AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 68, 21 March 1934, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

| - - MAJESTIC THEATRE. The story of one of the most spectacular feats in Polar exploration is vividly described in ; "Arctic and Antarctic," the picture to commence a season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. It is the authentic account of the trips to both the Arctic and Antarctic made by Sir Hubert Wilkins. Tlie explorer, in a personal appearance, describes many of the scenes in which he is tlie central figure. There are many incidents of a spectacular nature, including the crash of the expedition's aeroplane, tlie force of an Arctic blizzard, and the breaking of the ice pack. The scenes aboard the famous submarine Xautilus when the main engine was shattered, and the long tow of the vessel back to Ireland are particularly interesting and give a splendid idea of dangers encountered in the icebound wastes. The picture captures, the aweinspiring grandeur of revealed at the roof and. floor of the world. The film many manifestations of Nature in untrammelled display. Giant icebergs and swirling snowstorms p"ay a dramatic role. They are the menace —terrifying and beautiful, grim and majestic, lovely and fatal. Flying with Sir Hubert Wilkihs over, -around, and across these fantastic leviathans gives a thrill which comes but once in a lifetime. Try to imagine that amazing trip under, the ice in the submarine Nautilus. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. As usual, Marie Dressier affords heaps -of .mirth by her.knowledgeful performances as Abby in the pictorial version of the play, "The Late Christopher Bean,", which comes to the screen of the" St.''.James' Theatre to-morrow under the title* of "Her: Sweetheart." Miss Dressier, always a joy to behold, here has a vehicle which fits her extraordinarily sympathetic personality. Abby is the loyal servant in the household of a Xcw England country physician whose practice is not remunerative, chiefly because his patients do not pay their bills.' Therefore Abby is about to leave Dr. Haggett's ..employ, after having worked in the homo, for neai'ly-'2O years. The opening scene -reveals an auction of paintings in which one of the works of Christopher . Bean fetches 15,000 dollars. [Experts at the sale disciiss-the possibility '6£ othey paintings by the satiie artist, and a critic.happens to have perused an article in w%h it is get forth that tlie late Mr. Bfean- had been bn;, friendly terms .with- a -servant named Ahby.V eQiployed'-'by a Dr. Raggett. Ah &r't'dealer: v named Tallent •turns'up at theiHagjjett home and after certain preliminaries, in which he tactfully declares that he has come to pay a bill owjed -by Bean .to the. doctor, he gets hold 'bf 'several Bean paintings about the place. An hour or so after- Tallent's departure, JSaggetlr aii'd* his wife hear that the Bean paintings are worth from 10,000 to 15,000 dollars each. The sudden avariciousness of JD.r, Haggett-ajid Abby's refusal to be hoodiwinked, knowing as she does far more ; -about theOßean canvases than she was expected to, provide an interesting climax to this clever fcbinedy. Besides Miss Dressler's expert characterisation, a nice piece of acting is done by George Coulouris, who appears a?. Tallent. Beulah Bondi is excellent as the selfish Mrs. Haggett. Lionel Bafrymoi',e'is lip to. his'ugual high standard "*as H. B„ Warner contributes to tlie' Success of the film, in the role of an art critic. . .

REGENT THEATRE. In thxeo years, with his "Whoopee," "Palmy Days" and "The Kid From Spain," Eddie Cantor must have brought millions of dollars to Samuel Goldwyn's ooffere. He it? now due to burst in upon Auckland with his fourth annual screen spectacle, the lavish "Roman Scandals," coining to the Regent on Friday. In this picture Eddie of the pop-eyes gets into every kind of scratie that ravishinglv beautiful girls and {he'gorgeous barbarism of the Romans under the Emperor Valerius can suggest. The comedian has that •happy knack of getting off really original "gags" in the most humorous manner pos•sible. .Eddie (Latinised as "Oedipus," pronounced Eddipus) manages to escape a veritable multitude of impending deaths, including .being boiled in oil, with arrows, flogged to death, flayed ' ajive, thrown to the "-lions; poisoned, and 'tortured 'with white-hot irons. No wonder lie wants to know if anyone died of old age-in Anciertt Rome. But Eddie just couldn't explain it all. When thrown out of thai, twentieth century town of West and inexplicably transferred to the Rome of the Caesars, he protested that the legionaries couldn't kill him; he wasn't born yet and it, would be birthcontrol! And so, with music, spectacle, songs and an indescribable welter of comedy, Eddie romps through the film to chalk up another splendid success. The ■lavish, display of the "Goldwyn Girls" and their inexpensive costuming that startled even sensual Rome, provide an assurance of.bqx office success even without Cantor's ■frolics. "The Kid From Spain" _ may have been daring, but it was not in the same gasp as "Roman "Scandals." ' 2 CIVIC THEATRE. After having given his fine interpretation of Henry YilX., Charles Laugh.ton was called upon to play the role of a cockney named Horace Prin in a Hollywood production entitled - "White Woman." . Prin, a power in the wilds of .Malaya, delights in .being referred, to as King of the River, which, he considers is not doing so badly considering that he had been .brought up in the gutter. Prin, a none-too-pleasant specimen pf humanity, |ee.le that Jiis home, ayboat ioix river, needs a woman's presence, and. the/stately Judith Denning, who has had a fair share of trouble's, consents to become the cockney's Wife. It may have been distasteful to Judith to sing in a native cabaret, but dwelling with Prin'is a great deal worse.. She only chooses to be married to him to avoid deportation as a white woman who was setting a bad example for the natives. There happens' to .be among Prin's subordinates a German named David von Eltz, aijid Jpdith and David fall in love. The only question is what is going to become of Prin, and this the natives attend to in that: expert fashion usually to be found in the film stories of rubber plantations. While the savages are firing darts at Prin's craft he and a man named Ballister, an American, decide to spend their iast.few moments playing poker. An -arrow finds* its -way into Ballister's back just as. Prin Jraws his first royal flush. Xhjg cockney rages because BallistCr had' not stayed alive long enough to see tile cards! Kent Taylor is personable as David von Eltz. Claude King does well in a small part, and Charles Bickford makes the most'Of the i*ole of Ballister. NATIONAL. AND PRINCE EDWARD.

The two productions'..screening at* the National arid ' Prince •" Edward at the moment are "Master of "Men" (Jack Holt and Fay Wray), a virile drama of to-day with more-than the usual romantic qualities arid an absolute lack of her recent "horror" forte for Miss Wray, and "Purse Strings," an enjoyable English dramatic film featuring Dorothy Boucliier," the beautiful leading lady of such British pro--duetions as "Carnival," "The Blue Danube" and "The King's Cup." On Friday, the National and Prince Edward -Xheatves will jointly introduce two new of Sing Sing" and "Ea/;t of Fifth Avenue."- The former stars Mary JBi;j.an>J-.ati established musical comedy JfiLVOurite, Bruce Cabot, one of the .screen's rising starlets.,and hero of' "King Kong" and Midshipman Jack." > MUNICIPAL BAND. .-V - A,, programme of .popular, and, classical rfiusicAvill be given by the Auckland Municipal Band in Parncll Park tp-niojro)V evening. The band will also play in the Zoological Park on : Sun ; (lay. ufternoon and m-Albert Park in the evening. ft POINT CHEVALIER CONCERT.

•.r.lSThe .Neville;- Cavlseh revue company's first effort towards its transport expenses, fund was lield in the Point Chevalier Hall last.' everting. The hall was filled to ■ ■capacity.' The following' participated: Misses Mildred Edwards, Gladys and Joyce Cain, Mavis Reill.v, Ivy Akersten, Clarice Palmer, Te ss ie Pell, Betty Mit* chell, Altliea Adolph, Erica Hnv, Jean i Stanley. Joyce Andrews and 'Mavis P'ent- ! land, Mrs. A. Irwin, Messrs. Joseph and Wilfred Smithson, George and ileville, Carlsen. The pi-jist -was Miss Akersten,

PLAZA THEATRE. John Van Drutcu's play "Behold We Live" was one ot' the successes or the 1032 Londou stage season. Following "The Gold Diggers of 1933," Auckland will see Irene Dunne.and Clive Brook in the screen version at the Plaza Theatre. "If I Were Free" is the film title, which expresses the obstacles standing between two in love and their happiness. Irene.has a worthless husband, Nils Asther, and Clive a grasping wife, Lorraine Mac Lean. Henry Stephenson, Vivian Tobin, Laura Hope Crews and Tcmpe Piggott make up the cast. Here is material for drama and romance. Clive Brook plays a barrister, tired of material success and unhappy : n his marriage, llenry Stephenson is the friend who so nearly wrecks everything, and Laura Hope Crews gives a pleasant taste of her ability. "If I Were Free" is the sort of story in which Irene excels. She is one of the few artists of the Hollywood screen who can play the woman in the case without a trace of vulgarity. "Those who cherish the Hollywood legend," wrote the Sydney "Sun" recently, "find -it extraordinary that Irene Dunne can- be picturesque without a background of scandal. The lovely star herself says that ladies who think they cannot face the present -unless they have had a past' have-a •perverted sense of what constitutes feminine .charm. Happily married, and triumphant in her acting career, Irene's own roniantic history is just that of every normal' girl—compliments at 13, whirlwind courtship at 16, with Irene refusing love in favour of her studies at Chicago Music School, and an introduction to the right man at a private dance. When .'she married-. Dr. Griffin, she promised' to'give, the-stagc; it was her husband; not she, ,-wlio asked for that promise to be broken. lie knew she was not quite content.'*'

STRAN.P THEATRE. Riding to art' extraordinary fame through a most dubious reputation o:i the screen, Mae West is the unconventional star ot "I'm No Angel," the current attraction at the Strand, Theatre. This lady o£ the generous curves and the powerful sexappeal lias revolutionised film feminine figures. . She plays the daring role of Tira, luscious lady of the carnivals who puts her head into a lion's mouth as *i publicity "stunt." The;rest of lira s amazing success in the artfj of life aficMovc comes after working hours. Gary- Grant is her . "tall dark an' hands,orrto' in 'Jn* No Angel," as in "She Done Him Wrong.

WIRTH'S CIRCUS RETURNS. The old-fashioned eriteHainnieiit of the circus is not dead; revivified arid .modernised, it forms to-day one of the nroat sterling types of amusement in the world. For this reason the reappearance of Wirth's Circus, which is booked to open a season of nine niglits and six matinees at the Old Dock Site—traditional circus site in Auckland —should prove a great attraction. During tho tour now closing in the south, visitors have been impressed with the array of wild animals and the way in which they have been trained to carry out their various aotioiiß. zoo, comprising 14 cages of wild animals, is an entertainment in itself. The latest addition to the 7.00 is "Lizzie 11., the blood sweating African hippopotamus. One of the most spectacular performances is the acrobatic work of the '"Seven I'lying Nelsons," a groupe of gymnasts and acrobats whose work is marked by daring and skill. Those who like animals will have a treat in the performing lions, bears and elephants. These beasts go through their tricks with an almost human intelligence. The equestrian items are. of the usual high standard, one of the best being that in which Philip Wirtli. jun., leaps to a horses back as the animal jumps a hurdle. An amusing turn is provided by monkeys on horseback. Madame Prince's 15 performing monkeys present a monkey fire brigade at work. An artistic aerial item is provided by the "Flying Angels," interpreted by the Misses Wirth. Wirth's srx Wonder Girls" give an exhibition of acrobatics, and contortion work. The climax to the show is the appearance of the Great Aloys Peters, intrepid dare-devil of the .air. Ihe act as given by Aloys Peters is performed without a safety net. He concludes his act by diving 75ft with his head in a .landman's noose. In addition to these attractions Wirth's Circus has Mexican riders, Continental clowns, canine performers, posing horses, etc. Box plans are at Lewis Eady, Ltd. MAREO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

"Under the pergonal conductorship of Eric Mareo, late of Sydney, the Marco Symphony Orchestra will present' the second recital of its existence in Auckland to-morrow evening, in the Town Hall, lhe programme will include Mendelssohn s Violin Concerto (soloist, Vincent Aspey), and" also Beethoven's famous Fifth Symphony. The recital will be notable for the introduction of special stage and lighting effects. Box plans are open at Lewis Eady, Ltd. The concert is not to be broadcast.

EASTER MUSICAL FESTIVAL. At the Remuera Methodist Church tomorrow night Stainer's "Crucifixion" will be given by the united choirs of the Auckland East circuit, under the baton of the Rev. Arthur Mitchell. Soloists will be Mr. Roger Errington and Mr. Frank Sutherland. Mrs. Percy Winstone will act as organist. The offertory will be devoted to the circuit debt. DOWN AND OUT MISSION CONCERT. Mr. Eddie Martin's revue and vaudeville company presented a successful concert in the Picturcdrome. Milford, last evening, in aid of the funds of the Down and Out Mission. Those participating were: Miss Edith Fitzpatriek, the Harmony Sisters, Messrs. Jadk McCarthy, Johnny Negri, and Bill Brcnnan. The company is to play in the Foresters' Hall, Onehunga, this evening.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "A Country Girl," which is announced as the opening production of the New Comic Opera Company for its return Auckland season in llis Slajesty's Theatre on Easter Saturday, March 31, is one of the most popular musical plays the stage has produced, and during the present tour it has proved the most successful in the company's repertoire. A love story, in which the central figures are a rural beauty (afterwards a successful actress) and an officer of the King's Navy, cannot fail to make an appeal to British audiences. The author, Sir. James T. Tanner, sketched an attractive plot, which holds the interest to tlie end. The combination of the lyrics by the late Adrian Ross, the greatest lyricist of them all, and the music by Lionel Slonckton, proved the happiest one possible. The sparkling music, the charming ensembles, the scenery and costuming, . the genuine humour, exquisite ballets and line choral and orchestral work, have helped to make the present revival of "A Country Girl' an unqualified success. As Slarjorie Joy, Sliss Romola Hansen has a part that may have been written for this charming soprano. Don Nicol as Barry, and l'hil Smith as Sir Joseph Verity are both said to be extremely humorous. _ Herbert Browne, Slarie La Varre, Lois Green, Oliver Peacock, Charles Albert, Slona Zeppel, Stella Collier, Doris Hopkins, Leslie Crane (of Auckland) and the other artists are all seen to exceptional advantage, and the chorus and ballet are also at their best in "A Country Girl." During the season, which is limited to a fortnight. "Katinka" and "The Chocolate Soldier will also bo staged.

ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. One of last -winter's .most popular amusement centres, Roushw-orth s Skating Rink, will commence its 1034 season in the same site next, Saturday, when a programme ot popular events will be presented. , CATHOLIC CONCERT. \ miwical programme will bo presented in* the Good Shepherd Hall. Telford Avenue, off Dominion Road, this evening in aid of the new Waikowhai convent. Prominent vocal and instrumental artists will be heard during the evening. CHURCH PASSION PLAY. ' A successful presentation of a Passion Play depicting the Crucifixion and Resurrection was made last evening in St. Pauls Cathedral, in 12 acts. The opening scene describing the Feast o£ the Passover struck a devotional note, which was carried throughout the production. The play will be repeated this evening and again to-morrow.