AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 11, 13 January 1934, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

" RADIO PARADE."

The atmosphere of the London music hall is brought to j the. Regent; Theatre by "Radio Parade,'', which opened to : and expectant audiences yesterday. The opportunity to see this once famous type of amusement comes far too infrequently, and a successful season is assured. The film presents in the form of radio • broadcast a representative assembly of fifty English stage, screen, and radio artists, some of whom are worldJamous. One comes away after' seeing this brilliant medley of vaudeville feeling that tne artists are seen in the flesh and not on the screen. There is no plot to the film, the only link between the "turns" being a summons to (broadcast by Christopher Stone, the announcer, and the fun of Claude Hulbert and Gus McNaughton, the comedy downs, who are trying to "steal" material from the performances for their "big act/' Roy Fox's. well-known band, opens and closes the performance, and occasionally accompanies the artiste, and their music is full oi pep and rhythm. One of the highlights of an entertainment which caters for all tastes, with comedy the predominant note, is Florence Desmond. When the scene it switched in the middle of. the programme to an American cafe she gives heir impersonations of "noted screen artists with remarkable faithfulness, not only, in talking and ringing, but in acting. Her imitations of Greta Garbo, Tallulah BankKead, ami' Gracie Fields are excellent. The Houston Sisters, delightfully young and- fascinating, are also outstanding and their ventriloquism item is a gem. Then there ie "Stainless jStephen," a prince of railway .porters, Elsie Carlisle, ' the Carlyle Cousins, Reginald Gardner, imitating characterietic noises, of jnotor cars, Floteaon and Jetsam, with remarkable deep notes in song, and in contrast Stanelli and Edgar, freak fiddlers, and. Mario Lorenzo, distinguished narpist. In the supporting programme there is a triumph for the Walt-Disney "Silly Symphony," "The Three Little Pigs." The colouring ie particularly beautiful, and the nursery rhyme adhered to in the sinister wolf in quest of >the little pigs makes even' grownups' tremble" for their fate, while the popular theme eong, "Who'e Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf," running through the performance, . reveals :the infection that has made it a byword in America. NATIONAL -AND STATE. The style' of ecreen comedy which Australia"»brought- ue in, "On Our Selection" is carried on with exceptional success in "The Hayseeds," in which Cecil Kellaway displaces Bert Bailey as "Dad" and Katie Towers becomes "Mum." This entertaining picture, opened its fourthconsecutive -week in the city at the National Theatre last evening, and also at the State, Symonds Street. Its story telk of an Australian family group who have fought storm and drought with little euccess, but are still battling away , ,on their bushfarml On precisely the same day that hikers Mr. and Mre. Townleigh turn up, worn" out by the effort to step it out with'the rest, they are genially succoured by ; .old Hayseed and "Mum." When it is time to go there is consternation, as young .Mary. Townleigh-is missing. She has wandered off to gather .flowers and become "bushed." Tired out, ete comes upon the lonely camp of John Manners, who conducts her back to her people, and by doing eo not only wins her gratitude but her love. Then, when Joe Hayseed marries Pansy, the family make it an excuse togo a trip to Sydney and stay ,with the . Townleighs. Their advent and experiences there are screamingly funny. With . "The. Hayseeds," -the National and State also offer the , fine Walt Disney "Silly Symphony" cartoon entitled "The Pied Piper," and a; varied supporting programme. STATE, ONEHUNGA. The State Theatre, Onehunga, will show to-night the popular Lilian Harvey' with' , John Boles in a Ruritanian romance,. <'My Betray." John Boles takes the part of ;the king and Lilian Harvey the princess. There are some delightful song numbers. pj ALEXANDRA THEATRE. The popular music hall song, "Soldiersof the King," forms the nucleus of an. enjoyable English musical film of the same title, to be screened at the Alexandra Theatre to-night, in conjunction with the George O'Brien "Western," "The 'Last Trail." ■ "*■ ,- ■ ' MUNICIPAL BAND. Another interesting programme of popular and classical music will be given by the Auckland Municipal Band in Albert Park to-morrow evening. Programmes will also be given at the Zoological,. Park in -tjie. afternoon and at Kohimaraina on,' Thursday evening next. _ _ '.*..„.

"BLONDE BOMBSHELL." Whenever the "Blonde Bombshell" goes off she does it with a bang. Jean Harlow •is the bombshell, and those who saw her in "Dinner at Eight" will remember how she banged and to what effect. In the new picture this week at the St. James'" Theatre she explodes even more. Jean Hai'low ie clever. Jean Harlow ie lovely. You could not blame a gentleman for preferring a blonde when it ie this actress. In her earlier pictures she characterised 'all that was a gold-digger, but gradually producers are, realising that there is a gentle, human streak in this star, and there are moments in "Blonde Bombshell" when Jean Harlow shows what can be done with pathos and drama. The story tells of the life of a leading actress in Hollywood. It ie a life of publicity. The most amazing front-page stories are arranged to attract public attention, and there comes the time when the sought-after star would like to express her real personality and be very human, but her publicity agent thwarte her in every way. In private life she has a father and a brother who squander her money. They are an impossible pair and arrivu on the scene always at the wrong moment, but cause great etrtertainment. To escape the hurly-burly and - nauseating publicity, she goes away, at the risk of breaking a contract, but her agent will not leave her alone and sleuths her to her haven. Lee Tracy is the. agent, and a very lively one at triat. There seeme to be no limit to the idea that he has to keep the public thinking that Jean Harlow ie a bombshell and not the domestic soul she would like, to be. Surprise follows surprise, and just when one thinks he must surely have exhausted his ideas another one happens that is even more astounding. The picture is throughout highly amusing, and the Americans in a shrewd way slap themselves a little for their own Hollywood methods. The whole programme is good. It opens with topical evente, which are followed by a really exciting item about motor races at Indianapolis. A Walt Disney cartoon, "Old King Cole," iu teehnicolour, ie especially good, and at its conclusion received well-merited applause. EMPRESS THEATRE. The • old favourites Laurel and Hardy will, be seen to-night in one of their beet films, "Pack Up Your Troubles," at the Empress Theatre. In addition to thjs comedy, a drama of future transatlantic air crossings • will be seen in "F.P.1." These letters are the radio call sign of a flying platform anchored in mid-oceau. Conrad Veidt ie the star. WEST END THEATRE. At the West End Theatre, Ponsonby, an English comedy will be screened tonight, starring the inimitable Cicely Courtneidge in "Soldiers of the King." The German drama "F.P.1." makes an excellent support. ADELPHI THEATRE. The Adelphi, Grey Lynn, will show tonight two gripping dramas—"Sweepings," starring Lionel Barrymore and Gloria Stuart, and' "The Silver Cord," with Irene Dunne. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Two sterling productions are listed for showing at the Kingsland Talkies (Theatre Royal) ,to-night. .These .-are , "The Man Who Dared," ,in which Spencer Tracy portrays the character of Anton Cermak, murdered Mayor of- Chicago, and "A Lady's Profession," a first-class comedy featuring Alison' Skipworth and Roland Young. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. Romance, action, drama, suspense and comedy are all to be found in most acceptable measure in "I Cover the Waterfront,", which is the present film feature at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. The film has- proved popular wherever it has been shown. STRANG THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. One of. the most successful of British, pictures for inany months, "Tell ■ Ms To-night," in- which Jan Kiepura, the Hungarian tenor of "City of Song" screen fame, is starred, will form the bulk of the. entertainment offering at the ■ Strand Theatre, Onehupga, : this evening. Magda Schneider, a German star, is the heroine. CAPITOL THEATRE. Two delightful modern film stories are tp be presented at the Capitol Theatre to-night. They - are "Walking Down Broadway/' a. fine Jimmy Dunn-"Boots" Mallory vehicle, and "The Night of June 13,',' in" which Clive Bro6k heads the cast. ." VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. The lovely Irish romance "Peg o' My Heart," adapted from the famous stage triumph, will star Marion Davies in what is unquestionably the finest role of h/?; career et the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. .-.„'. >

"KING OF THE RITZ." In the role of a super-efficient hotel porter, Stanley Lupino hoe endless opportunities of making "The King of the Ritz," which opened at the Plaza Theatre last evening, an uproarious comedy, and he takes every advantage of them. That "cheeky" Cockney style of his fits the part admirably and his flow of crkp repartee never flags. He ie eeen first as The Porter—the man that even the manager bows to when they have a difference of opinion. At hie desk ho has a television apparatus that enables him to see what is going on in any of the rooms in the hotel, and with its aid he plays the oracle, dips into intrigues, and generally manages the most privale affaire of those living in the building. His particular weakness, however, is Madame Cooper, the giddy widow of. a South American millionaire, but is well snubbed whenever he tries to attract her attention. The widow is assiduously wooed by a count of very ehady antecedents, but even the count ie "out in the shade" when a petty king arrives to spend, a holiday at the hotel. At the same time a young golfing enthusiast who considers himself engaged to the lady arrives to claim her, nnd the plot moves fast and furiously. With the aid of his television apparatus, The Porter plays off one euitor against the other until he makes them all look ridiculous, and ao compromises the king that he is made a nobleman and given an ancient castle. His arrival with the widow at his castle, inhabited by ancient, grey - bearded servitors,. his comments on its antiquities and the portrait gallery of his newly acquired "ancestors," and the genera] collapse of the medieval furniture under his drastic handling, are the height of comedy. Tie collapse, too, of The Porter's brand-new nobility and his return to a__happier sphere are delightful. Iu the Same programme are the latest newsreel gazettes nnd a film of the sights in the historic University town of Oxford. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. One of the most comprehensive historical pictures to have been released for some years past, "Rasputin and the Empress," forms the bulk of the entertainment offering at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres this evening. The three famous Barrymores—Ethel, John and Lionel—and Diana ("Cavalcade") Wynyard, Frank Morgan and the New Zealand boy Tad Alexander comprise the brilliant cast of this fine film, the plot of which deals with the fall of the Romanoff, dynasty in St. Petersburg during the war and insidious influence of the monk-intriguer, Rasputin. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The fare offering to-night's patrons of the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby, consists of the Marie Dressier-Polly Moran comedy, "Prosperity," and "The Woman in His House," a film adapted from the famous play, "The Animal Kingdom." GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. Mary Pickford makes a fine "comeback" in her newest film, "Secrets,! , with Leslie Howard co-featured. This splendid dramatic romance screens to-night at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. The mingled mystery and. hilarity of "The Crooked Circle" will form a. pleasing contrast to-night at the New de Luxe Theatre with the sheer human drama of Irene Dunne's acting in "The Secret of lime. Blanche." EDENDALE CINEMA. Two fast-moving comedies I"of to-day, "The Crooked Circle" and "Fast Life," combine to provide an amusing entertainment at the Edendale Cinema to-night. William Haines and Madge Evans co-star in "Fast Life." KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Adapted from the beautiful musical operetta, "Mile - . Modiste," by Victor Herbert, is screening at the King's Theatre, Northcote, this evening under the title of "Kiss Me Again." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The personality of Douglas Fairbanks, jun., is splendidly emphasised in "It's Tough to be Famous," which film is to be seen at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening, together with Tim McCoy's "Rusty Rides Alone." PIRATE SHIPPE, MILFORD. Special arrangements have been made to provide an enjoyable evening's entertainment for holiday-makers and residents at Milford to-night. A carnival dance will 'be held from 9 p.m. to midnight, preceded .by an entertainment by the Royal Follies concert comedy company, from 7.30 to 9 p.m. The Pirate Shippe Orchestra will be in attendance at the dance. To-morrow afternoon and again in . the evening the Takapuna Citizens' Band and the Royal Follies company will combine in presenting new programmes.

"AFTER THE BALL." Hailed as one of the first of Britain's really great films, "After the Ball," the Gaineborough picture which opeued ite Auckland season at the Majestic Theatre last evening, fully lives up to all that haw been claimed tor it. With three such stare as Esther Ralston, Basil Kathboue, and Marie Burke and an intriguing etory with the diplomatic service as a back-, ground, the film is one high in entertainment value. There is much to commend "After the Ball." The activities oE the League of Nations and of the statesmen of many countries who gather at Geneva to discuss the problems that confront the world to-day are satirised. It is a theme which has not previously been touched upon in any motion picture which has been presented in Auckland, and the humour appeals to the audience by reason of its freshness. The story tells how a young King's Messenger neglects his business while he dallies with romance, quite oblivious of the fact that Ministers and Ambassadors are kept impatiently waiting for his arrival. Eventually he does reach Geneva, and there he is caught up in a whirl of events that include a flirtation with the wife of a diplomat and the loss of an important seal. As a consequence of this latter happening, the signing of an important treaty has to be delayed, and things begin to look black for several of those concerned. But the wife of tho diplomat who is intimately concerned in the loss of the seal produces a surprise at the last moment that saves the situation. In the role of the wife of the English diplomat, Esther Ralston gives a brilliant performance. The part of tho young courier who takes his responsibilities eo lightly is admirably played by Basil Rathbone, who invests the character with real life and individuality. Tall, dark, and alluring, Marie Burke makes o splendid wife of the foreign diplomat who loses hie seal. The film hae sequences of exceeding ingenuity. On the second part of the programme k a delightfully ludicrous burlesque of life behind the scenes in a cinematograph etudio, "My Lucky Star." It is a film of rare humour and completes a programme of first-class entertainment. "FLORODORA." J. C. Williamson, Limited's, new comic opera company at His Majesty's Theatre has scored a big success with its final production, "Florodora." Each night a full house has greeted the play, . which seems to have caught the public taste just as it did when "ilorodora" was first produced many years ago. Romola Hansen, Herbert Browne, Marie La Varre, Phil Smith, Don Nicol, Lois Green and Eric Bush play the principal parts. A feature of the production is the "Florodora" sextet singing "Tell Me, Pretty Maiden. ,, which always scores a "hit." A special number also is the "Perhaps" scene, in which Phil Smith and Romola Hansen share the honours. Don Nicol's dancing also scores a "hit." "Florodora" will be played for the last time this evening, the performance concluding tho comic opera season in Auckland, which ' the management states has been the most successful for years. LONDON NEWS-REEL CINEMA. Two English films hold the bill at the London News-Reel Cinema to-night. These are Leslie Fuller's hilarious comedy, "Poor Old Bill," and the film version of the famous stage play, "The Man at Six," with a splendid dramatic cast. . , . TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Two pictures.-are to be shown to-night at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. These are the English film based on Conan Doyle's tale, "The Hound of" the Baskeryilles," andj the polished Hollywood marital drama, "When Ladies "Meet," in which the stars are Robert Montgomery and Ann Harding. RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. Plenty should be provided by the programme" offering to patrons of the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, toevening, when the dual-feature bill will consist of "Big News" (Carole Lombard and Robert Armstrong) and "His First Command," with Bill Boyd starred. . ... ONEROA CARNIVALS. A fine programme has been arranged for visitors to Oneroa Beach, per s.s. Duchess to-morrow. The steamer will make three trips from Auckland (times' advertised), via Matiatia. The attractions at the beach itself include canoeing, dancing, musical and theatrical entertainment, sports events and the inevitable swimming. Jack.Rbbinson's carnival band will be in attendance, while Rees and Kay will present two' revues, entitled "Frolics of 5 34"i and "K'nuts and Wine." A beauty contest and a baby show in addition should prove popular. On Tuesday evening next, the Duchess will leave the Central wharf for Oneroa on another of the popular "moonlight excursions." "A vaudeville revue programme will be given during the trip. ]

CIVIC THEATRE. Such is the popularity of Marlene Dietrich that her latest picture, "The Song of Songs," is being held over at the Civic Theatre for a further season. "The Song of Songe" has been acclaimed by many "fans" and critics as containing the beautiful German star's finest dramatic portrayal to date. The film in now in the fifth month of its season at the Carltou Theatre, London. Marlene Dietrich is undoubtedly the most appealing personality on the screen, and since her first triumphs in Continental films with Emil Jannings she has established an increasingly firm hold on the imagination of filmgoers. Her early American successes included "Morocco," with Gary Cooper, and "Dishonoured," with Victor McLaglen. In "Shanghai Express" she appeared with Clive Brook and Anna May Wong in one of her most glamorous roles, that of a woman striving to win her selfrespect- in the East after a misunderstanding with her lover. Two other prominent members of the cast of "The Song of Songs" are Brian Aherne and Alison Skipworth, who gave remarkable performances in "The Sporting Widow" and "A Lady's Profession." The Civic's next attraction is listed as "Berkeley Square," the film version of the famous play. Leslie Howard and Heather Angel are co-starred in this story of a man of the present day travelling back in time to early Victorianism. ROXY AND TIVOLI. El Brendel, premier Swedish comedian of the screen, who stars in "Oleen'e Big Moment," one of the two film features on the current Roxy and Tivoli programmes, plays the role of a janitor in an apartment house who tries to patch up various broken romances, and he gives his audience plenty to laugh about. As janitor in a luxurious apartment house, Brendel finds it hard to get away for his night out. On another floor in the eame house, a society matron is trying to persuade her daughter to marry Walter Catlett, a wealthy bachelor. The daughter refuses on the ground that she loves someone else. Brendel ie unfortunately forced into patching up the romance. lii his endeavours to do the right thing, he finds himself wound up in a series of complications that eventually gets him into trouble. Brendel, however, manages to bring about a happy ending to the entire affair. The other film at both theatres is Spencer Tracy's latest dramatic vehicle, "The Mad Game." Spencer Tracy portrays the part of an ex-gangster who is "double-crossed" by his associates and sent to prison for a five-year term. Hie former aide terrorises the country with his new-found racker. Tracy is released from prison to aid in wiping out the new dread. His knowledge of the underworld soon gains Tracy an. entrance into the dominating ring of kidnappers. ,

NEW EMPIRE THEATRE

The two pictures selected for to-night's film fare at the New Enihire Theatre are both thrilling dramatic vehicles. "I Cover the Waterfront" stars Claudette Colbert and Ben Lyon, with the late Ernest rorrence in support, while "To-morrow at Seven' is a thrilling new murder mystery drama. . .

GREY LYNN CINEMA

Wallace Beery is at his best as a German wrestler in "Flesh," which is to be •screened together with "Luxury Liner" at. the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night. The latter film co-stars George Brent and vivienne Osborne. • ...

DANCING. Dixieland, entertaining visiting tennis players.

Peter Pan, Reg. Morgan's Band. Masonic Hall, Newton, old-time dancing. Labour Hall, Frank Stacey's Orchestra. My-T-Fine Dance Hall, Newmarket, carnival; ■ • . ■ Stratton Studio, Parisian Orchestra. . Druids' : Old-time Cabaret, Morrow's Orchestra. Click Clack Cabaret, Bob Adams' Orchestra. ;■;,'■■; • . . Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitemata Club's dance. Orange Hall, Newton, Rio Grande oldtime dance. . Ambassadors' Hall, Dominion Road, Ted Croad's Band. Pirate Shippe, Milford. carnival dance; Sunday, musical programme. i St. Columba's HalJ, Savoy Orchestra. "C-Side" Club, Kohi, Malcolm Byrnes' Orchestra. Gaiety Hall, C'onnon's Orchestra. Swanson Hall, Saturday next, Peggy Dolores.

" DISGRACED I" The story of a woman's losing battle for vindication of the ultra-modern code forms the entirely fresh and interesting theme ■of "Disgraced!"—the new film drama which opened a season at the Strand Theatre last evening—with Helen Twelvetreee in the starring role. Miss Twelvetrees wears more than a score of beautiful gowns, said to have been designed by Travis Bunion, the noted stylist. "Disgraced!" is the etory of a girl who yields everything to the man she lovee, only to find that he considers her purely a casual interest. Mies Twelvetrees, an attractive model, catches the eye of Cabot, a wealthy young man-about-town. He pays ardent court to her, and finally, convinced that her love is reciprocated, she yields to him. They will be married, he assures her, as soon as he can break off his engagement to Adrienne Ames, a wealthy young debutante. Miss Twelvetreee is called upon to model a wedding gown for Miss Ames, and finds that Cabot lias been deceiving her. She pockets a pistol and goes to Cabot. In a hectic scene, he prevents her from shooting him, locks her in a closet, and calls the police. It is Mise Twelvetrees' father who is sent out on the case. What happens when he learns that she has been betrayed brings the picture to a daring climax. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. A detective "thriller" featuring Warner Oland will be seen at the New Regent. Epsom, this evening, when "Charlie Ohan's Greatest Case' will be screened. Tn addition, "My Lips Betray," with Lilian. Harvey and John Boles, will be shown. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD. Hilarity will be the order of things tonight at the Picturedrome, where the newest Wheeler and Woolsey comedy, "Diplomaiiiacf?." in which there is rather more music than usual, in view of the trend of films, will be screened. A jazz carnival will follow the showing of the film. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S—"Florodora." PICTURE THEATRES. NATIONAL—CeciI Kellcway -In "The Hayseeds." REGENT—"Radio Parade", and "Three Little Pi?s." STRAND—HeIen Twelvetrees in "Disgraced." ST. JAMES'—Jean Haiiow and Lee Tracy In "Blond Bombshell." ClVlC—Mnrlene Dietrich and Brian Anerne In "Sons: of Songrs." MAJESTIC—BasiI Rathnono and Esther Ralston in "After the Ball." PLAZA—Stanley Luplno and Glna Malo in "King , or the Rltz." ROXY AND TlVOLl—"Olsen's Big Moment" and "The Mad Game." '■ LONDON—"Poor Old Bill." ADELPHl—"Sweepings." " ALEXANDRA—"SoIdiers or the King." AMBASSADOR—"I Cover the Waterrront." BIRKENHEAD—"Out All NiffUt." BRITANNIA —"Prosperity." CAPlTOL—"Walking Down Broadway." CRYSTAL PALACE—"Rasputin and the Empress." DELTA (New Lynn)—"Smilta , Through." DE LUXE—"The Crooked Circle." EDENDALE—"The Crooked Circle." '■ . EMPRESS—"Pack Up Your Troubles." EMPIRE—"I Cover the Waterrront." J ~"~ GAIETY (Takapuna)—"Secrets." GREY LYNN CINEMA—"FIesIi." KING'S (Northcote) —"Kiss Me Again." KINQSLAND—"A Lady's Proression." PICTUREDROME —"Diplomaniacs." PRINCE EDWARD—"It's Tough to be Famous." REGENT (Epsom)—"My Lips Betray." RIALTO —"Raspu'tln and the Empress." SOUTHERN CROSS—'.'The Ghost Train." STATE (Onehunga)—"To-night Is Ours." STATE (Symonds Street) —"The Hayseeds" STRAND (Onehunga)—"Tell Me To-nilght. , TUDOR—"When Ladies Meet." VICTORIA—"Peg o . My Heart." WEST END—"Soldiers of the King."