AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 216, 12 September 1935, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

"TEN-MINUTE ALIBI."

It has been said that no play since the war has met with more universal success than Anthony Armstrong's famous " TciiMimite Alibi." In Groat Britain alone over 1,000,000 people have eeeu the stage version. This famous thriller has now been brought to the screen, and will be released in Auckland at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow, replacing the gruesome

"Bride of Frankenstein." The story is both mathematically ingenious and tremendously enthralling. The leading role is played by that brilliant young Hollywoodiap Phillips Holmes (making his British film debut) and Aileen Marson, beautiful leading lady to Jnn Kiepura in "My Sons for You."' An a play, "TenMinute Alibi" created much enthusiasm in Auckland earlier this year. London critics wrote of the film version: " The screen medium, being more intimate and direct, focusee (lie attention on t'ie individual, .situation, or dialogue th.;t matters at the moment instead of leaving the eye free to Wander over a vast stage. ' Ten-Minute Alibi' possesses every basis essential of the mtirrter-inystery, rlrainaSUepenec, human interest and romance, and risrs superior to many contemporary lilniK of Hβ type by virtue of it« ingenious central theme; the dramatic power of its characterisation, and the smooth artistry of its treatment in general."'

ROXY AND TIVOLI. An adventure-mystery film of a splendid form is being shown jointly at the Koxy and I'ivoli Theatres this week. The film is "Black Sheep," in which a New Edmund Lowe—far from the Sergeant Quirt characterise tion of the past—i.s revealed in his portrayal of <i professional gambler who finds the cards stacked against him when lie tackles a game wherein everything".ho counts worth while is at stake. Claire Trevor, who in expected to reach the front rank of film favourities this year, enacts the role of "an actress in spite of what the critics think," who is "walking * home" from her first trip abroad. Lowe joins forces with Miss Trevor to back a romance and save the life of Tom Brown, a misguided youth, who is unrict the influence of Adrienne Ames, a smooth kleptomaniacal adventuress, who is trying to smuggle a stolen necklace of priceless pearls through the Customs. Eugene Pallette, a millionaire oilman out for a "good time" and a "trimming," and Herbert Mundin, a gently "plastered" knight of the bottle, keep audiences in continuous laughter. On the same programme is "Chasing Yesterday/ , ii brilliant romantic comedy-drama of the type of "Little Women" and "Anne of Green Gobies." It is adapted from Anntolo France's "Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard," and stars Anne Shirley, O. P. Hcggie and Helen Wcstley. "BELLE OF BARCELONA." An enjoyable musical comedy-ope;-rtta will be staged by the Balmoral Choir, one of the most active and well-organised theatrical organisations in Auckland, .ir. the Scots Hall next Wednesday and Thursday evenings. This is "The Belle of Barcelona." It will be produced by Mrs. 11. S. Harvey with full choral, operatic and orchestral effects. The story concerns a romance of Barcelona around the period of the annual Toreadors' Festival. Many colourful scenes and enchanting musical numbers arc incorporated in the show.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD

When "Private Worlds," which boasts such box-olliee names as Ctaudctte Colbert, Chillies Boyer, Joel McCrea and Joan Bennett, is screened finally this evening, together with the English thriller, "Deata at Broadcasting House," two varying films will be given an opportunity for local release. "Sweet Music" is a splendid musical production in which the great radio favourite Rudy Vallce is starred, along with Ann . Dvorak, Neil Sparks, Allen Jenkins and Alice White. "The Great Defender," which has received excellent notices in Southern centres, is a splendid vehicle for the brilliant talents of the English stage and screen actor Mathcson Lang, seen recently in the title-role or "Drake of England." It is have been based on the exploits of most famous criminal lawyer, the late Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

STRAND THEATRE. Two of America's biggest stars are combined on the current bill at the Strand Theatre. They are Shirley Temple, who appears in her first really big picture, "Stand Up and Cheer," and Harold Lloyd, in the inoEt recent of his comedies, "The Cat's Paw." This is a splendid tale of small-town politics in the States, and could equally well apply to an over-governed British community. Tomorrow's change of programme will introduce n bill headed by some of Britain's finest comedy stars. Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courcneidge are featured in the musical comedy-romance, "Falling For . You," which also stars Tamari Desni. Cyril Maude is the principal laugh-getter in "Heat Wave," a first-release production. Tho veteran Australian favourite Vera Pearce has an excellent role, while Ann-i Lee and Albert Burdon are in the supporting cast.

RIALTO, NEWMARKET. Warner Baxter lias been consistently, in the six years of talk on the screen, one of einemaland's most popular stars. Appearing in the early "In OM Arizona" and "Tho 'Cisco Kid," followed by many indoor comedy and romance films, he has maintained his following with surprising ease. lie repeats the virile outdoor type which he created in those two earlier talkies in "Under the Pampas Moon," which the management of the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, will present this evening. Ketti Gallian, tho brilliant Continental star, who made her Hollywood bow in the film "Mario Galante," is his leading lady. John Miljan and many other well-known players are included in the film's cast. On the same programme at the Rialto is "Shadow of Doubt," a gripping mystery melodrama, in which Kieardo Cortez and Virginia Bruce are listed as principals. Constance Collier, believed by many filmgoers to be the natural successor to the mantle of the late Mario Dressier, has a good comedy role. CRYSTAL PALACE, MOUNT EDEN.

Warner Oland is the one and only actor to portray the great Oriental detective Charlie Chan, as created in Earl Derr Biggers' world-famous talcs. The film "Charlie Chan in Egypt" takes this genial master sleuth to the mystery-wrapped land of the Pharaohs, wliere deep and dark conspiracies againsi sacred life and property are unearthed and foiled by his suave and brilliant methods. This film will be presented to this evening's audience at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Mount Eden, in conjunction with "Air Hawks," an absorbing drama of the commercial airways of the United States, in which Ralph Bellamy and Tala Birell are stellar players. A most interesting addition to the cast is the late lamented world-famous Wiley Post, who performs In the film what he tried so hard, but in vain, to do in real life—fly in the stratosphere across America.

STAR CINEMA, NEWTON. A powerful romantic drama is unfolded in "Behold My Wife!" with Gene Raymond and Sylvia Sidney ns stars. The picture, now showing at the Star Cinema: Xewton, concerns the story of a Red Tndian girl married to a New York society leader, who gradually wins her way it recognition .through the most difficult, barriers the world has to offer —social prejudice. The enjoyable "Hollywood Party" is also screening currently at th.? Star Cinema. Saturday'? change of programme will introduce two splendid entertainment features in Greta Garbo's great historical drama, "Queen Christina" mil the thoroughly enjoyable comedy. "The Old-Fashioned "Way" (W. C. Fields and Baby Lcßby).

STATE, SYMONDS STREET. The peculiar style of comedy, romance, adventure ami emotional scenes whicn made "Here Comes tho Navy" such a popular picture is repeated to even more entertaining effect in "Devil Dogs of the Air," which will head the new bill to replace' the current "Living on Velvet'' and "The Fountain" at the State Theatre. Upper Symonds Street, to-morrow. Jom<?3 Cf.r Pat o-*>-n» ->r"l Frank AToHugn are featured. "The Richest Girl in the World," a romance starring Miriam Hopkins and Joel HcCrea, is also showing.

TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA,

More stirring adventures befall the popular Oriental Ucteclive in the film "Charlie Chan in London," in which Warner Oland is ngnin starred. The talented brunette Australian actress Mona Barrie has the feminine lead.

"WITHOUT WITNESS." One of the most promising casts which Mr. Frederic E. McCaJltim has assembled in recent years will be seen when ho produces Anthony Armstrong's second drama, "Without Witness," for the Auckland Little Theatre Society in tho Town Hail Concert Chamber on Saturday evening. The cast is headed by Mr. McCallum himself, Douglas Stark, Mildred Donald and Phoebe Clnrkr. After a remarknbly short period for rehearsal, Mr. McCallum has achieved a great degree of harmony and fluency with his artists. Tho play in in the nature of a eequel to the highly popular "Ten-Minute Alibi."

LAST FRIENDLY ROAD SING. The final winter community sinp under the auspices of the Friendly Road radio organisation will be held this evening in the Town Hall, with Aunt Daisy' and Uncle Tom as sons leaders. A large chorus of "knights" and "ladies"' of the "Order of the Sponge" will participate.