AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 99, 29 April 1933, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS.

"THERE GOES THE BRIDE." Some months ago, when crowds flocked to see "Sunshine Susie," the magnet was the amazing personality of a girl new to filmgoers. Yesterday there appeared on the Plaza screen a young lady whose triumph mnst be regarded as quite equal to that of Renate Muller. It is her first big occasion, and that in a part that she herself has made even more than the part has made her. "There Goes the Bride,"* a most refreshing and hilarious comedy in itself, is, in its screen version, first and foremost, Jessie Matthews, and next, quite a good show. The English actress, from her first appearance making faces at the plioto of her fiance to her final exit as an unexpected, but not unaccompanied, piece of baggage upon a railway porter's truck, impresses a unique personality upon the audience. Her vivacity, her marvellous power of facial expression, her clever singing and dancing, and her excellent speaking voice, evoked yesterday the keenest admiration. The story of the girl who ran away to avoid a wedding which was a mere matter of financial arrangement need not be told. It leads to many delightful complications, and its script and skilled direction make it a fine vehicle of entertainment, but' it is the young lady cast in an ideal role who lifts the picture to first rank among British comedies. And she receives excellent support from Owen Nares, whose years as a matinee idol have given him a stagecraft which brings into striking contrast the freshness and naivete of Miss Matthews. Typically British is the supporting programme. A Cinemagazine presents gazette features assembled and described with a skill worthy of big film direction, and another of those rambles round London gives peeps of the heart of the Empire, refreshing to both those who know and those who know not, "The City." But finest of all is a splendid photographic view of "Shakespeare's Country"—of all that is so historically attractive in and round Strat-ford-on-Avon. "DESTINATION UNKNOWN." Not even in the most cunningly-woven tales of Edgar Wallace is the atmosphere of tenseness and breathless suspense created and sustained to better effect than in the powerful story "Destination Unknown," which had its premiere to a big audience at the Majestic last night. The production is a triumph of dramatic acting and has a compelling plot. This picture moves in a little world of its own, for all the scenes, until the finale, are enacted upon a derelict ship, a clipper named the Prince Rupert, which has been battered about in a tragic storm—tragic, because it takes as toll the lives of the captain and the mate. After the _ storm there is the calm. This change in the complexion of sky and water should have brought something approaching peace to the 13 men aboard the clipper, but their parched throats make them unscrupulous and mad. What won't men do to slake a terrible thirst? Three get possession of the only known keg of water aboard, and having the only guns, guard it from the others. It is a grim situation. But the bos'n finds water, and, knowing his value to the ship, walks deliberately up to the guarded keg and chops it through with an axe. Thereon follow dramatic events. The acting of all on board, which includes a woman (Betty Compson), is remarkable and convincing, while the portrayal of the bos'n Lundstrom by Alan Hale is a fine bit of acting. The stowaway, played by Ralph Bellamy, is well done, and Rollo Lloyd makes an excellent Dr. Fram. Pat O'Brien as Matt Brennan also convinces. There are excellent supports, one of the most interesting of which is "The Voice of the "Vatican, which shows Pope Pius XI. in his only appearance on the screen. There are intimate and surprising scenes revealed in the Vatican City, one being tlie Vatican railway and another the Vatican guard, whose uniform was designed by Michael Angelo. There are also two news reels and an excellent conVdy, "Alias the Professor," with James Gleason. ROXY AND TIVOLI. Two. new popular songs are introduced in the film, "Broadway Bad," the new screen play showing currently at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The songs, 'Forget the Past" and "Little Man," were coinposed especially for the picture, which features Joan Blondell, Ricardo Cortez, Ginger Rogers, Allen Vincent, Adrienne i Ames and others. Among them, the four ['composers of the "Broadway Bad numbers have given the world many popular 1 song "hits/' a few of them being "Honeymoon Lane," "Back Home Again in Indiana," "A Cottage Small by a Waterfall," "Dinah," "Am I Blue," | The Peanut Vendor'? and "Home Again Sidney Lanfield directed "Broadway Bad. The story concerns a girl who cashes in" on a lurid reputation and fights for happiness against unfair odds. It combines sparkling humour and gaiety with Presidential' "year Seal fi|ns to°reach IdSTfrS. or.jln to I an anonymous author and was directed by Alfred E. Green, who gave us "Union Depot," "The Rich Are Always With Us j. 'it's Touch to be Famous. Joseph and Bette Davis. STRAND THEATRE. . A fine show came back to the city last evening in the shape of a revival of the brilliant talking .film .Raffles at the Strand Theatre, in conjunction .with an extended season of the successful Laurel and Hardy comedy "Pack Up xour Troubles." This latter film, however ehded its season at the afternoon session to-day. The stars in "Raffles —which is a story adapted from the widely novel by E. Hornung—are Ronald Col man and Kay Francis. The latter makes a fine study opposite Colman in another fifm "Cynara" (in itself a rare accomplishment). Colman himself makes a very fine and plausible master thiefromanticist in "Raffles " and it wasi undoubtedly his artistry which went towards the building up of the immense popu larity that both the film and the story enioyed. Raven-haired Kay Francis is well cast, proving a fine foil for Colman s much publicised appeal. A cleverij selected cast of supporting players assists the stars in the production, each being entirely suitable to his or her particular role. A beautiful musical romance of an; other day. "The Immortal Vagabond, featuring the European stars, Liane Haul, Gustav Froelich and Alberto Carero, will be screened as from this evening at the Strand. Some fine musical -numbers are rendered in the course of the production by the Viennese State Orchestra. RIALTO SUNDAY NIGHT. One of the most beautiful and perhaps the most emotionally appealing British film yet made, "The Rosary" will be the chief item on the film programme to be offered for the benefit of local chanties at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, tomorrow evening. Margot Graliame and Elizabeth Allan are the two leads in the production. WEST END THEATRE. Delightful modern philosophy and romance pervade the whole length or the Douglas Fairbanks, jun., film "Loye Is a Racket," which will screen to-night at the West End Theatre in conjunction with "Silver Dollar," a fine story of the rapid fortunes made in Colorado s silver era. EDENDALE CINEMA. Many are the laughs dispensed by Joe E. Brown in his latest comedy, "You Said a Mouthful," in which "Ginger" Rogers plays the ingenue role. Richard Arlen, Jack Oakie, and Jackie Cooper are the stars of "Sky Bride," the other film showing at the Edendale Cinema. KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Light and airy in every way, "Love on Wheels," the Jack Hulbert comedyromance which was so successful at the all-British Plaza, will be the main screen entertainment fol the King's Theatre, Northcote, this evening.

"LORD CAMBER'S LADIES." A dramatic masterpiece came to the Civic Theatre yesterday in tlie presentation of "Lord Camber's Ladies," a British picture .based on tlie story 'by H. A. Vachell. It is an engrossing study of human strength and weakness, and in its interpretation great heights are reached by Sir Gerald du Maurier and Gertrude Lawrence. The plot is built upon tlie marriage of a philandering peer to a highly temperamental -comedy actress, and the complications which ensue when Lady Camber, broken down in health, meets in the nursing home the little floriste whose affections her flighty husband has already trifled with. The hard-blistered London specialist, whose heart has already been won by the winsome nurse, is put to a severe test, after tlie death of Lady Camber, but his astuteness never fails him, with the result that the anticipated tragic ending does not materialise. The picture lias its measure of comedy, and this achieves an almost perfect balance for the production. Sir Gerald's portrayal of the stern-faced specialist is masterly, and Gertrude Lawrence gives a most polished performance as the neurotic music hall star. Beauty and character are imparted to the role of the plucky nurse by Benita Hume, and Nigel Brucc lives the part of the objectionable peer. Variety, instruction and entertainment ave the features of the supporting films. Interesting Australian items recorded by Fox Movietone News comprise scenes at the Eucharistic Congress, the New South Wales floods, the training of college rowing crews and incidents at Sydney's Royal Show, including some novel pictures of the night jumping competitions. The correct use of the mashie niblick is explained in word and action by Bobby Jones in another instalment of those instructive series the champion golfer has made for the screen. The Pathc Pictorial covers many toics. "SIGN OF THE CROSS." Boasting, as it does, one of the greatest starring easts assembled in one picture and directed by that master of spectacle, Cecil B. de Mille, "The Sign of the Cross," which opened an extended season at the National Theatre last night, can be ranked as one of the most pretentious pictures of the year. Leading roles are taken by Charles Laughton as Nero, Fredric March as Marcus Superbus, Prefect of Rome, Elissa Landi as Mercia, the Christian girl, and Claudette Colbert as the siren Empress Poppaea. So successfully has the director arranged the settings that every little incident which forms a link in the ultimate chain of tlie picture is authentic to the last detail; the Roman drinking vessels, platters, fountains and streets all combining to carry the spectator away back to the year of the story, 70 A.D. The scenes in the arena, where diabolical entertainments are arranged for Caesar's amusement, are extremely well done. As Nero, it would not be too much to say that Charles Laughton has reached the greatest role of his career. His portrayal of the tyrant is a perfect piece of acting. Owing to the length of the main picture the supporting programme was curtailed, the popular news reel finding favour. LONDON THEATRE. To-day's fine entertainment at the London Theatre consists of the amusing British comedy-drama. "The Indiscretions of Eve." featuring the Continental star, Steffi Duna. Also showing will be "The Strangler," a fine dramatic picture. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. A new technique was shown to the world when Rouben Mamoulian's artistry was seen in the latest Chevalier romance, "Love Me To-night." ' With lovely Jeanette Mac Donald in the feminine lead once more, this film will be screened to-night at the Strand Theatre, Oneliunga. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. One of the most romantic film leads yet seen and the memorable star of "Viennese Nights," Alexander Gray, will be featured this evening at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, in "Song of the Flame," a technicolour romance. CAPITOL THEATRE. A glamorous romance of native Hawaii, with Dolores Del Rio in the title role opposite Joel McCrea—"Bird of Paradise" —will be to-night's chief offering at the Capitol Theatre. "West of Broadway," with John Gilbert, will also screen at the theatre. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Released in the city under the rather more- attractive title of ""The Hounds of Zaroff," the film, "The Most Dangerous Game," will be to-night's main film fare at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton. Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong and Joel McCrea star. "Miss Pinkerton" (Joan Blondell) will also be shown. LYRIC THEATRE. A tale of a financier's attempt to redeem his family from the slavery of social life is well portrayed in the fine Arliss film, "A Successful Calamity," which will be featured with "The Man From Yesterday" (Clive Brook and Claudette Colbert), at the Lyric Theatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE. One of the finest jungle films yet shown to the public, "Bring-'Em Back Alive," will form the bulk of to-night's film entertainment at the Britannia Theatre. On the programme also will be the fine British comedy, "Lucky Girl," with Gene Gerrard. .GREY LYNN CINEMA. Probably the best portrayal of her entire career, without exception, was given by Marie ; Dressier in the title role of "Emma," which will be shown to-night at the Grey Lynn Cinema. A fine cast supports the popular star. GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. Happy romance, comedy .and music pervade the second Gracie Fields film, "Looking On the Bright Side," which is tonight's featured film at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. A wrestling film, taken in Wellington, will show George Walker in action against the Greek, Harry Mamos. MUNICIPAL BAND. A programme of popular and classical music will be given by the Municipal Band at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. Considerable gaiety should result from the arrangement of to-night's programme at Roushworth's Skating Rink, Khyber Pass Road. Heading the list of events is an attempt on the six-lap broadsiding record of 55 2-ss, held by Mr. C. Buchanan. There will also be a hockey match —juniors v. veterans. A half-mile, challenge race will be held between Messrs. C. Murray and S. McCabe. Roushworth's Band will supply suitable music. RIVOLI SKATING RINK. A special one-mile race to be staged this evening at the Rivoli Skating Rink, Upper Queen Street, should provide some interesting skating, as the competitors will include Mrs. Macfarlane, the mile champion. Community singing and a "battle of streamers and balloons will create further enjoyment for patrons. Particular provision is made for the handling of beginners at all sessions. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. One of her most successful dramatic roles is portrayed by Ruth Chatterton in "The Crash," in which she will be seen this evening at the New de Luxe Theatre.The leading male role is taken by George Brent, husband of the star. NAVY LEAGUE PLAY. Presented by the Navy League and produced by Mr. C. M. McCallum, the A. A. Milne comedy, "To Have the -Honour," will lie staged at the Town Hall Concert Chamber for three 'nights commencing May 4, 5 and 6. GYMNASTIC DISPLAY. A free display of gymnastics—including jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, basketball and badminton —will be given in the Drill Hall, Rutland Street, on Tuesday evening by the New Zealand Territorial Association. SONG RECITAL. A well-arranged programme is announced ' for the song recital to be given in the Lewis Eady Hall next Tuesday by Mr. Len Barnes (baritone), assisted by Messrs. I Haydn Murray (violin) and Eric Waters I (piano). f

"MADAME BUTTERFLY." An Oriental story is peculiarly suitable for adaptation to the screen, and so it is that "Madame Butterfly," based on the opera, provides splendid entertainment at the Regent. There is more scope in the film for showing the charm of Japanese gardens and the glamour of life than on tlie stage, and this gives a more complete and satisfying impression, which compensates for 'loss of operatic appeal. More is made of the incidents which lead up to the tragic love story, beginning with the parting of Cho-Cho-San from her widowed mother, and her brief entry into the life of a geisha. This gives a fine idea of the demure and lovable Butterfly who is to win the fleeting devotion of an American sailor. Then follows the meeting and the scene in the garden, where the Butterfly has her first experience of romantic love. The picture shows the few weeks of happiness which precede _ the separation and then the years of .waiting for a lover who has forgotten. At length comes news of the return of the longdeparted husband, and the preparations for his reception at the home of the patient and trusting Butterfly. The climax is true to the opera story, eliding in tragedy and leaving.a final and ineffaceable, impression of fidelity, in contrast with the light-hearted dalliance of the handsome sailor, Lieutenant Pinkerton. Sylvia Sidney lives the part of the geisha girl. Cary Grant makes a really handsome lover and looks the part throughout, showing the care-free life of the sailor. Charlie Ruggles is outstanding among the others, and as Lieutenant Barton, who introduces Pinkerton to Oriental life, he provides much humour. Miss Julie Russell, dramatic soprano, at the principal sessions, appears in the atmospheric prologue and sings the popular numbers, "Poor Butterfly" and "One Fine Day." The supporting programme is good, and. includes an overture by the Milan Orchestra; a splendid "Hawaiian Fantasy," with Vincent Lopez and his band; a cartoon, "Crazy Inventions ; exciting incidents in international Rugby matches, and a Paramount gazette. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. Said by many to be her finest production and the only one which successfully "found" Tallulah Bankhead, "Faithless, showing this evening at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres, has the additional attraction of Robert Montgomery in the male lead. Hugh Herbert heads the supporting east. The other film on the dual programme at both theatres is "That's My Boy," in which . Richard Cromwell, 'Mae Marsh, and Dorothy Jordan divide the honours. ADELPHI THEATRE. Returning to the talking screen after an absence of some two years, Clara Bow is still the redhead of old in "Call Her Savage," which is featured to-night at the Adelphi Theatre together with "Robbers' Roost" (George O'Brien). REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. The second of his historical studies is afforded by George Arliss in "Alexander Hamilton," which will share to-night's screening honours at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, with "The Night Mayor," a Lee Tracy comedy. EMPRESS THEATRE. Sketching in magnificent relief tlie resplendent glory of Haw Tabor, the Colorado silver "king" of three generations ago, "Silver Dollar" will show Edward G. Robinson and Bcbe Daniels to fine advantage at the Empress Theatre to-night. "Call Her Savage" is also to be screened. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Some fine comedy acting is afforded by Ailson Skipworth in "The Sporting Widow," in which she will be seen this evening at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. George Raft and Richard Bennett are the main supporting stars in the film. EMPIRE THEATRE. Probably the most hilarious Australian film yet produced, the talking screen version of Steele Rudd's famous story and stage play, "On Our Selection," with Bert Bailey as Dad, will be seen to-night at the Empire Theatre, together with "Crooner." REVUE AT AVONDALE. A capacity house greeted the Neville Carlsen Revue Company at the Avondale Town Hall on Thursday, when the revue, "On Goes the Show," which was written and produced by Neville Carlsen, was presented for the first time and met with great success. The entertainment was in aid of the Avondale R.S.A. The following comprised the cast: —Mrs. J. F. Holt, Misses Gladys Cain, Andrea Shergold, Joyce Coleman, Tessie Pell, Melva Marchant, Mavis Reilly, Willa Katterns, Mavis Davidson, Joyce Trainer, June Breere, Debbie Kingston, Nclda Ashdown, Joan Tucker; Zelda Pyke, Joyce Cain, Rene Dawning, Messrs. 11. and A. Boyd, Lai Porter, Bob Blackie, Jas. O'Kanc. •Gordon Stitt, Bert Heald, George and Neville Carlsen and Master Maurice Stitt. Mrs. Holt was accompanist. ELLA SHIELDS TO-MORROW. Miss Ella Shields will appear at the Tivoli Theatre, Newton, to-morrow night to assist in the weekly charity concert in aid of the Down-and-Out Mission. Miss Shields' official last appearance was made at His Majesty's Theatre last night, and she had intended leaving the city to-day, but upon, being asked to appear for charity, immediately cancelled her other engagements. Miss Shields will render several of her popular numbers The organiser, Mr. Neville Carlson, has arranged an excellent programme. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Two dramatic action films, "Corsair" (Chester Morris and Alison Lloyd) and "The Devil and the Deep" (Charles Laughton,. Gary Cooper and__ Tallulah Bankhead), will comprise the film entertainment offering at the Ambassador Theatre this evening. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Amazing salesmanship is used by William Powell in the fast-moving comedy "High Pressure," which will be seen this evening at the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane. Evelyn Brent and Evalyn Ivnapp share tlie feminine leads. "Second-hand Wife" is also on the programme. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Under the management, and with Mr. V. Pearce in personal supervision, the Olympia Skating Rink, Dominion Road, will this evening offer a specially-attrac-tive programme for the pleasure of its patrons. An announcement of general importance is made by tlie rink management to-night, in the shape of a reduction in prices of admission. The events listed for this evening will include a hockey match, races and many fun-pro-voking novelties. Another night of revelry will be held on Wednesday next. GAELIC SOCIETY. A social gathering will be held by the Gaelic Society in the Manchester Unity Hall, Hobson Street, on Thursday next. DANCING. Peter Pan, Miss Julie Russell singing "Please." Dixieland, dancing to Dixieland Band. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Manukau Cycle Club's dance. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Technical 0.8. Football Club's dance. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, My-T-Fine Dance Club. Mayfair Cabaret, "La Paloma" in Spanish dance. Click Clack Cabaret, Morrow's Orchestra. Labour Hall, Karangahape Road, oldtime dance. Druids' Old-time Cabaret, "The Famous Revellers." Oak Hall, Liverpool Street, Aloha Dance Club. Carlton Hall, Sandringham, Claude Hallam's Band. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's Orchestra. O'Neill Street Hall, Wednesday, "The ! Follies" Dance Club. Star Theatre, Papabura, Canza Dance Club. St. Francis' Hall, Point Chevalier, Ken Gillam's Band.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE

A beautiful period romance, starting in the early '80's of strict Victorianism and carrying its simple yet appealing plot to the dark days at the commencement of the Great War, "Smilin' Through, the film which is now being screened at the St. James' Theatre for a second week to crowded houses, features lovely Norma Shearer in a dual role as Moonyeen and Kathleen. Leslie Howard, Fredric March, O. P. Heggie, Beryl Mercer and David Torrence have the chief supporting parts. This simple, direct story, whose plot, but not the treatment, belongs to the days of melodrama, makes an extremely pleasant film. The story is of Sir John Cartaret, whose bride is shot in his arms at the altar by Richard Wayne, who intended the bullet for the Sir John adopts his niece, when the bride s sister and her husband are killed in an accident. She grows up to be the Kathleen of the picture, and bears an extraordinary resemblance to the long-dead bride. The tragedy is concealed from her, and one day she shelters in Wie Wayne manor•- house, deserted since its owner fled after the murder. There comes an attractive young man, who has come from America to join the British Army in the dark days ot 1914, and he proves to be Kenneth Wayne (Fredric March), the son of the former Wayne. The two fall, in love, and, ot course, encounter the bitter opposition ot Sir John. They smile through several bitter years before the happy ending.