AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 21, 26 January 1933, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Sporting Widow," which has its Snal screening at the Majestic Theatre this evening, places in the hands of Alison Skipworth what is easily the finest part in her career. She is cast in a Marie Dressier type of role, one that affords her i superb chance to display her great talents for comedy characterisation. Galling herself (in the film) the "Countess of Auburn," but better known to the police of three Continents and the inside of many prisons as plain Martha Hicks, Miss Skipworth wends her own sweet way through life, "fleecing" everybody with a penny in their pockets, from State Governors to prison warders, from prospective suitors to autocratic city bankers. 'The Sporting Widow" is as a "human-interest comedy-drama," "and it would indeed be difficult to fincf'a more suitable description. Through its undoubted ability to produce laughs it is a first-class comedy; by reason of the wistful yet intensely human nature of the central character, it is replete with human interest, and because of the unusual methods adopted by the "countess" to bring happiness into the lives of her two daughters and her' lovable old fool of a husband, it holds dramatic interest. PAT HANNA'S "DIGGERS." "Digger," starring the New Zealander, Pat Hanna, in his famous stage show, was *iven its first screening at the Strand Theatre last evening. Excellent adaptation and direction has been done by F. W. Hiring. Pat Hanna is cast in his original role as the typical Australian soldier on the Western front, seeing nothing but the laughter 6ide of things—to say nothing of the wine and the mademoiselles. He is supported by George Moon, who, as his diminutive pal, supplies the chief comic element o£ the partnership. These two put across some very entertaining jokes in most enjoyable fashion. A New Zealander by birth, Pat Hanna chose the type if the carefree soldier with which to brighten the dark days in France during 1914-1918. So successful were these spontaneous entertainments that the military authorities recognised his talents and Pat was appointed a divisional entertainer with the Army of Occupation in Germany •it the immediate conclusion of the Great War. It was during this period that he organised a concert party who specialised in playing soldier sketches for the amusement of the troops. This troupe of entertainers reached phenomenal success, and they toured the British Isles, New Zealand and Australia after 1918. His organisation of the professional "Diggers Company," which played in every worthwhile town in Australasia, is theatrical history. The | Strand's film version does :ull justice to the reputation it attained >n the stage. NATIONAL THEATRE. To-day affords the final opportunity for picture-goers to see the entertaining modern drama. "Big City Blues," featuing Eric Linden and Joan Blondell, which is the current attraction at the National Theatre. To-morrow the theatre will present the initial Auckland screening of the latest Joe E. Brown farce, " Fireman, Save My Child," in which the broadmouthed veteran of laughter is ably supported by Evalyn Ivnapp, Lilian Bond, Gruy Kibbee, Andy Devine, and George Meeker. The story of this hilarious film concerns the adventures of a fire chief and his rollicking team. Robert Lord, Ray Enright, and . Arthur Caesar, three of Hollywood's most famous comedy writers, united their efforts in producing "Fireman, Save My Child," which is said to be as full of original jokes and '\gags " as any picture for years. Joe E. Brown was born 40 years ago. Both his parents had perfectly normal mouths. They took one look at their infant son, and wondered what a kind Providence had against them. A friendly neighbour dropped in, took a look, and suggested shooting him. Even at birth his face was like that. Little , did they know that one day his face would be his fortune—and the amusement of the world. ROXY AND TIVOLf. Two gripping action films comprise the current attractions at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Torn Mix is seen to his best advantage in " Hidden Gold," in which Judith Barrie gets her first big chance in Sims. She proves herself a worthy "eminiue lead to the well-beloved cowboy, tn " Man Against Woman," Jack Holt jives l another of the rugged portrayals that lave established liim as probably the screen's foremost " he-man " player, being supported in this production by .Lillian Miles and Walter Connolly. His inimitible humour comes forth at most unexpected but entirely suitable times. In 'Hidden Gold" there are many interestng features to thrill any audience. A :'orest fire, a prison " break," a battle -oyal with fists, another with guns, and yet mother with fists —all these and more are racked into the short space of one hour ind a quarter. And in the middle of all the danger, where it is thickest and the action fastest, there is Tom Mix with his wonderful horse Tony, both of them lieroes in the eyes of every lover of swift movement and development in their entertainment. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. The beautiful Bret Harte romance of the California redwood pine country, " Salomy Jane," in which Charles Farrell plays his most impressive role as the Stranger, opposite Joan Bennett as Salomy Jane, will be screened at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres this evening. In addition, the Crystal Palace will offer "Women Jjove Once," a Paul Lukas-Eleanor Boardman picture, while the Rialto's second feature will be "The Vice Squad," in which Paul Lukas is again starred, this time with raven-haired Kay Francis. LONDON THEATRE. The final screening of " Big News" (William Boyd) will be given at the London Theatre this evening. To-morrow's feature will be " Murder in the Covent Garden," a powerful British film, telling of the strength of brother love. John Stuart, Joan Maude, and Humberstone Wright are the chief players. MUNICIPAL BAND. It was estimated freely that upwards of 2000 people listened to a recital of popular music by the Municipal Band at Point Chevalier last evening. The fine weather was responsible for the presence of many people on the beaches, and these were enthusiastic about the band's programme, to judge by the applause at the conclusion of each number. HOSPITAL CONCERT. The weekly concerts at the Public Hospital arranged by Mrs. Raeburn and Mr. A. Hamblin commenced on Wednesday, t The opening concert was given in Ward 28. A very enjoyable evening was given, the items consisting of songs, duets anil monologues. Those taking part were I Misses Ida Walker, Pond, Penn, Messrs. i T\. Errington, F. Penn and the Rev. A. I Mitchell. Miss Slade was the accompanist.