AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 263, 5 November 1932, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE TENDERFOOT." A man who can roll a cigarette with one hand, who learned to shoot by knocking clay pipes out of the mouth of an Indian with hiccoughs, but who is such a "sap" that he had parted with all his savings to buy a half-share in a "dud" theatrical show before hp had been ten minutes in New xork, such is Joe E. Brown, the Texas cowboy, in "The Tenderfoot," a screamingly funny comedy which opened a season at St. James' Theatre' last evening.'■ 1 Joe Brown has provided many pictures which have set audiences rocking in laughter, but none of them'.quite reach ithe standard of "The Tenderfoot," in which Brown is a sort of "wiset- guy-sap" at intervals. Direct from : the;, camp of; .Texas two-gun men. Brown arrives in New York and after warding off a, couple of young ladies who .claim to have known him previously, Brown enters a restaurant to have a meal. There he meets two smart theatrical managers who sell him a .half-share in a revue company which is just about on its last legs—and revue companies have plenty of legs. So poor is the show that Brown is given work' to do behind the stage in order that he does not see how bad the show really is. He believes it has been a success and with the last of his savings he buys the second half of the show. ,It is then the pretty secretary explains to Brown'-that he has been had. Brown decides to open in New York, but finds the chorus girls have no costumes. He unearths some Shakespearean costumes which he makes use of, and to everyone s surprise the opening night is a wonderful success, the costuming being regarded as 6atire by the critics. While all this is being brought about, Brown has some exciting times and the situations which continually arise are? - deliriously funny. Everyone .will laugh and laugh heartily at "The.Tenderfoot." The supports are particularly good and are an entertainment in themselves. Among the items are a women's woodchopping contest in New South Wales, celebrating Trafalgar Day in Sydney, the English , dricketers at Perth, an interesting, study of Australia's native teddy bear the koala, cowboys aquaplaning at Colorado, the PalmerChastain boxing contest, national dance by Swiss children andfa smart and novelty comedy, "The Wise % IN THE FAMILY." A most interesting picture in which pathos and Comedy are,;... excellently blended is " Divorce in the Family, showing at the Majestic Theatre. The story deals with the unhappiness which a child suffers through the divorce of his parents, and his childlike inability to understand the position when his mother marries again. The father, divorced, feels that his life is not worth living without tj>e company and love■ of- his . son?,: and, though a Court hits decreed that lie shall keep away from them, he "ignores the order. One of the sons run's away to live with his father, but meets with an accident, and the mishap provides a very fitting climax to a most interesting story. Lewis Stone is excellent as the divorced father, and Lois Wilson .acts with plenty of emotion as the wife. Conrad .Nagel is the second husband,' and Jackie Cooper the child whose love'is torn between his father and mother. Also on the programme is a screamingly funny short, " The Nickel Nurser," starring Charlie Chase and Thelma Todd, and a fine series of supports including interesting news reels make-, up a-very enjoyable entertainment? J' i ■? *,■ ; "BARRETTS OF WIMPOJLE STREET " ■ -"The Barretts of - Wimpole Street," which opens a season at His Majesty's Theatre jon Saturday next, will introduce to -Auckland theatregoers a new play, a new company, and a new leading lady, Margaret Rawlings. A three-act ronaanee, "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" is founded upon a true story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. Margaret Rawlings now definitely takes her place in that coterie of eminent artists known to New Zealand, which includes' Margaret Anglin, Ethel Irving, Katlierine Grey, Margaret Bannerman and Lady ForbesRobertson. The principal supporting •artists, .including Barry Barnes,, E. Bellenden Clarke, Gabriel Toyne and Mary Cobb, have each attained the highest honours on the London stage. Margaret Rawlings, in the role of Elizabeth Barrett, is a vivid picture of the clash of temperaments and of the power of love to find a way in dfficultiee.-Itf association with Miss' Rawlings are Mr.-Barry K. Barnes, a notable English juvenile actor -who 'appears as, the poet, /Robert Browning; Mr. "E. Belleriden Clarke, A character actor of .distinction, who is said toi give: a remarkable;- performance of the domineering father, and Miss Mary Cobb, ,as Bella-Hedley, a vivacious flirt who is as bold as shelis.foeautiful. Other important characters are portrayed by Messrs. Kenneth r Brampton, Harvey, Adams, .John Wood;-Richard Fair, Leslie Jones, John Calder and the Misses Kathleen Goodall, Noel r Boyd and Mary Macgregor. . Box plans'for the season Open on Wednesday next. KINGSLAND TALKIES. ' Two'-big "pictures will be shown at the Kingsland Talkies this evening. "Symphony . of' Six Millions," a fine story starring Irene Dunne and Ricardo Cortez, is the main attraction. The second picture is a bright comedy, "Almost Married." GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. The chief attraction to-night on a strong programme at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, is a stirring drama, "Ladies of the-Big House.". «.•?'■*» -- AVON DALE TOWN HALL. % At- t&e Avondale Town there..will be a mixed programme of pictures'.'and dancing. The picture is' "The Burnt Offering," starring Elisea Landi and Paul Lukae, and jazz dancing will follow till midnight. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. To-night': at the Strand Theatre, hunga/the feature picture is the rollicking comedy "Racy Youth," with Louise Fazenda and Slim Somerville the principals. Good supports will; be -shown. <; "ALICE IN WONDERLAND." 1 To-night at. Scots Hall Miss Cecil Hall's upi Is ill> in "Fu rtlier •Adyeh tur es Jof ?and corgeoufl tcofitumes ofthistow. 1 KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. "The Passionate Plumber," a bright comedy starring Buster Keaton, who never lauahs, hnt':makes everyone else do so, is the '<mief "attraction at" thfe" King's Theatre,. Northcote, to-night. The supporting programme of .shorts is well selected, and covers a wide variety of subjects. , *• 3 sg|» 4® Si i|j§ ORGAN RECITAL. , An, organ recital will be given byxMr. Arthur E. Wilson, city organist, at the Town Hall on .Thursday next. An extensive programme of classical numbers has ■beenjarranged, Barnefh baritbne,- will sing/'Arm,- Arm, Ye Brave (Handel) and ."West Country Lad (Ed. German). AMATEUR COMPETITIONS. On Monday night,* at the West End : Theatre, the "pbpular,". or audience vote, will be.further, advanced with the object' of finalising this class . at the Empress Theatre on? Tuesday. " Three artists will be - selected by ballot by the audiences, the awards consisting of a six-days' engagement with Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd. BLIND INSTITUTE BAND. "An \interesting open-air "entertainment to-morrow afternoon will be' a performance' by the band of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind at Point Erin Park. The high degree of musical talent achieved by the blind is well known. Among the pieces to be played will be Gilbert and Sullivan selections, Exhibition March, -*20th Century,"" Fantasia, "Fox and. Hounds'^and-selections-from-Faust, -

"WHITE ZOMBIE.'' A mystery, with weirdness indescribable, is an inevitable magnet. One was convinced of this last evening on seeing the crowd which packed the Civic with the avowed intention of being thrilled. And there were thrills, creeps and surprises aplenty in. " White Zombie,", .the mystery drama based on the Haytiau superstition of the living dead.- Here is a picture that outrivals Dracula and its ilk, a picture that. * holds an audience spell-bound by the" weirdness of its conception, its wonderfully effective photography, and the extraordinary demands upon the acting skill of its characters that it makes. The very opening contains the element of fear, and many of the audience titter —a little nervously mayhap. Then the gripping realism of the arch-fiend who steals the mind and soul of a beautiful woman develops, with a noteworthy minimum of dialogue, • but with a telling effect which banishes all thought of laughter, nervous orr other wise. The plot must not be disclosed; itinust be watched by the individual as...its develops under the mesmeric power and the chemical skill of that great actor Bela Lugosi, whose latest role is the greatest of all the vehicles for his weird personality. Madge Bellamy, personating a woman living, yet dead, has a most difficult task, where any slightest slip would ruin the stark conviction of the whole theme. Her . soulless, will-less creature, maintains it thoroughly, and in relief there comes the most genuinely human medical missionary, a gem of a study, who provides the final touch of humour which brings relief. "White Zombie" is truly a remarkable film, after seeing which a heavy supper is certainly inadvisable. A gazette featuring a struggle between Coehet and Vines on the courts, a "Magic Carpet" carrying one through the beauties and contrasts of Havana, and another homely and humorous sketch by that popular band of instrumentalists and vocalists who convey the atmosphere of the fire station in a country town, complete.; the bill. Harold Baxter's orchestra provides a couple of- enjoyable and last night Miss Dorothea Ryan, at the organ, received an ovation for lie* playing- of "Liebestraum," the music of which also recurs through the mystery film. , vJi "AFTER THE RAIN." A screen drama of the South Seas that is refreshingly different, and tensely gripping ; in its many 'situations, "After the' Rain," which opened a season at the National Theatre last evening, is a picture that will be, enthusiastically received by any audiene'e. Convincingly acted by a strong cast, headed by Spencer Tracy and Peggy Shannon, it details the hectic affairs of a defiant and sarcastic young lady who, in her own words, "knows the waterfront from Mandalay to Panama." Accompanying a hard-boiled schooner captain from Singapore when she gets in trouble with the police, she is set ashore on an island nearby to await his return from Australia. There she attracts the attention of an amorous politician and an adventurous pearl fisher. The first wants her to take aiitriji with him; the second —much to her -amazement—wants to marry her. • Torn between these opposing influences and the fear of the captain's return, she finds life very complicated indeed, and climaxes follow thick and fast to a highly dramatic ending. Spencer Tracy is even better than his uSual brilliant self as the rough-and-ready pearl fisher, and Irving Pichel and William. (Stage) ..Boyd share the principal supporting honours. Herbert Mundin, Raul Roulien and Laska Winters are others in the cast worthy of mention. Good supports contribute to a fine' programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. Montgomery and a hiiarious east in a lilting comedy romance of "Merry Old England" is the attraction at_ the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to ; when "But the Flesh is Weak" will be sflfeened. The picture, is , a filmisation of, Ivor Novello's-famous stage play, "The Truth Game." Montgomery plays the clever, but laughable Max, impoverished young aristocrat, who resolves to marry a rich girl. He finds a prospect in a wealthy noblewoman, works all his engaging charms, wins thej girl's love —then falls in love with her best friend, who hasn't a penny. His wooing of the-girl he loves is one of the funniest sequences ever screened; and between the moments of uproarious clowning are many little touches of drama and romance. Nils Asther is seen as Prince Paul,, the ruthless pursuer of. women. Nora Gregor appears as the poorer of two charmers, and Heather Thatcher is charming as the rich girl. Thrills of the Ascot races, casinos and famous haunts of British society make interesting backgrounds for the story. LONDON THEATRE. The well-produced and somewhat daring comedy, "Lonely Wives," which is showing ; at the London Theatre, is the: sort of bedroom farce which keeps an audience in merry mood, although there is little ornothing of the'bedrooms shown. There is an abundance of comedy, caused by situations which arise when a woman finds herself with a nian she thinks is her husband, but happens not to be, the extreme likeness between her husband and the.stranger being responsible for the mistake. The scenes which continually cr.op up create ■many laughs. Edward Exerett Horton takes the part of the two men who look so much alike, and supporting him in the cast are Esther Ralston, Patsy Ruth Miller, Laura La Plante.and Spencer Charters. There is also a good programme of shorts. STRAND THEATRE. ' A'change of programme' will be made at the Strand Theatre this, evening, when .the. feature film will be "Show of Shows." This is a fast-moving variety show, with outstanding revue costuming and exceptionally clever dances, and singing done by the artists both individually and collectively." "Show of Shows" is bright and racy, with many catchy musical numbers, and should make a strong appeal to those seeking an enjoyable' entertainment. The artists .include John Barrymore, Winnie Lightner,, Jack Buchanan and others. A strong supporting programme will back up the* feature "film. EMPIRE THEATRE. "Alias the Doctor," a stirring drama starring Richard Barthelmess and Marian Marsh, will be. screened at the Empire '-Theatre, Dominion Road,- to-night. Also will be shown the hilarious comedy, "Parlour, Bedroom .and .Bath, with Buster Keaton, Charlotte Greenwood and Reginald Denny providing the fun. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Two big/Pictures are offered on to-night's programme at ,t>lie Th6atre. 1 lie first is:a gripping £am a ,_"A Husband* Holiday," starring Clive Brook, and the second in exciting Western romance, The Rider 6f Death Valley," with Tom Mix in the -lead. ' PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. A special programme :of pictures and daneiugV,is offered at the Picturedromey The picture is the rollicking comedy, "Gold Dust Gertie, with Winnie Lightner setting a fast -pace. After the picture there will be two hours of free": jazz 'dancing, ■ the music being: supplied by orchestra. SOUTHERN cross, ellerslie. At the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie, to-night, a double feature programme will be presented. "Destry Rides Again," with TomrMi»in:an. exciting Western romance, and an ; amnsing- comedy, ."Bachelor'3 Affairs,"-with Adolph Menjou in the lead, are the main items. - , RIALTO THEATRE. To-morrow ; (Sunday), night the Rialto Theatre will screen "A Warm Corner," a racy ' comedy-drama, overflowing with amusing, situations, in which Leslie Henton is'the central figure. Inaddition there will be an excellent series of support. MUNICIPAL BAND. At Albert Park to-morrow evening the Auckland City Municipal Band will include in the excellent programme to be presented selections from several of the world's foT-emost composers, including Mendelsohn's "The Hebrides" ("Fingal's Cave"), Verdi's "La Traviata," works of Sullivan and Offenbach. There will also V '•"-'Wed piwnlo. «•»•«••><* phone solos, i.j. , interesting light numbers. The band will give a fine programme at t£e Zoological Park, to-morrow- afteriflfon.

"ON OUR SELECTION." Auckland picture patrons who have seen " On Our Selection " are unanimous that this first great Australian talkie is one of the finest pictures to come to the screen. On all sides the high praise bestowed upon it by Australian critics is supported, and nightly, at the Regent crowds are r being almost convulsed .with; laughter as'Steele Rudd's family go through the trials and tribulations of Australia's typical- waybacks. The picture has a. delightful: humour entirely its own, and no one who enjoys a bright show can afford to miss seeing "On Our Selection." At Sydney it ran for six weeks, and had long runs at Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and it is now starting on its second week in Auckland. Bert Bailey, who played the character of " Dad" Rudd in the stage version, is again in the part, and all the members of the family are cast in roles which they carry out faultlessly. ROXY AND TIVOLI. A strong programme is offered at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres, where two feature films are included in a variety of picture entertainment to suit all tastes. All the thrills of an exciting Western romance are contained in " My Pal the King," a daring cowboy film starring Tom Mix in a .picture w;hich bubbles over with surprises, clashes with bandits, and . spectacular action. The story deals with the kidnapping of a ten-year-old king and the thrilling experiences of Tom Mix and his party as they smash up the gang and rescue the king. " Love is a Racket " is the second big picture, and tells an amusing story combining the elements of comedy and drama. It is played by Doug. Fairbanks, jun., and an excellent supporting cast, which includes such finished young actors as Ann Dvorak, Lee Tracy, Frances Dee, Lysle Talbot, Warren Hymer, and' Andre Luguet. In " Love is a Racket," Doug, falls in, love with a beautiful chorus girl, played -by Frances Dee, whose aunt is ambitious for. her to marry a millionaire. She cannot " agree to her niece accepting a young, newspaperman, who mixes with so many different kinds of people and seems 'to have no more future than his present. The resulting entanglements, following a wealthy playboy's decision that lie wants the beautiful chorine for himself, makes one of the fastest series of dramatic and comic episodes to come to the screen. " SUNSHINE SUSIE." ' Starting on her fourth week, the vivacious " Sunshine Susie." continues to delight crowded audiences at the Plaza Theatre. Most Aucklanders who appreciate good pictures have seen this exceptionally fine production. . Those who haven't have been advised to see it. " Sunshine Susie" is just one of those outstanding films which come aloug at rare intervals. There 'is not a dull moment, the comedy is clever and clcan all the way, and radiates happiness from beginning to end. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. P. Excellent entertainment is offering at to-night's programme at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. The chief attraction is the • intensely interesting ' romantic drama, "The Devil to -Pay," in which Ronald Colman and Loretta Young are starred. There will be a good programme of supports. CAPITOL THEATRE. A double-feature programme is showing at the Capitol Theatre to-night. ■, The scintillating light "One Hour With You" stars Maurice Chevalier and Jcanctte McDonald, in a bright musical offering. Also is showing the gripping drama, "Mata Hari," with Greta Garbo and Raymond Novarro partnered. " TUDOR THEATRE. " ; "Private Lives" is the chief attraction at the Tudor .Theatre, Remuera, this evening. This'.is an engrossing picture, which provides an insight into the "other" lite of society mfin and . women. Robert Montgomery and Norma Shearer are cast in the principal roles. In addition there is an excellent programme of supports. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Two big pictures will be shown at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night. "No One Man," strong drama, starring Carol Lombard and Ricardo Cortez, is the feature, and also showing is "Man About Town," starring Warner Baxter and Karen Morley. ADELPHI THEATRE. The programme showing to-night at the Adeiphi Theatre is a particularly strong one, and comprises two feature pictures. The smart comedy, "Get Rich Quick Waliingford," stars William Haines and Leila Hyams. . "This Reckless Age" is a delightful swift-moving farce. "ABDUL THE ROBBER." "Abdul the Robber," Valeska's 1932 pantomime, will, be presented at Scots Hall on Saiturday evening, November 19. The proceeds are in aid or the Mount Eden branch of the Hospital Auxiliary. EDENDALE CINEMA. In "Hollywood Speaks," which', is being screened at the Edendale Cinema to-night, the audience is provided with a behind the scenes view of the lives of Hollywood's famous actors and actresses. Also on the programme is a stirring drama, "The Criminal Code." AMBASSADOR THEATRE. A particularly good programme is offering at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier, this evening.'- The big attraction is the exciting romance, "Tarzan, the Ape Man," in which Maureen O'Sullivan and. Johnny Weissmuler are the principals. Good supports make an excellent entertainment. NEW DE LUXE. "To-morrow and To-morrow>" an exceptionally good drama, with Ruth Cliatterton in the lead, is .the attraction at the New de Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, to-night. The second big picture is "Kisses by Com-, mand." >' WEST END THEATRE, f "State's Attorney," a thrilling drama with Helen Twelvetrees and John Barrymore in the leading roles, will be screened to-night at the West End Theatre. In addition there is. the bright romance, "Is My t'ace Red," starring Ricardo Cortez and Zasu Pitts. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. A double-feature programme will' be shown at the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, to-night. "Frail Women," starring Owen Nares and Mary Newcomb is a gripping story. In lighter vein is "The Dance Team," with Sally Eilers and James Dunn. ■ NEW REGENT, EPSOM. The entertaining picture, "Hollywood Speaks," giving a back-stage insight ; into the lives, of . Hollywood's ,best-known artists, is showing at the,. New Regent, Epsom, this evening. "Frail Women," with Owen Nares and Mary Newcomb, is •the second big picture. EMPRESS THEATRE. The interest of- the audience -at • the Empress Theatre' will ;be,hpld this> evening with the screening of "State's Attorney," in which John Barrymore and Helen Twelvetrees are starred. Also showing is "Is My Face-Red," with -Ricardo Cortez and Zasu Pitts. ; LYRIC THEATRE. A strong programme will be offered tonight at the Lyric Theatre, where the entertainment is of- all-round excellence. 1 "The Broken Lullaby," a stirring romantic ! drama, starring Lionel Barrymore and Nancy Carroll, is the main attraction...Well chosen supports will also be - shown. PRINCE EDWARD. A clever drama, skilfully handled by Robert Montgomery and Joan Crawford, "Letty Lynton," to foe screened to-night at the Prince Edward Theatre, should i prove an attraction. Another fine, picture on the programme is "I Take This Woman."