AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, 2 September 1933, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS.

"A BEDTIME STORY." Half the appeal of a Maurice Chevalier picture lies in the way he has of doing everything and in a personality that would brighten any landscape. So it is in "A Bedtime Story," which drew a large audience to the Regent Theatre last evening. Chevalier, lively and gay, has the part of a gentleman of leisure in love with city life and the opportunity of pursuing lighthearted affairs with charming women. Such a part is a delicate and dangerous one for any man to play, and it takes all the wiles of the inimitable Maurice to escape from some of the awkward situations which make the picture a run of surprises. First of all there is the surprise of finding a baby in his car among the luggage—a smiling, chuckling and lusty little youngster, who there and then becomes a! film star of importance. The performance of this infant is remarkable. His antics are delightful. And it' he is the innocent cause of many an embarrassment I to the carefree Maurice, he is also a | source of pleasure. The early discovery of i a marked resemblance between the profile of man and child strikes the comic note, and this is followed by the equality amusing attempts of Maurice, assisted by his valet, to give the youngster a bath. Then there is the engaging of a nurse, played by Helen Twelvetrees, ami a visit by Maurice and the baby to his fiancee's home. Misunderstandings naturally occur, and the wonder of it is that things are smoothed out so well. The story, thus told, is simple and free from subtlety. It is enlivened by the singing of such numbers as "M'sieu Baby," and "In a Park, in Paree, in the Spring," the latter being a catchy and popular air sung against a parklike background. The part of the valet is well played by Edward Everett Horton, who has a gift of comedy and a whimsical way of enduring the frivolities of his master. The blonde beauty of Helen Twelvetrees gives attractiveness to the nursemaid's role, and there are contrasting types which add interest to the feminine parts. Baby Leßoy begins his rareer at a tender age, and the public will hope to see more of him. The supporting programme includes "Indian Love Lyrics" and other musical numbers by Mr. Howard Moody at the organ, a personal performance by Miss Margaret O'Connor and Mr. Ted Priestley in an Apache dance, a New Zealand newsreel, a Mack Sennett comedy, "Dad Knows Best," and a varied topical budget from overseas.

NATIONAL'S TWO FEATURES. An interesting romance, "That Night in London," is one of the two films which opened a season at the National Theatre last evening. Ono of its attractive feature* is tlic panorama it presents of London. The story concerns Dick Warren (Robert Donat), a bunk clerk in a small town who absconds with £500 in order to go to London, have a good time, then shoot himself. He becomes mixed up with a confidence man in the train, and the latter, played by Miles Marnier, calls on Eve Desborough (Pearl Argyle) to help him to rob Warren. The girl and the would-be victim fall in love, however, and foil the plot. Warren returns to his bank to receive promotion, and confesses the theft. The second picture is a whooping '"Western" with tons of action and tbrilits supplied to order of the revived public demand for this type of film. .Richard Arlen and Mary Brian play opposite eactt other with their old appeal, and Eugene Pallette has a hilarious finger in the pie. There are some exciting scenes when the cowboys reply to the challenge of marauders from other parts. These "civilised" marauders portray the gangster "killers" from the east with effective contrast to the cleaner living of the real men of the "wide open spaces." The ( tenth episode in the serial drama, "Heroes of the West," is also being shown, and the story, crammed with tight situations, leaves the hero and heroine a few yards ahead of the thundering hoofs of—well, see next week.

, RIALTO THEATRE, NEWMARKET. i To-night's offering at the Rialto Theatre, . Newmarket, like the Crystal Palace, Mount Eden, consists chiefly of the excel- ' lent British musical comedy-romance "For ! the Love of Mike," in which Bobby Howes ' makes ardent and highly amusing love to 1 Constance Shotter, the younger sieter of ' Winifred, who is making her _ first film appearance. Jimmy Goddcn is also in ; the cast. LYRIC THEATRE. Hilarious adventures befall Lee Tracy as a high-pressure publicity agent and Lupe Velez as his stepping-stone to success in "The Half-Naked Truth," which screens (with "Grand Slam") at the Lyric Theatre to-night. BRITANNIA THEATRE. ■•A laughable British comedy, "Money Means Nothing," produced by Basil Dean and starring John Loder, will form, together with "Air Mail," the film entertainment to be enjoyed by to-night's Britannia Theatre audience. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Alison Skipworth and George Raft have featured roles in the modern story "Night After Night," the film version of which will be screened at the Ambassador Theatre this evening, with "Hold 'Em, Jail," a Wheeler and Woolsey farce. ADELPHI THEATRE. Three separate productions will be presented this evening at the Adelphi Theatre. The films will be "Zoo in Budapest," a Loretta Young romance; "False Faces," starring Lowell Sherman; and "Professional Guest," an English farce. KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Some fine work is offered by Mr. George Arliss in "The King's Vacation," the most recent of his films, which shows this evening at the King's Theatre, Northcote. His wife, Florence Arliss, has a good supporting role. KINGSLAND TALKIES. The dual programme to be screened to patrons at the Kingsland Talkies this evening will include "Bondage," a gripping human indictment of the American women's reformative systems, starring Dorothy Jordan in a splendid portrayal; and "The Half-Naked Truth," a highly amusing satire on the methods of Pressagents in general and the late Harry Reichmann in particular. Lee Tracy and Lupe Valez star.

OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Next Wednesday's entertainment at the Olympia Skating Rink, Dominion Road, will consist of a fancy dress and "vice versa" carnival. Competitions of many varieties will be held, while prizes will be presented to the best-dressed boy and girl. A. Monte Carlo, waltzing, gliding, twostep and other events will be enjoyed by patrons. Hockey on skates will also be seen. ST. MARY'S HOMES FAIR. Next Wednesday, from 11 a.m. until 5.30 p.m., a fair will be held in the Town Hall Concert Chamber in aid of the funds of the St. Mary's Homes. A programme consisting of songs, music and dancing will be presented. CAPITOL THEATRE. In his first screen appearance, George M. Cohan does wonders in the title-role of "The Phantom President," in which he i« assisted by Claudette Colbert and Jimmy Durante. It shows at the Capitol to-night, together with "The Mummy." EMPIRE THEATRE. A magnificent film, "The Conquerors," made along the lines of "Cimarron" and "Cavalcade." will be shown at the Empire Theatre this evening. By way of contrast, an excellent comedy, "Flying High," will i also be presented. CHARITY DANCE. The annual dance organised by the friends of the St. Vincent de Paul Society to assist its work among the poor and needy of the city will be held in the Peter Pan Cabaret next Wednesday evening. The society's work among all denominations is well and favourably known to ail classes; but its present resources are quite inadequate to relieve the ever-increasing number of cases of distress' This function is intended to assist a deserving cause it a most opportune time. As a novelty item, there will be an exhibition of ballroom dancing during the evening by Miss Stratton and Mr. Brown.

I "HER FIRST MATE."

Slim Summerville has risen from a I marine to a mariner, and the alteration in status has made him more humorously serious than ever. At least, so it would appear to the delighted audiences at the St. James' yesterday, for they followed his adventures with chuckle, scream, or occasional sigh of commiseration at his misadventures through a story that is intriguing as well as highly diverting. Slim, with the blood of seafaring ancestors in his veins, aspires to higher things than peanut-seller on the night boat in the bay, or mate of it, as he poses to be in his own home. He wants to be a, deep-water navigator, owning and sailing his own vessel under canvas. His tearfully adoring wife, impersonated by Zasu Pitts in that style which is inimitably her own, has other plans. She desires to purchase a local vehicular ferry for him, and does so with the family savings. The method she adopts to check Slim from achieving his heart's desire takes the film to its highest point of hilarity. The hectic times which follow for the "peanut vendor-first mate" and his wedded mate are a riot of laughter. How disaster follows the purchased ferry, and thfe mutual revelations following it. Slim's wrecking of the happy home when the tale is unfolded, his innocent purchase of a rum runner to sail the high seas, the marvels of his navigation, the great but disastrous fight with a United States "chaser"—all come into the story in delightful sequence, and give the long comedian and Zasu Pitts as fine a scope for real comedy as they have yet had. And they get full assistance from Una Merkel, Henry Armetta and Warren Hyiner. In marked contrast to this comedy is "The World's Greatest Thrills," which should startle thousands of Aueklanders. For those who want excitement, terrifying scenes and tragedy galore, there has been nothing equal to this. It is a record of actual happenings; there are no ' fake records in this most vivid portrayal of speed and its effects on land, sea and in the air. An attractive travelogue of Mexico completes a programme of unusual merit.

"THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY." A new type of mystery-drama came to the Majestic Theatre last evening, entitled ''The Crime of the Century," in which a special one-minute intermission is given when the suspense is highest, to enable the audience to solve the mystery. The story centres round Dr. Emil Brandt, a scientist who feels that he must commit a murder. Ho begs the police to prevent him from doing it. Two detectives accompany him to his home, confident that nothing can happen while they are on the scene. But while they look on not only the crime Dr. Brandt planned, but also another murder takes place. Jean Hersholt gives a very powerful portrayal of the harassed scientist, who, from the opening scene in which he makes the amazing demand, "Lock me up to prevent me from committing the perfect crime," grips the attention of the audience till the end of the picture. His second wife, Freda, is played by the popular Wynne Gibson. A shrewd young newspaperman, Dan MeKce,; is played by Stuart Erwin. The plot is so cleverly worked out that it would spoil the enjoyment of the picture to give a resume of what happens. It is sufficient to say that there are two murders, both of which the audience see. In spite of this few, if any, solved the mysteries at the interval. With the assistance of Dr. Brandt's daughter Doris (Francis Dee), McKee collect; clues —two pins, a pair of gloves and a button. Finally, the murderer is traced by a scratch. The first person to notice the mysterious scratch is Mrs. Brandt, who i 3 immediately killed. Later Brandt's daughter finds out how the scratches were inflicted and the murder is solved. The usual supports—topical news reels, a

cartoon of Oswald the Rabbit, and a Mack Sennett comedy, entitled "That Fatal Glass of Beer." The last is screamingly ' funny, and brought delighted applau.se '. from the audience. \ GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. i The powerful work of Marlene Dietrich ; in the title role of "The Blonde Venus" i is excellently supported by Herbert Mari shall, Cary Grant, and Dickie Moore. The film shows at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, to-night. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Described on its arrival as the first of a cycle of musical productions, "42nd Street" serves as an excellent co-starring vehicle for Warner Baxter and Bebe Daniels, raising also to the pinnacles of fame such artists as Ruby Keeler (wife of Al Jolson) and Una Merkel. The film will be presented at the New Regent! Theatre, Epsom, to-night. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The highly pleasing antics of Bobby Howes, as witnessed previously in another British musical comedy-romance ("Lord Babs"), are well to the fore in entertainment value in "For the Love of Mike, , ' the picture which is the current attraction for audiences at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. An excellent supporting cast is associated with Bobby Howes. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Typical slapstick Wheeler and Woolsey comedy is to be found aplenty in "Hold 'Em, Jail," a football picture, to be shown to-night at the New de Luxe Theatre, together with a pleasant James DunnSally Eilers romance, "Hold Me Tight." EMPRESS THEATRE. Warren William, the impressive star of "The Match King," is seen once more to great advantage in the lead of "Employees' Entrance," with Loretta Young. This film screens to-night at the Empress Theatre with "False Faces" (Lowell Sherman" and "Immediate Possession." ALEXANDRA THEATRE. A gripping tale of adventures in a big Hungarian zoo is incorporated in "Zoo in Budapest," in which Loretta Young and Gene Raymond will be seen at the Alexandra Theatre this evening in conjunction with "The Woman I Stole." EDENDALE CINEMA. Barbara Stanwyck has an excellent piece of character acting to her credit in the jead of "Ladies They Talk About," which is to be offered to-night at the Edendale Cinema. Mary Aster's "Those We Love" is also on the programme.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. This evening's film fare at the State Theatre, Onehunga, will be composed of the two fine attractions "Hold Me Tight," the fifth and last starring vehicle of James Dunn and Sally Eilers, and "Once In a Lifetime," a comedy. WEST END THEATRE. Herbert Mundin in "Immediate Possession," Mary Astor in "Those We Love," and the sensational new musical production, "42nd Street," will be combined to form this evening's entertainment for patrons of the West End Theatre. LONDON THEATRE. A picturesque survey of London is afforded in "Mighty London," which, fittingly enough, is now showing at the London Theatre, together with "The Elusive Blonde," a modern American dramatic romance. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. A particular effort has been made by the management of Roushworth's Skating | Rink, Khyber Pass Road, for this evening's "Vice Versa" Carnival. .. The idea of the carnival is that male patrons shall dress as females, and vice versa, with the result that enormous fun is to be had during the evening. Prizes for appearances, for impersonations, mannequin work and voices will be distributed, while there will also be special awards for any costume of merit. A mannequin parade will be held during the carnival, which starts at 7 p.m. The semi-final of the hockey competition for the Roushworth Cups will he played at the rink between "Hawks" and "Malwas" this evening. A trio-giiding exhibition will also be given by th# "Buchanan Trio." ~ 1

"THEIR NIGHT OUT."

All the best elements of British humour, satire and snappy dialogue combine to set a new standard of comedy in "Their Night Out,".which headed the new programme at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. It is joyous farce, characterised by delightful clowning and masterly fooling by Claude Hulbert, a new star in the film firmament, who appeals as a goofy man-about-town, who is mistaken by a gang of international jewel thieves for their mysterious master-mind. The complications which arise out of a visit to a fashionable night elub in company with a female business associate from Aberdeen form the basis of the story, the action of which moves at almost breathless pace and to the accompaniment of uproariously funny episodes. Not the least amusing of the "screams" in which the production abounds are found in the efforts of the butler, who believing he possesses unusual powers of deduction, manages, with the assistance of a bucolic constable, to further tangle the strands of the mystery. Sonic dazzling patches of night club me enliven this sparkling comedy, another feature, of which is the striking frocking of the leading feminine players. To say that Claude Hulbert scores a signal success in this his first starring role, merely states the fact; his characterisation was in truth a triumph. More of the work of this talented artist will be awaited with interest. In the leading female role, Renoo Houston, another newcomer to stardom, justified her rise; it was a difficult piece of character acting, and she pave n flawlrss portrayal. An old favourite in Jimmy Goddcn was cast as the father-in-law. Others in the cast responsible for excellent interpretations were Judy Kelly. Binnie Barnes, Amy Vencss and Gus McNaughton. The supplementary items com prised an up-to-date news reel, which dealt also with bathing fashions and vaudeville turns, and a delightful musical study, entitled "A Symphony of the Sea." in which something was sqen of the life of the village fishermen and of the work of the Royal Navy.

ROXY AND TIVOLI. The current school children's holiday programme—which is, nevertheless, attractive to adults for all its juvenile appeal— consists of a splendid Mickey Mouse cartoon entitled "Mickey to the Rescue," a really thrilling Tom Mix "Western," the title of which ("Rustlers' Roundup") ie indicative of the story, and an appealing emotional drama of human love for a dog and of canine affection for a man. "Rustler's Roundup" introduces the filmgoers of this city to Diane Sinclair, who was born in Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, South America, just 21 years ago. In fact ehc enjoyed her twenty-first birthday (March 24, 1!).'«) when engaged on "Rustlers' Roundup." Tom Mix can be trusted to give his usual finished performance, his role as the rescuer of a young girl and her fortunes from the unscrupulous hands of her ranch manager being entirely suited to his amazing capabilities. Noah Beery, jun., a likeable enough young man, and son of the illustrious Noah Beery, villain of so many films, has the juvenile lead in "Rustlers' Roundup." "Lucky Dog," ae the other picture is entitled, features Charles ("Chic") Sale, and the "wonder" dog of Hollywood. Buster, who ie claimed to understand JOOO words of English. The Roxy and Tivoli on Monday and during next week will screen another dual-feature programme, comprising the films "Ann Carver's Profession" (Fay Wray and Gene Raymond) and "Uptown New York" (Jack Oakie and Shirley Grey). The latter is a Vina Dclmar tale.

STRAND THEATRE. Excellent fare is offered to patrons at the Strand Theatre in the programme which commenced at that house last evening. This is headed by the Janet Gaynor romance with music. "Adorable." in which Henry Carat is leading man to the famous star. These two must be put down as perhaps the screen's most winning performers. The story of "Adorable" is just the thing required to carry off their peculiar charm. The plot w a whimsical one, of the variety that has made Miss Gaynor America's most popular star, and Garat the premier player in Europe. With an accompaniment of specially created music and specially written songs, they reveal the best of two distinguished film figures. The music is by Werner Richard Hermann, with songs and lyrics provided by Richard A. Whiting and George Marion, jun. The "Adorable" waltz, "My Heart's Desire" and "My First Love to Last" are the three song hits that set tiie audience humming. The supporting cast is an excellent one. It includes Herbert Mundin. C. Aubrey Smith, Blanche Friderioi. Stuart Holmes, Albert Conti, Ferdinand Sehumann-Hcink, Barbara Leonard and Sterling Holloway.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Two excellent film features and an enjoyable stage attraction will be combined to make up this evening's programme at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton. The first film will be a. mystery "thriller," "The Strangler," followed by a most enjoyable English musical romance, "The Indiscretions of Eve." This picture features the Continental star, Steffi Duna, in her only English-speaking appearance, supported by Lester Matthews (of "Fires of Fate" fame) and Richard Conyngham. The stage fare comprises a novel dancing act by Penman and Wilson ("The Two Jacks ), together with musical numbers rendered by Miss Dorcen Whittall. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Excellent direction brings out the fine acting of Herbert Marshall and Sari Maritza in "Eyenings For Sale," which is co-featnred with "Secrets of the French Police" at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. Happy romance is the keynote of the comedy-romance, "State Fair," screening at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. Janet Gaynor, Lew Ayrcs, Will Rogers, Louise Dresser, Norman Foster and Sally Eilers portray the chief roles.

TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Excellent comedy is afforded by Roland Young and Fifi Dorsay in support of Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts in "They Just Had to Get Married," which is the featured film for showing at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Charles Laughton gives what is undoubtedly his finest screen performance to date as Nero in Cecil B. de Mille's "The Sign of the Cross," with Fredric March, Claudette Colbert and Elissa Landi in the main leads. The film shows at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, this evening. (Merna Kennedy and Grant Withers). RIALTO SUNDAY NIGHT. Two modern films will be screened at the Rialto Theatre as Sunday evening's charity performance. These two films will be "Red-Haired Alibi" (June Collyer and Lloyd Hughes) and "Extravagance" LYRIC SUNDAY CONCERT. An attractive concert will be staged by Mr. Neville Carlsen for the "Down-and-Out" Mission to-morrow evening at the Lyric Theatre. Over CO performers will participate in the presentation, embracing vocal and instrumental numbers. The following will contribute: Mr. E. Wise's instrumental quartet; Misses Eileen Smithson, Irene Larkin, Clarice Palmei, Mavis Reilly, Jesmond Hiscott, and Phyllis Purchase; Messrs. J. Negri (Italian I vocalist), L. Zanderigo. Will Brennan, W. ! Smithson, H. Porter, George and Neville Carlson, and the Harmony Three. The Auckland City Boys' Band, under Bandmaster George Marsh, will render selections. Admission is by silver coin donation. MUNICIPAL BAND. Another varied programme will be submitted by the Auckland Municipal Band at the Town Hall to-morrow evening. Glady.s Stormont (soprano), Robert Simmets (baritone), and Fred Bowes (cornetisl) will be the assisting artists. The baud will be heard in Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony," in Saint-Saens" Suite Alger:ennc," and many other interesting numbers. The band will also play at the Zoological Park in the afternoon.

"IT'S GREAT TO BE ALIVE."

Characterised by wide variety of interest, and a wealth of amusement and novelty, the new programme at the Civic seems certain to prove a very popular one. The principal attraction, "It's Great to be Alive," is a fantastic theme treated in a most entertaining manner. With an outstanding cast it conjures up what certain types of femininity had fondly imagined would be a Utopia, but which in reality proved to be a region of bitter antagonisms and irreconcilable emotions. It creates a world in which there is but one solitary human being of masculine gender, and the period of gravest discontent and misery which the annals of history have ever recorded must have been peaceful and placid compared to the fantastic conditions portrayed in this cleverly conceived and produced film. There is a neverflagging current of wit and humour throughout the piece, and the situations that are developed are provokingly funny. How the whole world of women wore beside themselves with hilarious deliglit when the greatest scientist of the day had all but completed her wonderful achievement of producing a synthetic man; but what depths of despondency were plumbed when the experiment failed on the veriro of success! Raul Roulien, in his first leading role, Herbert Mundin, the fun creator of "Cavalcade" fame, Gloria Stuart and Edna May Oliver are amongst the leading personalities in the caste and their work is highly praiseworthy. In addition to the feature film is an offering of supporting numbers above the ordinary.

DANCING. Dixieland, Australian Club night. Peter Pan, dancing. Peter Pan, Tuesday, Transport Club's ball. Peter Pan, Wednesday, St. Vincent de Paul Society's dance. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Technical 0.8. Football Club's dance. Bon Ton Hall. Royal Oak, Margaret O'Connor-Ted Priestley exhibition. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Manukau Cycling Club's dance. Akarana Yacht Clubhouse, usual weekly dance. Labour Hall, Karangahape Road, oldtime dancing. Conceit Chamber, Monday, Avoudnle Ex-Servicemen's ball. Municipal Hall, Xewmarket, My-T-Finc> Dance Club. Druids' Old-time Cabaret, final heat of waltz competition. Click Clack Cabaret, old-time dancing. Imperial Theatre, Kohi, Tamaki Yacht Club's dance. Orange Hall, Newton, Rio Grande Dance Club. St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn Ex-Ser-vicemen's Club dance. St. Columba Hall, Wednesday, Grey Lynn unemployed "vice versa" carnival. King George's Hall, Mount Albert ExServicemen's dance. O'Neill Street Hall, Wednesday, Ponsonby Ex-Servicemen's dance. Kitchener Hall, Workingmcn's Club and Watersidere' Band dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's Orchestra. Gaiety Hall, Monday, modern and oldtime dancing. Masonic Hall, Monday, St. Andrew's Pipe Band dance. Oak Hall, Liverpool Street, Naumai Dance Club. Swanson annual dance, September 16. Leisure Lounge, Akarana Welcome Club carnival. Dominion Hall, Dominion Road, Liberal- ; Labour dance. I