AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 22, 26 January 1935, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

"ONE NIGHT OF LOVE." A new star which sliouo with considerable brightness in two pictures some five years ago and then faded from the firmament'. arises once more with the release of "One Night of Love" at the I'iaza Theatre. In this musical film—which has a pleasing but quite irrelevant tule —JSiiss Moore, already one of Chicago's greatest opera stars, achieves wonderful heights as a young opera star who owes allegiance to an imperious maestro. He has lorbidden all talk of love to interfere with her training, but he cherishes within his breast far more than tiie professional teacher's interest in his pupil. She makes a sensation in American operatic circles and then begins to break free from the chains which have held her to her career. A young American admirer, spiritless for all his brightness, helps her to break these fetters, with tragic consequences so far as her imprcssario s heart is concerned. She defies his advice that she is not ready yet for a debut at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, where she engages to sing in

"Madame Butterfly." She is lost, however, without the friendly direction of her maestro; she realises that she cannot make of her debut the success her brilliance warrants. At the last second he appears in his accustomed role and she sings gloriously to bring her new world of happiness into being and, incidentally, to achieve the greatest triumph in the history of that wonderful old chamber. She sings earlier in the film the ecstatic "Habanera," If >111

"Carmen," and the song, "One Night of I Love," which gives its title to the film. Her pianist, played by Luis Alberni, is admirable in a temperamental and amusing role. The portrait of the maestro as given by Tullio Carminati —an actor with a veritable quiverful of achievements to his credit —is beyond criticism. Without it Grace Moore's Mary Barrett would have surely seemed a picture of a selfish girl and a wonderful singer—not a breathing impersonation of soin;, love and life. The popularity of the film must rest upon the appeal of Grace Moore's glorious voice and lovely personality, since it is frankly built around her. At least two others in the cast must! not be forgotten: They are Mona Barrie, as tiie 'scheming,'over-confident Lally, and Lyle Talbot, as the likeable but utterly out-of-place young American." On every hand there is something to be discovered in the film, but one must realise the depth of the whole production in order to appreciate these cameos at their true worth. A varied and happily contrasting supporting programme serves to set the seal of true enjoyment on the Plaza's bill of fare. ROXY AND TIVOLI. Beautiful belles and a frenzied feud are mixed together in a. mint julep of merriment labelled "Kentucky Kernels," in the new comedy attraction which is screening currently at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Portraying two unemployed small-time actors, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolaey pose as "Kentucky Kernels," resulting in a hilarious comedy "hit." The nonsensical story concerns the comics' introduction into a feud when they deliver their orphan ward to his family and southern estate, which he suddenly inherits. The comedy swells to side-splitting proportions when Wheeler courts the opposing leader's daughter, and Woolsey essays the role of arbitrator between the enemy elans. "Kentucky Kernels" locally the catchy melody "One Little Kiss." In the film, the song is a musical background for some lovely dances by a selected chorus, and several members of the cast offer pleasing vocalisations. When the husband's away, it is just possible that the wife may play—particularly after he has gone on a marital holiday jaunt with the avowed intention of demonstrating how attractive he can be to other women. Frank Morgan treats himself to such a holiday in the romantic comedy "By Your Leave," which is also showing at the two theatres. Genevieve Tobin, who portrays his wife, turns the tables on him. But while he is proving a dismal flop as a gay Lothario, she is having an exciting flirtation with a handsome young explorer. Neil Hamilton plays the explorer. Others in the cast include Marion Nixon, Glenn Anders. Margaret Hamilton. Lock-j hart, Betty Grable and Charles Ray. I STRAND THEATRE. Fred Astaire, "Ginger" Rogers, Dolores Del Rio, Gene Raymond and a fine cast are the chief entertainers in "Flying Down to Rio," which film as screening on a dual bill, together with "Little Women," at the Strand Theatre. Much of its musical entertainment consists of the dancing sequences, the most spectacular being the scene in which the ballet dances on the wings of a giant aeroplane, supposedly flying over the Caribbean Sea, en route to Rio de Janeiro. The popular film version of Louisa May Alcott's famous sentimental romance "Little Women ' is also being revived at the Strand. Katharine Hepburn gives a pleasing portrayal in the principal role as Jo, while the supporting east includes many players of outstanding talent. These are Joan Bennett, Frances Dee. Jean Parker, Spring Byington ("Marmee"), Paul Lukas (Dr. Bhaer) and others. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. With Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop featuring in cartoons on the supporting programme, plenty of thrills and entertainment should be provided to-night for natrons of the State Theatre, Upper l Svmonds Street, where "Bulldog Drumrriond Strikes Back" will be screened. In this film Ronald Colman returns to the personality whom he portrayed in his initial talkie venture. In that production the nart of the wife of Captain Druinmond, heorine of the film, was taken by Joan Bennett —in short skirts, as per fashion of the day—while to-day Loretta Young, who has scored in many recent film roles, notably "The House of Rothschild" and "Caravan," has the part of Phyllis, Mrs. Drummond. Charles Butterworth displaces Claude Allister as the stupid-beyond-words, but perfectly efficient component of Drummond's "boys," Algy Longworth. Warner Oland is the 1934' villain of the piece, Carl Peterson, while Una Merkel plays the menacing Irma. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. j Auckland has given a most definite welcome to "The Count of Monte Cristo," which has now entered its fifth successive week since release at the Regent, screening jointly at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. In this action melodrama Robert Donat. youthful English actor of comparatively negligible film fame, achieves what is a veritable triumph in tiie role of Edmond Dantes, Count of Monte Cristo. The film is adapted from Alexandra Dumas' famous romance of a century ago. Elissa Landi has the altered role of Mercedes, and an efficient cast comprises the remaining parts. The three villains, De Villefort, Danglars and Monde<ro, in particular, are impressive. "The Count of Monte Cristo" is screening in conjunction with the thrilling Malayan adventure film "Samarang," which has also enjoyed a season at the Regent. WEST END, PONSONBY. Kay Francis portrays a Russian emij gree in Burma in the drama "Mandalay, in which she will be seen with Lyle Talbot, Ricardo Cortez and Warner Oland to-night at the West End Theatre, Ponsonby. "Music Hall" and "The Silver Lining" are also showing. KING'S, NORTHCOTE. In his first film Will Hay, famous English comedian, is starred in the title role of the late Sir A. W. I'inero's farce. "The Magistrate," with the new title of "Those Were the Days." This film shows tonight at the . King's Theatre, Northcote, with Marie Galante • STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Fantasy in its brightest form is told in the film based on Lewis Carroll's immortal tale of "Alice in Wonderland." The picture is to be screened at the Strand Theatre. Onehunga, this evening. A cast of 40 stars is featured. LONDON THEATRE. Now one of the most popular male singing stars of the screen, Jan Kiepura is featured with Hugh Wakefield and Betty Stockfield in "City of Song," which is boing revived this evening at the London Theatra. '

"BABES IN TOYLAND." Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy take the stellar roles in "Babes in Toyland," which opened a season at St. James Theatre last evening, and although this eoniical pair arc not featured as much as usual, they provide the brightest of entertainment with their humorous antics. Woven round the adventures of all the characters of Victor Herbert's immortal operetta, the picture is produced on a | lavish scale, and nothing has been spared j in producing a fantasy of nursery talc days, i Stannic JDum and Ollic Dee arc characters j that will greatly appeal to picturegoers, j and while bot'.i the stars retain much ot | their well-known iiumour, they introduce a | variety of run witTi Uien originality and , freshness. Mother Goose, The Piper's Son, 80-peep, Santa Claus and the Three Little Pigs have all been included in the story, and th ingenious manner in which these well-loved characters have been woven into tiie theme assists to make the production an outstanding one. All classes arc provided for in this production, and it promises to enjoy a successful season. The story opens with Stannic Dum and Ollie Dee promising to secure enough money from their employer for Mother Goose to pay her mortgage to Silas Barnabv, but they fall into disgrace by mixing the Christmas orders and receive their notice. In order to secure Mother Goose's permanent residence in the shoe, 80-pecp, although much in love with Tom-Tom, tfie Piper's son, consents to marry the meanest man in town." Stannic and Ollie then get together to concoct a scheme for the libcraion of 80-pecp from her promise, and Ollie makes a strong effort to secure the mortgage. However, this proves unsuccessful, and they are then forced to dress Stannie up as 80-peep, and lie goes through the marriage ceremony. In order to get his own back, Silas then gets 'lomTom accused of pig-nappuig, and he is banished to Bogeyland. The incidents and situations that arise in the experiences of the characters in Bogeyland form a very strong part of the theme. The picture also serves to introduce an excellent tenor in Felix Knight, who delights with line renderings of a pleasing tunc. An excellent supporting programme is provided, headed by a travel talk on Switzerland, and a newsreel depicting scenes of Captain Ulm's departure on his ill-fated Pacific flight. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. With a second feature production as support, "Alice in Wonderland" should prove popular entertainment to-night at the May fair Cinema, Saiulringham. Alice is admirably portrayed by Charlotte Henry, surrounded by a cast of 40 stars. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. One of the most evergreen musical romances ever filmed, "Viennese Nights,' will be given yet another revival to-night at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie. Vivienne Segal and Alexander Gray are the featured players. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. The peculiar style of humour which Sydncv Howard enjoys is seeju in his last English film, "Trouble," which will be shown to-night together with Lee Tracy's comedy, "I'll Tell the World,' at the Avondale Theatre. BRITANNIA, PONSONBV. A thrilling melodrama entitled "The Witching Hour" will be screened to-night at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby, in conjunction with the hilarious Wheeler and Woolse.v musical farce, "The Cockeyed Cavaliers." Noah Beery sings a fine basso profundo item in this latter film. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. A romance dealing with a happy-go-lucky outlaw is told in "Hide-Out," which will present Robert Montgomery teamed opposite Maureen O'Sullivan at the V ictoria Theatre, Devonport, this evening. A programme of excellent supports is also offered. WAIKAHUA CONCERT PARTY. A programme of enjoyable items will be staged in the Town Hall concert chamber next Tuesday evening (Anniversary Day) by the Waikaluia Concert Party, in aid of tiie Waimiha Pa Hall fund. The entertainment will comprise por dancing and hakas, the latter demonstrated with such Maori war weapons as taiahas and meremeres; quartets by the Wakanene family, hulas, sinking, musical instruments, and other items. RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. Gene Gerrard will be up to all his old antics in the enjoyable film, "The Love Nest." showing to-morrow evening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, in aid of local charities. Camilla Horn is featured in a leading feminine jiart. STATE, DEVONPORT. The insane comedy of Wheeler and WoolKey will amuse to-night's audience at the State Theatre, Devonport, while a no less amusing, if riot so boisterous, entertainment will be provided in "If I Were Free," starring Clive Brook and Diana Wynyard. STATE, ONEHUNGA. Two bright comedies will be featured on to-night's bill at the State Theatre, Onehunga. These will be the hilarious "Merry Wives of Reno," with a cast of stars, and the human comedy-drama, "Elinor Norton" (Claire Trevor and Norman Foster). REGENT AND ALEXANDRA. Depicting many of the adventures which befell Mexico's famous bandit of recent years, Pancho Vii'a, the film "Viva Villa!" will show Wallace Beery, supported by Fay Wray, in the role of this amusing, cruel, sensual brigand at the New Regent and Alexandra Theatres this evening. Villa died some 10 or 15 years ago, after having terrorised Mexico for as long a period before li is career had ended. EMPRESS, NEWTON. Laurel and Hardy in "Towed in a Hole," Warner Oland in "Charlie Chan in London," and Myrna Loy in "Stamboul Quest," with the estimable Mrs. Patrick Campbell in support, will provide the bulk of film fare to be offered to this evening's patrons of the Empress Theatre, Newton. NEW EMPIRE, DOMINION ROAD. Johnny Weissmuller, ex-world's swimming champion and athlete, repeats his sensationally successful role of two years ago in "Tarzan and His Mate," with Maureen O'Sullivan again opposite him. The new film is screening to-night at the Ne\v Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, together with "Sisters Under the Skin" (Elissa Landi).

" MADAME DU BARRY." • Witll the glamorous period drama, "Madame Du Barry," as the piece de rcsisttancc, and excellent supporting films added, the new programme at the Regent Theatre last night provided a first-class entertainment, having features calculated to appeal to many tastes. The Du Barry drama as presented on the screen has little, beyond the characters, in common with the musical play recently presented in Auckland, for the treatment of the incidents portraying the triumphs and humiliations of the famous courtesan is essentially different from that leading to the small-stage version, and the spectacles of the most spectacular and picturesque court of all his-j tory are 011 a grander scale than is possible in the limited space of the stage. Reginald Owen's Louis the Fifteenth is the outstanding characterisation of the screen story, and he revels in the study of a semi-senile infatuation for feminine youth, beauty and insolence that counts a kingdom well lost for a few hours' recovery of the sensuous joys of youth. The keynote of the comedy pervading the picture is the king's glee in watching his impish "grand ainie's" resource 111 routing the social intrigues of designing habitues of his court and household. A departure from the conventional red-haired vision of loveliness that is the Du Barry of history is seen in the flashing brunette beauty of Dolores Del Rio, but in her fresh and dashing diablerie she provides the natural foil for the cowardice and insincerity that surrounds a king, ample excuse for even royal infatuation, and the face and figure that give added distinction to the glorious dressing which is one of the great allurements of the picture. Owen and Del Bio are the two dominant figures of a drama studded with appealing incidents. 01' especial interest to patrons who have been students of moving picture entertainments is "Movie Memories," presenting a succession of past film favourites, including Valentino and Dressier, who have built up Hollywood to its great eminence in the comparatively short period of 30 years. Super-aerobatics, spectacular tap dancing, harmony and radio comedy are combined attractively in a Herb Williams vaudeville series- An uncommon musical number is provided by Phil* Spitalny's orchestra of blonde queens, and outstanding world events appear in the news section, including an epoch-making flight by passenger 'plane from Los Angeles, a distance of 20,000 miles, in 12 hours. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. With Robert Montgomery and Herbert Marshall sharing male honours, a most impressive cast is seen in support of Norma Shearer 111 "Riptide," which is attracting excellent "houses" at the Crystal Palace and Rial to Theatres. Miss Shearer essays u daring characterisation. Montgomery, playing Miss Shearer's playboy fiance, makes his fifth film appearance with the star. Marshall plays the part of Lord Rexford, Miss Shearer's husband in the new film. Mrs. Patrick Campbell, one of England's most distinguished actresses, famous for her great triumphs in "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray" and other famous hits, makes her screen debut as Aunt Hetty, eccentric dowager. The late Lilyan Tashman (in her filial film role) plays the part of Miss Shearer's sister. Skeets Gallagher is cast as Montgomery's New York chum, and other famous personalities included in the cast are Ralph Forbes. Arthur Jarrett, Karl Oxford. Helen Jerome Eddy, George K. Arthur, Baby Marilyn Spinnert, Phyllis Cochian, Howard Chaldecott and Halliwell Hobbes. Edmund Goulding wrote and directed the production, which deals with a sensational trian~ular romance. CAPITOL, DOMINION ROAD. A real female "Dracula" has the role of chief "men fc e" in "Double Doors." 'which will present New Zealand's Colin Tap'ley with Evelyn Venable and Sir Guy Standing at the Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road, this evening. On the same bill is the Joan Crawford drama, "Sadie McKee," from the Vina Dclinar story. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. Some spectacular dance numbers have proved popular in the film, "Sitting .Pretty," which will present Jack Oakie and a fine cast to-night at (lie Ambassador Theatre. "Black Moonlight" is one of these. Many splendid songs are also incorporated in the production. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Adapted from the popular story by Vina Delimit- and with Gene Raymond as leading man, Joan Crawford has a fine role which suits her admirably in "Sadie McKee." This picture is screening tonight at the Kingsland Talkies in conjunction with the hilarious Will Rogers comedy, "Handy Andy," which relates the joys and sorrows of a whimsical drug store proprietor, who is persuaded to retire and take his ambitious wife and family on a "spree" to the annual Mardi Cras at New Orleans. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Two entertaining dramatic productions are listed for dual showing this evening at the Grey Lynn Cinema. These are "The Black Cat." featuring Bela Lugosi and Boris KarlofT and suggested by Edgar Allan Poe's famous story, and "One Is Guilty," with Ralph Bellamy as star. ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. Three pictures will be featured on tonight's programme at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn. These are "Mandalay," starring Kay Francis, "Stamboul Quest." with Myrna Loy, and "Towed ina Hole" (Laurel and Hardy). NEW DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have prominent parts in the film, "Hollywood Party," for which Walt Disney contributed a technicolour "Symphony," "The Chocolate Soldiers." "Hollywood Party" is showing together with "A Hat, A Coat, A Glove" to-night at the New De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA.

Based on E. W. Hornung's famous drama of Australian bushranging, the film "Stingaree" will star Richard D>x and Irene Dunne to-night at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. Miss sings the fascinating theme song of the film. TUDOR, REMUERA. Earl Carroll's famous long-season Broadway show tomes to the screen under the title of "Murder at the Vanities," which is to be shown to-night at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. Carl Brisson and Victor McLaglen head the cast.

" MY OLD DUTCH." Albert Chevalier's undying song is tl. inspiration of the film, "My Old Dutch, which portrays an animated cross-scctioii of Cockney life in the East End of London, spread over one of the most stirring 411year periods in the colourful life at the heart of the Empire. Last night's audience at the Civic thoroughly enjoyed the appealing story and realised how thin is the partition which separates laughter from tears. The story opens at Hampstead Heath 011 a bank holiday, with coach-loads of costers, pearlies and donkey carts, quaint music and joyous dancing and a tandem bicycle which plays an important part in deciding Lil to enter upon a lifepartnership as Ernie's "Old Dutch." Their wedding and proud entry into the home which possessed a "four-pound-ten mahogany dressing table, picked up cheap," are the foundation scenes which in later life recur to them 011 the harp strings of memory. Their poignant memories include the loss of their only son as an adventurous Hying officer in the early stages of the war, the loss also of his charming young wife on the birth of her son, a dramatic court, scene in which they succeed ill retaining possession of their grandson, an epic event of heroism in which Bert is instrumental in saving the little fellow and other lads when trapped in a petrol-dump fire at the time of the general strike, and other stirring events which sustain interest to the very end. Much of the picture's eharru is due to Betty Balfour, remembered as a silent screen. actress, and in "Evergreen," who ably interprets Lil's transient span from charming youth to graceful age. Michael Ilogan's simple, straightforward acting invests the role of Bert with the quiet dignity of a man who never fails to

"do his bit," and the drollery of Gordon Harkcr, as Ernie, a life-long pal, invests the story with a good deal of its humour. Other excellent portrayals are those of Mickey Brantford, as the aviator son, Glennis Lorimer as his beautiful young wife, and a gay company in the coster parts. There is an excellent first half, which provides a Fox newsreel, two Gaumoiit magazines, a clever racing cartoon, and popular music by orchestra and organ. "HERE COMES THE NAVY." A rollicking story of love and adventure 011 sea and land runs through "Here Comes the Navy," which opened at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. James Cagncy, popular hero of many "he-man" pictures, co-stars with Pat O'Brien in a most unusual plot. It was filmed for the most part 011 board the giant battleship U-.S.S. Arizona, and when the American Pacific fleet engages in manoeuvres dramatic incidents of navai warfare are seen. Enlisting in the American Navy as a common rating. Chesty O'Connor (James Cagney) at once finds the stern discipline of the sea irksome to his free and easy mode of life. Matters arc not improved when he finds his avowed enemy Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien) the chief petty officer in charge of him. Chesty falls in love with Dorothy (Gloria Stuart) without knowing that 6he is Biff Martin's His resentment against those in authority turns his sliipI mates against him, with the exception of Droopy (Frank McHugli), who sticks to his disgruntled friend through thick and thin. Droopv's droll humour and unconscious witticisms had the audience in fits of laughter again and again. At las: Chesty proves his worth in a dramatic pcene when the powder in the main gun turret of the Arizona ignites. He is transferred to a naval dirigible, where he rapidly makes progress. Another highlight of the picture occurs when the dirigible is about to land in a strong wind at the airfield at Sunnyvale, California. The ground party have just grabbed the landing wires preparatory to mooring the airship, when a gust of wind suddenly lifts it into the air again. Three men are pulled up at the end of the wires. Two of tlieni crash to their death*), but the third manages to cling on. Disregarding orders. Chesty slides down the Wire from the airship and saves the man with a parachute, although both are injured. It turns out to be Biff Martin, and the picture ends with Biff giving away his sister to Chesty at their mar- ' riage in hospital. "Here Coined the 1 Navy" is as refreshing <is the ocean breeze, combining an excellent story with real action shots of the various units of the American Navy. The supports include a delightful musical sketch, "No ' Contest," with catchy songs by Ruth | Ktting. a newsreel. and organ selections ' by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Crawford. MUNICIPAL BAND. 1 The Auckland Municipal Band will give another recital in Albert Park to-morrow evening. The band will also play in the Zoological Park in the afternoon, and at the Domain next Wednesday evening. DANCING. Peter Pan, cabaret band. Dixieland, tennis championship night. Pirate Shippe, Milford, old-time carnival; Monday, Oriental night. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, Bob Adams' orchestra. Labour Hall, Clemm's "Melody Boys." Carlton Cabaret," dancing to-night and Monday. Masonic Hall, Newton, old-time dance programme. Crystal Palace ballroom, Waitemata Club dance. Rialto ballroom, old-time dancing. Scots Hall, Zealandia Club, presentation of whip to winning jocltey in Takapuna Cup. St. Columba Hall, R.S.A. "Mum and Dad" night. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's orchestra. Parnell , Social Hall, R.S.S. opening dance, February 23.