AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 46, 23 February 1935, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE WHITE PARADE." Men have but small part 111 the theme of "The White Parade," which opened at the Civic Theatre last night, though the principal male roles arc in the capable hands of John Boles and Frank Conroy. The story covers three years in the lives of a number of girls who come to a hospital for training as nurses. Theirs is a hard-working, strictly-disciplined life, made bearable, however, by their devotion to their work and their interest in one another. There are many types of girls in the institution, including the usual proportion of "cats." The scheming of 011 c of the latter gives a strange beginning to a romance. To cheer up her homesick room-mate, June Arden (Loretta Young) shows her a picture of a wealthy young man, Ronald Hall '(John Boles), which she has cut from an illustrated paper. The "cats" do not believe that June knows him, but, with the connivance of some of her friends, Juno scrapes acquaintance with liim, and the "cats" are confounded. The acquaintance ripens, Hall, a wealthy idler, falling deeply in love with the attractive student nurse. Though he offers her unlimited wealth, he cannot, however, shake her loyalty to the hospital. Fate seems to favour him when, on the eve of graduation, June's room-mate tries to coinfnit suicide with drugs from the narcotic cabinet, for which, June had the key. This almost brings about June's expulsion, but when I the authorities decide in her favour, having regard to her undoubted ability June' decides in favpur of nursing as against | matrimony. Amongst the supporting] items is an excellent musical comedy of life in a cabaret, with several catchy songs and spectacular ballet scenes, and a film interview with Lloyd George, the veteran British statesman. All arrangement of popular Irish airs, under the title of "An Irishman's Dream," is played on the organ by Mr. Barry Brcttoncr. ROXY AND TIVOLI. What will in all probability be the final programme to be presented at the Roxy Theatre will entertain this evening's patrons at both the Roxy and Tivoli. The two films showing 011 the joint dual bill are the surprising and unusual "thriller" production, "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head," and the Zarie Gre.v|

"Western" drama, "West of the Pecos." A variety of fascinating settings is featured in the former film; which stars Claud Rains, who was the star a while back in the li. G. Wells film, "The Invisible Man," also Joan Bennett, Lionel Atwill and three-year-old "Baby 'Jane." There is a French railway station near the front during the Great War, with scores of native soldiers alighting in whirling snow; there is a yacht in the Mediterranean, with international munitions makers meeting to congratulate each other on the beginning of the war; there is a luxurious Parisian cafe, where a

powerful business man begins bis conquest of a beautiful girl, wife of a soldier in the trenches. Other interesting scenes take place at a carnival in Paris, with merrymakers in grotesque costumes, and in the publication offices of "The Pacifist Journal," the publisher of which is secretly dealing with those whose livelihood depends upon the promotion of war. We sec Paris in darkness«on a stormy night, while the city cowers under the blasts of an enemy air raid, and glimpses are given of two Parisian homes of widely differing quality. "West of the Pecos" is a thrilling, lusty, redblooded, romantic story in the true Zane Grey style, starring Richard Dix in a role peculiarly reminiscent of his Yancey Cravat in "Cimarron." Martha Sleeper is the girl in the piece, while that incomparable Negro, "Sleep '11' Eat," provides plenty of humour. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. Polished acting and high-quality comedy of the type which George Arliss invariably displays to such perfection is seen in "The Last Gentleman," a fine all-round entertainment screening currently at the State Theatre, Upper Synionds Street. It is an all-round entertainment, inasmuch as it incorporates comedy, romance, drama and even melodrama. One of the most effcctivc scenes is the unusual cli- [ mactie sequence which shows the late I Cabot Burr (Arliss) reappearing 011 a I cinema screen after his death, in order j to read his will and to make his adieus to his assembled relatives. Earlier .in the production some most effective comedy is realised through the spirited granddaughter's novel rebellion against the tyranny of her eccentric and autcratic grandparent. She set the whole of his 70 or 80 clocks to chiming at once during a solemn family church service! CAPITOL. DOMINION ROAD. An excellent, musical romance will be screened as the chief entertainment for this evening at the Capitol Theatre. Dominion Road, in "Thank Your Stars," which features .Tack Oakie and Alison Skipwortli. Will Rogers is hilariously amusing in the S. Irwin Cobb character of "Judge Priest," also showing. LONDON THEATRE. Harry Welchman, the dashing singer of "The Maid of the Mountains," makes only bis second film appearance in Bebe Daniels' first English film, the musical romance of sunny Spain, entitled "A Southern Maid." The picture is to be presented this evening at the London Theatre. WEST END. PONSONBY. "My Song For You" is being filmed to-night at the West End Theatre, Ponsonby. In this the singing of .lau Kiepura is a treat not often provided for picture patrons. "The Merry Wives of Reno," with Guy Ivibbec heading a bij. cast, is a fine comedy-drama which cannot fail to be appreciated. ' RIALTO, NEWMARKET. A strong programme will be shown at the Rialto, Newmarket, this evening. The feature picture is "The Hide-out," a comedy-drama with Robert Montgomery and Maureen O'Sullivan. co-starring. In addition is a strong series of supporting films. The romantic element of the main film provides for the maximum of entertainment. STATE, ONEHUNGA. There are three pictures on to-night's programme at the State Theatre,. Onehunga. "The Fountain." with Ann Harding starred, is a story based on the wellread novel. "By Your Leave" is a smart comedy with Frank Morgan and Genevieve 'fobin, while "La Cucaracha" is a technicolour film with delightful musical numbers. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Adapted from Vincent Lawrence's popular repertory play "Sour Grapes," the splendid dialogue comedy film, "Let's Try Again." will feature Diana W.vnyard and Clivc Brook, the pair seen in "Cavalcade" and "The Dover Road," at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, this evening. GAIETY CINEMA, TAKAPUNA. Earl Carroll's popular annual revue; show 011 Broadway, "Vanities," comes, to the motion picture screen under the title of "Murder at the Vanities." _ An excellent mystery in addition to being a good entertainment, it is screening this evening at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Joe E. Brown is an entertainment in himself in "A Circus Clown," a screamingly funny comedy showing at the Victoria, Dcvonport, to-night. In this picture there are some sensational acts performed by stars of the circus ring. EDITH BAIRD ENTERTAINMENT. A special request entertainment under the name of "Dancing and Mime" is to be presented by Madame Edith Baird in the Scots Hall on Wednesday evening next, consisting of novelty numbers, ballets, vocal items and the mime play, "Clementine." GAELIC SOCIETY SOCIAL. The monthly social of the Auckland Gaelic Society will be held in the Manchester Unity Hall 011 Wednesday evening. when a programme comprising piping, Highland dancing and singing w>U be presented.

"BIG-HEARTED HERBERT." * Once more Broadway has provided the cinema screen with a first-rate box-office entertainment. This time the production is the uproarious comedy, "Big-Hearted Herbert," which should pack the Majestic Theatre with seekers after merriment from morn to midnight for the next week, j While on Broadway the play ran for a year over two seasons. Teaming Aline MacMahon, Hollywood's leading comedienne, and Guy Kibbee, Hollywood's leading comedian, "Big-Hearted Herbert" has been filmed as a hilarious coined}* of American domestic life. "BigHearted Herbert" is U story of the family of Herbert Kalness, an ex-plumber Who becomes a prosperous 'manufacturer of bathroom supplies and prides himself 011 being a self-made man. His uncouth lack of education and manners are virtues to him. In spite of the faults which be believes are virtues, Elizabeth, his wife, loves him and does her best to kecj) peace between him and their children, Alice, Junior and Robert. Only Martha, the once-a-week _ servant, is brave enpugh to argue with Herbert. Alice falls in love with- Andrew Goodrich, a wealthy young college man. Herbert immediately raises the roof because such people, he is convinced, are idle wastrels. Elizabeth, nevertheless, invites Andrew and his family to dinner. Herbert disgraces them by coming to the table in old clothes, bragging about being self-made and never putting on airs the way college men do. The guests depart in disgust, but that is not the end. It provides Elizabeth, Alice and Martha eventually with a wonderful excuse to "get even" with "the old crab." This denouement they achieve in such a convincing manner that he is brought to see quite unmistakably the faults of his own standing and the pass to which he has brought himself and his family. All of which sounds almost dramatic, but in all justice to the film's comedy a reviewer should make no attempt to describe it. Suffice it to say that as many laughs as could be hung around such a plot are most certainly there. It will satisfy the management's demands in a handsome fashion, if the film palates of Aucklanders may be judged by the width of their smiles. A first-class comedy and news reel 1 supporting programme is also provided, a popular item being a series of imitations of well-known screen and radio musical entertainers. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. Hilarity reigns with what might almost be called a side-splitting vengeance at the National and Prince Edward Theatres this week, where the dual entertainment is composed of the Australian farce, "Grandad Rudd," given an extended season from the Regent, and the new American comedy-romance. "Kansas City Princess," in whicli the chief personality is that of the popular and clever Joan Blonde!!. She is assisted by two other established players in Glenda Farrell and Robert Armstrong, whose versatility in comedy and drama have earned both high places in the film roster. "Grandad Rudd" is really a sequel to the hilarious and amazingly successful "On Our Selection," coming from the same pen —that of Steele Rudd—and introducing the same characters. Bert Bailey as "Dad," Fred Mac Donald as Dave, William McGowan as Joe, Lilias AnSerson as Lil, Dave's wife, Molly Raynor as Amelia, Dan's giggling sweetheart, and a whole host of others, provide the merriment in this fine production. The straight romantic —essential but not dominant roles in the production—are taken by the young Tailiape (New Zealand) girl. Elaine Hamill, who appears as "Grandad's" grand-daugh-ter. while the Australian stage player. John Cameron, has the male juvenile lead as Tom Dalley, a young selector. STRAND THEATRE. "The sweetest little star in the record of the cinema" was the effusive praise lavished 011 Miss Shirley Temple by one southern critic after he had seen "Bright Eyes." This intensely human film has been taken to the Strand Theatre following on its highly successful season at the Civic Theatre. The dramatic story of

"Bright Eyes" was suggested to David Butler. Janet Gaynor's director, by a real-life incident occurring at a commercial airport near Los Angeles. "Bright Eyes" is an entirely new type of vehicle for Shirley. Its action takes place at a large commercial airport and in a wealthy Pasadena home nearby, at the Christmas season. Among the features of the jiew picture is Shirley's newest song; a rollicking number especially written for her by the noted team of Richard Whiting and Sidney Clare. Its title is "On the Good Ship Lollipop." Shirley, it is reported, was overjoyed when she was informed that James Dunn would again be her pal and leading man in "Bright Eyes." It was with Dunn, to whom she is devoted, that she appeared in "Baby Take a Bow" and "Stand Up and Cheer." BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Three pictures, in addition to newsreels, are being shown at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonbv, to-night. In "Little Miss Marker," a comedy-romance, Shirley Temple and Adolplie Menjou are stars, and in "The Student Tour," a bright musical comedy, Jimmy Durante is the j pivot. Laurel and Hardy are respon-1 sible for much clever clowning in "Midnight Patrol." CRYSTAL PALACE. The Crystal Palace 'Theatre offers fine entertainment 'toinight, when two big pictures will be screened. "The Hideout" is an interesting mixture of comedy and drama, with Robert Montgomery and Maureen O'Sullivan starring. The second picture. "The Finishing School," deals with the teaching of daughters of rich parents to become ladies, and many amusing situations arise. Frances Dee, Billie Burke, Ginger Rogers and Bruce Cabot have leading parts. ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. A bright entertainment is to be offered at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, this evening. "Riptide," a stirring drama with Norma Shearer in the principal role, is the first of two big pictures. The other is "The Dude Ranger," a Western thriller, with George O'Brien the hero. NEW REGENT AND ALEXANDRA. At the New Regent, Epsom, and Alexandra, Greenlane, to-night, will bo screened a programme which should find favour with all. "The Broken Melody," a story of Devil's Isliftid, stars Meri Oberon. and in "Elinor Norton." which is based upon the eternal triangle, ClaireTrevor and Norman Foster are the principals. Either picture is good entertainment. It is worth mentioning that John Garriek, who plays the male lead in "The Broken Melody," played on the local stage some years ago as Reginald Dandy. EMPRESS, NEWTON. The bright comedy, "The Girl From Missouri." with tlie popular Jean Harlow in the title role, is one of two drawing cards at the Empress Theatre to-night. "The Merry Wives of Reno" is a comedydrama with Guy Kibbee heading a strong cast. STATE, DEVONPORT. Comedy and mystery are offered at the State Theatre, Devonport, this evening. "Three On a Honeymoon" is a mirthmaking story with Zasu Pitts, and Sally Filers making merry. In more serious vein is "The Kennel Murder Case," starring William Powell. I RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. • At the Rialto, Newmarket, on Sunday evening the main attraction will be the exhilarating comedy. "The Hawleys of High Street." Leslie Fuller has a role which affords him ample scope for his inimitable humour, and he is supported by a strong cast. A fine selection of short films will also be shown. KING'S THEATRE, NORTHCOTE. "Wild Cargo," depicting the life of wild animals, is being shown at the King's Theatre, Northcotc, to-night. Also on the bill is an engrossing story, "Scotland Yard Mystery," in which there are some exciting disclosures before the mystery is solved. MUNICIPAL BAND. An interesting musical programme will be given by the Auckland Municipal Band at Albert Park to-morrow evening. A programme will also be given in the Zoological Park during the afternoon, and in Painell Park on Wednesday evening next.

ANNA STEN AT THE REGENT. A distinctive programme of attractive and interesting films supporting Tolstoi's famous classic, "Resurrection," produced under the title "We Live Again," with Anna Stcn featured in one of her most notable portraitures as Katusha, captivated a large audience at the Regent Theatre last night. The constant tragic shadow of bitter contrasts between flagrant peasant slavery under the knout and the aristocratic arrogance and luxurious orgies of the Nicholas dynasty, which were expressed with such poignant pessisism in Tolstoi's epic, the sombre brooding spirit of an oppressed people about to flare into rebellion —these are admirably expressed in excerpts from the original deftly woven into a moving love sts>ry. Judicious adaptations of some of the episodes impart a somewhat lighter spirit which relieves the tension of the general tragic atmosphere. The picturesque rites of the Greek Churcn festivals, and the glorious re-awakening of Nature's beauties after the Russian frost-bound winter are features also strongly emphasised by artistic photography to bring a cheerful beauty into the foreground. As a result the strong dramatic features of "Resurrection" are preserved, while the picture story ends on a note of promise which enables the picture to evade the original story's rather depressing gloom. Anna Sten presents an inspired study of Katusha in the several phases from innocence to sophistication and finally martyrdom, with ever the touch of Slavic fatalism. Fredric March's Dimitri is also a masterpiece of character study in its subtle touches hinting at the spirit that moved Russia to the great upheaval. Highly interesting topical items appear in the news reel, an especially intriguing feature being a mannequin parade of fashion showing the latest way of introducing new styles through the medium of a playlet by children. Beauty and music are combined in an "organlogue," in which descriptive dialogue is accompanied by organ music, with intervals of song by Donald Novis. A travelogue, entitled "Around Malaysia" illustrates some of the little-known features of Eastern life, and has the added attraction of quaintly humorous description. Then there is, too, a thrilling picture of folk who earn their living by working and stunting at great heights, and finally a supremely funny Mickey Mouse fantasy. It is a good programme. NEW DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. At the New de Luxe, Mount Albert, to-night, _ the feature of a strong programme is the stirring drama "Riptide," in which Norma Shearer is responsible for a very fine performance. She is ablyassisted by a strong cast. Supports covering a wide variety of subjects will also be shown. PLAZA THEATRE. New Zealand is the latest country to succumb to the charms of the fine musical film, "One Night of Love," which features the internationally famous opera star, Grace Moore. "One Night of Love" opened on January 25 to wonderful business at the Plaza Theatre, and has now entered on its fifth highly successful week. This has not been equalled since the triumph of "Sunshine Susie" two years ago. It is quite obvious from the result of the initial season that "One Night of Love" possesses entertainment potentialities of a truly universal nature, the picture having created a furore in practically every country of the world. The skilful- direction, the operatic arias and sparkling incidental music make 'this production one of the most entertaining pictures ever to emanate from American studios. "One Night of Love" still continues on its record-breaking way at the Liberty Theatre, Sydney, being now in its eighth week and still shows strong indication, judging b.v the undiminisliing audiences that daily flock to the theatre, of continuing on its merry way for a while to come. Grace Moore, who came to the screen from the Chicago opera stage five years ago in "A Lady's Morals" (the story of Jenny Lind), and also in a talkie of "New Moon," with Lawrence Tibbett, has suave Tullio Carminati as her leading man in this film. Unlike Tibbett he does not sing, but he is more popular.

AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Based on the Australian bushranging story by E. W. Hotnung, the Hollywood film, "Stingaree." gives two splendid roles to Richard Dix (name part) and Irene Dunne (as a prima donna). The film is showing together with "Looking For Trouble" at the Avondale "Municipal Theatre to-uiglit. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. Cast as a woman spy in the World War 1 , !Ivr 11 a Loy has a brilliant romantic and dramatic role in "Stamboul Quest," in which she is seen with George Brent tins evening at the Ambassador Theatre," Point Chevalier. Also screening is "Let's Talk It Over," with Chester Morris and Mae Clarke. KINGSLAND TALKIES. A remarkable fantasy forms the chief entertainment for this evening at the Kingsland Talkies (Theatre Royal) tonight. This is "Death Takes a Holiday," which was seen as a fine silent film some years ago. In the modern talkie version popular Fredric March takes the central role, with Evelyn Venable and Sir Guy Standing as chief supporting players. Screening in conjunction with "Death Takes a Holiday" is "365 Nights in Hollywood," featuring James Dunn and Alice Faye. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Two films which have only just completed their city release seasons will be screened to-night at the Grey Lynn Cinema. These are "The Case of the Howling Dog," a most interesting murder mystery-romance featuring Warren William as Perry Mason, detective, and "The Captain Hates the Sea," a hilarious comedy. -The splendid cast of the latter production consists of Victor McLaglen, Walter Connolly (the skipper), John Gilbert, Wynne Gibson and Alison Skipworth. NEW EMPIRE, DOMINION ROAD. A strong in'ogramme is offered at the i New Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, this evening. An interesting picture, based on "Sapper's" well-known story, is the British production, "The Return of Bulldog Druiiimond." Also on the programme is " One Is Guilty," a fascinating etory with Ralph Bellamy and Shirley Grey in the leading roles. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. At the Strand Theatre, Onchunga, tonight, will be screened a delightful romance in " Have a Heart," with Jean Parker, James Dunn, and Una Merkel as principals. A bright musical revue is " Sitting Pretty," in which a strong cast k headed by Jack Oakie, " Ginger" Rogers, and Thelnia Todd. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Good entertainment is provided at the Mayfair Cinema, Sandringham, this evening, where Ruth Chatterton is responsible for an outstanding performance in the romantic drama " Journal of Crime." Another good picture showing is " Mandalay," with a Burmese setting. Kay Francis is the star. ~ DANCING. Peter Pan, Franeonia tourists' night. Dixieland, dancing. Pirate Shippe, Milford, jazz programme. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, naval Bali. Masonic Hall, Newton, old-time programme. Carlton Cabaret, dancing; Monday, oldtime. None Nicer Hall, Newmarket, old-time programme. Rialto Ballroom, old-time carnival. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitcmata Swimming Club's dance. Point Chevalier Sailing Clubhouse. Savona Dance Band. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon's orchestra. Dominion Hall, Tuesdays, Brixton Daiice Club. Zealaudiu Hall, Balmoral, Hull's orchestra.

"CLEOPATRA" AT ST. JAMES'. All the glamour and splendour of Egypt and Rome embellished uy the gaudy background of a thousand ancient bedazzlements combine to make "Cleopatra," which opened its . Auckland season at St. James' Theatre last evening, a spectacle of magnificent splendour. The creative genius of Cecil B. do Mille, whose fame still lives for his direction of such splendid films as "The Ten Commandments" and "The King of Kings," has been responsible once again for bringing to the screen in a vivid way a page of Roman and Egyptian history that was steeped in romance. It was not on effect and spectacle alone that the director depended for another brilliant success. He gathered about him a cast of talented actors who portray the grim drama of the tragic story of Antony and Cleopatra faithfully and impressively, and the wh'ole is a splendid representation of the story of the domination of Egypt's ravishing Queen over two of Rome's leaders. In the role of Cleopatra, Claudette Colbert gives an excellent portrayal of the apparent pleasure-loving girl who harbours in her heart an undying desire to serve Egypt alone. In the opening scenes Julius Caesar arrives in Alexandria to subjugate the proud Egyptians, but Caesar becomes intrigued by the lovely Cleopatra and falls. There is the death scene in the Roman Senate, when the lovers of.the Republic kill Caesar for his dalliance in Egypt. It is then that Marc Antony swears to the populace to bring back the Serpent of the Nile to Rome in chains. Then the greatest love romance of all time is unfolded and Antony's fate is sealed, patriotism and duty to their countries being subordinated by Antony and Cleopatra to their great love. Throughout the film there are scenes of brilliant splendour, lavish entertainments. and thrilling battles on land and sea. Delightful items by the Marco Orchestra and splendid supporting, films add to the complete enjoyment of the programme. A "Popeye" cartoon. "The Sleep-Walker," kept the audience in fits of laughter. A delightful colour film and an unusual Sportlight of speed boat racing and aquaplaning through the Florida swamps completes a programme high in entertainment value.

AMUSEMENT GUIDE. PICTURE THEATRES. ClVlC—T.oretta Young- ana John Boles in "The White Parade.v RQXY AND TlVOLl—Richard Dix in "West or the Pecos" and Claud Rams in "The .Man Who Reclaimed His Head." PLAZA—firace Moore and Tullio Carminati in "One Night or Love." NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD— Bert Bailey in '.-Grandad Rudd" and Joan Blondell in "Kansas City Princess." MAJESTIC —Guy Kibbee and Aline MacMation In -"li;g-nearted Herbert." REGENT —Anna Sten and Fredric March In "We Live (Again." LONDON—Bebe Daniels and Lupino Lane in "A Southern Maid." STRAND—Shirley Temple and James Dunn in "Bright Eyes." ST. JAMES'—Claudette Colbert and Warren William in "Cleopatra." ADELPHI —"Riptide." AMBASSADOR —"Stamboul Quest." ALEXANDRA —"Broken Melody." AVONDALE—"Stingaree." BIRKENHEAD —"Bolero." BRITANNIA —"Little Miss Marker." CRYSTAL PALACE—"HidC-OUt " CAPITOL—"Thank Your Stars." DE LUXE—"Riptide." EMPIRE —"Return or Bulldog Drummond." EMPRESS—"The Girl From Missouri." GAIETY (Takapuna)—"The Murder at the Vanities." GREY LYNN CINEMA —"The Captain Hates the Sea." KING'S (Northcote) —"Scotland Yard Mystery." KINGSLAND —"Death Takes a Holiday." MAYFAIR—"JournaI or Crime." PICTUREDROME —"Mystery or the Private Car." REGENT (Epsom)—" Broken Melody." RIALTO —"Hide-out." southern CROSS —"Sons of the Desert." STATE (Devon port)—" The Kennel Murder' Case." STATE (Onehunga)—"The Fountain." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Last Gentleman." STRAND (Onehunga)—"Have a lloart." TUDOR —"Let's Try Again." VICTORIA —"The Circus Clown." WEST END —"My Song For You."