AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1935, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE MIGHTY BARNUM," REGENT. In keeping with the Regent's unswerving policy of providing the best of entertainment for its patrons, the management, in presenting "The Mighty Barnum" to Auckland for the first time last evening, added aijother milestone in the theatre's career. "The Mighty Barnum," the United Artists 20th Century film, is a picture that deserves to live, and if the picture itself is remembered, then the consummate artistry of Wallace Berry as the great Barnum will be remembered as a gem of characterisation. Shaded only by the brilliance of Beery, Adolphe Menjou plays the part of Bailey Walsh, the capable business man but erratic drunkard. These are the two stars who sparkle a little more brightly than any of the others in this splendid representation of "the greatest show on earth." From first to last it is a colourful and exciting story of the mights' Barnum's incredible life. The story opens with Barnum and his loyal but nagging wife running a small grocery store in New York. Barnum has an irrepressible desire to exhibit the few freaks of Nature he has collected. At last his chance comes and from a small beginning he walks the whole gamut of. the showman's life until Barnum's is • the biggest and best show on earth. At the height of his career Barnum is supreme. Then comes the crash and Barnum sits a pathetic figure with the smouldering ruins of his great show all around him. His place has been fired by the opposition. Then comes his recovery, with Barnum and Bailey marching on to greater things, the show bigger and brighter than ever. The possessor of a glorious voice, Virginia Bruce as Jenny Lind contributes much to the enjoyment of the film. Seldom has such a collection of freaks been assembled in one cast. There is an enormously fat woman, a woman with a beard, the tallest man that ever walked, and two midgets, George and Olive Brasno, who at one stage are the mainstays of Barnum's show. It is fine entertainment. An excellent programme of wide variety is provided in the first, half. Topics of the day are dealt with in an interesting newsreel,, which includes shots taken on the day of the recent plebiscite in the Saar, a splendid patriotic speech by Mr. Lloyd George, and a talk by Sir Malcolm Campbell on his attempt on the world land speed record at Daytona. "Nature's Little Jokes," an interesting study of Australian animal life, a delightful Mickey the Mouse cartoon, and a bright musical film complete the programme. A brilliant illusionist, "Kardo," provides a clever performance on the stage during the interval. His tricka were executed in a polished manner. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. A hilarious comedy and a truly thrilling mystery drama are incorporated on the joint dual programme screening this week at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The comedy is "Friends of Mr. Sweeney," and the drama "No Escape," featuring Binnie Barnes and lan Hunter. Charlie Ruggles' portrait in "Friends of Mr. Sweeney" of a demure Asaph is a brilliant one. Professionally Asaph is the fire-eatting leader writer of "The Balance," a review which has high principles but a low circulation. Personally, Asaph is a diffident man, who wears goloshes, wraps himself up warmly against the cold, is bullied by waiters, and is inarticulate in the presence of women. Once upon a time he had been a doughty footballer and roisterer, but continued associations with the pompous, over-bearing Franklin P. Mumbaught, proprietor of "The Balance," has left him a mere shadow of his old self. That is how matters stand when Rixey, a corpulent, cheerful friend of Mr. Ruggles' youth, arrives from the west on holiday with the intention of "tearing the town apart," as he expresses it. Then the worm turns. Asaph becomes a boy again, and the town, if not torn apart, is shaken by his vigorous onslaught. Mr. Ruggles does this kind of thing very well. Berton Churchill handles the role of' the pompous hypocrite with equal skill; and Eugene Pallette is a sufficiently plump and cheery Rixey. The title, "Friends of Mr. Sweeney," is the password with which Asaph and Rixey make their way into a gambling establishment. Its significance is never known either to Asaph or to ~the audience. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Brilliant musical entertainment is provided by "The Gay Divorcee," which is entertaining patrons of the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden, at the moment. With Fred Astaire, the English dancing genius, and "Ginger" Rogers, an old Hollywood favourite, starred in the principal roles, the production is notable for its introduction to cinema audiences of the new dance, "The Continental." The story opens on a railway station, when Astaire and Edward Everett Horton are returning froni a holiday. While they ore there a dress caught in a trunk serves to introduce Astaire to Miss Rogers. He makes little advance in the early stages of the romance, but by persistence he finally wears down her antagonism. The climax, when Astaire is taken for the corespondent for Miss Rogers' divorce, is skilfully acted, revealing the pair as possessing a wealth of personality.

RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. Comedy piles on comedy in riotous fashion in the English film, "You Made Me Love You." which features -Stanley Liip'ino and Thelma Todd as the principals in a hilarious modern version of the Shakespearean "Taming of the Shrew" story. The picture is screening to-morrow night at the Kialto Theatre, Newmarket, in aid of local charities. KING'S, NORTHCOTE. Screening with the first episode of the thrilling serial, "Tailspin Tommy," two enjoyable pictures are listed for this evening at the King's Theatre, Northcote. These are Carl Brissoh's pleasing English musical. "Two Hearts in Waltz Time" and "The County Chairman," one of the best recent Will Rogers comedies. STATE, ONEHUNGA. One of the most successful musical and dance feature films of the past year will be shown this evening at the State Theatre, Onehunga, in "The Gay Divorcee," a film adaptation of the famous stage success. "Gay Divorce." Fred Astairc and "Ginger" Rogers are starred in the film, which is showing together with J. B. Priestley's play, "Dangerous Corner." -

"EVENSONG" AT CIVIC. The portrayal in 88 minutes of all the music, romance and tragedy of a great prima donna's career, through more than thirty years could only be achieved by masterly direction and a case of more than ordinary talent. Gaumont-Britisli had both available for the making of "Evensong," which opened at the Civic Theatre last evening. Only too Barely. is a voice like that of Evelyn Laye combined with her talent for acting, but her characterisation of Irela is without flaw. She has, too, the support of Fritz Kortner, Carl Esmond, Enilyn Williams and Conchita Supervia, all of whom handle difficult roles perfectly. The story is based on the book of the same name by Beverley Nichols, who, when it was published, was bitterly attacked by friends of the late Dame ileVba, on tlie grounds that he had followed too closely the facts of the later days of her career. Tn the picture the story is handled with delicate sympathy from the day when Irela, then plain Maggie McNeill, elopes from her home in Trc'and with a musician. George Murray (Emlyn Williams), to study singing in Paris to the tragic night, more than thirty years later, when a London audience applauds a younger rival and Irela knows that her singing days are done. Between those dates the camera follows Irela from success to success through nil the capitals of Europe. To gain the first rung of the ladder to fame, she says good-bye to her first love and places herself under the management of Kober (Fritz Kortner), who thereafter insists that she shall be always the singer, never the woman. Romance comes again into her life, however, with the gift of a diamond necklace from an admirer in Monte Carlo. In Berlin, Budapest, St. Petersburg— everywhere she appears— her unknown admirer follows her with his gifts. In Venice be makes himself known as Count Ehrinberg and Irela admits that she has fallen in love with him. In Vienna, whither Irela is called to give, a command performance, she discovers that her lover is 1T.1.H. the Archduke Theodore. Then the war divides them. Her first love, George Murray, conies into her life again but for a few moments only, as Private Murray, shell-shocked, crippled and dying. A splendid finish is supplied to complete the drama. The supporting programme includes a Fox Movietone News, a Gaumont-Ideal film of interesting current topics and an hilarious domestic comedy, "Get Along. Little•• Hubby." Mr. Barrie Brettoncr at the organ aives some variations of the ponulac "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?"

TIVOLI AND RIALTO. With a splendid cast of popular musical comedy or romantic players and a wealtii of captivating melodies in its make-up, "Lottery Lover" docs not surprise by its success during the current week, screening jointly at the Tivoli and Kialto Theatres. Lew Ayres, who will be remembered as Janet Gaynor's lover in "State Fair" and the more recent "Servants' Entrance," is the male load in this most enjoyable production, while lovely little English Pat Paterson has the feminine lead. Poggy Fears, Reginald Denny, Alan Dinchart, Walter King and Nick Foran are other prominent members of'the cast of players in "Lottery Lover." Also screening at both theatres with this film is a powerful drama, "Jealousy." The film story revolves about the dramatic experiences of George Murphy as a boxing championship contender who enters the ring for his most important battle distracted by an argument with his fiancee. As he turns to look at the girl at the ringside a well placed hook floors him for the count. He revives in his dres-sing-room, to find himself a defeated man. He becomes reconciled with his sweetheart, marries her and again quarrels when he thinks she is untrue to him. In a jealous rage he kills the suspected man. His wife takes the blame, is placed on trial for her life, and is about to be convicted when the conscious smitten fighter confesses. The surprise climax is a most unusual dramatic trick.

STRAND THEATRE. Screening together with the thrilling melodrama, "Rendezvous at Midnight," an English mystery film now being given its premiere showing in Auckland and starring Ralph Bellamy and Irene Hervey, the brilliant human comedy-drama "Imitation of Life," opened an extended season from the Civic Theatre with a promising session at the Strand last evening. It is an intensely human comedy-drama, centring round mother love. The producers have conveyed to the screen the very essence of Fanny Hurst's widely-read book, with all its pathos and drama, and the natural acting of the leads should strike a responsive chord in the hearts of those who witness this excellent production. The negro situation has been delicately handled. The first half of the picture is in a very light mood. It depicts the joy and sorrows of Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers, her faithful coloured servtfnt, both widows, in their efforts to make a. success of their business and to build a future for their children. The romantic interest is pleasant, and hero again the theme has been handled with delicacy. In the second half the tragedy commences. The closing scene, which shows the death of the coloured mother, is particularly touching, especially when the daughter repents and breaks down at the funeral, blaming herself for the death of her mother, who had really died of a broken heart. WEST END, PONSONBY. Fine human comedy an d a sufficient background of dranmtic feeling which rings true make "Thfi Human Side," with Adolpho Mcnjou and Doris ■ Kenyon, a first-rate supporting attraction at the West End Theatre. Ponsonby, to-night for the lavish film "Music in the Air." This production has many great names associated with it, such as Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein 11. (composers), Erich Pommer (famous German producer), Joe May (noted Austrian director), Jack Donolme (dance director) and Gloria Swanson and John Boles (stars), with Douglass Montgomery and June Lang in support. STATE, DEVONPORT. A most amusing collection of; inanities and insanities comprises the newest vehicle for Bert Wheeler and Bob Woolsey, "Kentucky Kernels," which is to. lie presented to to-night's audience at (lip State Theatre, Devonport. Herbert Mundin and Pat Paterson are featured in "Call It Luck," also showing. MUNICIPAL BAND. An attractive programme of interesting music will be given by the Auckland Municipal Band in Albert Park to-mor-row evening. The band will also play in the Zoological Park during the afternoon. >•

"THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." Skilfully and delightfully woven round the days of the American War of Independence, "The Pursuit of Happiness," which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening is a line comedy-drama. The directors have handled the story delicately, and have introduced a light vein into the picture that keeps the audience highly amused. The main point of tlie production is "bundling," an old New England custom indulged when lirewood was scarce and the thermometer round about zero. Courting couples used to make love in a bed, the pair having to retire fully clothed, with a dividing centre-board between them. The story opens during the revolutionary war, a time when Iving George 111. sent over Hessian soldiers to fight his battle with the colonies. Francis Lederer, a peaceloving Hessian, and a musician by trade, deserts the army once lie arrives in America. He hides in Charles Ruggles' home, but is soon caught. Ho convinces the authorities that he really wants to be an American, and is permitted his freedom during the day, but has to remain in the barracks at night. He falls to the charms of Joan Bennett, the daughter of Charles Ruggles, , and this is strongly resented by Joan's American suitor, Adrian Morris. He places Lederer under arrest. Joan, in love with Lederer, pays him a visit, and tells him that if he can escape she will be waiting for him. He escapes and goes to see Joan. She invites him to "bundle," .but while the pair arc doing this the town caretaker finds them at the old custom and threatens to bring disgrace to the family. However Ruggles then receives advice that he has been appointed recruiting officer for the town, and the first thing he does is to ballot the reformer. Lederer'is recognised by the authorities as an American, and is made interpreter at Washington. The final stages have been skilfully handled, and altogether the picture is very entertaining. An excellent programme is in support, including two ncwsreels ami a musical comedy, "Rhythm on the Roof." A coiour cartoon entitled "Little Dutch Mill" introduces a third dimensional effect for the first time in cartoons. NEW EMPIRE, DOMINION ROAD. Excellent light entertainment is provided with a modicum of the dramatic element in Darryl V. Zanuck's "Moulin Rouge," which features Constance Bennett in a splendid dual characterisation. This shows to-night at the New Empire Theatre." Dominion Road, in association with "Paris Interlude," a good romance which boasts Madge Evans and Otto Kruger as stars.

MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Cbarleg Laugh ton leapt to' world fame a year ago in Mr. Alexander Korda's brilliant comedy, "The Private Life of Henry VIII.," which is to receive what will probably be its final screening in Auckland this evening at the Mayfair Cinema, Sandringham.

VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Direct from the city release season, the thrilling film version of W. Bruce Lockhart's war memoirs, entitled "British Agent," is to l>e presented this evening at the .Victoria Tiieatre, Devonport. Kay Francis and Leslie Howard are ytars •of this excellent dramatic production. LONDON, QUEEN STREET. A brilliant dramatic production, "No More Orchids," featuring exotic Carole Lombard with Walter Connolly, is the chief item of this evening's entertainment bill at the London Theatre, Queen Street. A programme of good supports is also offered. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Plenty of popular modern musical comedy is to be seen and heard in "We're Not Dressing," which will display Carole Lombard to-night at the Tudor Cinema, Kcnniera. The comedy team of George Burns and Grade Allen is prominent in the film. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. The comedy of Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn is most enjoyable in "Turkey Time," the current feature at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. The Rim is based on one of the famous Aldwych Theatre farces. NEW REGENT AND ALEXANDRA. A most amusing comedy film is "Bachelor Bait," which is to be shown as chief supporting feature this evening jointly at the New Regent and Alexandra Cinemas to the attractive musical romance, "'Caravan." Directed by Erik Charell, noted European director, as his initial Hollywood venture, this fine gipsy romance stars Loretta Young, Phillips Holmes and Charles Boyer. This dual programme should proviite excellent entertainment value for every class of the picture-going community. EMPRESS, NEWTON. Many war aviation films have been produced, but few have been ko realistic in action as "Hell in the Heavens," which has popular Warner Baxter for star. This picture is screening to-night at the Empress Theatre, Newton, together with the Victorian comedy-drama, "The Age of Innocence" (John Boies and Irene Dunne). ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. A cast of 20 or 30 stars and well-known players of stage , , screen and radio helps to make first-rate musical entertainment of "Lots o' Fun," now screening at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, in conjunction with "Mo's" Australian-made comedy, "Strike Me Lucky!" NEW DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Good romantic drama is found in the two feature productions to be shown jointly this evening at the New de Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. These are "Gambling," starring the brill-ant American actor-producer George M. Cohan, and "Hide-Out," with Robert Montgomery and Maureen O'Sullivan as lovers.

EBITANNIA, PONSONBY. Centred round a murder mystery with a famous screen star as the victim, "The Crime of Helen Stanley" should provide excellent . fare for to-night's audience at the Britannia Theatre, Pon.sonby. Also screening is the brilliant film "Treasure Island," with Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper heading an nil-star cast, and the Laurel and Hardy feature, "Busy-Bodies." STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Constance Bennett has a dramatic 'suiting her talpnts in "Outcast Lady," in which she will be seen with debonair Her-

Bert Marshall to-night at the Strand Theatre, OneJnmga. The film is showing together with the musical comedy, "Thank Your Stars," starring Jack Oaklc.

PLAZA THEATRE. So popular has Grace Moore's beautiful singing proved to be in the enchanting musical picture, "One Night of Love," that the season of the film at the Plaza Theatre has been extended for a further week. This indisputably gives the film (and theatre) the record for talkies, and approaches dangerously close to the record for silents, held jointly by "The Wagon" (ten weeks) and "The Ten Commandments" (ten weeks, with a three weeks' extended season at another theatre). Grace Moore's glorious voice is heard on tha talking screen in its true beauty, due to the wide range system of sound" which brings out eacli note with rare clarity. Another reason for the excellent quality of her singing is the "hill and dale" system of recording, a new method which earned a joint award by the "American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences earlier this month, as being one of the two finest technical achievements of the year. In "One Night of Love" the songs are logically introduced into the slight but fascinating story, which tells of the struggle for fame of a ' young singer who js forced to place everything but her studies from her mind. An excellent characterisation of a temperamental impresario is given by Tiillio Carminati, while Mona Barrie and Lyle Talbot also act with distinction. There is a fine supporting programme.

KINGSLAND TALKIES. ■ Undoubtedly tu c besfc o£ all Shirley Temple's films, "Little Miss Marker," in which Adolphe Menjou also has an excellent role, is to be shown at this evening s session at the Kingsland Talkies (Theatre Royal). On the same bill is "Stamboul Quest," a thrilling espionage drama, with Myrna Loy in the principal role. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Adapted freely from the late John Galsworthy's last novel, "Over the River," the enjoyable film, "One More River," with Diana Wynya'rd, Jane Wyatt, Colin Clive and Frank Lawton as stars, will be shown this evening at the Avondale Muncipal Theatre in conjunction with "Come On, Marines." AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. Two aetionful dramas arc listed for dual presentation on to-night's bill of fare at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. The polished film, "The Mystery of Mr. X," with Kobert Montgomery and Elizabeth Allan starred, is showing, also "Million-Dollar Ransom," featuring Phillips Holmes and Mary Carlisle.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Concerning the performance of Greta Garbo in "The Painted Veil," which is now entertaining crowded houses in an extended season showing at the St. James' Theatre, the London "Sunday Times" reviewer. Sydney Carroll, wrote a few weeks ago: "The event of the week in films is the re-appearance of the great Garbo. In Somerset Maugham's embittered story of 'The Painted Veil,' one of the most powerful of all his sinister creations, we see Greta Garbo exercising that amazing personality of hers without cheek. Her smiles are irresistible, her pathos and sense of doom overwhelming. 'J , here is a sinuous confidence about all her movements, an assertion of self that captivates and tortures our senses into subjugation. The strength of her features, the decision of her manner, the resolution of her speech, the dominance of her character, as displayed in this particular portrait, or rather exemplification of herself, obliterate all the many defects of the story as told on the film. Her love making is beautifully done: it is a conflicting mixture of sensuality and spirituality. It paints a human soul in torment. Conscience was never more evident on the screen. Taken as a whole, the film, is not outstanding. It suffers from George Brent's Americanised attache to the British Embassy, and does not gain greatly by Herbert Marshall's depressed and tired'husband. Its backgrounds are picturesque corners of a film studio, and its dialogue long-winded. But there is always Garbo. And if, as has been stated, she earned £63,000 in the making of this picture, she was worth every penny of it." CAPITOL, DOMINION ROAD.

An excellent three-feature programme is listed for prcsentcition at the Capitol Theatre, .Dominion Road, this evening and again on Monday. The films to be screened include Laurel and Hardy s "Towed in a Hole"; the engrossing war spy drama, "Stambonl Quest,' with Myrna Loy and George Brent as stars; and "My Song -For You," Jan Kiepura s sensational new musical comedy-romance. Sonnie Halo, Aileen Marson and Emlyn Williams are prominent in the cast of this fine film, which is done in the style of the record-breaking "Tell Me Tonight." GREY LYNN CINEMA. Tim McCoy departs from the Wild West for "Hold the Press," a newspaper drama, which is to be presented this evening at the Grey Lynn Cinema in conjunction with the splendid Eskimo drama, "Mala the Magnificent," from Peter Freuchen's famous story.

STATE, SYMONDS STREET. One of those rare screen productions which slip by the public's notice by reason of their very excellence, "Crime Without Passion," is now receiving its initial suburban presentation in Auckland.at the State Theatre, Upper Symonds Street. Made in New York by two enterprising young men, one a journalist and the other a cinematographer, "Crime Without Passion" features Claude Rains, the courageous player who was Wells' "Invisible Man" on the screen. Whitney Bourne and Margo, the feminine lead, complete the cast A fine emotional drama, "ihe House on 56th Street," starring Ricardo Cortez and the popular Kay Francis with Gene Raymond in support is also being screened at the State. SOUTHERN CROSS, ELLERSLIE. With Wynne Gibson's fine dramatic film, "I Give My Love," as the chief support, the fine romantic musical production '-The Cat and the Fiddle, will be screened to-night at the Southern Cross Theatre, Ellerslie. Ramon Novarro and Jeanette MaeDonald are the stellar players.