AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 243, 14 October 1933, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS.

"WHEN LADIES MEET." Lifted above the ordinary level in dialogue and setting of the great majority of pictures, "When Ladies Meet," which was introduced as the feature film at the Regent Theatre last evening, really caters for the intelligentsia of picture patrons, and tone is present throughout. As a stage play, ''When Ladies Meet" was an abnormal success, but 1o be adapted to the screen it had to be set to faster tempo, but it loses nothing on that account, in fact it has the advantage of swinging along at an even tenor midst setting not possible on any theatrical stage. It is a picture which overflows with interesting situations and delightfully witty humour. The stars are Robert Montgomery and Ann Harding, while also in the cast are Myrna Lov and Frank Morgan. The last named as a romantic publisher and a husband who is frequently straying from the marital, path is excellent. Ann Harding plays the part of a wife attracted to the philandering husband, and Robert Montgomery is a young newspaper reporter who becomes entwined in a love romance which leads to the most unexpected situations. "When Ladies Meet" provides delightful entertainment, its story being most unusual. Rarely has such a strong programme of supports appeared. Outstanding in an excellent viuiety is the turn of the Maxellos, world famous contortionists, who do the most amazing feats of somersaulting and balancing. This is one of the best items on the screen. "Building a Building," a Mickey Mouse cartoon, is funnier than most novelty cartoons, while pictures of the funeral of Mr. Harry Holland are bound to be welcomed throughout the Dominion. National dance rhythm are rendered on the organ by Knight Barnett, who makes a welcome return. Other items included in the shorts are "The Battle of! Flowers" at Jersey in 1933, Navy week at Portsmouth, Grand Prix motor race, I Roslyn (Dunedin) Bowling Club's jubilee, speed boat racing at Sumner, fishing in Cook Strait, and New York's welcome to i Wiley Post after his round-the-world tour.

ROXY AND TIVOLI. An exceptionally notable list of players appear in the important roles of Edward It. Robinson's new starring vehicle, "The Little Giant," which is now screening at the Roxy and 'J'ivoli Theatres. Robinson himself, who sprang to fame oil the screen in such pictures as ".Little Caesar," "Letters of Fire" and "Smart Money," continued to ride the wave of popularity with such outstanding productions as "Silver Dollar" and "Tiger Shark." Noted for his strong characterisations, he outdoes all liis previous efforts with his present role of an cx-beer baron of Chicago, who lias retired and is attempting to "crash" exclusive social circles. Mary As tor, one of the most polished actresses of the screen, has the leading feminine role opposite Kobinson. She will be remembered for her successful portrayal of the leading feminine roles in such pictures as "A Successful Calamity" with George Arlies, "Holiday," etc. The principle male parts in support of Robinson are taken by such well known players as Kenneth Thomson, Russell Hopton, Berton Churchill and Donald Dillaway. The experiences of the crude racketeer with the social elite results in hilarious situations spiced with exciting and thrilling incidents. The two theatres are also showing "The Thoroughbred," a thrilling racing picture in which Wesley Barry and Pauline Gar on take the chief roles. NATIONAL THEATRE. Happy romance and enjoyable music are the keynotes of "Man of Mayfair," in which Jack Buchanan returns to the National Theatre. Joan Barry, one of the most beautiful of the entire English roster of players, does a fine job of work in the feminine lead. She was seen recently in such pictures as "The Outsider," "Rich and Strange," "The First Mrs. Eraser," etc., while the charm of manner so peculiar to Jack Buchanan, was demonstrated in "Monte Carlo," "Rio Rita," and "Good Night, Vienna." His latest production is "Yes, Mr. Brown." Together with "Man of Mayfair," the National is screening "Sunset Pass," which is a Zane Grey adaptation. It is more than the average one-star "Western" film, inasmuch as it features Randolph Scott, Tom Keene, Harry Carey, Kent Taylor and ■Noah Beery, jun.—all outdoor stars — together with Kathleen Burke, the famed "Panther Woman."

ADELPHI THEATRE. The typically English hilarity of Leslie Fuller in "The Last Coupon" ivill be combined with an unusual gangster story, "Blondie Johnson," starring Joan Blondell and Chester Morris, at the Adelplii Theatre this evening. ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey have adventures uncountable in the jungles in "So This Is Africa," which shares tonight's entertaining programme at the Alexandra Theatre with "The Last Coupon," an hilarious Leslie Fuller comedy. EDENDALE CINEMA. An unusual modern drama, "Uptown New York" (Jack Oakie, Shirley Grey and Raymond Hatton), will be screened this evening at the Edendale Cinema, together with the fine comedy-drama. "Merrily We Go To —with Fredric March and Sylvia Sidney. EMPRESS AND WEST END. Joe E. Brown and his amazing mouth are once more entertaining Auckland, this time in "Elmer the Great," which, together with "The Mind Reader" (Warren William and Constance Cummings), is now being presented at the Empress and West End Theatres, Newton and Ponsonby. These two contrasting productions should provide excellent amusement for any audience. KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Many amusing scenes and clever situations are to be found in the English farce, "Brother Alfred," in which Gene Gerrard and Molly Lamont will be seen to-night at the King's Theatre, Northcote. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA.

Music and laughter on board a luxurious yacht in mid-Mediterranean form the basis of the story of "Sleepless Nights," in which Stanley Lupino and Polly Walker will be featured this evening at the Tudor Cinema, Remucra. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Comedy iS the order at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, where the amusing film "Girl Missing," is being screened, together with "So This Is Africa," the latest and certainly the most daring of all the Wheeler and Woolsey comedies. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Musical comedy, as represented in "The Big Broadcast" (Stuart Erwin and Bing Crosby), and the mystery-thriller type of film, as seen in "The Penguin Pool Murder" will comprise the fare offering tonight at the Grey Lynn Cinema. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. The last co-starring production with Janet Gaynor and Charles Fan-ell, "Tess of the Storm Country," will be seen at the Ambassador Theatre this evening, together with "The Penguin Pool Murder," with Edna May Oliver. GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. The story of the immortal Puccini opera, "Madame Butterfly," is screened in the picture of that title now showing at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. In the Gaiety's supporting programme is a fine "Silly Symphony" cartoon, "Noah's Ark." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Delightful English comedy is combined with the best American stage farce in the programme now screening at the Prince Edward Theatre. Newton, which consists of the two pictures, "Money Means Nothing," in which John Loder has the central role, and "The Phantom President," in which Claudette Colbert has the feminine lead opposite George M. 'Cohan, a veteran of the Broadway stage who 13 making his film debut. RIALTO SUNDAY NIGHT. The amusing manner of Seymour Hicks, favourite of the London stage, is evident in "Money for Nothing," in which he will be seen with the Australian star, Betty Stockfield, at the Rialto Theatre, New-1 market, to-morrow evening, in a charity I screening. I

MAJESTIC ALL-BRITISH. To see and hear Jan Kiepura in "Tell Me To-night" at the Majestic Theatre is to experience the spell of a delightful personality as well as a glorious voice. Here is a great tenor from the opera stage of Europe, still so young that lie lives in the sunshine of early popularity, yet mature enough to be acclaimed as one of the leading singers of his time, who, through the medium of the screen, is brought to the millions. Audiences, having felt the thrill of such singing, will ask for more of it. Against a landscape of snow-capped mountains and tree-covered hills, with occasional glimpses of silver-sparkling lakes, Kiepura, in the part of a famous opera singer, blends his voice with the beauty of Nature. It is a poetic effect, well befitting the theme, for there is a simple and touching love story which this music adorns. The picturesque lake country is that of Switzerland, and to add a flavour of comedy to the plot the singer hides for a time behind the cloak of mistaken identity. He allows another, an international crook, to pass for the singer while he secretly enjoys the freedom from publicity and the opportunity to make love to the Mayor's daughter. It is a risky part to play, and brings him within the clutches of the law, but at a critical stage his voice saves the day. In the Court room, to prove his real identity, he sings arias from

"Rigoletto" and '"La Traviata," and thg effort is a triumph. No loss a triumph is his appearance in the opera "La Boheme" in the climax of the picture. And there lingers in the memory a most pleasing theme song, and a happy serenading incident. The role of the Mayor's daughter is played attractively by a German actress, Magda Schneider, and the comedy part of the crook by Sonnie Hale. In the same programme is a splendid film, "Our Fighting Navy," giving a remarkable impression of the efficiency and the thoroughness of the training in the "silent service." Beginning with the birth of the great naval tradition as the Empire to-day knows it, the picture shows the death of Nelson in his hour of victory. The modern side of naval warfare is described in graphic outline by manoeuvres and practice at sea, in battleship, cruiser, destroyer and submarine, and in aircraft machines. There is perfection of mechanism, but one is made to feel that behind it all, and still the most important factor in supremacy of the seas, is the training and courage of the men behind the guns. Taken altogether, the two pictures initiated the Majestic's all-British policy, and attracted a crowded house for the opening night. To add to the interest of the occasion, there was a mannequin display in the theatre foyer, and musical selections by the "Tiarks Trio" (Misses Marjorie Tiarks, Helen Gray and Cherry Anderson) were given before the programme opened.

STRAND THEATRE. The hilarities that marked "Min and Bill" as one of the. best films of 19.31 have just as much appeal in 1033, if last evening's Strand audience was any criterion. | This excellent comedy, starring the inimit- [ able Marie Dressier-Wallace Beery com- ! bination, is being screened on a dual programme in connection with "Diggers In Blighty," the newest of the Pat Hanna comedies. LONDON THEATRE. Hilarious situations are developed to the full with the aid of brilliant acting and clever dialogue in the English farce "My Wife's Family." in which Gone Gerrard convulses audiences at the London at the moment. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A thrilling drama of the sea, "Destination Unknown" (Betty Compson and Ralph Bellamy) is to be co-featured with the modern comedy-romance, "Dangerously Yours." a Warner Baxter production, at the Britannia Theatre, Pousonby, this evening. LYRIC THEATRE. The intrepid Australian cinematographcr. Charles Chauvel, made an excellent job of filming "In the Wake of the Bounty," which is to be seen at the Lyric Theatre this evening. "Hard to Handle" (James Cagney) is also on the programme. CHARITY ENTERTAINMENT. A monster charity entertainment will be presented in the Town Hall Concert Chamber next Tuesday in aid of the St. Luke's Guild. The following artists will contribute to the programme:—Mrs. Hai McLennan, Misses Alys Moncur, Mardi Brook and Maisie Carte-Lloyd, and Messrs. Vincent Aspey, Peter Dawson, Dal McLennan and Roderic C. Potter.

RIALTO THEATRE. A new type of Elissa Landi is evident in "I Loved You Wednesday." She is more human and vital than she was as Mercia in "The Sign of the Cross" or the Amazon warrior in "The Warrior's Husband." Warner Baxter and Miriam Jordan head the supporting cast. The film shows at the Rialto to-night. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Screening in conjunction with the powerful Jack Holt jungle drama, "When Strangers Marry" (in which Lillian Bond and Don Cook share supporting honours) "I Loved You Wednesday" will form the chief entertainment for to-night at the Crystal Palace. It gives Elissa Landi 011 c of her most appealing roles to date. "CAVALCADE." Described as Noel Coward's "picture of the generation," or in words to that cllect by nearly every responsible critic in the film world, "Cavalcade" will entertain audiences at the New de Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, and at the State Theatre, Onehunga, this evening. Clive Brook, Diana Wynyard, Beryl Mercer and Herbert Mundin take the more important roles in the production. CAPITOL THEATRE. The comedy of Alison Skipwort.il and Stuart Erwin makes "He Learned About Women," which shows at the Capitol Theatre to-night, together with "In the Wake of the Bounty," a highly enjoyable piece of entertainment. EMPIRE THEATRE. One of Norma Shearer's earlier pictures and also the one which lifted Clark Gable to fame—"A Free Soul"—will 1)0 cofeatured on this evening's Empire Theatre programme with "The End of the Rainbow," the Richard Tauber singing film. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. The thrills and comedy of the famous stage play, "The Ghost Train," are brought vividly to the screen in the British film version which is screening to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, together with "The Night Club Lady."

VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. One of the happiest of all the recent British musical comedy-romances seen in Auckland, "Marry Me," will be the chief film fare offering at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. Renate Muller (of "Sunshine Susie") is the star. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. Still another of the highly-popular "Back to Childhood" parties will be held as the closing event of the season at Roushworth's Skating Rink, Khyber Pass Road, this evening. A programme of genuine entertainment has been arranged by the management. Details of the rink's annual picnic to be held to-morrow will be announced to-night. '"SIX CHARACTERS." The undoubted . (and somewhat unexpected) success of the unusual Pirandeho play, "Six Characters in Search of an Author," has caused the W.E.A. players to stage the production a further evening. This will be on Monday, in the W.E.A. Theatre, in the old Grammar school, Symonds Street, where it was to have been staged finally this evening. MOUNT ALBERT EX-SERVICEMEN. The most successful smoke concert the Mount Albert ex-Servicemen's Social Club lias yet staged took place in King George's Hall, Mount Albert, on Thursday evening last, when the club's troupe of nigger minstrels entertained some IGO members. Mr. Brownlee took the role of "Mr. Interlocutor," and Messrs. Culley, A. Harrison, Young, Leach, McCarthy. Clark, Watson, Keating, Scott and Rubeck all contributed. Mr. W. Good was behind the scenes, whilst Mr. Butler (piano) and Mr. T. Gee (drums) completed the troupe. A hearty vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. F. B. Watts and carried with acclamation and cheers.

"PEG O' MY HEART." A touching story of the fisherfolk of Ireland came to the St. James' Theatre last evening under the title of "Peg o' My Heart." The name part is taken by Marion Davies, that pretty and vivacious actress, whose ability to imitate the delightful Irish broque surely bespeaks her Hibernian ancestry. The story opens with scenes from the lives of the fisherfolk of the coast of Ireland—their simple habits and old-fashioned superstitions. Peg is the happy daughter of an old salt, who ekes out a precarious living from fishing. They are quite happy until a lawyer brings news that Peg has inherited the sum of £2,000,000 from tiie estate of her uncle, an eccentric old man who hates Peg's father. The will stipulates that she must never see her father again if she is to receive the money. They are broken-hearted at the news. But her old father, thinking that the money will bring her happiness, insists that she go oil' to England to learn to be a lady, and take her position as a woman of wealth. Believing that the parting will be only temporary, Peg sets off. The gawky fisher-girl soon becomes the lady of fashion, but all the time she is thinking of her father, the only true friend that she knows. She falls in love with a man who does not return her love and becomes engaged to another girl. Peg returns to her old life and relinquishes her right to the money. A dramatic climax is reached amid the surroundings of an Irish fisherfolk gathering, which must be seen to be appreciated. The part of heroine is alluringly portrayed, and the atmosphere of the humble lives of Ireland's coastal inhabitants cau be felt in many of the scenes. The play as a whole leaves 0110 with the feeling that riches are not after all the main object in life—happiness cannot be bought, and often the humblest worker is 1 nu\"e contented than those with unlimited weSlth. A joke from the "stupid young I Englishman" is worthy of repetition. An ■ epidemic of influenza was reported in the 'Press. His remark was: "1 heard a good one about the epidemic. 'Open the door and influenza!'" An extremely funny comedy precedes "Peg o' My Heart,'' starring Zasu Pitts and Thebna Todd. This time it is in a hospital, and the mistakes that occur there would turn the hair of a superintendent grey. Amongst other things the "patients" drink alum and soap* thus producing the symptoms of rabies, much to the consternation of the hospital authorities. The amusing antics of Zasu in endeavouring to escape the injections of "anti-rabies" provide a side-splitting half-hour. An excellent 1 topical news-reel rounds off a fine evening's 1 entertainment.

"MUSSOLINI SPEAKS." Probably the greatest figure in the postwar world, a man who has become the idol as well as the dictator of Italy, Benito Mussolini lias captured the popidar imagination in most other countries by his decision of character and capacity for inspiring national optimism, in the film "Mussolini Speaks," which is the feature of this week's programme at the Plaza Theatre, is given something definite of the career of this "modern Caesar," what he has accomplished in rehabilitating Italy, in evoking national aspirations for development by his policy of fostering the spirit of self-reliance through systematic training of the young men, and in co-ordinating the country's resources for advancement. Politics apart, it is a fascinating story of the conquest over environment of a man born of peasant stock, a blacksmith's son, who was imprisoned many times as a Socialist agitator before 1!J1(>, but after war service emerged an intense patriot to lead the youth of Italy through a bloodless revolution, heal the age-old breach between Church and State, and gradually consolidate masses and classes in a common cause for a policy of Imperial Italian advancement while other nations were at n standstill. The tremendous personal magnetism of the mail which has made these things possible is borne in on those who see the picture as they watch a close-up of II Duce throughout a long speech an Naples, in which lie is the embodiment of sincere forcefulness and unconsciously dramatic mannerisms. Interspersed are other pictures of the transport, hydroelectric, commercial, maritime, naval, aviation, agricultural, industrial and colonisation ventures that have gone ahead in bounds under the Mussolini programme; and of the massed sport activities by wliic'i the youth of the country is trained and inured to a spirit of nationalism and coordination. It makes a refreshing story of human progress. Human interest of another kind is provided in the programme by "Gold Fever," a thrilling story with the present-day American reconstruction policy as a background. It is a first-class entertainment.

SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. A splendid story of America running through two generations and three depressions in contained in the film "The Conquerors," which screens to-night, together with "Pleasure Cruise," at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellcrslie. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Monday's entertainment announced for presentation at the Olympia Skating Kink will include a ladies' challenge race of 15 laps, also two-stepping, waltzing, and gliding competitions. This evening the rink will stage a ladies' hoop race and a gentlemen's obstacle race. KINGSLAND TALKIES. The happy comedy of James Dunn and Sally Filers is seen at its most enjoyabl-j in "Hold Me Tight," which, together with the powerful Ruth Chattcrton drama, " 'Frisco Jenny," will form to-night's film fare at the Kingsland Talkies. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts are at. the height of the hilarity in their third full-length comedy, "They Just Had to Get Married," which will show at the Avondale Municipal Theatre to-night. A special race night dance will follow. MUNICIPAL BAND. A programme of vocal and instrumental music will be given at the Municipal Band's concert in the Town Hall tomorrow evening. The band's portion of the programme will include a Chopin selection, also "Die Flcdermaus" (Strauss) and a selection from the new opera "Moonflower," composed by Gordon Mcßeth, of Wanganui. The vocalists are Miss Sarah Stacpoole (soprano) and Mr. Reginald Morgan (baritone). Mr. Eric Waters will be accompanist. This performance will conclude the season of winter indoor concerts. The band will commence its Sunday night concerts in Albert Park the following Sunday and continue them throughout the summer. The band will give a programme at Victoria Park on Thursday evening. LYRIC SUNDAY CONCERT. Mr. Neville Carlson has arranged a promising programme for to-morrow night at the Lyric Theatre. Fifteen new artists will make their first appearance, and more of the requests which resulted from the recent audience ballot will bo submitted. In all 27 artists will participate, in addition to which there will be community singing and items by the Auckland City Boys' Band. Among the artists will be: Misses Marie Dunstan, Meryl Henderson, Tha Howe, Clarice Palmer. Nellie Lingard, Reta MacCullay and Minnie Parker, Messrs. Roy MacGregor, Ted Parker, Frank Smith, Bert Taylor, John Negri, A. J. Howard, Bob Blackie, Will Brennan. Ernest W. Pooley. the Howe Sisters and "The Five Mysteries." Proceeds are for the Down-and-Out Mission. BLIND INSTITUTE CONCERT. The Men's Social Club of the Blind Institute held the fourth concert of the season on Tuesday evening, the followingcontributing:—Mrs. Probert and children, Misses Jessie Smith, Gladys Moore, Enna Scott and Ruth Scott; Messrs. J. Snell, T. McGuire, W. Henderson, J. McDousall, Gerrarcly. McKnight and Trevor Sparling. Misses E. Scott and McDougall and Mr. Sparling were accompanists. VAUDEVILLE COMPETITIONS. A series of vaudeville competitions will shortly commence embracing the various sections of vaudeville. Particulars will be announced at Lyric Theatre to-morrow night. MUSICAL FESTIVAL. A grand musical festival will be presented by the combined Baptist choirs in the Baptist Tabernacle this evening. Mr. Arthur E. Wilson will be conductor.

"MEN MUST FIGHT." Raising highly provocative issues and dipping interestingly into the future, the latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature. "Men Must Fight." was released for the current season at the Civic last night and created something like a sensation in its novelty of conception and the boldness with which a delicate subject has been treated. It is a vigorous challenge to war with all its horrors, sorrows and pangs of suffering, and at the same time almost a negation of the doctrine of the pacifist. Throughout the picture runs the spirit of "Cavalcade," and the acting of Diana Wynyard probably h the strongest influence in this regard. She plays the leading part, being first a nurse in France during the great war, then the mother of a young son whose father is killed during an air battle on the Western Front. She marries another officer before the child is born and her husband becomes an American Secretary of State. The son is educated as a chemical specialist. The hands of Time are advanced to 1040, when America is in the throes of intense conflict 011 the issue of war and peace. War threatens with Eurasia, and the Secretary of State, a leading pacifist, is faced with a grave responsibility, for he has to make the decision to fight or not to fight, while his wife is a leading advocate to outlaw war. Ultimately the die is cast for war and there are intensely dramatic scenes when New York is attacked by great bombing 'planes of the enemy. The son, a role wonderfully well done by Phillips Holmes, is imbued with the sentiments of his mother. The consequence is that he is despised and rejected. particularly by his beautiful fiancee. The climax comes when the surging wave of patriotism forces a change of attitude in all but the mother, who by this time lias been wounded in an enemy bombing raid. It is an outstanding picture from every angle. The supports constitute delightfully varied and pleasing entertainment. Laurel and Hardy are seen at their best in "The Chimp." a Movietone and Fox Australian News films keep abreast of the times with outstanding world events. Paul T. Cullcn maintains his popularity with artistic organ and vocal items and the Winter Garden Band adds its quota.

DANCING. Peter Pan, Cabaret Band. Dixieland, " Race Night." Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. Labour Hall. Frank Stacey's Orchestra. St. Sepulchre's Hall. Technical Old Boys' Football Club's dance. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Kowhui Old Pupils' dance. Click Clack Cabaret, carnival night. Akarana Yacht Clubhouse, weekly dance. Orange Hall, Newton, Rio Grande Dance Club. Peter Pan, _ Wednesday, Margaret O'Connor Studio's annual dance. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, My-T-Fine Dance Club. Kitchener Hall, "Ye Olde Thyme" dance. Point Chevalier Hall, Chevalier Dance Club. Point Erin Kiosk, West End Rowing Club's dance. "USide Club," Koliimarama, October 21, opening dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's Orchestra. Gaiety Hall, October IG, "Gold and Green" Ball. Delta Theatre, New Lynn,, dancc after pictures. "Leisure Lounge," Akarana Girls' Welcome Club. Swaneon, plain and fancy masquerade ball. Bon Ton Hall, Royal Oak, Pleasure Broadcasters Band.