AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 209, 3 September 1932, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. A bright and interesting entertainment was provided by the new programme at the Civic Theatre last night, with a breezy first half and the revival of a memorable story, play and picture as the star attraction, which occupies the second part of the evening. At a time when the orgy of a decade's indulgence has rather tired the public mind of the delights of modern mechanical marvels, and many have turned of necessity to more serious thought, and the age-old wonder of the power given some folk to cure physical, mental and spiritual ille by magnetic influence, the revival of "The Miracle Man" comes most opportunely. Conceived in story form by Frank L. Packard, adapted to stage by George M. Cohan, and later adapted to the silent pictures, "The Miracle Man" has survived a severe test, and its reappearance as a talkie emphasises features which were not possible to former mediums of presentation. As shown laet night, it retains all the entertainment value in comedy, pathos and dramatic denouement associated with its past successes, and adds freeh characteristics. The story deals with the accidental discovery of a faith healer in an obscure village by a gang of city crooks, who set about making this wonderful old man known to the world for their special benefit. They did much for the world, which they brought to the doors of the patriarch, but when they were ready to collect the easy money which had fallen into their lape they found, to their ludicrous amazement, that the simpleseeming old man had looked right through them. ■ Further, they had been "uncrooked" —and liked it. Chester Morris and Sylvia Sidney, as the leaders cf the gang, occupy the high lights of the picture in strongly dram,a*.ic roles, Irving Pichel, Lloyd Hughes and John Wray are responsible for the comedy, Robert Coogan contributes a touch of pathos in a child part, and Hobart Bosworth appears as the faith healer. Apart from itne big picture the programme is full of interest and entertainment. Comedy is strongly represented with Screen Souvenirs, featuring an old-time drama with its bathos, and a musical cartoon, as well as another musical feature in the revival of old favourite songs and marches. The Paramount IsVws aleo hae unusual interest, including Leicester and Hendon pageants, the Eucharistic Congress, and the French Grand Prix. It is a very bright and entertaining programme. NATIONAL THEATRE. "Chic" Sale has a sure feeling for both humour and sentiment. From a shrewd mixture of both he has created the character of the American "ancient," very much in the Dickens manner. Yet, because of the sincerity of his acting, he always manages to avoid obvious caricature. His Old Man Minick in "The Expert," his new picture at the Xational Theatre, differs but little from the old man parts he has played before. There is the same sturdy independence and humour, with the usual strong dash of sentiment and pathos to endear the old fellow to the audience. When Old Man Minick came to Chicago to live with his sou and daughter-in-law, he made up his mind he would not be either a burden or a nuisance. He was a bandy man with tools, and he solemnly promised his dead wife's portrait to watch with extra care his old habit of talking too much. But somehow the old chap's resolutions went astray. As a handy man he did more damage than help. But when he broke up the influential ladies' committee meeting in his daughter-in-law's drawing room by an ill-timed outburst, which seriously threatened both her social and charitable future, things reached a crisits. Chic's companion in this picture is that clever little actor, Dickie Moore, one of the best child actors on the screen. Dickie plays the part of an orphan newsboy who is being kept and trained to steal by thieves. His is also a real Dickens character, a regular Oliver Twist, in fact. Ralf Harode plays the Bill Sikes of the piece. A well-selected and balanced supporting programme includes an interesting comedy, a cartoon, news reels, and some very engrossing sidelights on the realm of sport. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The hilarious Xoel Coward farce, "Private Lives," in which Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery, Reginald Denny and Una Merkel play the four key roles, will be seen at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening with "Girls About Town" (Kay Francis). CAPITOL THEATRE. A sparkling British comedy-drama, "Man of Mayfair" (Jack Buchanan and I Joan Barry) will be co-featured to-night | at the Capitol Theatre with "The Cuban Love Song," in which Lawrence Tibbett and Lupe Velez are cast in a beautiful romance. EMPIRE THEATRE. One of the funniest of all Marie Dresaer's humorous portrayals was given with Wallace Beery in "Min and BUI," which will be at the bead of to-night's programme at the Empire Theatre. A Laurel and Hardy comedy will also be screened. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. The peculiar comedy in which William Haines specialises will be seen and enjoyed to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, in "Are You Listening?" It was well demonstrated in the successful film, "Dancing Partner ("Juet a Gigolo"). PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. Polly Moran and Marie Dressier create laughs by the score in "Politics," in which they set about "cleaning up", a graftridden town. This comedy-drama will be presented at the Picturedrome, Milford, to-night. A jazz programme will follow. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT, The splendid type of humour that abounded in "My Wife's Family" ie to be seen and heard again to-night at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, in "Out of the Blue," in which Gene Gerrard once more scores a decisive triumph. KINGSLAND TALKIES. In addition to Joan Bennett and John Boles' "Careless Lady," the Kingsland Talkies will this evening screen George Arliss* dramatic impersonation of Alexander Hamilton, the American statesman, in the film of that name. ADELPHI THEATRE. A strong and beautiful drama of wartime London, "Waterloo Bridge" (featuring Mae Clarke and Kent Douglass), will be screened to-night at the Adelphi Theatre, together with a Stanley Lupmo comedy ,"Love Lies." A free dance will follow for patrons. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. An interesting British drama will be screened in the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie, this evening. This is "77, Park Lane," in which the late Dsnnis NeilsonTerry was featured with the Australian actress, Betty Stockfield. On the same programme will be the firet product of the inimitable Wheeler and Woolsey partnership, "The Cuckoos," in. which Dorothy Lee plays the heroine. AVON DALE TOWN HALL. The powerful acting of Fredric March and his wonderful make-up in the R. L. Stevenson mystery thriller, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," will be seen in the film version of thk story at the Avondale Town Hall this evening. GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. A really beautiful story forms the background of the "talkie" version of the famous stage play and silent film, "Over the Hill" (Mae Marsh, James Dunn and Sally Eilers). which ie to be screened at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, to-night. TUDOR CINEMA. The brilliant London stage star and daughter of an American Senator, Tallulah Bankliead, receives what is perhaps her best chance to make Rood in "The Cheat," which is screening at the Tudor Cinema this evening. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Clive Brook playe a strong role as an infatuated Englishman in the drama, '■'Shanghai Express," in which Marlene Dietrich will fascinate patrons of the Grey Lynn Cinema this Shanghai LiL-- flower of the Orient!

REGENT THEATRE. To present adequately in about 90 minutes' screening the etory of Sinclair Lewis' great novel set a problem in production which has been wonderfully tackled and triumphantly achieved in the picture "Arrowsmith," first screened at the Regent yesterday. The picture portrays most vividly the life story of a man who is faced with two great struggles —first the conflict between love and & career, with the guiding element of human existence triumphant, and then the decision as to whether the cause of science or the cause of humanity has to come uppermost. It is the choice of young Dr. Arrowsmith on each of these two occasions that provides the two pinnacles of dramatic action in a film which always rises to heights of production and convincing acting. The scene in which the young medico meets and falls in love with the highepirited nurse, with the subsequent hurricape wooing and wedding, is a delight, its brilliance enhanced by the vivacious acting of Helen Hayes. Her characterisation of the nurse—her brightness and conviction in a part where steadfast devotion carries her on to tragedy—contribute very much indeed toward the making of the story, into which she infuses so much of humour and pathos. Almost equally impressive is the portrayal of Dr. Gottleib, grand old man of research, who pursues his ideals despite the atmosphere of American quackery and advertisement with which he is surrounded. It is he who gives Arrowsmith his greatest problem, the decision as to whether he will sacrifice half a plague-stricken population in order to test the efiieacy of a scientific discovery. How the pupil struggles to follow the dictum of his master till circumstances overwhelm his pledged course of action, provides the climax to a story which last night gripped the packed audience at the Regent. They followed breathlessly the career of Dr. Arrowsmith, delineated as only Ronald Colman could delineate it. As the lover, the country surgeon, the absorbed scientist and the humanitarian who loses all worth while in a terrible struggle, he triumphs throughout the whole of a triumphant film. In support of the main picture are an excellent Australian gazette in which our hockey All Blacks figure prominently, a travelogue delightfully picturing Java, and a hilarious comedy wherein a travelling monkey in an American train journey causes unbelievable antics with passengers and luggage. PLAZA THEATRE. A simple story of a child's all-absorbing ambition, hie rise to fame, hie transference from the Ghetto, or slum quarters of Xew York, to the wealth and power of Park Avenue, his failure in the high ideal set himself, and hie glorious eventual redemption of that ideal. Just such a story w "Symphony of Six Millions," the drama which drew packed audiences to the Plaza on Thursday and Friday nights. "Symphony of Six Millions" telle the life-story of the great numbers of people who forever dwell in the poorer sections of the city. It breathes a human meseage to the whole community—it is the type of film that once seen ie not easily forgotten. Some splendid acting rewards the directors for the fine arrangement of the scenes in order to provide the setting for histrionic triumphs. Gregory Ratoff, as the father of the brilliant younsr doctor around whose strange life the plot revolves, displays true artistry in his character role, while his mother (Anna Appel) ie hardly lese convincing. Ricardo Cortez, ae the central fisrure, himself portrays a definite personality, giving: the impression that he is in reality living his experiences. Irene Dunne is beautiful and annealing ae the heroine. One other member of the cast deserves notice for a fine portrayal. That ie Nat (or Noel) Madieon, the celebrated eon of Maurice Moecovitch, who is so well known to Australian and New Zealand stage followers. He ie well cast here as Magnus Klauber, brother of the hero.

LYRIC THEATRE. Undoubtedly the most successful vehicle for tlie beautiful German actrees, Marlene Dietrich, wae "Shanghai Expveea," which will be screened at the Lyric Theatre this evening. Clive Brook, Anna May Wong and Warner Oland are in the supporting caet. A fine selection of "shorts' is also offered. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The charm of Joan Bennett ie very apparent in the pleasing drama heading the programme this evening at the Britannia Theatre. This ie ''The Trial of Vivienne Ware." Richard Barthelmese will aleo be seen in "The Lash." LONDON THEATRE. A eparkling English comedy-drama is now featured on the programme of the j London Theatre. Thk ia "Tilly of : Bloomsbury," in which Sydney Howard 1 receives an important part. Phyllie Konstam. who is well known ae the wife of H. W. Austin, the English tennis player, takee the leading role, and makes a great success of it. EMPRESS THEATRE. Thrills, romance, comedy and swift action abound in the main film to be offered at the Empress Theatre this evening. This is "Carnival Boat," featuring William Boyd, Fred Kohler, "Ginger" Rogers and Marie Prevost. On the same programme is screening "By Whose Hand," with Barbara Weeks and Ben Lyon. "HELL DIVERS." A film that contains some of the finest air thrills ever incorporated into a product of the ecreen, "Hell Divers" is sure to entertain patrons of both the New Regent, Epsom, and the Alexandra, Green Lane, this evening. Clark Gable, Wallace Beery, Conrad Nagel and Dorothy Jordan are starred. In addition; Dorothy Mackaill will be seen in "Her Love Affair" at the New Regent,. Epsom. WEST END THEATRE. One of Gary Cooper's best characterisations was as the hero in "I Take This Woman," which will be the big attraction at the West End Theatre this fevening. "By Whose Hand!" with Barbara Weeks and Ben Lyon, will also be screened. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. The magnetic appeal of Clark Gable is well combined with the beauty and charm of manner of Morion Davies in. the dramatic film, "Polly of the Circus," which ie to be screened at the New de Luxe Theatre to-night, together with Dorothy MackauTs "Her Love Affair." AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Laughter should receive ample tribute from the patrone of the Ambassador Theatre to-night, for the dual programme consists of "The Passionate Plumber" (Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante) and "Never Trouble Trouble" (Lupino Lane). EDENDALE CINEMA. A swift-moving action drama of New York's "Flying Squad," the film "Radio Patrol" (Robert Armstrong and Lila Lee) will be combined to-night at the Edendale Cinema, together with Austin Trevors mystery-drama, "The Chinese Puzzle." KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. A free bus will convey Devonport residents to the King's Theatre, Northcote, for to-night's screening of the strong dramatic' film, "Attorney For the Defence," in which Edmund Lowe is cofeatured with Constance Cummings. "ARSENE LUPIN." The talking picture version of the famous French mystery thriller, "Arsene Lupin," which served as the first stage or screen vehicle for the two Barrymore brothers, will be screened at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres this evening. John and Lionel Barrymore are ably supported in this production by Karen Morley, a newcomer to big "talkie" roles. A splendid Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Helpmates," will also be shown at both theatres. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. To-night's attractions at Roushworth's Skating Rink, Khyber Pass Road, include a hockey match on skates between the Arawas and the Infants for the Atwaters Cup. A prize of one guinea will be given to the person who first identifies the masked skater. Many other novelties i:i entertainment will be introduced. The rink is holding a fancy dress ball and skating carnival on Wednesday, September 14.

ST. JAMES , THEATRE. Always one of the most popular artists on the "screen, Victor McLaglen plays one of the most brilliant parts of his long career in "While Paris Sleeps," a film of the highest class, which opened to a crowded audience at St. James' Theatre last evening. Paris tells its secrets in this remarkable story—a story of the terrible tropics, of a French Guiana convict settlement, a dramatic escape, and the torture chambers of the underworld of Paris. Victor McLaglen deserts his usual uniformed or heavy-lover characterisations to depict the devoted father of an innocent young girl thrown alone on the streets of Paris. -And Victor McLaglen plays his role with so much understanding that it can be regarded as a triumph. There is an amazing amount of exciting detail in the story which tells of the return of an escaped convict to Paris to rescue his daughter from an apache gang. Such a theme presents opportunity for action of every kind, and it is tense drama and successive exciting episodes that make the picture one of the most attractive of its kind which has been seen in Auckland for a long time. Helen Mack, a new leading lady who has been hailed by American critics as a screen discovery, plays the part of the daughter with rare appreciation of the dramatic. She lives the part. OppVite her plays William Bakewell as Gascon, the devoted lover. He too gives a fine characterisation, but ie by no means overshadowed by Jack La Rue, who portrays in a fittingly sinister manner a murderous apache. Supports of an exceptional standard include splendid shots of the opening of the Ottawa Conference, with the Earl of Bessborough, Governor-General of Canada, making his opening speech. Mr. R. B. Bennett and Mr. Stanley Baldwin are also heard. A brilliant colour film, "Rhapsody in Blue," George Gershwin's modern composition, gives Paul Whiteman and his orchestra an excellent opportunity. The film is splendidly done and some of the novelties introduced are spectacular and delightful. A burlesque of Hollywood's treatment of the motor racing track provides plenty of laughter. A Fox Movietone News and an Australian' news reel show interesting current events, including exciting shots of dirt track motor racing in America. STRAND THEATRE. Great success has attended the screening of the daring British romance, "Frail Women," at the Strand Theatre. Mary Xewcomb, whose dramatic efforts are not unknown to Auckland screen audiences, has the central role, while Owen Nares and Edmund Gwenn are given parts justifying their fame. "These two artists, who have both been seen in this country in many British film productions, have previously given ample indication of their ability, which is ranked very high on the English stage. Tlie Strand will introduce another box-office success after the "Fran Women" season ends. Ann Harding s latest dramatic production, "Westward Passage," in which she is given the able assistance of the young English actor, Laurence Olivier, is the film listed, and it should prove a worthy successor to her former efforts, such as "East Lynne, "Devotion" and "Prestige." Olivier and -tiiss Harding (Mrs. Harry Bannister, now divorced) are supported by Xanee 0 Neill, Irving Pichel, Zasu Pitts aud Juliette Compton. ROXY AND TIVOLI. Comedy and drama are pleasantly worked "together in the "salesman" film now heading the programme at both the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. This is Evelyn Brenfs "Travelling Husbands," in which she is cast as a delightful "villainess." Good supporting portrayals are also given by Hugh Herbert, Carl Miller, Constance Cumminge (heroine), Frank Albertson (hero), Frank McHugh, Spencer Charters, Purnell Pratt, Gwen Lee, Dorothy Peterson, Rita La Roy and Stanley Fields. With such a bright cast as this, it would be difficult for any picture to "fall flat." This one fully upholds the position demanded of it by its outward and visible signs. The other film screening at both the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres is "Carnival Boat," a fast-moving, thrilling action drama of love and peril, featuring William Boyd and "Ginger Rogers. Hobart Bosworth, Fred Kohlcr and Marie Prevost all have roles that display their talente. The story concerns the great love of a son of the vast outback timberlands and "a beautiful but lighthearted show girl. The whole film makes excellent entertainment. "BLUE ROSES." The J. C. Williamson "Blue Roses" Company, in which Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritcbard are starred, will give three more presentations of the successful musical comedy, "Blue Roses,"' which incorporates some of their best work in singing and dancing. Clever portrayals are also given by Cecil Kellaway and Frank Leighton, while the main cast is well supported by Alathea Siddons and Mary Rigby. Dulcie Davenport, Arthur Cornell and Jean Duncan are also given good roles in the piece. The company will present on Wednesday, for a four-night season, the musical comedy, "Follow Through." Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard are again given a chance to display their fine artistry in dance and song. NEVILLE CARLSEN REVUE CO. At the invitation of the Mount EdenRoskill Ex-Servicemen's Association the Neville Carlsen Revue Company was present at the ladies' night on Thursday. The president, Mr. Tozer, welcomed the troup. He was followed by Colonel Dawson. A full revue was presented by ! the following: Mme. V. Paskell, Mre. J. Holt, Misses J. Breere, J. Coleman, J. Trainer, J. Boyd, J. Hiscott, J. Watte, J. Tucker, W. and D. Lockwood, M. Akerstin, D. Lawson, Meeers. W. Audain, F. R. Shaw, L. Porter, K. Smith, E. Parkinson, W. Baker, J. O'Kane, N. Carlsen, and Master A. Parkinson. Mrs. Holt acted as accompanist. A dance followed the entertainment. MUNICIPAL BAND.. A recital will be given T>y the Municipal Band in the Town Hall thia evening, under the baton of Bandmaster George Buckley. Selections from Gounod, Wagner, Sullivan, Delibes, Haydn, etc., will be included. Assisting items will be given by Mme. G. Griffiths (piano), Messrs. H. C. McLennan (flute), G. R, Smith ('trombone), F. Bowes (cornet), R. Jackson (xylophone), Miss N. Lingard (contralto), and Mr. A. L. Griffiths (baritone). RIALTO, SUNDAY NIGHT. The usual charity programme will be held in the Rialto Theatre on Sunday evening, under the personal supervision of the Mayoress of Newmarket, Mrs. S. Donaldson. The main film to be screened is an Edgar Wallace product, "The Squeaker," featuring Percy Marmont, who was last seen in Auckland in "Rich and Strange." RIVOLI SKATING RINK. So successful did the "Vice Versa Carnival" prove at the Rivoli- Skating Rink last Tuesday that the management has decided, in response to many requests from patrone, to repeat the performance on October _ 4.* On this occasion, however, many original events are planned, in order to provide something enjoyable through the novelty of its entertainment. i

CATHOLIC REPERTORY SOCIETY.. The initial programme of the Auckland Repertory Society, announced previously for this week, has been postponed unavoidably until October 14 and 15. The four plays on the bill, to be presented in the Town Hall Concert Chamber, are "The Marriage of St. Francis," "The Golden Doom," "Cathleen ni Houlihan," and '"The Coffee Stall." MUSICAL RECITAL. A vocal and instrumental recital will be delivered in the Lewis Eadv Hall next Ihurwlay by Mi*s Theo Halpin (piano) and Mr. Robert Simmers (baritone) Assistance will be rendered by Mr. Havda .Murray with the violin. COMMUNITY SINGING. The Auckland Community Singing Committee will conduct a "Community Sunshine" session in the Town Hall on Wednesday next from 12.30 to 1.30 p.m., when members of the J. C. Williamson "Blue Roses" company, includinjj Miss Madge Elliott and Mr. Cyril Ritchard, will be present.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Good supports back up the main picture now screening at the Majestic Theatre in a very satisfying manner. Besides William Powell's' "High Pressure," the programme offere a splendid scenic .journey by air and land over Rio de Janeiro, said to be the most beautiful city and harbour in the world, and into the wild interior or South American jungles, where the thousands of square miles of unexplored territory hide secrets that overshadow eights in the rest of the globe. The largest and highest cataract in the world forms a fine photographic "subject," and vntn good judgment a rery clever "short has been made of this scene. The rest of the supporting programme is all tending towards the comic eide. It includes a "Merry Melody" cartoon ("Freddie the Freshman"), a strange composition called "Subway Symphony," and a genuinely laughable comedy, "The Naggers Go Shopping." The main film, "High Pressure," reveak William Powell in a type of role that resembles nothing else he has turned out within recent months. He is cast in a comedian's role, and fits th% part ae though it were made to order for him. He is a eplendid actor, and his dramatic talents Buffer no diminution when ferred to the more carefree realms .ot comedy. He hae a fine team of assisting players, headed by Evalyn Knapp, as hw secretary. Evelyn Brent as his fiancee, and "luck charm," Guy Kibbee, Frank McHugh, John Wray, Luis Alberni. Polly Waltere. Ben Alexander, George Sidney, Ruth Hall, Allison Skipworth and Lilian Bond. GALLI-CURCI'S VISIT. Three concerts will be given by Mme. Amelita Galli-Curci in His Majesty s Theatre on Thursday. Saturday and Monday, September 15, 17 and 19. Box plans will be opened at Lewis Eady, Ltd., next Thursday. The wonderful purity of Galli-Curci's voice remains more than a memory to n'A who have heard it previously, and reports state that this quality is wonderfully preserved. —~ DANCING. Dixieland, dancing to Dixieland Band. Orange Hall, Telma Dance Club. Point Chevalier Sailing Club, Jazz Competition. Masonic Hall, Newton, to-night, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. Druids' Old-time Cabaret, George Hunter's "Famous Revellers." Renall Street Hall, Three Lamps, Argyle old-time dance. Labour Hall, Newton, to-night, New Zealand Labour party's dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Ventura Dance Club. Akarana Yacht Clubhouse, usual weekly dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, to-night, Connon's Orchestra. Crystal Palace Winter Gardens, to-night, Kowhai Dance. Oak Hall, Liverpool Street, Workers' Social Club s dance. Click Clack Cabaret, Morrow's Orcheetra. O'Xeill Street Hall, Ponsonby, Tuesday, Parisian Studio Orchestra. Peter Pan, visit by Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard; also novelty item, "The Dutchies."