AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 269, 13 November 1935, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The late Marie Dressier at the time of her death was the idol of millions ol cinema fans, and. it is only natural that there must be someone who will adorn her mantle and will in time become as popular as "the grand old lady." Ihe same studio which produced all Marw Dressler's successes has signed up the eminent British actress Constance Collier in the hope, that she will prove the logical successor to the well-loved Miss Dressier. She gives first proof of her ability in the comic mystery film "Shadow of Doubt," which is to be released on Friday at the Majestic Theatre, playing the important role of Aunt Melissa, a wealthy and eccentric old l'ccluse. Ricardo Cortez and Virginia Bruce featured in the romantic leads. There is always something funny in families o£ mixed nationalities and this fact is used to produce comedy dialogue and hilarious situations in "The Winning Ticket," which is also to be screened at the Majestic. Leo Carrillo, who has made Italian comedy dialect famous, is said to give an inimitable performance as an Italian barber, with Louise Fazenda as iiis belligerent though affectionate Irish wife. Ted Healey supports the new team as a shiftless brother-in-law. With the intervention into the scene of relatives, a missing sweepstake ticket that won the first prize, a term in gaol and other troubles, the fun should be fast and furious. James Ellison and Luis Alberni are also starred. REGENT THEATRE. Everything that makes for thrilling entertainment is to be found in "The Dark Angel," which is being screened at the Regent Theatre. There is excellence of production, synonymous with the name of Samuel Goldwyn; a love story rich in romantic appeal and a trio of famous stars. Merle Oberon, seen for the first time the role of a typical modern English girl, has made a big "hit" in England and in America in the role of Kitty Vane. Miss Oberon will be remembered for her brilliant work in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "Folies Bergeres," and in "The Dark Angel" 6he reveals a talent for emotional characterisation. She has become one of the most talked of persons in pictures and in this role of a modern girl she has become one of the screen's leading emotional actresses. Fredric March, who shares the leading honours, is well known for his parts in many outstanding pictures, including "Les Miserablcs." Herbert Marshall plays an important part with typical polish. These three players join in a romance of tender beauty, of love and sacrifice; alone they have been superb in pictures, and together they enact a story with poignant and breath-taking beauty. It tells of the lives of a woman and two men in a quiet corner of rural England. Since childhood Kitty Vane has adored Alan Trent and Gerald Shannon has adored Kitty. Relentless forces of life intervene, but years after a kindlier fate smooths the path of the lovers. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Ann Harding will be seen in a strong draiftatic role for the first time since she abandoned the stage for the screen when her newest film, "The Flame Within," opens a season at St. James' Theatre on Friday. Although she rose to stardom on Broadway as a dramatic actress of the first water, most of her outstanding pictures have been of the smart, sophisticated comedy type, such as "When Ladies Meet" and "Biography of a Bachelor Girl." In "The Flamo Within" she portrays a famous woman psycho-analyst who devotes a year of her life to the redemption of a never-do-well, giving so much of herself to the man that she inevitably falls in love with him. Herbert Marshall shares the star honours with Miss Harding, and Maureen O'Sullivan, as a high-strung, emotional girl, plays the most dramatic role of her career, according to all advance reports, even including her impressive portrayal in "The Barretts of Wimpolo Street." A n.ewcomer of great promise, Louis Hay ward, an English stage star, makes his motion picture debut in "The Flame Within" as the likeable scoundrel who becomes involved in two love affairs. He won the "Vanity Fair" award for the best stage performance of the year in Noel Coward's play "Point Valaine." Others in the cast are Henry Stephenson and Margaret Seddon. PLAZA THEATRE. Six hundred and thirty years ago in Italy Dante Alighieri, a political fugitive, wrote "The Divine Comedy," which established him as Italy's greatest poet. On this epic poem Holly\vood has based one of its most ambitious productions— "Dante's Inferno," which begins a season at the Plaza Theatre on Friday. It becomes, critics say, a gripping modern drama, combined with romance and breathtaking spectacles. From opening scenes in the stokehold of an ocean liner, the picture carries the spectator through the most varied scenes. The principal character is Spencer Tracy, a stoker on a ship who rises to wealth and affluence and the control of a huge amusement corporation. He makes a fortune with an amusement concession depicting the horrors of the inferno, owned by Henry Walthall, ixis acquisition of wealth, however, leaves a wake of lies, deception and betrayal of men. The inferno collapses, and Walthall tries to take Tracy in hand, and tells him the story of the inferno as depicted by Dante. The most striking scenes of the picture are seen at this point, ihe nlni proceeds to a powerful climax. The force of the idea of the story is implied in the action—the idea that the Bins of the ancient times are sins of to-day, and that retribution awaits every sinner. MUNICIPAL BAND. At Point Chevalier to-night the Auckland Municipal Band will present a programme of popular music. Programmes have also been arranged for Remuera on Sunday afternoon and in Albeit Park the same evening.