AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 27, 1 February 1934, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. "It's a Boy," the new English farce which comes to the Civic Theatre tomorrow, replacing the current Chevalier comedy-romance, "The Way to Love" (in which, that popular star sings several more "hits" in his own style), is a picture which appears to be very full indeed of fun. Judging by all comment it is a leal "rib-tickler," amusing situation following amusing situation in rapid-fire succession. Leslie Henson, absent from the screen too long, has an established reputation as a comedian who knows thoroughly the art oE extracting laughter. In this delightful picture he has an admirable foil in Edward Everett llortoil, whose portraiture of a bridegroom haunted by a spectre of the past is admirably painted. Albert Burdon, Alfred Drayton and Wendy Barrie arc also notable in a picture giving really good entertainment. Leslie Henson is ideally fitted to the part of Slcippert, scoring many of the laughs with facial expression and intonation. Excellent performances are given by Heather Thatcher (the real novelist), Edward Everett Horton (Leake), Alfred Burdon (the very bouncing boy), Alfred Drayton (the irate father ot' the bride), Robertson Hare (humorously "butlerish"), and Wendy Barrie (a very attractive bride). Smart direction by Tim Whelan assures the maximum of diverting incidents. PLAZA THEATRE. Apart from the fact that there is little or no connection between the title and the plot, "This Week of Grace," now enjoying great success at the Plaza Theatre, provides Gracie Fields with a role similar to the light-hearted one in •which - she proved so popular a year ago in "Looking On the Bright Side." Whether or not one is a patron of the music hall it is impossible to resist Gracie Fields, for hqr warmhearted personality makes itself felt with tremendous effect and endears her to any audience. She is without doubt the greatest English entertainer of to-day, and when, as in her latest picturd, "This Week of Grace," she is allowed full rein to her talents, and surrounded by a star cast, the reception by the audience is a foregone conclusion. In the course of her latest production, Gracie sings at least four definite "hits." These, are "Heaven Will Protect an Honest Girl," "My Lucky Day," "Mary Rose" and "Happy Ending" —all of them done in her own inimitable style, not merely injected meaninglessly into the story, but part of the plot and theme. She is supported by such personalities as Henry Kendall (Lord Swinford), Nina Boucicault (the Duchess), Minnie Rayner (Mrs. Milroy), Frank Pettingell (Mr. Milroy), Douglas Wakefield (Joe Milroy) and John Stuart (Librarian Baring). NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. Edgar Wallace mystery at its undisputed best forms the basis of the theme of "Before Dawn," a film which, together with the American musical comedy revue, "Myrt and Marge," will close a season at the National and Prince Edward Theatres this evening. To-morrow the two theatres, which are in the second week of their policy of combined film attractions, will both screen two pictures. These are "King For a Night," a new feature starring the popular Helen Twelvetrees and "he-man"' Chester Morris, and "Flying Devils," which, although seen not so long ago in Auckland, should prove attractive by reason of its superb aerial thrills. Bruce Cabot, that rugged hero who outbid the giant ape for Fay Wray's affections in "Iving-Kong," has the juvenile lead in "Flying Devils," in which Arline Judge is cast as the heroine. Two other popular players also have important roles—Ralph Bellamy and Eric Linden. "Kirg For a Night" gives us a clear portrait of the acting artistry of Hiss Twelvetrees, whom film-goers have acclaimed recently in such films as "My Woman," "Disgraced!" and "A Bed-time Story," etc. Alice White and John Miljan are in the supporting cast. CRYSTAL. PALACE AND RIALTO. A happy medley of singing and frolicking among the Alps forms the bulk of entertainment in "Falling For You," Jack Hulbert's newest English musical comedy romance. Cicely Courtneidge (his wife in real life), as in "The Ghost Train" and "Jack's the Boy," is again his screen comedy partner, with the new star, Tamara Desiii, taking the feminine ronjantic lead. This thoroughly enjoyable film will be screened to-night at both tlie Crystal Palace and llialto Theatres. HOSPITAL CONCERT. The weekly concert at the Public Hospital arranged by Mrs. Raeburn and Mr. A. Hamblin was held in Ward 22A on Wednesday evening. A programme was given under the direction of Mrs. Ernest A slier, consisting of songs, elocution, and duets. Those taking part were: Mesdamcs Asher and C. Simpson, Misses Gladys Stormonfc and Leila Aimitage, _aud Messrs, S. Stephe^^^nJF^SfeK^^i^

ST. JAMES , THEATRE. ] The sheer brilliance of Margaret Sullavan's acting opposite handsome John Boles in " Only Yesterday " will be seen only this evening at the St. James' Theatre. To-morro.w ' a glittering pageant of the stage, entitled " Broadway to Hollywood" will be released, bringing a dazzling cavalcade that ranges from Broadway of the " Qeiy . Nineties to modern Hollywood, with an " all-star_' cast which includes Alice Brady, Jackie Cooper, Jimmy Durauto, Frank Morgan, .Madge Evans, Eddie Quillan, Fay Templeton, May Robson, Russell Haidie, and the Albcrtina Raseh Dancing Girls. A Southern critic writes of " Broadway to Hollywood "•,—" It is a graceful tribute l>y the cinema to the old art of vaudeville, and the art of the cinema itself has never been seen to better advantage than in this tribute to the form of entertainment supplanted by it. Xot only is the audience carried back 40 years; not only has the very spirit of vaudeville been caught in its purest form. If that excursion into the past were the whole picture it would uti'l bo worth vaudeville price* to see it, but ' Broadway to Hollywood ' accomplishes more, for it links up vaudeville with the modern film in a human story full of dramatic, value, in which the acting of Alice Brady and Frank Morgan and ca.st hits the highest level. The dramatic values of the picture arc no strong that one almost forgets to add that it has musical and dancing features, nlso colour scenes, of fascinating opulence." STRAND THEATRE. Movie " fans " have been treated during the past week to something quite uniteuul in film fare through the successful screening of Dr. Arnold Fanck's thrilling drama of Northern Greenland. " S.O.S. Iceberg." in which Rod La Kocque and Leni Riefenstahl combine with the German air " ace," Miijor Ernst Udet, to combine a film of splendid photographic effects and absorbing plot. This picture closes its Strand season this evening, being superReded to-morrow by " The Big Executive," in which Ricardo Cortez is cast as daring Stock Exchange speculator who has the ill-fortune to fall in love with the greatgranddaughter of one of Wall Street's ohlechool barons who vows he will smash the young .man. Elizabeth Young, a newcomer to the screen via the legitimate stage, and Richard Bennett are featured. ROXY AND TIVOLI. With his utmost histrionic talent, Richard Dix outdoes himself in a powerful, masterly, comprehensive performance, in a picture which has two box-office assurances—his portrayal and the story by John Monk Saunders. Saunders, celebrated author of the money sensations, "Wings" and "The Dawn Patrol," created a character in "Ace of Aces" necessitating Dix's highest dramatic genius. How he changes from a pacifist to a ruthless war ace, killing hapless foemen savagely, is raw-meat drama, enhanced by spectacu-larly-staged aerial "dog-fights." Romantic intrigue in Saunders' yarn is provided by Elizabeth Allan. Previously seen with Dix in "No Marriage Ties," she vivifies her role of his fiancee with fresh vitality, effervescence and brilliant dramatics. "Ace of Aces" is the chief picture at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres, screening together with "Heroes For Sale," in which Aline MacMahon and Loretta Young contend for the love of Richard Barthelmess, a dramatic story of the "forgotten man," in which Barthelmess again has one of the sympathetic, wistful roles that have so endeared him to theatre audiences. "Heroes For Sale" was the last and, in many respects, the finest piece of writing to flow from the pen of the late Wilson Mizner, wit, world traveller, bon vivant and playwright. Around the stars of this unusual drama are grouped Gordon Westcott and Robert Barrat. William A. Wellman directed. STATE THEATRE. British musical revue, as exemplified in "Radio Revue," will entertain to-night's patrons at the State .Theatre, Symqvds Street, giving way to-morrow to the initial revival of "Summer Lightning," Ralph Lynn's most recent English farce. Thin picture, with a humorous story adapted from a P. G. Wodehouse tale, provides tlio amusing blank-faced, monocled star with one of his finest roles to date. Winifred Shotter and Dorothy Bouchier share the feminine honours in the picture.

TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Remuera film-goers will enjoy the eplendid English picture, "Tell lie To-night," at the Tudor Cinema this evening. The Hungarian tenor, Jan Kiepura, whom we last heard in "City of Song," lends his voice to the charming scenic effects of "Tell Me To-night" in producing a really first-class piece of screen entertainment. Magda Schneider is the heroine. LONDON NEWS-REEL CINEMA. A hilarious comedy entitled "Sailor's Holiday" is listed together with a gripping drama, "The Shadow Between," as comprising this evening's film late at the