AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 240, 10 October 1932, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE. The present programme at the Plaza Theatre is headed by James Cagney's first starring picture, "The Crowd Roars," into which are packed just about as many thrills of various kinds as the average picture-goer can. stand. Shrieking care in gruelling races, desperate drivers doing dare-devil deeds despite innumerable deadly dangers—these things and manymore are incorporated in this new vehicle for one of Hollywood's latest surprise actors. James Cagney has arisen 6ince the decline of Clark Gable, and in other countries, where his three or four later pictures have been screened, he is a fast favourite with both sexes. The fact that he has made a series of films in such quick succession indicates the nature of the demand upon his style of acting. Joan Blondell, the star of "Gentleman for a Day," receives another big chance in this production. Friday's change at the Plaza will introduce one of the most successful of recent British films. This is "Sunshine Susie," in which a new German star is featured. Renate Muller is said to radiate happiness in the same way as did Mary Pickford at the height of her popularity, and this probably accounts for her great and immediate success. Jack Hulbert, Owen Naves and Morris Harvey, all seasoned English actors, assist Fraulein Muller in this pleasing romance. STRAND THEATRE. Saturday evening marked a return season at the Strand Theatre of the highly successful musical comedy-romance "Paris," whicl was produced while that English favourite of stage and screen, Jack Buchanan, was on a prolonged visit to Hollywood some time ago. At the same time the star appeared in one or two other American films, including "Show of Shows" and "Rio Rita." Jack Buchanan's smile and captivating style of making love were well exhibited in the more recent British pictures, "Man of Manfair" and "Good-night, Vienna." In "Paris" he has the able assistance of Irene Bordoni, a very talented star who has since left the screen; also Zasu Pitts, the never-failing comedienne, whose expressive hands and drawn-out voice have probably caused more laughs than any other female funster on the screen. This entertaining production will continue to be screened at the Strand until the end of this week, when the theatre promises a fine treat for pic-ture-goers. HUNGARIAN VIOLINIST. One of the world's finest exponents of the ancient art of violin playing will pay Auckland a visit in a fortnight's time, when a series of three concerts will be given in the Town Hall. Joseph Szigeti is completing a tour of the OrieTit and Australasia, having received great praise from critics across the Tasman. He will be assisted on the piano by Prince Magaloff, a brilliant young Russian player, whose accompaniments have stirred many reviewers into favourable expression. The violin on which Szigeti produces his wonderful music is a genuine product of Guarnerius, reputedly valued at £10,000. MUNICIPAL BAND. A large and appreciative audience listened to the Auckland Municipal Band at Albert Park last night, when the band gave the first of this season's open-air recitals. A fine programme was also given at the Zoological Park yesterday afternoon. CATHOLIC REPERTORY SOCIETY. The first programme to be presented by the Auckland Catholic Repertory Society will be given in the Town Hall Concert Chamber next Friday and Saturday. Four plays are to be staged, these being "The Marriage of St. Francis," "The Golden Doom," "The Coffee Stall," and "Cathleen ni Houlihan." "SUNSHINE SUSIE" BALL. With proceeds to be devoted to certain charities to be nominated by the Mayor, a plain and fancy dress ball has been arranged to take place at the Dixieland Cabaret next Wednesday evening. Mr. G. W. Hutchison and the Mayoress have signified their patronage of the event, for which extensive preparations have been made. MILITARY BALL. The annual ball of the New Zealand Territorial Association will be held in the Peter Pan Cabaret to-morrow evening, when a demonstration will also be given by Miss Margaret O'Connor and partner of the tango and- the two-step. COMBINED BANDS IN DOMAIN. With an audience numbering upwards of 3000, the combined Auckland Girls' Brass Band and the Ponsonby Boys' Band gave a tasteful and well-arranged performance in the Domain Cricket Ground yesterday afternoon. The Girls' Band, under the baton of Bandmaster A. Hodgkins, received particular appreciation from the audience for its rendering of the overture, "Garden of Eden," while the Boys' Band' under Mr. S. Martin, showed the height of its talent in a splendid descriptive piece, Night In Switzerland." WAIROA VICTIMS' BENEFIT CONCERT.

A successful entertainment was given in the Trades Hall on Saturday evening by the Neville CarLsen Revue Company, the proceeds being devoted to the benefit fund lor the earthquake sufferers in tlie YVairoa and surrounding districts. The concert was presented in conjunction with the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association. Ihe programme was well received every item being encored.