AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 237, 7 October 1933, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS.

"STORM AT DAYBREAK."

I Tb? llew Mature at the St. James' -theatre provides perhaps the best dramatic picture in which Kay Francis ' J™ 8 appeared before Auckland audiences. J.he fctorm at Daybreak"' opened its season last evening to an audience which appreciated the quality of a perfect production made by players who were admirably suited to the roles they undertook, ihe plot opens in the early days of the • Great VVar, but presents a tale from an angle never before exploited—that of the I g°" r Hungary wielded over the I j Serbians during the trials and fortunes of ; battle. Music plays a vital part in the development of the situations between the two lovers, Nils Aether and Kay Francis The play on which the picture is based is Hunyady s celebrated "Black-Stemmed Cherrr s. It gives a colourful background of Hungarian life behind the lines. As the cast-off husband, Walter Huston has every opportunity of showing his dramatic talent. Kay Francis plays a dignified role, and the part is a most difficult one. Nevertheless, no opportunity for delicate dramatic acting is wasted, and at no time is the emotional side overdone. The dialogue supplies abundant humour at just the right moments, and the compliment paid by Nils Asther, that "madame is always one step ahead of us," is typical of the production, which never flags in its action. No harrowing war scenes are shown, although Asther is a commandant in the Hungarian Army. J;le is a triumph in the hero's role. The film was produced by Richard Boleslavsky, who was responsible for the success of ' Rasputin and the Empress." The supporting programme is provided by an Australian Cinesound Review, Hearst Metro JNews, an interesting scenic of Tahiti i waters, and a Hal Roach comedy.

"TO-MORROW AT SEVEN." i Thrills and laughter are combined in To-morrow at Seven/' which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. The grim reality of murder is relieved bv the absurdities of Allen Jenkins and Frank McHugh, who appear as two detectives determined that "we must get to the bottom of this." In the same cast are Chester Morris, who appears as a writer of crime stories, eager for first-hand plots, and Vivienne Osborne, whose father is one of the victims of the "Black Ace." This is the mysterious murderer who forewarns

| his victims of tlio hour of impending death and always fulfills his threat. After spending a considerable amount of money Jto lay the "Black Ace" by the heels, I Drake, a wealthy merchant, receives <1 warning that lie will be murdered "tomorrow at seven." Drake, with a, party of friends and detectives, leaves in a big cabin 'plane, planning to be in the air at the time set for the murder and to land later at his country home in Florida. Exactly at seven, however, the lights in the 'plane go out. In a few seconds they are restored, but Winters, Drake's secretary, is lying dead, stabbed to the heart, presumably having been mistaken for his employer. At Drake's country home, a decayed mansion, eerie sounds are heard at night, strange shadows slink through the over-grown gardens, and the housekeeper, a mute, flickers her hands in an attempt to pass a warning which none can read. The film is a mixture of eerieness and hilarity. There is a good supporting programme, including a comedy, "Mickey's Big Broadcast," a cartoon, "Hokum Hotel," and a Pa the news gazette. LONDON THEATRE. Comedy is the strong feature at the London Theatre in the programme now showing, and real enjoyment is to be had in every foot of film screen in "Money For Nothing," starring Seymour Hicks and Betty Stockfield. There is a second line comedy, while a well-selected series of supports contribute to an excellent entertainment.

TUDOR CINEMA. "The Secret of Madame Blanche" is the feature picture at the Tudor Cinema this evening. It is a film depicting the love and hate of a woman, and has had an enthusiastic reception at all the houses where it has been shown. The action is lively and bright, and the film can be recommended to all who enjoy a fascinating theme. The principals are Irene Dunne, Phillips Holmes and Lionel Atwell. The supporting programme has been specially selected.

BRITANNIA'S DOUBLE FEATURE. Two pictures, each of which in itself is an evening's entertainment, are being screened at the Britannia Theatre this evening. George Wallace, Auckland's favourite, stars in the first film "Harmony Row," which has drawn full houses all over the Dominion. George in a policeman—and such a policeman you never have seen. "Goldic Gets Along" features Lili Damita, LYRIC THEATRE. The musical hit of the season is being shown at the Lyric Theatre this evening. It is "42nd Street," which has introduced the dancing sensations of the last few months. The whole of the film is entertainment, and provides few moments in which the audience is not just sitting up and enjoying every new development. An amusing burlesque on "Grand Hotel" is included in the fine supporting programme, GREY LYNN CINEMA. "If I Had a Million" features 15 stars of the American cinema world. It is amusing and dramatic. The Grey Lynn Theatre is also showing "The World, the Flesh and tho Devil," which is recommended for

adult audiences. Both pictures, nevertheless, have drawn good audiences where ever they have been shown, and, with the supporting featurettee, are a great draw for this house. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Tho Point Chevalier Theatre is featuring two pictures which should appeal to all tastes. The first stars Boris Karloff in "The Mummy," which has caused a

sensation. As opposed to this drama tho ) management has secured the comedy film "He Learned About Women," featuring Alison Skipworth, whose name needs no further recommendation to film fans. NEW REGENT. The epic of American history, "The Conquerors," is being shown at the New Regent, Epsom, this evening. Richard Dix takes the principal role. "Ann Carver's Profession," with the popular Fay Wray, will also be screened.

J ADELPHI THEATRE, ! Two Rood features are being shown at tho Adelphi Theatre, The amusing burlesque of Wheeler and Woolsey is exploited in the film "So Tliis Is Africa." Tn tho other picturo Marion Nixon and Ruddy Rogers co-star in "The Best of Enemies," amusing musical comedydrama. Both arc recommended for universal exhibition. VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. One of the most enjoyable spectacle dramas of recent years, "Hell Below," which features Madge Evans and Robert Montgomery in the respective leads, is the chief item on to-night's bill of fare at the Victoria Theatre, Dcvonport. CAPITOL THEATRE. The highly amusing adventures of Quirt and Flagg are continued in "Hot Pepper," which will show Victor McLaglcn, Edmund Lowe, El Brendel and Lupe Velez in a riotous comedy at the Capitol Theatre tonight. "Lucky Devils" is also screening. EMPIRE THEATRE. Telling tho somewhat sensational story of a professional co-respondent who falls in love with a prospective victim, "The Keyhole" will feature George Brent and Kay Irancis at the Empire Theatre to-night. ' Lucky Devils" is also on the programme. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. A hilarious story of fun and romance on the sea makes "Her Mate," now showing at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, together with the -wrestling film, "Deception," one of the best of the long series of Slim Summerville-Zasu Pitts comedies. GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. Roland Young and Herbert Mundin, aided by Genevieve Tobin and Ralph Forbes, supply plenty of amusement in "Pleasure Cruise," the entertaining picture which is listed for screening to-night at the Gaiety Theatre, Tukapunr..

| "THE DEVIL'S IN LOVE."

I Thrilling action with a Foreign Legion

I setting, pleasing romance, chivalry, and | not a little comedy are provided in the I new release at the Civic, " The Devil's in I Love." The turbulent region of Morocco ! is the locale for the story, which concerns an army doctor and a company commander of the Legion attached to an isolated post in the desert periodically attacked by marauding tribesmen. A nerve-shattered ■commander, who has a grudge against the doctor, dies mysteriously from poison after taking medicine prescribed .by the medico, and a courtmartial results in the death sentence being passed on the supposed criminal. The commander encompasses the escape of the doomed man, who is spirited away, to be next seen administering to the world's derelicts in a Mediterranean port. Here he falls in love with a beautiful English girl. Wonderful realism is infused into this portion of the picture, and a vivid insight is given into native life and customs, with always the thrill of the haunted fugitive, intensified by the development of an affection that can never be satisfied. Itich humour is infused by the clever artistry of Herbert Mundin, who appears as a mission rouseabout. The doctor determines to return to his post in the face of certain death, to administer to the Legionaires, who are dying in scores owing to an epidemic of fever. The fort is besieged, and there is a thrilling battle with the natives in which the officer is killed. The sequel to the romance of the fugitive and the English girl takes an unusual turn, reaching an altogether unexpected climax. The .picLure, reminiscent of the Beau Geste triumph, is excellently acted, with Victor Tory and Loretta Young playing leading •oles. The supports include Australian md International news reels, a Magic Uarpet Movietone, and a Talkar Toon lartoon. Paul T. Cullcn again delights in organ and vocal song numbers, while the Wintergarden Band brightens up the intermission with pleasant selections. STRAND THEATRE. The sophistication of Constance Bennett is the guiding spirit of the Somerset Maugham play, "Our Betters," which is one of the two current films showing at the Strand Theatre, the other being Norma Shearer's highly-entertaining comedy-romance, "Let Us Be Gay." In 'Our Betters," the talented author had his fill of satire at the expense of the aristocratic class of England. Constance Bennett is seen as a beautiful American heiress to millions, who marries into a titled English family for the sake of true love, disillusioned sadly, and becomes a lady of experience. A fine supporting cast j aids her in the characterisation. All in all, the programme is one betraying considerable care in selection. |

CRYSTAL PALACE. The Crystal Palace Theatre announces an outstandng programme for to-night. In "No Man of Her Own" Carole Lombard, Dorothy Mackaill and Clark Gable hold the stage in the picturisation of Temple Thurston's celebrated masterpiece. The film brings to the screen these outstanding stars in their greatest roles. It was an unsurpassed stage triumph, and is even moro striking in its screen presentation, with its greater opportunity for displaying the brilliant drama of the plot. "Life In the Raw", is also being screened, featuring George O'Brien, the popular cowboy star, and the afternoon programme includes "Mickey the Mouse" in the stage and on the screen.

EDENDALE CINEMA. At the Edendale Cinema Wheeler and Woolsey act the goat in their usual fashion in the picture "So This Is Africa." A further attraction on the programme is "The Man Who Dared," starring Preston Foster, Zita Joliann and Joan Marsh.

STATE THEATRE. An absorbing mystery drama is unfolded by David Manners, Adrienne Ames and Bela Lugosi in "The Death Kiss," to be screened at the State Theatre, Onehunga, this evening. The plot baffles the most ardent mystery fans. Joan Blondell and Chester Morris in "Blondie Johnson," provides further entertainment for Onehunga audiences.

ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Another double feature programme is being provided at the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, to-night, when Warner Baxter will appear in "I Loved You Wednesday." Ifis universal appeal cannot be denied. The other picture is "The Man Who Dared," in which Preston Foster takes the leading role, and provides an entertainment which should appeal to all picture fans.

RIALTO THEATRE. Ono of the most popular matinee idols of the day, Clark Gable, combines his appeal with the exotic lure of Carole Lombard and the fresher manner of Dorothy Mackaill in "No Man of Iler Own," the current vehicle screening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. The picture has a powerful dramatic appeal.

Ft!ALTO, SUNDAY NIGHT. One of Ireland's most Irish of actresscs. Mary O'Regan, has the feminine lead opposite that finished star of stage and screen, Conway Tcarle, in the British production, "The Shadow Between," which will be screened for charitable purposes at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow night.

"THE MAN FROM TORONTO." Fast and rollicking comedy is the order of the day in Douglas Murray's romantic play, "The Man From Toronto," which is being produced for the final occasion by the Catholic Repertory Society in the Lewis Eady Hall this evening.

NEW DE LUXE. "I Loved You Wednesday" will be the leading feature of tho New Do Luxe Theatre, and provides delightful light entertainment. Another full-length film is being shown, starring Fay Wray. The title is "Ann Carver's Profession!" There is a good supporting programme by the management.

j KING'S THEATRE. An all-star programme is being filmed i at the King's Theatre, Northcote, this evening in "The Broken Lullaby." Lionel Barrymore is an outstanding attraction, and is supported by Nancy Carroll, Phillip Holmes, Zasu Pitts and Tully Marshall. A free bus is provided for patrons. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. At the Prince Edward Theatre Constance Bennett and Robert Ames are featured in "Rich People," while "Under Montana Skies," with Slim Summerville, provides some rich comedy situations. Both films are exceptionally interesting, and tense in dramatic situations. The plote will hold attention to the end.

"CAVALCADE." Noel Coward's epic production, "Cavalcade," outlining the history of England— indeed, of tho world—for tho past 30 years or so, will be to-night's big event at'both the Empress and West End Theatres, Newton and Ponsonby. Produced in Hollywood With American capital, but English direction and acting, the picture lias been hailed by almost every competent critic throughout the Empire as a marvellous expression of the true spirit of England.

ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. A special sporting carnival, in which prizes will bo awarded for the most original costumes for both ladies and gentlemen, for the best-dressed couple and trio, for tho best imitation of Charlie Chaplin's walk, and also for skating couples and trios, will be held at Rouahworth's skating rink, Khyber Pass Road, this evening. Among the sports items will be a ladies' 15-lap handicap race, a gentlemen's 20-lap handicap race, and a threelegged race for mixed couples.

"LA POUDRE AUX YEUX." In aid of the Community Sunshine Association's funds, the comedy, "La Poudre aux Yeux" ("Powder to the Eyes"), will be presented in tlic Holy Sepulchre Hall, at the top of Khyber Pass Road, by Mme, Wynfiida Spiers on Thursday, October 19. The "Dorian Trio" will supply incidental music.

BALMORAL PRESBYTERIAN CHOIR. The musical comedy, "The Lady of the Terrace," -will be presented by the Balmoral Presbyterian Ohon- in the Centenary Hall, Dominion Road, 011 Wednesday and Thursday next.

"INTERNATIONAL HOUSE."

The Kegent Theatre, in prescribing 1 "International House," is supplying the 1 best, even if it is the most absurd laughter* tonic for many weeks. Of course, there has to be some excuse for the whirl of comedy, feasting and spectacle, as well ■ as for its location, so a Chinese scientist at Wu-Hu—the name itself gives scope for considerable amusement —has invented a radioscope which claims to solve every • problem of television, and representatives of various nations and interests flock to Wu-Hu to bargain for its patent rights. So at "International House," the modern American hotel in a Chinese city, they gather, and there follows such a medley of mystery, music, measle<9 and mummery that the audience shrieks with laughter, and exists in bewildered imagination of what is coming next, in a long series of highest improbabilities. With often too brief glimpses of the individuals, a galaxy of film talent sweeps through the hilarity. Fields, .1 millionaire, is the centre of it all, getting into and out of most ridiculous situations, till he departs even more sensationally than he arrives. His spiral staircase descent per motor car is one of the best of the show's many screams. Peggy Hopkins Joyce makes a beautifully gowned vamp. Sari Maritza is iugenuous as the girl always frustrated from matrimony by maladies; Bela L/ugosi is villainous without being grotesque, and the radioscope is used in clever comedy to introduce radio stars such as Rudy Vallee, Cab Calloway and others, through the inability of its inventor to get it to synchronise I properly and televise the dream of his heart —the six-dny cycle race <it Paris. And, of course, there are clever specialties from the roof garden ballot. Supports appropriately show two great world tennis finals, a typical Mack Sennett comedy, with its inevitable beach happenings, Mickey Mouse in Christmas mood and other features, one of which, a two-minute conception entitled "Spring," _ is a piece of appealing photographic artistry of exceptional merit. NATIONAL THEATRE. Crammed chock full of tuneful melodies,

pulchritudinous girls, and the best talent that Broathvay, Hollywood and Radioland have to offar, "Moonlight and Pretzeln," which opened a revival season last evening at the National Theatre, is one of the most cleverly-mounted, fast-moving and refreshing screen musicals made to date. "Moonlight and Pretzels" is a backstage romance with Broadway as the setting, yet contains none of the stereotyped "hokum" that has characterised and ruined so many such celluloid musical comedies. In straightforward fashion it tells the story of an energetic young song and dance man whose ambition it is to become Broadway's leading song writer Roger Pryor, youthful hero of man; Broadway stage "hits," as George Dwight and Mary Brian as the heroine, are idea 11.1 cast as the young lovers, and Leo Car rillo and Herbert Rawlinson give two ol the best character performances in then long and brilliant screen careers.

KINGSLAND TALKIES. The beautifully-finished British comedy, "Wedding Rehearsal," combines with the lavish and spectacular Hollywood musical film, "42nd Street," to provide a really fine bill of fare at the Kingsland Talkies this evening. DESMOND CASEY CONCERT. The special rendering of the National Anthem as expressely desired by His Majesty the King will be sung at the opening of Master Desmond Casey's concert in the Town Hall next Thursday. The assisting artists will bo Miss V. Robinson, Mesdames Wynfrida Spiers and H. A Keven, and Mr. Athol Jonas. Mrs. I 1 ranees Ingram and Miss Gay Keven will act as accompanists.

LYRIC SUNDAY CONCERT. Mr. Neville Carlsen lias arranged an entertaining programme for to-morrow night at the Lyric Theatre. In accordance with a ballot taken by last Sunday's audience, some of the requests so made will be submitted. A novel feature will be the appearance of five "mystery" artists. The Smitheon Family will present a full stage show, and community singing will also be introduced. Among the other artists will be: Misses Minnie Parker, Eileen Smithson, Pattv Cumin, Mavis Reijly and Jesmond Hiscott. Messrs. J. O'Kane, R. Blackie, Lnl Porter, .Tohn Negri, R. Steer, Andrew J. Howard, S. Ilolthouse. W. Brosnan, Neville Carlsen and tho "New" Trio. Proceeds are for the Down-and-Out Mission.

I " PRIVATE DETECTIVE 62."

Filled with exciting and thrilling incidents, in addition to somewhat daring romantic sequences, " Private Dctcctivc 62," the feature of the new programme introduced at the Plaza Theatre last evening is a picture that caters for all tastes. It" is billed as a comedy-drama, and is aptly described, because it is far from ■being all comedy, as the subtle humour runnin" through it continuously is delightfully mixed with the heavier episodes. William Powell is the star, and opposite him is Margaret Lindsay, who has her first leading*®role. Her acting, coupled with a charming personality, enables her to score a big success. Powell, in the role of an international spy, becomes enmeshed in some suspicious transactions, and then joins a private detective His job is gathering evidence for husbands against faithless wives, .but he overdoes his part when he breaks into a room hoping to find a wife and someone qualifying for the role of co-respondent, only to discover a wife and her husband. There is action all the way, and never for a moment does the interest flag. The supporting films include an interesting tour through Singapore, a novelty cartoon, " Going to Blazes," a laughable comedy, " Pie a la Mode," and " Around the World in Eight Minutes."

ROXY AND TIVOLI. The late Ring W. Lardner and George M. Cohan wrote the stage play "Elmer the Great." It put Broadway in an uproar, and Joe E. Brown, who at that time played the leading stage role, made history as the funniest man on the stage. "Elinor the Great," now showing at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres, has been made into a screen play, and Joe E. Brown again has the leading part. Step by step the fun and the intensity mount, and with the climax the audience is left almost gasping for breath. The plot concerns a town boy who develops into a champion batter. He is also the champion eater and long time sleeper of the same team. Joe, as Elmer the Great, becomes involved in a love tangle, from which it takes much ingenuity, laughter and suspense to extricate him. There is a strong supporting cast, including Patricia Ellis, the new sensation of the screen. Others include Frank McHugh, Claire Docld, Preston Foster and Russell Hopton. A burlesque on the drama of the Great War, "Private Jones," the other picture at both theatres, appeals to all who took part in that struggle. Lee Tracy, as the star, is seen as a private, who takes all the "knocks" from his superior officers with a broad smile. The j film, nevertheless, presents a deep insight i into the psychology of those who fought for their country.

AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Nancy Carroll captures the honours definitely in "Hot Saturday," which screens at the Avondale Municipal Theatre this evening, in conjunction with "Secon/i-Hand Wife," a fine modern comedy-romance. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Auckland Municipal Band will give a varied programme of classical and popular selections at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. DANCING. Peter Pan, special Jersey novelty; dancing. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Ventura Dance Club. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. Stratton School of Dancing, gala night; Parisian Orchestra. Click Clack Cabaret, old-time dancing. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitemata Club's dance. Labour Hall, Prank Stacey'e Band. Orange Hall, Bio Grande carnival. Mayfair Cabaret, "Sports Night." O Neill Street Hall, ex-servicemen's cards and dance. Point Chevalier Hall, Chevalier Dance Club. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's Orchestra. St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn Ex-Service-men's old-time dance. Bon Ton Hall, Boyal Oak, Pleasure Broadcasters' Band. Leisure Lounge, Newton, Akarana Girls' Welcome Club. Swanson. October 14, plain and masquerade ball.