AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 165, 14 July 1932, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Described as a "lilting comedy of O! 1 England," the new atraction to be seen at the Majestic Theatre ;his evening— "But the Flesh is Weak" —serves as the latest starring vehicle for Robert Montgomery, who has gained many admirers for his performances with Norma Shearer in "Strangers May Kiss" and "Private Lives." In "But the Flesh is Weak." he is seen with the favourite Swedish pcreen hero, Nils Asther, C. Aubrey Smith, Nora Grcgor, Heather Thatcher and Edward Everett Horton, whose most successful comedy role was in the lead of "Lonely Wives." Robert Montgomery is cast as a gay young man-about-town with a very high place in society—due to a title, his handsome appearance and charming manner, and, last but by no means least, to the fact of his being a bachelor. Complications arise when he woos and almost wins a wealthy but unprepossessing noblewoman, and promptly falls head over heels in love with a lovely but absolutely penniless girl. 'STRAND THEATRE. A programme calculated to please every type of audience will be offered in the new bill of faro at the Strand Theatre this evening. First there is a British dramatic picture, "The Marriage Bond," concerning a subject that holds vital interest to every married couple and_ to every person contemplating marriage. This fine English production has a cast of stars to portray the key roles, headed by Ann Casson, the brilliant daughter of Dame Sybil Thorndike, with Stewart Rome, an established and 6creen artist, supporting. In addition, Mary Newcorobe and Guy Newell take important roles. "The Saddle Buster" is the Strand's other attraction. This is_ a hearty Westerner, with the never-failing Tom Keene in the central part. Tom has been the hero in a number of recent pictures offered in Auckland, including "Sundown Trail," •_ "Partners" and "Freighters of Destiny." ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES. Comedy and drama are seen at a high level in the two films presented on a double programme at both the Roxy and Tivoli Theatre last evening. First there was a Lupino Lane "laughterlogue," "Never Trouble Trouble," in which the famous comic strip artist is assisted in fun-making by Jack Hobbs, Renee Clama and Iris Ashley. Lupino Lane is the uncle of Stanley Lupino, and he directed "Love Lies" and "The Love Race," in both of which his nephew was the comedy star. The other picture is "Murder at Covcnt Garden," and is a fine film in which a thrilling plot is worked into the famous surroundings of the Opera House, of which there are some excellent "shots." The male dramatic lead is taken by Dennis Neilson-Tcrry, one of the betterknown of English stage artists. He was seen in the lead of at least two recent British films—"The House of the Arrow" and "77. Park Lane." His leading lady in "Murder in Covent Garden" is Anne Grey. NATIONAL THEATRE. The final presentation of the AngloAmerican murder and mystery thriller, "Murder on the Second Floor," featuring Pat Paterson, John Longden and Amy Veness, will be made at the National Theatre this evening. To-morrow's offering will consist mainly of the vivid newspaper drama, "Letters of Fire," in which Edward G. Robinson is seen in the role of an unscrupulous editor whose "rag" continues to injure people for his own selfish ends. Edward G. Robinson has appeared in successful roles in many recent "hits," among them being "Little Caesar," in which he played the title role, and "Smart Money," a drama of the gambling salons and "speak-easies" of big American town. "THE PEOPLE OF PILLAREY." A fourth performance of the musical operetta, "The People of Pillarey," will be given by the pupils of the Kowhai Junior High School in the Scots Hall this evening. The plot of the story, which was written .by Diana Becket and C. Lloyd Stafford, concerns a thrilling treasure-hunt in a legendary kingdom. One feature of the production is the inclusion of several bright songs. HOSPITAL CONCERT. The weekly concert arranged by Mrs. Raeburn and Mr. A. Hamblin was given in Ward 11 of the Public Hospital. The delightful programme, provided by Mr. J. Smithson and the Epiphany Sunshine Entertainers, consisted of orchestral items by the Sunshine Band, songs, humorous items, violin and banjo solos and a special turn by Mr. J. Smithson with several instruments. Those taking part were:— Misses C. Palmer, E. Taylor, Messrs. R. Taylor, E. Struckett, M. Cooper, A. Austin, W. Smithson and J. Smithson. Mme. Dunn and Miss Taylor acted as accompanists. COMMUNITY SINGING. Mr. W. T. Webster, late of the "Canterbury Follies," is in Auckland, and will contribute to "Uncle Tom's" community singing in the Lewis Eady Hall at mid-day morrow. Mr. Reg. Rushton has returned to Auckland and will give two numbers. The committee desires unemployed people to accept an invitation to attend the sings, where they will be welcome. CATHOLIC MEN'S SOCIAL. A "get friendly" social evening was held by the Sacred Heart branch of the Holy Same Society in the O'Neill Street Hall last evening. The president, Mr. Leo O'Malley, was in the chair, and among the visitors were Bishop Liston, Mr. Theo Meyer, president of the Diocesan Union, Mr. Temm, marshal of the Diocesan Union, Rev. Father Kennedy, and Bros. Hendrick, Bernard, Cyril, and Charles. In his opening remarks the chairman explained the object of holding such socials, and called for a greater spirit of optimism from Catholic men of the community. Mr. O'Malley said the only way to hope for a cure of the depression was to smile in the face of adversity. Better times were in sight, and they could be better anticipated with a cheerful outlook. Mr. Meyer also spoke. Other speakers were the spiritual director of the society, Rev. Father Hilly, Mr. Matt Guthrie, Mr. F. Temm, and Mr. W. Meehan. Items were given by the "Trammies' Quartet," the Sacred Heart Catholic Boys' Club, and Messrs. De Ooek, Henderson, Righton, Wilson, and F. Simons.

LYRIC THEATRE. Romance and drama are beautifully intermingled in "The Cuban Love Song," in which Lawrence Tibbett, Lupe Velez and Ernest Torrence are featured. This picture will be seen at the Lyric to-night. "24 Hours" will be screened to-morrow. LONDON THEATRE. To-day will mark the final screening at the London Theatre of the uproarious British comedy, "The Sport of Kings." in which laughs are mixed with the thrills of the turf in most acceptable fashion. The London's new programme, commencing _ to-morrow, will be headed by the typical Tom Walls-RaLph Lynn farce, "Plunder."

CIVIC THEATRE. Maurice Cheva'Lir and Jcanette MacDonald seem to have conic to stay at the Civic, where their 1 3t comedy-romance, "One Hour With You," has just been made the subject of an extended programme. This pair, first seen together in "The Love Parade," are extremely popular with at sections of the community who need cheering up. Their fun is clever, always refreshing, and not infrequently a little piquant. In some, parts piquancy even gives place to spiciness, but for all that it is welcome and never gives offence. Charles Buggies and Roland \oung share supporting male honours, while Genevieve Tobin has a clever role as the enticcr of the lady-loving Maurice's heart. The -story deals with Maurice's married lite with Jcanette, whom he still loves enough after three years of wedlock to sit with her on the 6amc bench in the park. But the park-keeper would not believe tliey were married! Maurice and Jeanctte arc excellent entertainment for everyone.