evening. LYRIC THEATRE. The beautiful story of Dickens' "Dombey and Son" is the basis of George Bancroft's picture, "Rich Man's Folly," screening tonight at tho Lyric Theatre in conjunction with "Tho Wrong Mr. Perkins," a British comedy. TUDOR CINEMA. Specially selected featurettes will support the main film at tho Tudor Cinema, Remuera, this evening. "Delicious," starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in their latest romance, will be the big attraction. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Pat O'Brien and Adolphc Menjou contribute some splendid acting to the film, "The Front Page," an absorbing newspaper drama, screening at the Britannia Theatre to-night, with George Bancroft's comedydrama, "Rich Man's Folly." GREY LYNN CINEMA. Lawrence Tibbett and Lupo VeleZ supply the beautiful element of romance in "The Cuban Love Song." to form the film feature at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening. Sydney Howard's comedy, "Up For the Cup," will also bo shown. LONDON THEATRE. Leslie Hcnson made his moet recent appearance in the fine British comedy, "The Sport of Kings," in which the story deals with that essentially British recreation, tho turf. This picture, in which tho star is supported by Dorothy Boyd, Will be screened at the London Theatre this evening. CAPITOL THEATRE. In addition to Buster Keaton's screamingly funny comedy, "Sidewalks of New York," tho Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road, will this evening screen the latest Tallulah Baiikhcad picture, "My Sin," with Frcdric March. EMPIRE THEATRE. "My Wife's Family," with Gene Gerrard, Jimmy Goddcn, Muriel Angelus and the never-to-be-forgotten mother-in-law (Amy Veness), is still attracting unusually largo audiences at the Empire Theatre, Dominion Road.

STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. The delightful comedy of tho original story is excellently brought out by Gloria Swanson, Ben Lyon, Barbara Kent and Monroe Owsley in the film version of "Indiscreet," which will be offering tonight at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Buster Keaton will be seen in his latest comedy, "The Passionate Plumber," at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, this evening. "Stamboul," featuring Warwick Ward, Joan Barry, Garry Marsh and Abraham Sofaer, will also be presented. CIVIC WINTER GARDEN. A fine musical programme k oil'ered at the Civic Winter Garden to-morrow evening, when "The Masked Organist" will play, and Miss Phyllis Gribbin (contralto) will oiler vocal selections. Others performing are: Mr. A. Ripley (tenor), Mr. S. Asquith (recitations), Miss Ida Moore (violin), an-?. Mr. E. 3ell (piano).

REGENT THEATRE. Gloria Swanson, who was last seen in "indiscreet" with Ben Lyon, is starred in "To-night or .Never," now snowing at, the lvegent, with the whoie of the cast that made the stage play such a roaring success in London, Paris and Xew York. Melvyn JJougias heads the cast, and proof of his abiillty is given in the fact that he has been offered several envied and lucrative roles since the completion of "To-night or Never" in Hollywood. Only one other .screen player is included in the cast, Alison Skipworth, a popular supporting actress. The piny was one of the latest products of the immortal genius of the American stage, David Belnseo, and the Him version lias been handled by one of the pioneers of the film industry, Samuel Gold.wyn. As Xella I Yago, an impetuous opera star, who is told to fall in love in order to gain temperament, and thereupon goes to look for love, Gloria Swanson has a most suitable comicdramatic role. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The current picture at the Majestic | Theare, "The Wet Parade," is one calculated to instruct audiences in those cardinal points that go to the making of any national question in any country. In this picture one such problem is raised and dealt with in the fairest au<l most sensible ii.m.ier possible, proving definitely the contention that a highly controversial point can be brought to the stage or screen and made to form excellent entertainment for people of every shade of thought. "The Wet Parade" has romance a plenty, lacks nothing in thrills, and boasts a cast that for sheer brilliance is beaten only by the list of characters in such films as "King of Kings." Walter Huston, Dorothy Jordan. Lewis Stone, Myrna Loy, Neil Hamilton, Wallace Ford, John Miljan, Robert Young end the ever popular Jimmy ("Schnoasle") Durante head the cast, which includes many others whose names are quite well known to Dominion audiences.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. In the programme to bo screened at both the Crystal Palace mid Rialto Theatres this evening, some of the finest screen entertainment offered to patrons within recent months is to be found. "Strangers May Kiss," a Norma ShearerRobert Montgomery comedy, and "Bean Hunks," with Laurel and Hardy, comprise the offering. EMPRESS THEATRE. Genuine laughs are to be had by the score in "Ladies of the Jury," the latest comedy vehicle for Edna May Oliver and Roscoe Ates. This film will be screened together with "Jn a Monastery Garden" at the Empress Theatre this evening. WEST END THEATRE. Eddie Quillan's special brand of humour is acceptable to almost any Bildience, and in "The Bin Shot," to be shown to-night with Slim Summerville's "Rating Youth" at the West End Theatre, he is to be seen at his laughable best. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Clark Gable, that rising star in feminine favour, is featured opposite popular Joan Crawford in "Possessed" at the New Do Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, this evening. "The Impatient Maiden" (Mae Clarke and Lew Ayree) ia on the sume programme. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Jackie Cooper, Wallace Beery and Irene Rich make a beautiful romance out of the story of a down-and-out ex-pugilist in "The Champ," which, with Mary Astor's "Men of Chance," will form the film fare at the Alexandra Theatre to-night. EDENOALE CINEMA. A "horror" picture in the most intense sense of the word, "Frankenstein," which is to be screened at the Edendale Cinema thin evening, offers some fine acting by Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, John Boles and Mae Clarke. AMBASSABOR THEATRE. The class of comedy supplied by Charlotte Greenwood and Bert Lahr in "Flying High" is well worth going to see at the Ambassador Theatre this evening. Patrons will also witness a screening of Lew Ayres' "The Impatient Maiden."

KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. The stars in "Strictly Dishonourable," which will be the "draw" at the King's Theatre, Northcote, this evening, are Sidney Fox and Paul Lukas. Both are newer stars who have risen to public favour in unusually rapid rises. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Slim Summerville and Louise Fazenda combine their respective talents to produce hundreds of laughs in "Racing Youth," which will be screened at the New Regent, Epsom, this evening, together with Joan Crawford's "Possessed." PUBLIC LECTURES. A lecturo will be given in tho Auckland War Memorial Museum to-morrow afternoon by Mr. R. O. Gross on "The Sculptor at Work." An address on "Cancer Research and Vivisection" will be given to-morrow evening in the Unity Hall, Queen Street, by Mr. Walker. COMMUNITY SINGING. The Auckland Community Singing committee's regular Wednesday midday sing will be held next week in tho Town Hall, under the leadership of Mr. Matt Guthrie. Assisting artißts will be Miss Nellie Lingard and Mr.. W. A. Garratt. TIVOLI THEATRE. Two pictures are enjoying a first-run season during the current week at the Tivoli Theatre, Newton. These are "The Mystery Train," with Marceline Day and "Nicky" Stuart, and "Daring Danger," a new Tim McCoy feature, in which the handsome and popular cowboy has typical adventures by tho score. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. One of Britain's most successful recent comedies, "Tilly of Bloomsbury," featuring Sydney Howard and Phyllis Konstam, will be the big attraction at tho Picturedrome, Milford," to-night. "The Night Flyer" will also be screened. The usual jazz programjne will follow. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. The true story of tho notorious Javanese spy, Mata Han, is graphically told in the film that goes by her name. It will be seen at the Victoria Theatre, Dcvonport, this evening. Greta Garbo, Ramon Novnrro, Lionel Barrymore and Lewis Stone are featured. KINGSLAND TALKIES. One of the best of the George Arliss characterisations, "Tho Millionaire," will be co-featured with "Cheaters at Play" (Thomas Meighan and Charlotte Greenwood) at the Kingsland Talkies this evening. RIALTO SUNDAY NIGHT. Under the patronage of the Mayoress of Newmarket, Mrs. S._ Donaldson, the Rialto will offer a charity screening tomorrow evening of "Josser, P.C.," a fine English comedy with Ernie in tho lend. The list of supports totals six. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. Besides an entertaining "push ball" game, Roushworth's skating rink, Khybcr Pass Road, will present a hockoy match this evening between the Auckland Grammar School and the "Hornets." Roushworth'a Jazz Band will supply mueic. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. A fine double-feature programme is announced for screening to-night, Monday and Tuesday at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellorslie. consisting of the films "East of Borneo" (Charles Biekford and Rose Hobart) and "Min and Bill" (Marie Dressier and Wallace Beery). ADELPHI THEATRE. "The Chance of a Night Time," a very popular Ralph Lynn film, will be .seen at tho Adelphi Theatre to-night, in conjunction with George Arliss' "The Millionaire" (Evalyn Knapp and David Manners). Dancing will follow. YUGOSLAV BENEFIT DANCE. The Yugoslav Benevolent Society will hold a charity dance on Wednesday evening in the Manchester Unity Hall, Hobspiw Street, all Rtoceeda to assist the needy. "

NATIONAL THEATRE. A definite triumph for British acting h noticeable in the new mystery thnllei "Murder on the Second Floor," presentee to National Theatre patrons last night The picture provides entertainment or £ popular type, and clever co-operation be tween director and players is mainly re eponsible for the success of the him. in story, which concerns the adventures o! a young playwright (John Longden) at a boa.idiimliou.se establishment in Bloom* bury, London, is well constructed, anc right from the start, when the younf boarder begins to strip the veil of every day worldlineiss" from his fellow occu pants, until the dramatic climax whereir many etrange things arc brought to light the audience is held in tense anticipator and suspense. Two people are found deac and the police are faced with the problen of proving a double murder or miirdei and suicide. Amy Veness, who will b< remembered as the mother-in-law in Mj Wife's Family," takes the part of Mrs Armitage, the proprietress, while Ber Field, last seen in Gracie Fields' "Sallj in our Alley," plays the part of a hen pecked husband whose mask of blissfu simplicity is found to be only a "blind to his real nature. Other players whe contribute with marked success to the histrionic* attractiveness of the film ar< Pat Paterson, a popular English radio stage and qcreen artist; petite Sydnej Fairbrother, of "A Sister to Assist Her' fame; Frank Bellamy, Recn in "Chance of a Night-Time" and "Up for the Cup"; Florence Desmond, Oswald Skilbeck and John Tnrnbull. The supporting programme comprised two comedies, an interesting travelogue, a pithy review of various sports ("Sporting Slants"), and "The Spo in," another of the Bobby Jones "How I Play Golf" series. CIVIC THEATRE. The appeal of the main film offering this week at the Civic, "One Hour With You,' ; lies in the presence of Maurice Chevaliei and Jeanette Mac Donald. This was the partnership that proved so successful ir "The Love Parade," and film fans may look forward to another of their romances when "Love Me To-night" comes to Auckland in the near future. "One Hour Witli You" tells the tale of the inimitable Maurice's "harmless" little flirtations with another man's pretty but .neglected wife His own spouse (Jeanette) resents the situation strongly and proceeds to do o little love-making with yet another male, A farcical position arises, in which both want to renew their former relationship, but are too jealous to do so. \ All thk potential drama is treated with levity, Maurice and Jeanette arousing more merriment than dramatic syninathy. They are ably supported by Roland Young, Charlie Ruggles and Genevieve Tobin. "A NIGHT LIKE THIS." Aucklanders are showing that the decision to prolong the season of the Ralph Lynn-Tom Walls' comedy, "A Night Like This," lit the Plaza from a fortnight to three weeks, was not taken amiss by still turning up at all eeesiona of the theatre in their hundreds. Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls certainly justify the confidence of film-Roers to provide excellent screen entertainment, and if it is remembered that "My Wife's Family" and "Trader Horn" were the last first-run pictures to remain at a theatre for three weeks, the popularity of these two splendid comedians may be gauged to some extent. Lynn and Walls are supported by the entire Aldwych Theatre east, with Robertson Hare, Mary Brougli and Winifred Shottcr heading the list. The Plaza will introduce a new programme next week, Jack Buchanan's musical comedy-romance, "Good Night, Vienna," being the featured attraction. TIVOLI SUNDAY CONCERT. Owing to the success of laet Sunday evening's concert in the Tivoli Theatre under Mr. A. D. Wyhe, a similar attraction is offered for to-morrow night. The selections from the Auckland Girls' Brass Band, including "Viennese Nights," should prove acceptable. Community singing will be conducted by Jack Rielly. The programme will aleo include vocal items and violin solos by Maeter Smith. DANCING. Peter Pan, dancing to Peter Pan Band. Dixieland, visit of "Mardi," specialty dnncer; Dixieland Band. Click Clack Cabaret, Morrow's Orchestra. Masonic Hall, Newton, to-night, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. 'Bon Ton Hall, Royal Oak, Bon Ton Olub's "Silver Star" Band. Akarana Yacht Club's usual weekly lance in clubhouse. Scots Hall, Wednesday, St. John Ambulance dance. Parisian Studios, private dance for students. Zenlandia Hall. Balmoral, Sandrmgham Labour party's dance. The Ambassador's, Northcote, 3azz lance programme. Orange Hall, Newton Road, Velma Dance Club opens to-night; Asionians' 3upcr-Six Band. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, My-T-Fine Dance Club. St. Sepulchre's Hall, to-night, Ventura Dance Club; Trevor Eady's Band. St. Sepulchre's Hall. Monday, Glen [nnes Football Club's dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, to-night, Royal Syncopators' Orchestra. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Monday, Crescent Club's "hard-up" dance. Oratia Hall, "hard-up" ball; free bus Tom town. Oak Hall, Liverpool Street, Workere' Social Club's Hawaiian night. O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, Tuesday, Snappy Six Orchestra.