PLAZA THEATRE

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 144, 20 June 1934, Page 16

PLAZA THEATRE

Great secrecy surrounded the making of several of the big musical numbers featured in "Footlight Parade," which the Plaza Theatre is screening. Based along spectacular musical* and dancing lines o: production similar to those utilised in "42nd Street" and "The Gold Diggers of 1933," the picture is proving no less successful. After a preliminary announcement from Busby Berkeley, creator of the musical numbers in "42nd Street" and "Gold Diggers of 1'£)33," to the effect ) that he had planned a "water number" for the new picture that would outdo any previous screen effect he had originated, the sound stage where he worked was closed to the public and to all studio employees except those actually employed there. Guards, stationed at the doors day and night, were instructed to allow no visitors, and the 80 swimming girls selected by Berkeley for parts in the mystery number were w-arned to avoid all mention of their work to anyone off the set. This was done to keep the scene as a complete surprise to the public and to . keep the idea from being imitated. This number is one of the spectacles in a musical comedy replete with unique .ensembles. In addition, there is a fascinating romance in the drama of backstage life enacted by an all-star cast, including James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Frank McHugh, Guy Kibbee, Ruth Donnelly, and Claire Dodd. Tilt: picture was directed by Lloyd Bacon from the screen play by Manuel Seff and James-Seymour. The five song hits were written by the teams of Harry Warren and A 1 Dubin and Irving Kalial and Sammy Fain. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The most original and diverting story ever written for Ralph Lynn"—such was a famous London critic's description of "Up to the Neck," the latest English comedy which is to be presented at the Majestic Theatre next Friday. "Up to the Neck" is written by Ben Travel's, and this in itself is complete enough evidence of the entertainment possibilities involved, because there can be no other author who understands Ralph Lynn's type of comedy so fully as Ben Travels. By all accounts he has surpassed himself on this occasion. The story introduces Ralph Lynn as N. B. Good, a would-be actor, who acts as well as his name suggests. His rival at a dramatic aeaniedy remains his rival through life, always succeeding where he fails. When N. B. Good is a bank clerk, Eric Warwick,, the rival, has become a successful West End actor. They meet at a local charity dramatic show with disastrous results. It is not until Ralph Lynn comes into a large sum of money that he is enabled,, by various accidents, to fulfil his life's ambition to play a leading part. And how he plays it! This is said to be one oi the funnest sequences ever written for Ralph Lynn. The cast appearing in support of Lynn include winsome Winifred Shotter as the heroine, April Dawne; Grizalda Harvey, as the hilarious Miss Fish; and Mary Brougli, as the inevitable landlady. STRAND THEATRE. The dress designing salons of Paris make an intriguing setting for "Fashions of 1934," which i 9 enjoying a successful season at the Strand Theatre. A bright story and keen direction make the picture more than a mere parade of fashions, and give it an appeal :tor all sections of the community. William Powell and Bette Davis are the principals. Next Friday's change of programme will introduce the delightful German-made romantic film, "The Only Girl," in which the star is popular little Lilian Harvey. Another film to be screened together with "The Only Girl" is "The Night of the Party," with Leslie Banks as leading man. AUCKLAND WELSH SOCIETY. A celebration will be held in the Farmers' reception hall next Saturday by the Auckland Welsh Society in honour of the Prince of Wales' birthday. All Welsh residents are invited to be present. AMUSEMENT GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S—CIem Dawe Revue. , PICTURE THEATRES. LONDON — Dirnald Calthrop in "Number Seventeen" and "Bad Companions." REGENT — John I.ongden and Charlotte Francis In "The Silence or Dean Maltland." STRAND —William Powell and Bette Davis in "Fashions of 1931." ST. JAMES'—Myrna I.oy and Otto Kruger In "The Prize Fighter and the Lady." MAJESTIC—Sydney Howard and Dorothy Bouchicr In "It's a Cop." CIVIC —Dorothea WtacK and Alice Brady In "Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen.'! PLAZA —"Footlight Parade." ROXY AND TlVOLl—Elissa Landi In "A. Man of Two Worlds" and Jean Mulr In "Bedside." NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD — Slim Summervllle and Zasu Pitts In "Love Birds" and 0. P. Heggle In "Midnight." ADELPHl—"Brother Airred." ALEXANDRA—"Big Broadcast." AMBASSADOR (Point Chevalier) — "His Grace Gives Notice." AVONDALE —"Looking on the Bright Side." BIRKENHEAD—"PIeasure Cruise." BRITANNIA—"Looking Forward." CAPITOL—"Love, Ilcnour and Oh Baby." CRYSTAL PALACE—"Mama Loves Papa." DE LUXE—"Ever Since Eve." EDENDALE—GUCSt Night. EMPRESS—Guest Night. EMPIRE—"Let Me Explain, Dear." GAIETY (Takapuna)—"College Humour." GREY LYNN CINEMA—Revue and Pictures. KING'S (Northcote) —"Long Lost Father." KINGSLAND—"A Cuckoo In the Nest." REGENT (Epsom)—" Aunt Sally." RIALTO—"Aunt Sally." SOUTHERN CROSS (Elleralle)—"Jack's the Boy." STATE (Onehunga)—"Coming Out Party." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Men Must Fight." STRAND (Onehunga)—"The Utah Kid." TUDOR—"Blarney Stone." VICTORIA—"Facing the Music." WEST END—Guest Night.