AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 285, 1 December 1934, Page 20

AMUSEMENTS.

"LIffTTLE MISS MARKER." Taking a role completely the reverse of those in which he usuaiiy excels, Adolphe Menjou will surprise even his most ardent admirers in "Little Miss Marker," the new film at the Civic Theatre, by his sympathetic portrayal of the cnaracter of "Sorrowful" Jones. Instead of the suave gentleman, the polished philanderer, the sociial idler, of former pictures, he is a shabby, parsimonious bookmaker, with a Bowery accent and a back string tie. Had Menjou played more such roles he would Ihave a wider circle of admirers amongst male picture-goers than he has. The acting of the curly-headed little Shirley Temple as "Sorrowful's" protege, nicknamed "Little Miss Marker," is something of a revelation, too, for she has a definitely difficult role, starting as a delightful, unspoiled kiddy, filled with fairy tales, and developing, in the society of the gamblers and prize-fighters of Jones' acquaintance, into a precocious young imp. Both in acting and in singing the late Dorothy Dell, as "Bangles' Carson, is simple and refreshing. The story hangs more on the adventures of the little girl than on any "love interest," although there is an amusing and unconventional affair between "Sorrowful" and "Bangles." The little girl is left temporarily in Jones' car by her father, as security for an 1.0. U. bet—"a marker" in the bookmaker's slang—and when the horse he has backed loses, the father commits suicide, leaving Jones in possession of the child. "Little Miss Marker" is from then on her nickname, and the betting ring are her guardians. The efforts of her adopted father are sometimes amusing, sometimes pathetic, but not even the villain of the piece, Charles Bickford, as "Big Steve, ' crooked liorseowner, cannot upset the happy influence of Little Miss Marker, and becomes one of her knights in the end. In the supporting programme there are a news reel, a "Popeye the Sailor" cartoon, and a film recording of dance music by Isham Jones' orchestra. At the organ, Barrie Brettoner played "Poet and Peasant," "Xola" and "I'll String Along With You."

ROXY AND TIVOLI. The most successful pictures Will Rogers has made are those in which he has worn old clothes. On many occasions these have been the identical overalls and jumper he wears on his ranchRogers says so himself, pointing to "David Harum," "State Fair," "Lightuin'," "Mr. Skitch," "Handy Andy" and now "Judge Priest." "I feel more comfortable in old togs," declares the comedian, "and feeling at ease, I can give a better performance." "What about 'They Had to See Paris,' one of your greatest pictures?" asked an interviewer. "In that production, as I recall it, you wore evening clothes and several tailor-made outfits." "Well," drawled Rogers, "that's the one that proves the exception. Some said I suffered from microphone fright, but it wasn't so. I was afraid the people would laugh at me instead of at the character. I admit it was a great picture, but you must remember it had a human story and there were a lot of good actors in it, and I'm not including myself when I say this. I'm not an actor and never have claimed to be one. I just go in there and play my natural self and if people like me I'm satisfied. I got to admit I'm proud to be appearing as the 'Judge.' He's a great old fellow." "Judge Priest" is screening with great success at the moment at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres jointly, in conjunction with the modern marital comedy-drama, "A Hat, a Coat, a Glove." In addition to Ricardo Cortez and Barbara Robbins, this film features John Beal, late Broadway stage star.

STRAND'S TWO ROMANCES. Two pleasing romances are featured together on the current 'bill of the Strand Theatre. The first, a revival, is "Carolina," in which Janet Gay nor is seen in an enjoyable film with Robert Young and Lionel Barrymore. The second is "Waltzes From Vienna," an English film version of one of the most popular stage plays of the past decade. It was seen on the legitimate stage in Auckland only a few weeks, ago. In the film, the role taken by Sylvia Welling previously is occupied bjythe popular Jessie Matthews, who is seen with Edmund Gwenn. As Susie Dean and Jess Oakroyd, these same two were the sensations of the film of Priestley's "Good Companions" a year or so ago. "Waltzes From Vienna" provides plenty of genuine romance and pleasing music .for jaded picture-goers, since vivacious Jessie Matthews is seen at her best. Fay Compton provides welcome contrast in a fine' supporting role. The film is a splendid musical romance set to the glorious melodies of Strauss. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT. The theme of the spectacular musical comedy-romance "Evergreen," from the famous C. B. Cochran show, is that of a young actress who impersonates her famous mother in the West End which knew and loved her. Jessie Matthews and Sonnie Hale are starred in this film, with none other than Betty Balfour in support. The film shows to-night at the State Theatre, Devonport. DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA. Miss Jean Horne will this evening present her pupils in a spectacular danco extravaganza at the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's hall in Grafton Road. RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. A gripping English mystery drama, "The House of Unrest," featuring Malcolm Keen, and an enjoyable English romantic drama, "Potipliar's Wife," with Nora Swinburne as the star, will be combined to provide the entertainment to be offered at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, to-morrow evening in aid of local charities. EMPRESS AND ADELPHI. An "Our Gang" comedy will be seen on the dual bill to be screened jointly this evening at the Empress and Adelphi Theatres. The two main films showing will be the popular Clark Gnble-Myrna Loy hospital drama "Men in White," and the thrilling jungle romance "Tarzan and His Mate," with Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan. WEST END THEATRE. A pleasing romance of modern life is told in the new Janet Gaynor-Charles Farrell film "Change of Heart," which is to be screened this evening at the West End Theatre in conjunction with the comcdy-drama "Murder on the Blackboard." KINGSLAND TALKIES. Said to have been greatly responsible for .the death of Marie Dressier, inasmuch as its completion in June immediately preceded her passing in July, "Her Sweetheart." which is to be shown to-night at the Kingsland Talkies, together with the polished Robert Montgomery mysteryromance, "The Mystery of Mr. X," betrays no hint of the pain in which the great comedy star must have been. She is seen with Lionel Barrymore in this film, the same as she has been for four years past.

GREY LYNN CINEMA. Romance of another day and attractive music suitably arranged make "Glamour" a thoroughly enjoyable production for any class of audience. It will be screened this evening at the Grey Lynn Cinema, on the same programme with Dorothea Wieck's second American film, "Miss Fane's Bab. Is Stolen." A NIGHT OF MAGIC. The New Zealand Society of Magicians will hold a guest night to-morrow evening at the Auckland Operatic Society's Hall, Grafton Road. Entertainments provided by members Of the Magicians' Club have been extremely popular and an extensive programme of illusions and tricks has been arranged. Among those performing will be "Cardo," "Jadoo," Messrs. Eric McLaren, Alan Matthews, Fred Foley, M. O'Brien and Harry Withers. . Mr. Ernest Snell will contribute vocal items and the pianist will be Mr. Frank Easson. MUNICIPAL BAND. Musical programmes will be given by the Auckland Municipal Band in Albert Park to-morrow evening and the Zoological Paik 'in the afternoon.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. "Blossom Time," the romantic musical play of the life of Franz Schubert, the Viennese composer, starring Richard Tauber, continues to attract packed houses at the St. James' Theatre, and will be retained there for a third week. It is set in Vienna of the 18'20's. Franz Schubert, poor and unknown, lived in an attic over the establishment of a dancing master. Here, late one night, when the family were in bed, came Rudi, Count von Hohenberg, post haste and breathless, for a dancing lesson. Having recently come to Vienna, he had found, in the middle of a ball, that in the crack regiment of dragoons of which the Archduchess Maria Victoria was patroness, it was essential to be able to dance the then new-fangled waltz, ot' which Her Highness was passionately fond. Called down to play the piano at the impromptu dancing lesson, Schubert found that Rudi was making love to the dancing master's daughter Vicki. Uneasy at first, then jealous, Schubert realised that his tender affection for the young girl had strengthened into love. To save her from making an all-too-easy mistake, Schubert sold his piano in order to buy the silk dress of her dreams, which Rudi, gay and generous, had promised her. Unluckily, Vicki never knew that Schubert had .sent the dress, and she continued to meet Rudi, while Schubert, having spoken to her father, had promised not to declare himself to Vicki until he had won money and fame with a concert. In spite of a series of calamities, Schubert's songs finally won him the enthusiasm of the public. But he was not to marry the girl he loved, and after many difficulties lie stood aside to let her marry the officer. At the wedding he sang the'"Ave Maria" that he had composed in his sorrow. The Mareo Symphony Orchestra supplies a splendid supporting programme.

TWO COMEDY FILMS. Qne of the most frankly enjoyable comedy programmes seen for a long time is offered this week at the National Theatre.' It consists of the two films "The Merry Wives of Reno" and "The Head of the Family." The stars of "The Meri'y Wives of Reno" are all popular comedy players. Margaret Lindsay, Glenda Farrell, and Ruth Donnelly are the three merry wives who romp to Reno, Miss Lindsay and Miss Donnelly to seek divorces, and Miss Farrell to find a new world of men to flirt with. Donald Woods, Guy Kibbee, and Hugh Herbert are the three husbands involved, the former two framing their wives i,nto a compromising situation with the latter, Woods with the idea of effecting a reconciliation with his bride and Kibbee of reducing his wife's demands for alimony. In addition to its humorous side, the story carries a delightful romance, the two featured leads, Miss Lindsay and Woods, playing their parts straight, one as the suspicious bride and the other as a wrongly accused husband who has been tangled in a net of compromising circumstances by the flirtatious Miss Farrell. In "The Head of the Family," in which Irene Vanbrugh (in lier first film) heads a fine cast of players, the powerful dramatic plot concerns the rivalry of two great steel magnates.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. The polished style of direction seen in "The Thin Man," which forms the main attraction at the moment at both the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, and the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, has proved exceedingly popular wherever the film has been screened. It brings out far bettcf than previously the splendid entertainment qualities contained in such a romantic mystery story. William Powell and Myrna Loy have the central roles in this fine film production, which is to be shown at the two theatres. At the Crystal Palace there is also showing the enjoyable comic mystery-drama "Murder On the Blackboard," starring Edna May Oliver and James Gleason. m STATE THEATRE. A striking drama of murder mystery and marital infidelity is told in "Journal of a Crime," in which Ruth Chatterton and Adolphe Menjou are combining to entertain current patrons of the State Theatre, Upper Symonds Street. _ This film, in which some splendid acting is seen at the hands of the principals, is supported by a popular musical contedy, "Melody in Spring," -which introduces to local filmgoers that "rage" of the American radio systems, Lanny Ross, said to be Bing Crosby's greatest rival. The comedy team of Charles Ruggles and Mary Boland is also featured in the film, while the ingentie lead opposite Lanny Ross is taken by Ann Sothern. STATE SUNDAY CONCERT. Marking the reappearance of Mr. Neville Carlsen and his concert party after a fairly lengthy absence from Auckland, a concert will be given in the State Theatre to-morrow evening in aid of Christmas chcer for the women in Mount Eden prison. Some of the song "hits" of the day, including "Little Dutch Mill," "I'll String Along With You," "Bless Your Heart," and "Aloha, Beloved," will be heard in the course of the programme. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Comedy will provide the. complete fare for this evening's bill at the Prince Edward Theatre, the two pictures screening on the dual programme being the George Arliss vehicle "The Working Man," a first-rate comedy with romance, and Joe E. Brown's typically hilarious "Broad-minded." It is not generally understood that the "broad" in the title is a pun on the popular American slangism "broad," otherwise known as "dame," "nellie," "cutie," etc. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Ono of Zane Grey's most thrilling Western yarns, "The Last Round-Up," will be seen at the Avondale Municipal Theatre this evening. The other picture is "The Lady Is Willing," featuring Leslie Howard and Binnie Barnes, of "Henry VIII." fame. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. A comedv programme will be screened at the Ambassador Theatre this evening, consisting of the farce "The Poor Rich," featuring Edna May Oliver and Edward Everett Horton, and the George A. Birmingham Irish play, "General John Regan." Henry Edwards is the star.

REGENT THEATRE. A far cry from the drama of "The House of Rothschild" is the comedy of "The Last Gentleman," in which George Arliss is to be seen at the moment at the Regent Theatre. As Cabot Barr, a wealthy, irascible, family-proud old New Englander, who calls together his relatives in the vague hope of finding a worthy heir, Arliss offers another of his rich and perfect portraits. Immediately the members of the family are assembled under his roof, he proceeds to insult and humiliate them and accuse them of being after his money, for the mere fiendish glee of seeing them squirm. Among those present are Edna May Oliver, as his sniffling but likeable daughter, and Frank Albertson as Allan, her adopted son; Janet Beecher as the widow of Cabot's late son, and Charlotte ("Alice in Wonderland") Henry as her young daughter, Marjorie; and Donald Meek as Judd, Cabot's only living son, a thorough-going scoundrel who has been secretly recording his father's eccentricities in the hope of proving him insane and his estate. In the course of the story, Cabot develops a genuine affection for young Marjorie (although he hates females), and plans to promote a romance between her and Allan, and make them his heirs. The youngsters squabble like the kids they are until granddad puts into practice his elaborate scheme to throw them together and make tjiem fall in love. The shock of his sor.'s treachery in bringing an alienist to examine him breaks old Cabot's heart and health beyond repair; but the film ends on a cheery note and one which offers something altogether unique in screen denouements.

ALEXANDRA AND NEW REGENT. Joan Crawford portrays a lady of many loves in the emotional film "Sadie MeKee," .which will be shown at the Alexandra Cinema, Green Lane; to-night, together with Richard Dix's new dramatic film "His Greatest Gamble." The same programme will be screened this evening at the New Regent Theatre Epsom. It should provide good entertainment for any audience. NEW DE LUXE THEATRE. Two thoroughly enjoyable productions are listed together on this evening's programme for the New de Luxe Theatre. They are the film version of the famous repertory play "Sour Grapes," released as "Let's Try Again," and Stanley Lupino s Parisian farce "Happy." KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. Dolores Del Rio is the star of a brilliant company of players seen in the leading roles in the lavsh musical revue "Wonder Bar," which is to be presented to tonight's audience at the Kinc's Theatre, Northcote. "Gambling Lady is also on the programme. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. One of tlic funniest scenes in one of the season's comedy films is the singing of a hunting song in basso profundo by Noah Beerv in an old English tavern in the Wheeler and Woolsey farce "The Cockeyed Cavaliers," which is to be presented this evening at the State Theatre, Onehunga, together with the Ann Harding-John Boles drama "The Life oi Vergie Winters." LONDON THEATRE. The successful Australian drama, "The Squatter's Daughter," will be screened this evening at the London Theatre, featuring the attractive Jocelyn Howarth, it is a tale of love and adventure in the open spaces of the Australian back countij. Richard Tauber is also billed 011 the same programme. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. A. A. Milne's brilliant play, "The Dover Road," has been picturised as "Where Sinners Meet," and will be shown at the Tudor Cinema, Rcmuera, this evening. Starring Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook, the story is witty and modern. It centres round an eccentric millionaire who makes a hobby of stopping runaway couples 011 their way down the Dover Road to the Continent and persuading them to stay 111 his mansion for a week to reconsider their decision.

GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. Charles Ruggles and Alison Skipworth will be seen to-night in "Six of a Kind, at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna Ihe title refers to the six comedians who star in the film, the other four being W. C. Fields, Mary Boland, George Burns and Graeie Allen. PIANO RECITAL. A novel programme will be presented at a piano recital to be given m the hall of the Epsom Girls' Grammar School this evening by Miss Muriel Ellis. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. Father and son, Richard Arlen and Richard Arlen, jun., are both seen, with Sally Filers, in the comedy "She Made Her Bed," which is screening with the English naval comedy-romance "White Ensign" to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Thrilling drama and romance in Australia of the busliranging era, and the same sentiments in the American Civil War period will provide the emotions for to-night's film fare at the Britannia Theatre. ' The first picture is >; "Stingaree and the other "Operator 13." VICTORIA THEATRE, DEVONPORT. A spectacular east in an enjoyable musical comedy story forms the main screen entertainment to be experienced in "The Hollywood Party," which is listed for screening to-night at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. MAYFAIR CINEMA. An unusual story of modern piracy on the high seas is told in "Corsair," which is sharing to-night's bill of fare at the Mayfair Cinema, Sandringham, with the amusing comedy-drama "Cock o' the A ' r " CAPITOL THEATRE. The comedy of Laurel and Hardy at its •best is seen in "Pack Up Your Troubles at the Capitol Theatre this evening. Thrills aplenty will be provided with a screening of the thrilling Sahara Desert drama "The Lost Patrol."

"THE STUDENT TOUR." A fine measure of variety is supplied in the new programme presented to large audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. The main attraction is "The Student Tour," featuring Jimmy Durante, Charles Butterworth, and Maxiue Doyle in a delightful musical comedy which aboumts in novel situations, scintillating humour, snappy dialogue, and some remarkable dancing scenes. The future of boat racing is the problem which concerns the collegians at the outset, but wrapped up with the solution are the study of philosophy and the attainment of scholarship. In this case, good oarsmen are not brilliant students, and some ingenuity is required before the authorities approve tho start of the world tour which is to culminate in tlie great contest for the blue riband of boat racing. Most of the scenes are enacted on the ocean liner, and the action moves at breathless pace. Every ounce of humour that can be won from the situations is extracted by the effervescent "Schnozzle," and the balance required to make the picture logical is supplied by the other principals. The love theme is adroitly interwoven, and it harmonises perfectly with the general atmosphere ot the story. The idea, which "Student Tour" successfully realises, is somewhat new in the realm of musical entertainment, and its presentation undoubtedly set a new standard. The second attraction is the latest vehicle of the- everpopular Laurel and Hardy. This time the duo are policemen, in charge of a radio patrol, and their attempts to arrest burglars and prevent crooks from stealing the spare tyres of their car provide much laughter. Their buffoonery, though, is artistic, and in "Midnight Patrol" there is neither over-acting nor drawn-out exaggeration. A first-rate demonstration of tennis strokes, technique and play is given in yet another film, in which the mentor is none other than W. T. Tilden, greatest tennis player of all time. A feature of the study is the slow motion action and the use of sweeping diagrams. A Metrotone News reel and a Fitzpatnck travelogue, "Cruising in the South Seas, complete a capital programme.

BAILEY'S ONE-ACT PLAYS. A novel dramatic entertainment is to be presented in the Seddon Memorial Technical College Hall to-night and next Saturday evening by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bailey, in the form of a programme ot short dramatic items and one-act plays. A feature will be "Bound the World by Television," in costume. DANCING. Peter Pan, cabaret band. Dixieland, cabaret band. Carlton Cabaret, dancing; Monday, oldtime. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, old-time balloon carnival. Masonic Hall, Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's old-time dance. Labour Hall, Newton, Clemm's "Melody Boys." My-T-Fine Dance Hall, Newmarket, spinsters' ball. Rialto Ballroom, season's opening carnival. Orange Hall, Ponsonby, Dave Wilson's flannel old-time dance. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Trevor Eady's "Music Masters." Druids' Hall, Newton, Rio Grande oldtimo dance. St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn R.g.A. old-timo dance. Point Erin Kiosk, Ponsonby, swimming club's flannel dance. Point Chevalier Sailing Clubhouse, Savona Dance Band. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connou's Orchestra. All Saints' Hall, Ponsonby, Olivette Danco Club. Parnell Social Hall, R.S.A. old-time dance. Dominion Hall, Kia Ora old-time dance. Zealandia Hall, Holt's Orchestra. Titirangi Beach Kiosk, old-time dance.

AMUSEMENT GUIDE. PICTURE THEATRES. NATIONAL —"Merry Wives of Reno" and "Head or the Family." PRINCE EDWARD —George Arllss In "The Working- Man." MAJESTIC —Charles Butterworth and Jimmy Durante In "Student Tour." REGENT —George Arllss and Edna May Oliver in "The Last Gentleman." LONDON —Jocelyn Howarth In "The Squatter's Daughter." STRAND —Jessie Matthews In "Waltzes From Vienna." ST. JAMES*—Richard Tauber and Jane Baxter In "Blossom Time." Civic—Shirley Temple and Adolphc MenJou in "Little Miss Marker." ROXY AND TIVOLI—WiII Rogers In "Judge Priest" and Rlcarclo Cortez in "Hat, Coat and Glove." PLAZA—Kay Francis and Lyle Talbot In "Mandalay." ADELPHI —"Tarzan and His Mate." AMBASSADOR —"The Poor Rich." ALEXANDRA—"Sadie McKee." AVONDALE —"The Last Round Up." BRITANNIA —"Operator 13." CRYSTAL PALACE—"The Thin Man." CAPITOL —"Flying Down to Rio." DELTA —"Flying Down to Rio." DE LUXE—"Sour Grapes." EMPIRE—"This Side of Heaven." EMPRESS —"Tarzan and His Mate." GAIETY (Takapuna)—"Six or a Kind." GREY LYNN CINEMA —"Glamour." KING'S (Northoote) —"Wonder Bar." KINGSLAND —"Her Sweetheart." MAYFAIR —"Corsair." PICTUREDROME —"Manhattan Melodrama." REGENT (Epsom)—" Sadie McKee." RIALTO—"The Thin M&n." SOUTHERN CROSS—"Catherine the Great." STATE (Devonport)—"Evergreen." STATE (Onehunga)—"Cockeyed Cavaliers." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Journal or a Crime." STRAND (Onehunga)—"White Ensign." TUDOR—"The Dover Road." VlCTOßlA—"Hollywood Party." WEST END—"Change of Heart."

"MANDALAY" AT PLAZA. Kay Francis in a strangely exotic, most appealing dramatic role, is brought to Auckland again in "Mandalay," which opened a season at the Plaza Iheatre last evening. The picture is set among the natives and places of ■ Malay, and is remarkable not only for the splendid performances of the leading players, Miss Francis, Ilicardo Cortez und Lyle Talbot, but also for the amusing and realistic character parts provided as a background of a trip from Rangoon to Mandalay by steamer. When the action opens Kay Francis is seen as Tanya, a part-native, lover of Ilicardo Cortez, an adventurous gun-runner. She is wonderfully suited to the role, investing the_ part with a sympathy which places lier immediately in the hearts of the audience. Then an entirely different woman appears, as she is deserted by the adventurer and is forced to take a position as hostess at the "Jardin d'Orient," run by ; a villainous Warner Oland. Her spurned love sours the woman, who hides her worth beneath a cloak of bitterness and cynicism which helps to make her notorious in Rangoon. "Spot" White slips the leash eventually, however, fed up with the unspoken curse upon, her kind, and to find rest and solitude for her wounded heart in the hills of Mandalay, she escapes on a steamer and meets an almost reprobate young doctor, played by Lyle Talbot. The story provides for a wealth of artistry. When her former lover boards the same steamer the action climbs to a startling climax. Ruth Donnelly and Lucien Littlefield provide some humour on board ship, and others to form the character background for the party are David Torrenee, Halliwell Hobbs, Shirley Temple and Rafaela Ottiano. Further appeal is provided by Miss Francis' pure contralto voice. More singing is presented in an abbreviated version of "Sally," served up as an entertaining "short." The leading lady in this has one of those rare screen voices to which one could listen for hours, and her lithe dancing figure makes one wish the picture were much longer. A news re el, a travelogue and a short comedy round oft the bill. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. With the amusing Slim SummervilleZasu Pitts farce "Love Birds" as chief support, the brilliant English film. "Catherine the Great," made by Alexander Korda, will be screened to-night at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie. Elisabeth Bergner has the central role ot Catherine, while Douglas Fairbanks, jun., plays the Czar Peter, her husband. NEW EMPIRE THEATRE. Romance plays the most important part in entertainment value of the two films screening to-night at the New Empire Theatre. These are "This Side of Heaven," with Lionel Barrymore and Mary Carlisle, and "Midnight Mary,' with Loretta Young and Ricardo Cortez.