AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 189, 12 August 1933, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE WOMAN IN HIS HOUSE." Philip Barry's "Animal Kingdom," a magnetic triangle play, becomes "The Woman in His House" on the film, even though she was not there long enough to justify this title. Yesterday's first screening at the Regent brought a domestic-life tale of wealthy and artistic people that has already gripped, and will continue to make a big appeal, especially to the fair sex. The dilemma of a young man who has to decide between life with the beautiful and socially-ambitious lady whom he lias wed after brief acquaintance, and the woman of artistic temperament who has been a friend of years and has become a lover too late, is worked out in a strange way. The story itself is daring in some of its dialogue and situations, but so cleverly planned and presented that one loses thought of it through all the light and shade of its dramatic incidents, its laughter and its pathos. It is undoubtedly Leslie Howard's picture. His Tom Collier dominates every scene in it. He is so happy and natural and so considerate for his wife, though there is the other woman in the background, that the attraction is inevitable. It is only when Myrna Loy, as his wife, lays herself out to make him sell the old business to a big modern printing concern that he realises she is selling herself to him to make him gratify her social aspirations, aud liow this recalls an incident of his earlier life —a similar scene under similar surroundings—is most subtly and effectively suggested rather than ghown. Ann Harding, as Daisy Sage, commercial artist who discovers pictorial talent and love at the same time, presents a vivid characterisation of a woman who realises her social duty to the man she hasl lost, and lives to it until she discovers j what lies in the brain of the scheming wife. One of the most joyous and lovable portrayals in the film is that of Ilka Chase, the man-servant, who is always ready to bccome one of the party. Gazettes in the supporting programme carry one to America, through recent happenings in Britain, to Australia, and again through New Zealand. A travel series depicts Shanghai life in many phases. The Mickey Mouse cartoon is a riot.

CIVIC THEATRE. Carefully analysed reports prove that "Cavalcade," the magnificent film ol Aoel Coward's English play which is now showing at the Civic Theatre, is one of those rare motion pictures which draw to the cinema people not in the habit of patronising places of amusement. It is not difficult, however, to appreciate why a film dealing as does this one, with the li\es ot a typical English family and the struggles and triumphs through which they passed as a part of our great nation, from the year 1900 up to the present time, should grip the imagination of the varying sections of the human family. .Ibere is entertainment in every foot for those wishing to be entertained; there is thought-provoking material for those prefering intellectual satistaction; there is something to make the patriot proud, something to feed the pacifists zeal ioi international peace; there are lilting old songs and ballads of the bygone days, and tunes which tickle the ears, of the modern crowd. Above all there is such sweet sorrow. The acting of all the leading artists is acknowledged eyerywhere as superb, and that again makes all Britain proud for Diana Wynyaid, Clive Brook, Herbert Mundin, Una O'Connor, Ursula Jeans, Irene Browne, Merle Tottenham, Tempe Pigott, and the children in the film are all British. And the director, Frank Lloyd, and his chief technical assistants are also British. "Cavalcade is Hollywood's supreme tribute to British character and endurance.

ROXY AND TIVOLI. Wheeler and Woolsey, in khaki shorts, pith helmets and plaid socks, satirise wild animal pictures in general m one ot the funniest of their feature comedies yet produced, "So This is Africa," which is being presented at the Roxy and -^ lvo j Theatres. "So This is Africa!" is a .madcap story. Woolsey takes his inevitable cigar and Wheeler his cracking voice into the deep, dark, damp, forbidding depths of the continent that has been eulogised on the screen in "Africa Speaks, larzan," and "Trader Horn. The audience first meets Wheeler and Woolsey m an hotel with six lions (one with false teeth). When they meet a masterful blonde, who wants to film animal life m Africa, they go with her. The lions get lost en route, but they find other lions in Africa—lions that blow trees down when they growl. In the middle of the night, handsome young Bert Wheeler walks right into the arms of beautiful, raven-locked Eaquel Torres, a leopard-skinned Amazon. iLe walks into her arms blindly, because he is merely walking ip his sleep, ihen they are attacked by a ferocious, itp tribe of Amazons who insist on having Wheeler marry Woolsey. That dilemma is neatly solved by the appearance of a massed formation of Tarzans, who -carry the Amazons away. Which leav^, Wheel and Woolsey free and unhampered—except for Miss Torres and Miss Muir.

NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Three English comedies will be shown this evening at the New de Luxe Theatre, headed by Stanley Lupmo's hilarious "Ileenless Nights," in which the song I Don't Want to Go to Bed" is featured. The other two films are "The Wrong Mr. Perkins" and "Leave It to Me.

ALEXANDRA THEATRE. The three feature films to be offered to to-night's patrons at the. Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, will include Plea sure Cruise," in which Roland Young and Genevieve Tobin star, "Lawyer Man (William Powell and Joan Blond ell), and "Yes, Madame," an English faice. RIALTO SUNDAY NIGHT. The early but impressive English film, "Madame Guillotine, starrmg the theii highest-paid star in England (Madeleine Carroll), with Brian Aherne, will be the film that is to be shown to-morrow evening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, in aid of local charities.

EMPRESS AND WEST END. The fun of James Dunn and Sally Eilers receives excellent illustration in Hold Me Tight," which screens this evening at both the Empress and .West End lheaties, together with "Parachute Jumper, a Douglas Fairbanks, jun., aviation film, and "Taxi to Paradise" (Bmnie Barnes and Garry Marsh) .

CRYSTAL PALACE AND KlALiu. A laughable burlesque of "Grand Hotel is included on to-night s pr°g™mme at both the Crystal Palace and Kialto Theatres for this evening, when the two chief features will be "The Blonde Venus (Herbert Marshall, Marlene Dietrich and Dickie Moore) and "The Best of Enemies (Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Marian Nixon). In all patrons may expect good entertainment. KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Much of the credit in "State Fair" must rrQ to "Blue Boy." the 9001b champion hog, owned (in the film) by Will Rogers. J-' llß picture, with its Janet Gaynor-Lew Ayrcs romance, will be the feature at the Ivmg s Theatre, Northcote, to-night. ADELPHI THEATRE. A new star arises in "Walking Down Broadway," and she definitely gives promise of great things. It is "Boots" M'allory, starring with. James Dunn and Zasu Pitts in this film on to-night's programme at the Adelplii. "Pleasure Cruise" is also screening. EDENDALE CINEMA. The wonderful photography of Lee Garmes and the direction of Jesse Lasky were combined with the acting genius of Gene Raymond and Loretta Young in "Zoo in Budapest," which shows this evening at the Edendale Cinema, together with "Bondage." RIVOLI SKATING RINK. Just one more week of entertainment remains for the season's consistent patrons of the Rivoli skating rink, Upper Queen Street, which will close for the winter oil Saturday next. The event 011 the farewell occasion will be a large-scale "Back to Childhood" party. To-night's programme will include many enjoyable Events, .

"PERFECT UNDERSTANDING." With beautiful photography, excellent technique and much-improved recording, the Gloria Swanson feature, "The Perfect Understanding," made its debut at the Majestic Theatre last night and was thoroughly appreciated. The production embraces an unusually strong assembly of outstanding stars. Any film with Gloria Swanson, Laurence Olivier, Sir Nigel Playfair, Michael Farmer (Gloria Swanson's husband), John Halliday and Genevieve Tobin could hardly fail to win a leading place in public estimation. The theme of the picture deals with a somewhat "swift" social set into which enters the serious and deep-seated love of Judy Rogers (Gloria Swanson) and Nicholas Randal (Laurence Olivier). This element seems to be exotic in these insincere surroundings, and caused more than a mild sensation. Many obstacles and temptations are thrown in its way and there are misunderstandings, naively fostered by jealousy and pique, all of which go to develop a most entertaining situation. Events shift from England to the pleasure ground of the world's idle rich, the Riviera, and this affords the producers an unsurpassed opportunity to give to the film an added value, which is cleverly exploited, of revealing more than the. fringe of the life in this haunt of the elite. The costuming and the latest bcach fashions are on a very lavish scale, and the action successfully creates that "joie de vivre" which is the predominating ingredient of the scene. Anxiety and tragedy are skilfully intermixed with gaiety, and the lives of the young couple come near being wrecked before the perfect understanding is engendered. This finds its birth in the grim surroundings of the divorce Court, where the climax is reached. The acting is one of the outstanding features, and the production is thoroughly enjoyable throughout. In the supports, "Birds in Spring, a "Silly Symphony" cartoon in techmcolour, is outstanding, while a two-reel comedy, "Giggle Water," is comprised ot many lively incidents. The Paramount reel deals with international events of importance, showing the visit to Washington to the conference with President Roosevelt, of the British Prime Minister and the former Premier of France, who are heard in welcoming speeches. The programme throughout is of first-class appeal and calculated to suit all tastes.

"COCKTAIL HOUR." Vivid flashes of modern life enliven "Cocktail Hour." the new production featuring Bebe Daniels, which headed the change of programme at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Part of the action takes place on a transatlantic liner, where a brilliant art designer, who has the com mercial world at her feet, is taking a needed vacation and seeking confirmation of her belief that independence is the mam function of woman's life. How she is disillusioned and finally secures happiness forms the basis of an intriguing, lastmoving story, which never fails to hold the interest and in places amuse. There is a delightful undercurrent of humour, and the essential element of sophistication is finely balanced with the main dramatic ingredients. The production is vet another triumph for glamorous Hebe Daniels, who, in her own inimitable fashion, artistically meets the many demauds of ti somewhat difficult role. supporting cast is strong, the male lead being played by Randolph Scott, the baidlieaded business man whose fine character breaks through the mistaken convictions of the independence-seeking designer. Finished performances are given also by Jessie Ralph as the Russian pianist, and Sidney Blackmer, as the philandering Englishman. There is the usual budget of topical news items and sporting studies in the short films, and an excellent satire on the American depression entitled, All e Wet That Ends Wet," is also screened. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. One of those amusing occasions on which Hollywood laughs at itself £01 ms the basis of the entertainment 111 the comedy, "Once In a Lifetime," which is to be screened at the Ambassador I heatre this evening. Jack Oakie, Sidney J 1 ox and a large cast of players portray the chiel roles. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. A highly amusing satire on the worship.ful game of bridge is contained in the film "Grand Slam," which is to be seen with "Six Hours to Live" (Warner Baxter) at the State Theatre, Onchunga, this evening. Paul Lukas and Loretta \ oung are tlic stars of "Grand Slam." LONDON THEATRE. The tale of a famous star of Hollywood and her many loves is entaileel in ' Discarded," the picture which receives curren screening at the London Theatre. Russell Hopton and "Natalie Moorhead are tlic principal players. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "Paris Bound," one of Ann Harding's great earlier successes, will be combined this evening together with "The Grand Parade" (Helen Twelvetrees) on the pro gramme at the Prince Edward 1 heatre Newton. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A truly enjoyable English musical comedy, "Love on Wheels,' 7 starring the inimitable Jack Hulbert, will be the "draw" at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. "Secrets of the French Police will also be on the programme. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Joel McCrea and Constance Bennett make an appealing team in "Rockab.ve, which is to be co-featured this eveninu at the Grey Lynn Cinema, together with "Night After Night," a modern drama with George Raft and Alison Sliipworth in the leads. LYRIC THEATRE. A powerful sitory of the old "Barbarj Coast" of California forms the latest vehicle for Ruth Chatterton. ihis fi m : " 'Frisco Jenny," will be screened at the Lvric Theatre to-nicht, in conjunction [ with "Sailor's Luck," a comedy-romance GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. 1 The sure genius of Ernst Lubitsch is ' clearly to be seen in "Trouble in Para ' elise," the Herbert Marshall-Kay Francis romance which shows currently at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. Miriam Hop ; kins also has an interesting role. CAPITOL THEATRE. 1 Some absorbing pictures of London's ' michty dock areas are contained in Lbl. \ Tide," starring Joan Barry, which is show ing at the Capitol Theatre. With it is l "The Great Decision, in. which Onic Sale stars opposite Dorothy Wilson. EMPIRE THEATRE. Samuel Goldwyn revealed true instinct ; for entertainment when lie set Eddie Can--1 tor and 70 of Hollywood s mpst beautiful ! ballet girls to work on The Kid l'roni Spain." The film will be shown at the | Empire Theatre to-night. , AUCKLAND THEATRE GUILD. I To be produced by Harold G. Hob clay for his Auckland Theatre Guild t?i three nights next week, He Walked lr Her Sleep" is a genuine farce, which was a great success in New York and London , The Auckland cast includes Dawn Collier 3 Adele de Marr, Harold Haines, J. G. lio>lt ' and H. G. Hobday. 3 BLIND INSTITUTE CONCERT. A concert was held in the Jubilee Insti tute for the Blind under the, auspices o: i the Men's Social Club, on luesday. lU< - artists contributing to the P™f™ - were: Mme. Phyllis Hazel, Misses A. Mac i elonough and E. Smithson and Messrs 3 Denis Slieard, F. Sutherland, L. R. Rus i sell, Harold MacLennan Cheeseman, L Biclcerton and Mr. and Mrs. Bailey. Mi J Egan, president of the club, presidec and at the conclusion of the programme 3 thanked the artists for the excellent en i tertainment provided. Mr. F. Sutheilane f replied on behalf of the artists. t LYRIC SUNDAY CONCERT. bt" To-morrow night at the Lyric Theatre Neville Carlsen will present another popu lar concert on behalf of the "Down-and Out" Mission. Included in the variee '• programme is Walter Smith's concert s party and band, Misses Phyllis Purchase n Mavis Sharp, Diane Greening, Eileer n Trotter, 'Waratali Wakelin, Rose O'Dowc J- and Elsie Johnson, Messrs. Samuel Jones k Merv. Bennett, W. Green, E. Smith, Clifi 3- Ward, Lai Porter, George Carlsen anc le Jack P. Carlsen. Admission- is byvoollec tion.

"THE WARRIOR'S HUSBAND." An unusual picture made its debut at the Plaza last evening. Treating in satirical manner tlie supremacy of women over men, the story opens with the impending war by the Greeks on the Amazons. In the State of Amazon the women are the superior beings and work and fight for their men, who have deteriorated into weak, useless creatures. Marjorie Rambeau plays the part of the masterful queen of the Amazons, who is forced into that new institution, "marriage," with the effeminate son of a rich female general of her army. The difficult part of the prince consort is ably played by a newcomer to the screen, Ernest Truex. The war commences with the queen being challenged to single combat with the Greek, Hercules. In the meantime her sister, played by Elissa Landi, has met the Greek leader. She is amazed at the strength and attractiveness of this man, and, after being overcome in battle with him, realises that she loves him and does not object to the custom of her country being reversed so that he and not she makes love. She consents to the foreign ritual of marriage with him. While she is in the enemy camp the army of her country attack the Greeks and she feels in honour bound that she must leave her lover and fight for her. countrywomen. When he endeavours to stop her she stabs him in the chest. At once regretting her action she stays with him to nurse him back to health. Back in the Amazon camp little Sapiens, the prince consort, is exercising his authority as a man for the first time in his life, for the power of the women has vanished with the loss of the magic girdle, and men have returned to the places of command. The story is well .presented, and the theme, ably carried out throughout. The two lovers, Elissi Landi and David Manners, make an ideal pair, for they both have the qualities of strength and leadership demanded by the story. Although treated as a farce there are many points in the dialogue that have a deeper and more philosophical reference. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Jimmy Dunn and Sally Eilers display their likeable human romancing at its best in "Sailor's Luck," in which they will be seen at the Kingsland Talkies this evening. On the same programme with "Sailor's Luck" is "Once In a Lifetime," a clever comedy in which Hollywood pokes fun at itself. ... SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. A brilliantly-executed film version of the famous stage drama, "Cynara," in which Ronald Colman, Kay Francis and Phyllis Barry (an Australian) portray the chief roles, will be combined on to-night's programme at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie, with "Afraid to Talk" (Eric Linden and Sidney Pox). "SUNSET RECITAL." In connection with Music Week, celebrations, Miss Margaret A. Parker will give a "sunset recital" in the Lewis Eadv Hall on Monday evening, when, she will present an interesting programme of descriptive piano music by modern and classical composers. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. The likeable personality of Bobby Howes is well brought out in the English musical comedy, "For the Love of Mike/' which is the current attraction at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. "THE NEW LADY BANTOCK." Jerome K. Jerome's delightful comedy, "The New Lady Bantock," will be presented in His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday next by Mr. C. M. McCallum. for the Diocesan High School Old Girls' League. Proceeds will be devoted to tlic poor fund of the Grey Street Sisters. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Some delightful comedy and unusual thrills arc to be found in "Dangerously Yours," the comedy-drama in which Warner Baxter, Miriam .Jordan and Herbert Mundin will be seen at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. to-night. Good supports aic also offered. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Most applicable to the moment and generally upholding the tradition of Mane Dressier, that fine comedy, "Prosperity, is sure to please to-night's patrons at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. Polly Moran co-stars with Miss Dressier. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. 4 very different Marlene Dietrich from the star of "Shanghai Express" was unfolded in "The Blonde Venus, which I will screen to to-night s audience at the Regent, Epsom. Herbert Marshall, Gary Grant and youthful Dickie Moore complete the talented cast in this fine film. TIVOLI SUNDAY CONCERT. An excellent programme of musical events has been arranged for presentation to-morrow evening at the Tivoli lheatre, to be given in aid of the distress funds ot the Grey Lynn Ex-servicemen s Club, lne chief items on the programme will be given by the "Rhythm Masters' Orchestra, under the direction of Mick Kozenof, while the following artists will also assist: 1 Miss Hinemoa Rosieur. Messrs. Sidney Wilbraham, Edgar Bendall, William Elder and Bernard Holland, and the Laloma Hawaiian Quartet. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. To-night's programme of __ events at Roushworth's skating rink, Kliyber Pass Road, will feature a hockey match on skates, a ladies' "musical charge." "twilight singing trios/' the "crocodile twostep." and other novel items. A 25-lap challenge race will also be held between C. Buchanan and C. Murray, the wmnei' to challenge all comcrs. A "Back to C hildhood" party will be held at the rink on Wednesday next.

RIO RITA. Under the sunny skies of Mexico, where love and laughter give warmth and colour to life, there is a charming setting for the screen version of "Rio Rita," the popular musical comedy;, which commenced a season at St. James' Theatre last evening. It is a delightful background for a romantic theme, full of variety, adventure and mystery, with a plentiful supply of hilarious humour. The Spanish American atmosphere is caught in a way that is impossible on the stage, and the picture has a wider sweep. And all through, like a golden thread, runs the melodious music. Everything is done 011 a lavish scale. The ballet dancing, the singing of seniors and sehoritas, the clashes of opposing gangs, and the. gorgeous costuming in the teclinicolour scenes, all combine produce an unforgettable impression. The magnificence of the settings in full colour leaves nothing to be desired. As for the story of rivalry for the love of a beautiful gill, the shooting incidents and the daring escapcs of the leaders in the piece truly represent the lawless side of Mexican life. At the beginning Bebe Daniels, as Rita, the innocent cause of all the trouble, is seen singing in her garden, and is joined there by Jolin Boles, as a Texas Ranger, whose tenor voice blends, well with that of the heroine. The story moves swiftly, with dashes on horseback and clashes between brigands and bandits, until it appears that the hero has been at last brought within the clutches of the notorious Kinkajou. This mysterious figure is not finally unmasked and disarmed until the exciting climax, and the way it is done is highly dramatic. Bebc Daniels has a part which draws heavily on her powers, and John Boles is provided with ample soope for his talents. Then there is the excellent work of Robert Woolsey and Bert Wheeler in the comic scenes, which is a strong feature of the picture. The other parts are all handled with skill and firmness of touch. In the supporting programme is included a varied series of topical scenes, with Colonel Lindbergh and his wife featured in their powerful monoplane. The cartoon, "Jolly Fish," is particularly good, and treats of quaint adventures under the seas..The comedy, "Good Housekeeping," showing Edgar Kennedy, completes a varied and entertaining bill.

TOWN HALL SUNDAY CONCERT. Organised in aid of the Mayor's metropolitan unemployed relief fund, a concert is to be held in the Town Hall to-morrow evening, being arranged by Mr. Wynne Smith. The Auckland Waterside Workers' Silver Concert Band will be heard, in addition to the following artists: —Mesrlames Cyril Towsey and Aileen Johns, Messrs. Dennis Johns, A. Bovey, Len Barnes and Ewart Lync (organist). The accompanist' will be Miss Kathleen O'Leary. RONA OLSEN LECTURES. The subject chosen for to-morrow evening's lecture in the Unity Hall by (Mrs.) Ron a Olsen will be "Why death cannot be the end of life," delivered from the psychological viewpoint. Musical items will also be given. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. A "sports night" will be held this evening at the Olympia Skating Rink. Dominion Road, when a series of novelties will be presented for the benefit of patrons. These will include a blindfold potato race for couples, a ladies' thimble race, a gentlemen's 12-lap obstacle marble race, arid, a hockey match between Olympia and "Wanderers." SACRED CONCERT. A sacred concert will be given in the Lewis Ead.v Hall this evening under the auspices of the Young Women s Interdenominational Youth Council. DANCING. Peter Pan. re-enactment of last night's coronation ceremony. Dixieland, Dixieland Band. Peter Pan, August 22, Musicians' Union dance. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Ventura Dance Club. Labour Hall, Newton, Frank Stacey's Orchestra. Click Clack Cabaret, ballroom championship prize-giving. Scots Hall, Monday, Del Rio Dance Club. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitemata Chili's dance. Mayfair Cabaret, "Back to Childhood" carnival. Druids' Old-time Cabaret, waltzing competition. Akarana Yacht Clubhouse, usual weekly dance. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, My-T-Fine Dance Club. Orange Hall, Rio Grande Old-time Dance Club. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Wednesday, "Revellers' " dance. Kitchener Hall, Auckland Workingmen's Club dancej O'Neill Street Hall, cards and dance. King George's Hall, Mount Albert, ExServicemen's Club dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's Orchestra. Manchester Unity Hall. August 17, Maori Entertainers' carnival. "Leisure Lounge," Len Barnes' Band. St. Coluinba Hall, Grey Lynn Ex-Servicc-mcn's Club dance. Bon Ton Hall, Royal Oak, FlcasureBroadcasters' Band.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The dual programme which was presented to Auckland last evening at the National Theatre is a strange mixture ot romance and action. Charlie Kuggles, star comedian of so many film's, is the chief entertainer iu "Terror Abroad," in which John Halliday, Neil Hamilton, Shirley Grey, Veree Teasdale and Jack La Kue are also featured. "Terror Abroad" is the story of a madman's attempt to kill three dozen persons aboard a yacht. Halliday, in the role of a world-iamous financier, whose frauds arc exposed while lie is at sea on his private yacht, decides that he can escape only by disposing of everyone aboard the vessel but Miss Grey, with whom he is love. One by one passengers and crew succumb, until the arrival on the scene of Neil Hamilton, an aviator, also 111 love with Miss Grey, brings the picture to a dramatic climax. The National's other tilm is "Caught," dealing with the historic old character of "Calamity" Jane, played superbly by Louise Dresser. Richard Arlen and Frances Dee arc the two juvenile leads.