AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 259, 2 November 1933, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. "Another Language" will be shown for the last time at the Civic Theatre this evening. The change of programme tomorrow is headed by "My Lips Betray.'' Lilian Harvey, described by overseas critics as the most outstanding English actress in American films, is given ample scope i:i this tuneful comedy-romance to display her attractive personality and artistry. Mistaken, through her friendship with a king's chauffeur, for the acquaintance of royalty itself, Lilian Harvey goes through a series of amusing adventures. In song and comedy she is ably supported by John Boles and a talented cast. "My Lips Betray" is notable inasmuch as it affords the beautiful young Anglo-German star with her first opportunity at making good in a Hollywood production. She sings several appealing songs in the film, and John Boles also makes his fine voice heard to advantage—the first time since his success some years ago in "Bio Rita," "The King of Jazz" and "The Desert Song." Miss Harvey, who was introduced to us in the German romance, "The Love Waltz" some years ago, starred in "In Old Vienna" ("Congress Dances"), and "My Lips Betray" is her third film to reach New Zealand. ROXY AND TIVOLI. "The Mayor of Hell," a Warner Bros, picture starring James Cagney, which opened at the Koxy and Tivoli Theatres last night, is one of the most powerful and stirring dramas that has come to the screen in many a day. Its fearless revelation of the shocking conditions in a boys' reformatory governed by political graft, is grimly realistic albeit intensely thrilling and dramatic. The title of the picture is aptly expressive for it applies to a reformatory where boys are subjected to such mental and physical tortures as to embitter them and turn them into potential criminals. James Cagney, as the reformer, lias probably his strongest role to date. Madge Evans, the nurse, gives a splendid performance. The corrupt head j of the reform school is given a virile porI trayal by Dudley Diggcs. A human, moving photodrama that treats of a subject hitherto greeted with lifted eyebrows and shocked, hushed voices, is the other picture at both houses, screening under* tli" pertinent title, "What Price Innocence?" It's a story of modern, pseudo-sophisti-cated youth. Jean Parker, lovely little brunette, is excellent in the role of the tragic little heroine. PLAZA THEATRE. Some three years ago, when the craze for musical pictures of all descriptions, started by "The Gold-Diggers of Broadway" and others, "was at its height, "Song o' Mv Heart," for which it was stated that Fox had paid the world-famous Irish tenor, John MacCormack, a sum of 100,003 dollars, came to Auckland and screened for several weeks on its initial release. Its memory has continued long after most of the "musicals" have faded into oblivion, and the fact that it is being revived, per medium of a new studio copy, at the Plaza to-morrow will be glad news to all lovers of good vocal music. The romance of the story is pleasantly interwoven with the seven songs Count John sings—including "The Rose of Tralee," "Killarney," etc. Maureen O'Sullivan, later seen as tlis female star- in "Tarzan, the Ape-Man,'' first rose to fame opposite the great singer in "Song o' My Heart." NEWSREEL CINEMA. This evening's programme at the new Newsreel Cinema will consist of, in addition to the fare of " shorts " and other such features, the full-length Maurice Chevalier-Jeanette Mac Donald. romance, " One Hour With You." TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. An entertaining satire of the moderns on the ancient Greeks and the mythical Amazons is contained in "The Warrior's Husband," ]in which Eliesa Landi stars at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, this evening. Ernest Truex, Marjorie Rambeau and David Manners are also in the cast. RIALTO THEATRE. The antics of Gene Gerrard and Claude Hulbert make "Let Me Explain, Dear," one of the best English film farces yet presented to the public. It will be shown to-night at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. Jane Carr has the feminine lead. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A new leading lady arises in the amusing British picture, "Let Me Explain, Dear," which forms the bulk of to-night's screen fare at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. Gene Gerrard and Claude Hulbert are the chief comedians. STRAND THEATRE. The primeval creatures that are brought to life in "King Kong," now at the Strand, are somewhat reminiscent of the memorable silent film, "The Lost World." However, the very task of fitting sound to the prehistoric jungle discovered by the intrepid adventurers is in itself a task which raises the production to a higher achievement. Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot have the chief acting roles in "King Kong." NATIONAL THEATRE. The amusing antics of Zasu Pitts is one of the features of "Professional Sweetheart," in which "Ginger" Rogers has one of her most active roles to date. "Professional Sweetheart" is the chief item on the current programme screening at the National Theatre, the other film showing being "Beyond the Rockies," a thrilling Western story, with Tom Keene starred. Norman Foster has the juvenile lead and Frank McHugh the chief comedy support in "Professional Sweetheart." COMMUNITY SINGING WIND-UP. Special interest attached to last evening's community singing gathering in the Town Hall, as it was the final one of a. series of such celebrations held during the winter in aid of the metropolitan unemployed relief committee and other charitable organisations. Over £1100 is claimed to have been raised by this means in th? past season, and last night was not the first occasion in which the contributions totalled more than £100. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Russell were the song leaders, and Mrs. Barrington Snow -the accompanist. The Musicians' Union Orchestra, also Messrs. Tom Maguire, Dan Flood and Reg. Morgan contributed items. Proceeds from the programme —which was broadcast —were devoted to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. CIVIC THEATRETTE. The second attempt in New Zealand to screen a programme consisting entirely of news reels and shorts will be commenced at the opening to-morrow of the Civic Theatrette, in the former site ot the Midget Golf Course. Prices are a shilling, sixpence for children. EVELYN FIRTH HOME CONCERT. The "Ramblers" concert party, under Mr. Fred Irvine, visited the Evelyn Firth Home last evening, the following contributing to an enjoyable programmerMisses Rene Dawning, Betty Tilnev, Ilza Rookes, Mavis Adams and Lila Walters; Messrs. M. O'Brien, F. Irvine and George Hurst.