AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 277, 22 November 1934, Page 24

AMUSEMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. A century has rolled by since the genius of Franz Schubert first enthralled a musicloving world. To-day, as it' to celebrate this Centenary event, another genius— Richard Tauber, the golden-voiced tenor —arises to perpetuate tlie art of the great composer by the miracle of the audible screen. Mere words, padded with all the adjectives in the English language, could not hope to adequately describe the rare musical, romantic and entertainment delights in "Blossom Timq." This wistful love story ol' Schubert —this miracle of fragrant melody and romance, will live forever among the most cherished memories of all who sec it. "Blossom Time," which has been freely hailed as Britain's finest film to date, while the fourth screcn appearance of Richard Tauber, is his first production entirely in English—speech and song alike. His earlier films—"The End of the Rainbow,"

"The Rigiit to Happiness," and a "short," entitled "The Big Ambition," were all in German dialogue. "Blossom Time" was made at Elstree, England. The support-

ing characters in the film are well assigned. Athene Scylcr is splendid as the dancing Archduchess, while Jane Baxter is also excellent as the heroine, Vicki. Carl Esmond is convincing as the dashing Count Rudi von Hohenbcrg. while Paul Graetz, Marguerite Allan, Lester Matthews and Gibb McLaughlin are also prominent in the cast. With a fine selection of items the Marco Symphony Orchestra keeps up the musical atmosphere in the supporting programme. ROXY AND TIVOLI. The story of a double murder in a millionaire's "love nest'' is roughly the theme of the new film "Upper World,'' which opened at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres yesterday. The picture is based on the thrilling novel by Ben Heciit, famous author and playwright, who points out that philandering love affairs and bloodshed can happen in the highest society as well as in the realms of gangdom. Warren William, portraying a

■millionaire railway magnate, who becomes involved witli a chorus girl when neglected by his socially ambitious -wife, heads a large cast of talented players. Stately Alary Astor has the role of his wife, while Ginger Rogers is the burlesque queen for whom he sets up an apartment in which the killings take place. There are many thrilling incidents in addition 'to the murder episode, including the rescue of a girl washed out to sea by the tide

and the crashing of an aeroplane in which the millionaire and his inamorata are keeping a tryst. The picture is set in the colourful background of a palatial

Long Island estate, in the "love nest," :n a burlesque house, aboard the millionaire's yacht, and in the forests o[ the Adirondack*;. The supporting cast includes Andy Devine, little Dickie Moore, Henry O'Neill, .T. Carroll Naish. Theodore Newton, Robert Barrat, Willard Robertson, and others. The other production screening jointly with "Upper World" at the two theatres is the enjoyable musical comedy "We're Rich Again," which features Edna A lay Oliver, Marian Nixon, and Reginald Denny. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. Disclosing a Hair for comedy that even his most enthusiastic admirers had never suspected, John Barrymore promises t.o be a sensation. Credit is to be given to the remarks of oversea reviewers in regard to his new film, "Twentieth Century," which is to be released jointly at the National and Prince Edward Theatres to-morrow, in conjunction with the unusual drama, "Name the Woman," which features Richard Cromwell and Arline Judge. "Twentieth Century" is said to be one of the most hilarious comedies to come out of the film factories. The film purports to tell the story of Oscar JafTe, an egotistical stage producer.

who takes an unknown girl, makes a star of her, and brings her to the heights of fame. In the supporting cast are neon Carole Lombard, as the temperamental Lily Garland, the object of Jafl'e's pursuit; Walter Connolly as the distressed business manager; Roscoe Karns as the cynical, wise-cracking Press agent, O'Malley. and Etienne Girardot and Ralph Forbes in important roles. STATE THEATRE. To-night will see the final screening at the State Theatre, Upper S.vmonds Street, of the two entertaining films, "Bolero" (George Raft and Carole Lombard) and the immortal Lewis Carroll story, "Ali.rc

iii Wonderland," in the film version of which ,Cliarlotte V. Henry is starred, together with a wonderful east of over 40 of Hollywood's best-known players in remarkable make-up. To-morrow's release at the State is the brilliant musical revue film, "Footlight 'Parade," which many film-goers definitely place at the top of it.* type this season. Jimmy Cagney has a breezy role in this film, which also features Aline MacMalion. Joan Blonde]!, Guy Kibbee, Warren William, Kuby Keeler and Dick Powell. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. The peculiar fascination of Edgar Rice Burroughs' series of Tarzan books is transferred on to the silver screen in the two films, "Tarzan, the Ape Man" and "Tarzan and His Mate," which have enjoyed highly successful seasons in Auckland.

The second of these is screening jointly at the moment at the Crystal Palace and Ricilto Theatres. It features, as did its predecessor, Johnny Weissmuller. former world champion swimmer, ;and Maureen O'Sullivan, lovely little Irish actress, who starred in John MacCormack's only singing film, "Song o' My Heart." The two theatres are also showing the film "Gambling Lady." STRAND THEATRE. Current film fare is afforded Strand patrons by the new release, "The Great Flirtation," starring Elissa Landi and Adolphe Menjou, and the revived musical comedy production,-"Too Much Harmony," in which Bing Crosby is featured. Many haunting and captivating hits are rendered iu this latter production. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. A programme of comedy will be provided for to-night's patrons at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. "Night Birds" and Beaumont Smith's thoroughly enjoyable Australian farce, "The Hayseeds," in which Cecil Kellaway is the central star, are the main films. SCREENING FOR SCHOOLS. In celebration of tile tenth anniversary of Amalgamated Theatres, Limited, about GOO or 700 pupils from the Auckland Grammar School and the Epsom Girls' Grammar School were entertained yesterday afternoon at the Rialto Theatre with a programme of educational films. These included "The Fundamentals of Acoustics,"

"Yesterday unci To-day," illustrating the progress of sound from Bell telephone of last century to the possibilities of the third decade in this twentieth century, and, finally, the brilliant newsreel study of Ivrakatoa in eruption. This giant of the East Indies split itself in half in 1883 in the greatest explosion ever known to have occuri'ed on the earth's surface, with the loss of 30.000 lives. It was recently active once more, and the film depicts with amazing realism the fearful impression of a volcano erupting under the sea. PSYCHOLOGY LECTURES. A new series of free- lectures on matters psychological will be given by Mr. Harry Gaze, of England, in the Lewis Eady Hall, commencing this evening. The first of the series will be an' address on the subject. "Golden health, your divine birthright." To-morrow's lecture will be on "Releasing the treasury of your memory"; Saturday, on "Rejuvenescence: How to grow young and stay young"; Monday, on "Dreams, their hidden scientific meaning"; Tuesday, on "Character salesmanship: How to read faces at sight"; and Wednesday, on "How to solve your problems successfully." DEBATING CLUB PLAY. The Papatoetoe Literary, Debating, and Dramatic Society presented a three-act farce entitled " What Happened to Jones," by G. 11. Broadhurst, in the Central Theatre, Papatoetoe, last evening. The theatre was filled to its utmost, and the play was well received. The play owed much of its success to the efforts of the president of the society, Mr. G. J. Mahonj who acted as producer.

"THE GAIETIES OF 1934." Two more performances will be given of the revue "Vanity Fair" by Mr. Stanley McKay's international revue company at His Majesty's Theatre, as an entirely new production, "See You Later," will oe presented at the final performances on Saturday afternoon am] evening. Besides being strong in, comedians, vocalists, and dancers, the "Gaieties" presents a number of specialty acts, principal of which are "The Yodelling Newtons,' "The Alexanders," hand balancers; Fred Argyle, who features Dickens characters; Ivy Ivel, the "indiarnbber girl"; and "Ihe Three Alecs," acrobatic clowns. A Christmas gift matinee will be given 011 Saturday afternoon, when every child who purchases a ticket will receive a gift. Santa Clans will distribute presents. AMUSEMENT GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S —"The Gaieties or 193 4." PICTURE THEATRES. REGENT — Ronald Colman and I.oretta Younjr In "Bulldog: Drummond Strikes Back." LONDON—"The Hayseeds" and "Night Birds." STRAND—EIissa LanfJ rn "The Great Flirtation" and Bing" Crosby in "Too Much Harmony." ST. JAMES'—Richard Tauber and Jane Baxter in "Blossom Time." ClVlC—Madeleine Carr-01l In "The World Moves On." ROXY AND TlVOLl—Warren Will lam in "The Upper World" and Kdna May Oliver 111 "We're Rich Again." PLAZA—RaIph Lynn and Tom Walls In "A Cup or Kindness." NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD — "No Greater Glory' and Richard Cromwell in "Among the Missing." MAJESTIC—MoIIy I.amont in "White Ensign" and Robert Montgomery in "The Illde-out." ADELPHI—"The Right to Happlnrsss." AMBASSADOR—"CaII Her Savage." ALEXANDRA—"Men In White." AVONDALE—"TIie Poor Rich." BRITANNIA—"Love, Lire and Laughter." CRYSTAL PALACE—"Tarzan and Ills Mate" CAPITOL —"Hell Below." DE LUXE—"Man In White." EMPIRE—"Her Sweetheart." EMPRESS—Guest IN'lgllt. GAIETY (Takapuna)—"Love's Own Sweet Song." GREY LYNN CINEMA —Guest Night. KING'S (Northcote) —"Registered Nurse." KINGSLAND—"When New York Sleeps." MAYFAIR —Guest Night. regent (Epsom)—" Baby, Take a Bow." rialto —■"Tarzan and Hi-s Mate." STATE (Onehunga)—"Spltltre." STATE (Symonds Strost) —"Bolero." STRAND (Onehunga)—"On Secret Service" TUDOR —"Death Takes a Holiday." VICTORIA —"Advice to the Lovelorn." WEST END—Guest Night.