AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 261, 4 November 1933, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

"DOUBLE HARNESS." Two sisters, one sweetly simple and unsophisticated at the outset, witn au idyllic conception of love, the other a ••hardboiled" woman of the world, regarding marriage as a business in which to make the most of her lite, form a striking contrast in "-Double Harness,'' the new feature film released at tit. dames' last night. Completing the triangle is a "bachelor gay" of many and transient amours, which uis wealth and position can provide. Ann Harding as Joan Colby and William Powell as John Fletcher are m the principal roles, with Lilian Bond as the younger sister. Joan makes no secret to her sister of her views on life generally and the marriage state in particular, while the latter is vehemently conventional in her outlook. Joan, by a clever ruse, entraps John Fletcher, the indolent, but extremely handsome and wealthy heir to direction of a great shipping line. Joan marries, knowing full well the instability of her husband, but is determined to do the best lor herself in life. The marriage takes place, and ere the honeymoon is over John Fletcher shows signs of desiring to resume his former acquaintance and associations, while by this time Joan realises tragically that her theories have been all wrong. She has fallen madly in love with her husband. She lives through mortifying experiences in endeavouring to win him over. But her sister's opinions, largely due to financial worries caused by extravagance, undergo a radical change. In a dramatic scene, the younger sister exposes the plot which was carried out to entrap John Fletcher, and events move rapidly to a powerful climax. The storyis a strong one, with gripping human elements relieved with comedy interludes, while the acting of the principals is high above the ordinary level. An entirely novel note has been struck in presenting au Ely Culbertson contract bridge feature, called "Murder at the Bridge Table." It is a comedy-drama and i 6 a wonderfully educative study of bridge, in which the wizard of the card table expounds his theories and explains his bidding principles. The "Vagabond Adventurer" takes the audience through the wilds of Malay, while "Divorce Courtship" is a comedy production that provokes hearty laughter.

"SONG O' MY HEART." The many admirers of the great Irish tenor, John MacCormack, will this week have another opportunity of hearing him in his only screen vehicle, "Song o' My Heart," which commenced a revival season at the Plaza Theatre last evening. "Song o' My Heart" has every element that goes to make a picture a success —sentiment, tender pathos, charming love interest, and a sympathy for the principal characters which grips the audience. In addition to all these there is wholesome comedy, and a wit such as only persons of Irish extraction can display. It is a splendid vehicle for MacCormack and the renowned tenor is heard in 11 songs. It is hardly necessary to say that MacCormack's singing of the Irish melodies is enchanting. Some of the numbers which were most appreciated were "You'll Remember Me," "Just for a Day," "I Feel You Near Me," "Kitty My Love," "Rose of Tralee,' "Little Boy Blue," "Ireland, Mother Ireland" and "I Hear You Calling Me." Together with the music and songs there is an appealing and moving story which could be appreciated for itself without the excellent accompaniment. Amusing witticisms are supplied by J. M. Kerrigan and J. Farrell Mac Donald as the two old villagers, and John Garrick is cast in the chief supporting role. Excellent supports go with "Song o' My Heart," including a cartoon, "College Spirit"—which drew delighted applause—and a Movietone "Magic Carpet" series entitled "Venetian Holiday."

STRAND THEATRE. One of the most spectacular productions ever made starring the glamorous Swedish actress, Greta Garbo, whom we have not seen on the screen for a long while, is revived this week at the Strand Theatre. This is her "Mata Hari," in which she portroys the notorious Javanese war-time spy—her life and loves—with a clarity and insight into the woman's character that appears little short of amazing. Ramon Novarro has a good part as the young air officer who unknowingly betrays his country for her love. Lewis Stone is well east as the head of the German spy system in Paris. The Strand also is screening "The New Adventures of Get-Rich-Quiek Wallingford," in which the famous character of the popular stage play receives a refreshing portrayal by William Haines. The two films make an excellent entertainment combination.

NATIONAL THEATRE. So great has been the public response to the latest Colman picture, "The Masquerader," that, after showing to crowded audiences at the Regent for a fortnight, it opened an extended season last evening at the National Theatre to a packed house. Ronald Colman, one of the screen's most popular actors, has what is. probably his finest role in "The Masquerader." The story, adapted from the novel "John Chilcote, M.P.," -by Katherine Cecil Thurston, concerns a prominent member of the House of Commons Opposition, whose constitution is undermined by drugs at .a critical moment in the country's history. In desperation he begs a cousin, John Loder, to change places with him. Loder leads the Opposition in a successful attack on the Government, and is hailed as a hero. Colman is excellent in the dual role. His leading lady is Elissa Landi, who rises to the occasion splendidly. The supporting programme includes a Walt Disney "Sillv Symphony" cartoon, "Santa's Workshop," and a coloured revue, "Pirates." EMPRESS THEATRE. The singing of the "Adorable" waltz in the musical romance of that title will please to-night's audience at the Empress Theatre. Janet Gaynor and Henry Gar at are the stars of the film, which is screening in conjunction with_ "Uptown New, York," a modern dramatic film featuring Jack Oakie and Shirley Grey. WEST END THEATRE. The storv of the immortal Puccini opera "Madame Butterfly," with Sylvia Sidney starred as Cho-Cho-San and Cary Grant as Pinkerton, Charlie Ruggles supplying the comedy effects, forms the theme of the chief film at the West End Theatre this evening. "Uptown New York" is on the same programme. ADELPHI THEATRE. Claimed'by most of his "fans" as George Arliss' best modern production, "The Working Man" will be featured on tonight's bill of fare at the Adelphi Theatre, the other film also showing being "Arizona to Broadway" (James Dunn and Joan Bennett). ALEXANDRA THEATRE. Janet Gaynor takes on a welcome atmosphere of sophistication in her new musical romance, "Adorable," in which she will be seen with her new leading man, Henry Garat, at the Alexandra Theatre to-night. "Money Talks" is also showing. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. ' Two splendid comedies, albeit of totally differing types, are listed for co-presenta-tion at the" New de Luxe Theatre to-night. They are the Arliss comedy "The Working Man" and Alison Skipworth's pleasant starring film "The Sporting Widow." EDENDALE CINEMA. One of the most spectacular scenes in "I Loved You Wednesday"—showing this evening at the Edendale Cinema together with Jack Holt's dramatic picture "The Wrecker"—is the "Dance of the Virgins." Warner Baxter and Elissa Landi are the: stars of "I Loved You Wednesday." AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Stanley Lupino lends just the correct air of asininity to the British farce "Sleepless Nights," in which he is to be seen, with Polly Walker, Frederick Kerr, and Gerald Rawlihson," at the Avondale Municipal Theatre this evening. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. . An, . unusually. . powerful story was allotted Constance Bennett in "The Common Law," which will be presented to 'tb-Tiiglit's" " audience of the Prince Edward Theatre, together with the Irene ■Dunne, drama "No Other Woman.' r

"THE LITTLE DAMOZEL." The Majestic has found a worthy successor to "Tell Me To-night," in the delightful film of English night life, which opened yesterday. It is not Anna Neagle's first film appearance, but it is her first great triumph, and it shows this very versatile and charming actress in a roie where all her undoubted talents, her charm, her magnetic personality and her excellent diction are given full scope. It would seem that one of the present idols of the English stage is destined to occupy a foremost place in the British film world. As a cabaret dancer "The Little Damozei" wins her way into the hearts of her public with feet, grace and voice, and then becomes the innocent victim of a plot to remove a club habitue of strange antecedents from the matrimonial market, so that, a scheming captain may marry a wealthy heiress who is infatuated with this adventurer-rival. The scheme succeeds. The penniless adventurer, strongly presented by James Rennie, yields to the temptation of a big bribe, woos and wins the dancer, and for a brief period lives the life of a gentleman of leisure. How his wife adapts herself from the night club atmosphere with its very plain language and its poker playing behind the 6cenes to her new conditions is one of the finest pieces of character work in a film which has many outstanding character presentations, and how this young woman affects her husband through this, is developed in a thoroughly artistic manner. When the climax conies through a meeting at a Thames side summer resort — a magnificent scenic shot —further light is thrown on the character of the temperamental little dancer. It would be unfair to pursue further the plot of a story which makes such fine drama. Sufficient it is to say that the unusual personality of this talented lady dominates each situation, and her dancing, together with her singing of several Noel Coward numbers, captivates the audience. The other characters are all good—particularly James Rennie's delineation of the man who sells himself to become a lover. "The Little Damozei" posseses charm in its story, its acting, its music and its settings. "And So To Bud," a highly entertaining film, also two gazettes and a cleverly-conceived astrological film, complete the bill of fare.

ROXY AND TIVOLI. "What Price Innocence?" is the pertinent title of the new photoplay screening this week at the Roxy and Tivoii Theatres. It's a story of youth—the present day, fast-living, supposedly wise, sophisticated youth, plunging at life without really understanding its problems and responsibilities. Authored by Willard Mack, veteran American playwright, the new screen play presents a provocative social drama, handled with utmost delicacy and tact,- and enacted by a cast of superlative performers. Jean Parker, 'lovely little brunette actress, who in this, I her fourth picture, has won her way to | stardom, gives a stirring performance as Ruth Harper, the sweet, ill-fated youngster of 17, whose mother "took things for granted," where the girl was concerned. Minna Gombell is at her best as this selfdeceived mother. A picture out of the beaten path, extraordinary in its conception and portrayal—one that shocks the spectator with its grim revelations—is the other film, showing under the title of "The Mayor of Hell," with James Cagney in the stellar role. The story is a burning indictment of a certain class of so-called reform school in which Tsoys of tender years arc subjected to almost unbelievable cruelties. James Cagney as the new superintendent, who despite his own shortcomings, has a sympathetic understanding of the boys, heads the cast. Madge Evans plays the part of a nurse who brings about reform in the school, while others in the cast include Allen Jenkins, Dudley Digges, Arthur Byron, Sheila Terry, and young Frankie Darrow.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. This evening's bill of fare at the Crystal Palace Theatre will consist in the main of the enjoyable British farce "Let Me Explain, Dear." The production io one reminiscent of the humour of "My Wife's Family," and certainly one of the most natural of Britain's recent attempt*; at screen comedy. RIALTO THEATRE. The one comedian whom Elstree can place on a par with Hollywood's best — Gene Gerrard —is the star of "Let Me Explain, Dear," which is listed for screening this evening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. Claude Hulbert and Jane Carr are also 6een in important roles in this hilarious comedy. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Drama of the typical Jack Holt variety is to be found throughout "The Wrecker," which shares a dual bill at the State Theatre, Ohehunga, this evening with "It's Great to be Alive," a tale of the last man on earth. This role is portrayed by Raul Roulien, the Brazilian star. NEW REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. The Cockney comedian Herbert Mundin, seen in "Cavalcade," has one of his more hilarious roles in "It's Great to be Alive," which is showing to-night at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, together with "Money Talks," an English comedy. KINGSLAND TALKIES. At last patrons of the Kingsland Talkies are able to see the Noel Coward epic "Cavalcade," as brought to the screen by Frank Lloyd, with Clive Brook and Diana Wynward starred in a British cast of players. The English farce, featuring Herbert Mundin —also in "Cavalcade" — and entitled "Peace and Quiet," is on the programme.

NEWSREEL CINEMA. Full programmes of "short" features and newsreels are screened at the new "Newsreel Cinema," together with the beautiful singing film "New Moon," in which Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett are co-featured. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Amusing comedy and light romance are the keynotes of "Fast Life," in which the irrepressible Billy Haines will be seen, with Madge Evans as his leading-lady, at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, this evening. Good supports are also showing. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A picture that rather missed its mark in the cit/, yet one of excellent entertainment value, "Fanny Foley Herself," starring Edna May Oliver, will be screened with "Man Hunt," at the Britannia Theatre. GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. The second picture, featuring the Austraian comedian George Wallace, released in the city and suburbs as "Harmony Row," will be the chief entertainment item' at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, to-night. LYRIC THEATRE. Many are the laughs that Pat Hanna and his comedians manage to inject into their'"Diggers In Blighty," which screens to-night, together with the Richard Dix comedy "The Great Jasper," at the Lyric Theatre. GREY LYNN CINEMA. One of his most impressionable pieces of acting was given by Ronald Colman in the lead of Samuel Goldwyn's film, "Cynara," in which he is to be seen with Kay Francis at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night. "Private Jones" is also on the programme. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Carole Lombard, an amazingly good actress, reveals her magnificent histrionic artistry in the central part of "No More Orchids," screening to-night at the Ambassador Theatre. "The Sport of a Nation" is also to be presented. CIVIC THEATRETTE. A continuous screening of various newsreels, sporting and political events, features and "shorts," will be made each day from 11 a.m. until 9.30 p.m. at the newly-opened Civic Theatrette, in the 6ite of the old Civic midget golf course. GARRICK DRAMATIC SOCIETY. Elmer Rice's powerful dramatic play, "Street Scene," centring its human interest plot round a New York tenement block and requiring over 40 parts, will be staged by Miss Raie Robinson for the Garrick Dramatic Society in the Lewis Eady Hall next Thursday and Saturday. The playi won the coveted Pulitzer Prize for the sea-1 son's finest play some years ago. 1

"I COVER THE WATERFRONT." Such a story as is told on the waterfront in any big seaport where smuggling and its companion crimes are rife provides the plot of "I Cover the Waterfront," which opened at the Regent Theatre last evening. Ben Lyon has the role of Joe Miller, a newspaper reporter who is investigating smuggling. Claudette Colbert that of Julie Kirk, to whom lie makes love in order to get his story, but Ernest Torrance, as her father, Eli Kirk, fisherman, smuggler and murderer many times over, gives such a display of powerful acting that the picture ■ —the last before his death —may justly be called his. The dragging up of a Chinaman's body weighted by chains from the bottom of the harbour is Joe Miller's first definite clue to the story he is seeking. The Chinaman had been dropped overboard by Eli Kirk, whom he had paid 700 dollars to smuggle him into the country, but who dropped him over the side when the boat was hailed by a coastguard cut- . ter. The chain on the dead Chinaman's feet is identical with that aboard Kirk's fishing boat, but the editor of Joe Miller's paper demands more evidence before he will "run" such a story. To get Ins evidence, Miller makes love to Kirk's daughter, Julie, but finds that she is ignorant of her father's activities. He does find out from her. however, that her father is out fishing for sharks —surprising, when tuna are plentiful. It is an exciting pursuit, one of his crew being killed by an infuriated monster. Aboard his boat are several Chinamen who have paid him to smuggle them into the States. When Eli Kirk returns to port Miller and the coastguards search his boat, but there is no sign of Chinamen. Then the size of the sharks Kirk has captured attracts Miller's notice. A quick stroke of a knife reveals a Chinaman, bound, gagged and semi-conscious, inside the monsters body. Kirk escapes, desperately wounded, and his daughter follows. Miller follows both, hopeless now of winning Julie Kirk, for whom he has discovered a real affection, but determined to bring her rascally father to justice. All three meet, and the events of that last scene bring happiness to two, and a death of unselfish heroism to the third. In lighter'vein, the ever-welcome Laurel an i Hardy produce one of the most laughable comedies of their screen career. A Mickey Mouse cartoon and a New Zealand gazette are also shown. A fashion display and selections by Knight Barnett on the organ complete an enjoyable programme.

VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. Highly amusing comedy of the English school, as produced by the superb Roland Young-Alison Skipworth combination, is given in "A Lady's Profession," which is the featured item to-night at the "Victoria Theatre, Devonport. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. A special stage attraction has been arranged for staging at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, in connection with this evening's screening of the beautiful and popular dramatic film, "The White Sister." the talkie version of which stars Helen Hayes and Clark Gable. CAPITOL THEATRE. Filmed from a best-selling novel, "Second-Hand Wife" (Sally Lifers and Ralph Bellamy) should prove entertaining to to-night's audience at the Capitol Theatre, where it is screening in conjunction with the Australian comedy, "Digger's in Blighty." EMPIRE THEATRE. There is little doubt that Katharine Strong did not establish herself as one of the year's film sensations in the central part of "Christopher Strong," which is to be presented this evening at the Empire Theatre, together with "Picture Snatcher." RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. Hilarity of a riotous order is evident in the English farce, "To-night's the Night," which will star the popular comedian, Leslie Fuller, at the Rialto Theatre tomorrow evening, when a screening will be given for charity. "THE RAINBOW'S END." A musical comedy entitled "The Rainbow's End" will be staged by Miss Lillian Braithwaite in the Town Hall concert chamber on November 14 and 15.

"MOON-WINKS." Approximately 100 performers will take part in the novel production which Miss I Cecil Hall will stage in the Scots Hall next i Saturday week under the title of "MoouWinks." KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Coming straight from its successful city season at the Plaza, "Shanghai Madness'' will present Spencer Tracy and Fay Wray in its main roles at the King's Theatre, Xorthcote, this evening. Herbert Muudin heads the supporting cast. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. An exhibition of skating will be given at the Olympia Skating Kink, Dominion Road, by Mr. and Mrs. 0. Hare this evening. A lull programme of sports and novelty items will also be presented. The rink will hold its final programme next Saturday night. MUSICAL RECITAL. Selections from Wagner, Tcherepin, Pergolesi, Gretry, Shakespeare, etc., will be included in the repertoire to be presented by Mine. Amy Milburn in the Lewis Eady Hall next Tuesday. An orchestra of seven instruments, under Mr. Frank Bartlett's baton, will accompany the vocalist. An overture will be given to include Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld," and a selection from the musical comedy, "Our Miss Gibbs," Mr, Frank Poore will also give a flute solo. .

FLYING ANGEL MISSION FAIR. Side-shows, stalls and other entertainments will be seen at a fair to be held in aid of the funds or the Flying Angel Mission in Sturdee Street next Thursday and Friday. Sea chanties, dances and exhibitions will add to the variety of the attractions. MUNICIPAL BAND. Selections from Offenbach's "Grand Duchess," Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody, No. 2," and many other fine numbers will be played by the Municipal Band at Albert Park to-morrow evening. Fine programmes have also been arranged for the. Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon, and Parnell Park on Thursday evening next. LYRIC SUNBAY CONCERT. Mr. Neville Carlsen will present a varied programme at the Lyric Theatre to-morrow night in aid of the Down-and-Out Mission. Several newcomers to these concerts will appear, including Miss Sarah Stacpoole. Recent arrivals from Australia (the "Instrumental Four") will make their first appearance before a New Zealand audience. Also on the programme will be: Misses Minnie Parker, Zoe Pearson, Clarice Palmer, Mavis Reilly and Florence Mack, Messrs. Stan Holthouse, Lai Porter, Ernest Pooley, the "New" Trio and the "Harmony Sisters." SCOTS HALL VAUDEVILLE. A full vaudeville show and competitions followed by a community dance will be the programme at the Scots Hall on Wednesday next. Proceeds arc for the Down-and-Out Mission. MAORI CHOIR. The Maori choir will give programmes at Manurewa on Tuesday evening and at Papakura on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of the Methodist Church circuit. ONEROA CARNIVAL. Weather permitting, a carnival will be held at the Oneroa Beach this evening, when the big event of the occasion will be a large-scale fireworks display organised by the Colonial Ammuhition Company. Dancing and other attractions are also listed among the entertainments offering. The s.s. Duchess is to leave the Central wharf at 7 .p.m. to make a moonlight trip, the return to Auckland being timed for 11.20 p.m., in order to catch last trams and ferries from the city. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. Many patrons of the theatres who have seen "The Faithful Heart" have giveD it as their view that this British drama is the best production of the type to have come out of English studios. Herbert Marshall and Edna Best are coThe film screens to-night at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie,together with "Nagana" (Tala Birell).

"MY LIPS BETRAY." In a mythical kingdozn, where loyalty 13 a habit with the people, although the king is more concerned with a romantic venture than the balancing of his Budget, there is an Arcadian setting for the picture, "My Lips Betray," at the Civic Theatre. Life in a luxurious palace does not prevent the head of the realm from appearing frequently before his subjects and going about unescorted in his superiorlooking motor car. Freedom such as this may be a fruitful cause of trouble when the king is a man with personal charm and a musical voice. So a Royal romance seems to come naturally, and it matters little than an elderly boarding-house keeper, who is interested in the affairs of the girl in the piece and the girl herself do not know the reigning monarch. Here are the essentials lor a light and amusing romance which the king thoroughly enjoys. The action moves between the palace, the girl's apartments and a theatre dressing-room. Miss Lillian Harvey, in the principal part, appears as a cabaret singer who is an utter failure until suddenly she becomes the king's favourite. Then she is idolised, and the king himself, in masquerade, falls at her feet. It takes time to straighten out the tangle, and in the end, to ease the minds of the patriotic citizens about affairs of State, there is the added excitement of an oil discovery in the kingdom which quickly restores the Budget. There is abundant scope for Miss Harvey's talent as a comedy artist and for her singing, for instance, in "The Band is Gaily Playing." John Boles has a part that suits him as the young and handsome king. One would like to hear more of his singing, for his voice, which won him many admirers in "Rio Rita," is a rich baritone. His acting, too, is good, and in this picture is more important. Combining his powers as actor-singer he is at his best, and he is well east with Miss Harvey. His restraint and screen sense bring into contrast the more spontaneous performance of the graceful girl star. In the supporting programme Mr. Paul Cullen i at the grand organ sings and plays popular Irish and topical songs, and there are newsreels featuring athletic events in Australia and elsewhere.

DANCING. 1 Peter Pan, " Squatter's Daughter" Night. Dixieland, Guy Fawkee Night. Masonic Hall, Newton, old-time dancing programme. . Click Clack Cabaret, cabaret orchestra. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitemata. Club dance. Labour Hall, Guy Fawkee carnival. Akarana Yacht Clubhouse, weekly dance. C-Side Club, Kohi, Alf Coghlan's Rhythm Boys. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, Guy Fawkes carnival. Orange Hall, Newton, Rio Grande oldtime dance. Kitchener Hall, Workingmen's Club and Watersiders' Band dance. Point Chevalier Hall, Chevalier Dance Club. St. Columba Hall, Surrey Crescent, exservicemen's dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Spinsters' Ball. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, Tuesday, children's fancy dress ball. Swanson, grand movie ball. Point Erin Kiosk, Wednesday, Richmond Cruising Club's dance. Victoria Hall, Birkenhead, next Saturday, plain and fancy dress ball. Bon Ton Hall, Royal Oak, Pleasure Broadcasters' Band.