FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 17

FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

"THOROUGHBRED." REGENT. Joan ..i Helen Twelvctrces Tommy Dawson .... Frank Leigliton Bill Peel John Longden Russell Peel Harold B. Meade ••Ma" Dawson Nellie Ferguson Linda l-Jiaine Haiiiili Judy Cross Nellie Barnes Jack Dent John Darcy Grafter ; A Lee. Wharton Director: Ken G. Hall. Clnesound. There have been numerous -attempts, some ot' them highly successful, to capture the charm of tho Australian scene and bring it to tho audible screen, but hitherto a picture on the Hollywood or Elstrce scale has been beyond the reach oi Australian producers. Now, however, Australia has broken down the barriers and conies to the forefront with a picture which sets a standard worthy of the best traditions of the screen. A good story, with a strong flavour of romance, is woven around thrilling incidents of the turf. Adventure, humour and the gaiety of Australian life are strongly developed, the beauty of the Australian bush and the immense landscape is seen at its sunsplashed best, and most satisfying of all the numerous east gives prominence to Australian talent. ' The leading part, however, is filled by the popular American star Helen Twelvetrees, and the public will approve the choice. This beautiful, lovable, unaffected actress of many talents is thoroughly at home in the Australian out-of-doors, and her skill with hopses and particularly in the saddle,-make her ideally suited for tho role of heroine. Hers is a sterling. performance, onlyv rivalled by that of the magnificent horse which has been featured as her favourite of tho turf. She is seen as the horsewoman who knovrs no fear of a horse, with the spirit of the thoroughbred in its blood, and her part, therefore, becomes at times a strenuous and dangerous one._ When she mounts an unbroken colt in a yard and rides it to a standstill, when she later faces a motor crash out of love for her horse, and in the climax when she risks death in a fire because she fears to let the animal out bf her sight, she rises to exceptional heights as a dauntless heroine. In the male lead is Frank Leighton, in a part 110 less exciting and vayied than that of his.fascinating partner, get upon by a criminal gang, he goes through an affray in which the odds are against him, and several times he is seen as the victim of some deep-laid plot, but his winning smile and physical characteristics always carry him through. The great feature, the cup race, at which the thoroughbred romps home to victory and so defeats a villainous scheme, is as full of suspense and highly-developed action as anything of the kind brought to the screen. A happy denouement quickly follows. Included in the cast of many stars is a 2Cew Zealand girl Elaine Hamill, whose performance promises well for still more important roles. John Langdon, the noted English stage and screen star, scores a notable success, and among the others, Harold Meade, Nellie Ferguson, Nellie Barnes, George Lloyd and John D'Arcy are prominent.

The supporting programme includes scenics. musical and topical features of a high standard. STATE THEATRE. A particularly talented cast is the feature of the current attraction at the State Theare, S.vmonds Sreet, "Forsaking All Others." Another of those sophisticated comedies that have proved so popular during the past few years, the film is outstanding for clever dialogue, plenty of action and faultless direction. Although it is primarily a comedy, there is a certain amount of human interest, and this gives au 'everyday fiavpur to the film which is too apt to be found wanting in productions of this type. Included in the all-star cast are Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, Clark Gable, Rosalind Russell, Charles Butterworth and Billy Burke. On the same programme is the added attraction of the dramatic success of the year, "The Flame Within," with Ann-Harding,- Herbert Marshall and Maureeu O'Sullivan, a film which is bound to leave tile deepest impressions on the emotions. Herbert Marshall and Ann Harding both give outstanding performances and bring sympathy by the difficult roles which they are forced to play. Altogether a really entertaining programme. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Acknowledged as a great picture when it was made as a silent, "The Dark Angel," with Merle Oberon and Fredric Harch as the stars, is even greater as a talkie. The film is the current attraction at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. On the same programme is "The Perfect Gentleman," with Frank Morgan and. Cicely (Jdurtneidge. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Victor Hugo's immortal human story, "Les Miserables_," heads the programme at the 4stor Theatre, Dominion Road, the leading 'players .•■being Charles Laughton and FrqiJric March. . The story is a famous one and the cast has been well chosen. CAPITOL, BALMORAL. Modern comedy is provided at the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral, where "She Married Her Boss" is screehing. The leading roles' are taken by Claudette Colbert and Melvyn Douglas, of "Lone Wolf" fame. Comedy of quite a different type is contained in the counter attraction, "Bonnie Scotland," in which Laurel and Hardy are featured. MUNICIPAL, AVONDALE. "Murder in the Clouds" is the title of the thrilling attraction at the ■ Municipal Theatre, Avondale, and patrons who seek excitement will not be. disappointed. • On the same programme is. the human comedy, "The Age of Indiscretion," in which the featured players are May Robson, Madge Evans and David Jack.Holt. .}

AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. One of the funniest musical comedies of all time, "Brewster's Millions," now at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier, has a very attractive cast, headed by Jack Buchanan and Lily Damita. It concerns the troubles of a man who is trying to get rid of half a million pounds in the shortest space of time. On the same programme is the thriller, "Mark of the "Vampire." > fKINGSLAND TALKIES, Many critics consider "The Littlest Rebel," now at the Kingsland Talkies, the Most attractive picture in which the-.tiny star, Shirley Temple, has appeared. She certainly, ogives a most appealing performance, and together" with John Bolas, provides plenty of entertainment. "Bad Boy," with James Dunn, is the associate feature.-. % PARNELL. One of'the series of romantic comedies that established the screen fame of Ginger", Rogers and Fred Astaire, that Pair of highly popular musical stars, "The Gay Divorcee," now at the Liberty Cinema,. iParnell, ranks with "Roberta" and "Top Hat" as one of the most successful pictures' of its type for several years. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Popular music and a pood story make Here Gomes the Band," now at the Strand 'Theatre, Onehunga, attractive fntertainment. On the same programme js "The Virginia Judge," with Walter C. Kelly., Stepin Fetchit, Marsha Hunt and Robert Cummings. Included in the supports is an all-colour musical cartoon. The Honey Bee." STRAND, SUNDAY. . Excellent Sunday evening entertainment M offered at the Strand Theatre, where English talkie film adaptation of John Galsworthy's powerful play, "The Skin Game" will follow an address by Mr. A. Hall Skelton on "The Jewish-Chri6tian Bible and the Jewish Gods." LONDON THEATRE. Screening at the London Theatre are Charles Boyer and Loretta Young in Caravan," a stirring musical romance, and Edna May Oliver and Reginald Denny in "We're Rich Again*;" The first film ieat'jres several, pai/icularly catchy sorigs and the second' a good deal of diverting '"'»iedy..'

"GENTLEMEN OF THE NAVY." MAJESTIC. Commander Fitzlnigh tt , sir Gl, r Standing Men ton Haley ('Click") . Torn Brown V«.vce Avery Bicliard Cromwell Madeleine Deining . . Rosalind Keith Duncan Haley rohn Howard Miranda • Louise Beavers Commodore Briggs Minor Watson Director : Alexander Hall. Paramount. Ihose who realise the significance of the P ;l . l '. fc played by a great tradition will delight in the picture which opened its season last night at the Majestic Theatre, Gentlemen of the Navy." True, the story is not of the British Navy, but of the American Navy, but the same spirit lies liebind the story, and the same sort of tradition. It is a picture primarily concerning men, in which women play an unimportant part, it is a pit/Me that is different" it' only for that reason. It «; as , a ' s .° taken with the co-operation of the United States Naval Academy, which suggests that the American Naval officials must have realised the appeal of its call to tradition. The picture has a lesson. It tells of how a lad who went to the academy to become an officer in the Navy, with no glimmering of understanding of the meaning of the appeal of tradition, became transformed; and of how he came to understand how incomparably higher a vocation in life was that of the relatively poorly-paid naval officer in comparison with the lucrative return to a football star. The story centres round the retired Commander Fitzlnigh (Sir Guy Standing), who, with his interminable talk of the days when he commanded a ship called the Congress, was thought by trainees and trainers of the academy alike, to be the last word in boredom. It shows how in a lesson to them all. which lesson cost the old man his life, the grand traditions of the sea were brought strikingly home. So much for a fine story; but those who remember Sir Guy Standing and Richard Cromwell as the father and son combination in "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" will want to see tho picture for another reason —the fine acting which these two produce. There are many scenes of drama, there are many scenes of pathos, for this is essentially a human picture: there are scones enough of humour and its lesser concomitant, wit; but the background of the whole film is scarcely its fine acting, but its lesson to youth. The supports are good. Tho audience is taken the laughable path down films of other days, and wonders how ever it could have been satisfied with them. Then there_ is a tale of "Pop-eye," the best advertisement for spinach that ever there was. Altogether, the Majestic'? programme this woek is good.

STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. One of the most thrilling of all the G-men films, which tell of the exciting life of the members of America's Investigation Bureau, is "The Legion of Valour," screening to-night at the Star Cinema, Karanga'hapc Road. It is unique in its revelation of the inner workings of the Department of Justice, showing how science is combined with sheer courage in the tracking down of the country's public enemies. Richard Arlen plays a very fine role as one of the Government men; indeed, he seems perfectly suited to the part. Bruce Cflbot again makes a convincing criminal—the new menace of the modern world, the man born with only crime in his heart. Virginia Bruce becomes involved in dangerous situations. An excellent ' supporting programme is being screened. "Cookie's Carnival," a Walt Disney cartoon in colour, is a delightful work; Jesse Crawford will be seen at the organ in a further "short," while "The World of Sport" introduces stars of field and mat. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Another of the film versions of Clarence E. Mulford'fl famous series of Bnr-20 novels, "The Eagle's Brood," now at the Victoria Theatre, Devon port,, promises plenty of excitement. The second featurej is the riotous comedy, "Honeymoon For Three," with- the-, Stanley. Lupino in the leading role. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. Gene Stratton Porter's charming Old World story, "The Keeper of the Bees," is portrayed on the screen at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. The featured players in the sccond attraction, "Wanderer of the Wasteland," are Gail Patrick and Dean Jagger. TUDOR CINEMA. Lovers of excitement are well catered for at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, where "Woman Wanted." with Maureen O'Sullivan and Joel McCrea, heads the programme. A mystery drama of the most thrilling type, thf film deals with the flight from justice of a "wanted" girl and the way she finall}' manages to clear her name. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Deeds of daring in one of the outposts of the Empire are contained in "The Last Outpost," now screening at the Grey Lynn Cinema. The stars are Cary Grant, Gertrude Michael and Claude Rains. The second attraction on the bill is the last Garbo film to reach New Zealand, "Anna Karenina," the associate stars being Freddie Bartholomew and Fredric March 1 . STATE, SUNDAY. A good picture programme, including the interesting story, "Keepers of Youth," will- be presented at the State Theatre, Svmonds Street, to-morrow evening. The Hon. B. Martin, M.L.C., will be present and will answer questions submitted beforehand. The chairman will be Mr. M. Moohan. The picture entertainment will commence at 7.45 p.m.

PRINCE EDWARD, SUNDAY. With proceeds devoted to tlie funds of the Auckland Provincial Workers' Unemployed Association, a variety concert will 'be presented in the Prince Edward Theatre to-morrow evening. Individual artists will include; Marjorie Peprson, Ella Phantj Joyce Paterson, Mavis Reilly, Irene Tracev, Claudia Revo, Ray Jury, James Smith, Bill Gallagher, "The Two Tuis" and the Auckland Harmonica Club's Band. Mr. William Purcell wjll be accompanist and stage direction will be in the hands of Mr. Stan Holthouse. VALESKA PANTOMIME. Over 100 adult and juvenile performers will be seen in the colourful pantomimerevue which Madame Valeska will present in the Scots Hall 011 Monday and Tuesday evenings under the title of 'The Enchanted Princess." Assisting artists will include "The Alekos," comic acrobats; Rex Sayers, as Dame Moore; lan Thompson, ballroom expert; Len Wilson and his Herculean hand-balancers. Scenery, costuming and lighting effects are particularly creditable. DANCE INNOVATION. A-system of dancing, which has proved immensely popular in America has of late achieved considerable success in land and on the Continent, will be introduced to Auckland dancing enthusiasts with the innovation at the Carlton Cabaret on Monday and every following Monday evening of the penny a dance arrangement. Admission will be frcfe and patrons will pay one penny per head for each dance as they take the floor. RTALTO, SUNDAY. The famous dance orchestra of -Jack Payrie plays a large part in "Say It With Music," which will be the main attraction on the picture programme to be shown on Sunday evening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. "Say It With Music" is well known as the theme song of this famous band, which has delighted thousands of listeners through the medium of the radio and gramophone. TUDOR, SUNDAY. Mr. Alan C. Browne, F.R.G.S., A.R.C.A., the famous English artist and mountain climber, will give an illustrated lecture on "The Charm of the English Lake .District," at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, to-morrow evening! Professor R. M. Algie, of the Auckland..University College, will act as chairman. Lovers of England will appreciate this word picture of. a journey through the scenes of Hughj Walpole's novels.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Spies and espionage will be with us so long as nations hold jealousies towards one another. Therefore, spy films arc always timely. There have been many such ' productions—"Mata Hari," "Dishonoured," "Shanghai Express," "Stamboul Quest," "On Secret Service," "Briti.sli Agent," "The Man Who Knew Too Much"—and now comes "Rendezvous," the current fare at the St. James' Theatre. "Rendezvous" is the story of America's famous 'spy-catching bureau during tho World War, with the science of the cryptographer playing the principal role. William Powell is starred and once more as a detective—but entirely different from the sleuths of his past film career. As a puzzle editor drafted into the spy-catch-ing business at .Washington lie finds himself enmeshed in many complicated situations with many notorious enemy agents as well as with the lovely daughter of the assistant-Secretary of War. Rosalind Russell, rapidly ascending toward stardom, is seen as Joel, the secretary's daughter. Binnie Barnes, the English actress, portrays OlV'ia, a bewitching spy who proves to be the source of most of Powell's troubles. Others in the cast, directed by William K. Howard, are Lionel AtwilJ, as Brennan, the British agent; Cesar Romero, the dashing young Russian attachec; Henry Stephenson, as the Russian Ambassador; Samuel S. Hinds, as assistant-Secretary Carter, and Sterling Holloway, as the! taxi-driver who never heats his cab in the spring-time.

EMBASSY THEATRE. Of the three stars of "These Throe," which heads the current bill at the Kmbassy Theatre, Miriam Hopkins and Merle Oberon were, featured together in "The Dark Angel," and Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea were co-starred in "Barbary Coast" and "Splendour. Samuel Goldwyn, who made "These Three," was responsible for all these pictures. Merle Oberon is even better than in "The Dark Angel." and in the two other main roles Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea are also perfectly cast; but it is Bonita Granville, as the "little menace" who steals every scene in which she appears. This 12-year-old actress gives a performance of such concentrated venom that she has been fittingly described as "a little Charles Laughton." Bonita gives a dramatic interpretation as an untruthful, vicious child, cruel to the point of sadism. In revenge for punishment meted out to her by the two women principals of her school (played by the feminine stars), her warped mind instigates a campaign of scandal which threatens to bring ruin to the lives ot three innocent people. ITow happiness comes after conflict forms theme of powerful and daring story. Walt Disney s entertaining "Silly Symphony" cartoon. "Three Orphan Kittens," heads the supporting bill.,

AMALGAMATED THEATRES.iI Wide diversity of programmes is shown at the city and suburban theatres under the direction of Amalgamated Theatres. Programmes .are as follow: —Civic: John Boles, Barbara Stanwyck and Wallace Beery in "A Message to Garcia." Plaza: Edward Everett Horton in "The Private Secretary." Strand: "Jack of Alt Trades" and Trvin S. Cobbe in "Kverybody's Old Man." National: Rafael Sabntini's drama of the sea, "Captain Blood." Rox.v and Tivoli: "Stars Over Broadwav" and "Man Trailer." Crystal Palace and Rialto: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the musical feature "Follow the Fleet": State (Devonport): "Show Them No Mercy" and "East ot Java." Regent and Alexandra: King of Burlesque" and "I Live for Love. King's. NorthcOte: Oinger Rogers in Tn Person" and "I Dream Much. f Empress: William Powell in "Escapade and "We're Only Human." Princess: "Macnifieont Obsession' ana Jvhvai M Everett Horton in "His Night Out State fOnel)nnga , ): "Moonlight on the Prairie" and "Metropolitan.. Kegai: "Paddv O'Dav." with Jane Wither*, and "Two in the Dark." Adelphi: "I Found Stella Parish" and "Another lace. PRINCE EDWARD. \n attractive double-feature programme is offered at the Prince Edward Theatre. Karangahape Road, where Wheeler and Wool sev in "Kentucky Kernels and Edmund Owenn, Maureen O Sullivan and Norman Foster in "J he Bishop Misbehaves" arc screening. The first is a most amusing story of two idiots who land in one of the Southern States of America and find themselves in the middle of a family feud. The unfortunate part is that thev cannot decde on which side thev wish to fight. The second feature is the talc of a flighty old gentleman who preaches sermons during the day and turns detective at night, at the same time taking a fatherly interest in tho affairs of a young couple. He succeeds in catching the criminals and uniting the couple. MASSED BANDS' RECITAL. \ recital by all the Auckland brass and pipe bands will be given in the Domain to-morrow. Lieutenant Kirby will be the conductor. CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT. The Auckland Chamber Music Society's second concert of the season will be gi\cn in tho Lewis Eady Hall next Thursday evening. Soloists will be Misses Jjal 1a Hemus and Kathleen O'Leary and Mr. Vincent Aspey: W.E.A. OPERA. The final presentation of Gluck's opera "Orpheus" will be staged this evening at the Workers' Educational Association s rooms in the Old Grammar School. Last Thursday's audience was most enthusiastic and paid tribute to the splendid staging and the manner in which tho production was carried out. The opera is being presented as the first of a series which the association intends to stage in Auckland, the next to follow being "Dido and Aeneas." DANCING.

Peter Pan, special night; Joyce Coloman in demonstration. Pirate Shippe, Milford, old-time carnival, "The Eternal Triangle." Carlton Cabaret, popular night; Art. Larkin's band. Municipal Hall, Newimarl>et, old-time carnival; Bob Adams' orchestra. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Ventura Dancc Club. ' Scots Hall, old-time carnival; Astoria dance band. Orange Hall, Newton, Embassy Dance Club; Ted Cl'oad's Chevalier band. Rialto Ballroom, modern dancing; Edgar Bendall's orchestra. Scots Hall, Thursday, Atta taximen's ball in aid of crippled children. Labour Hall. Karangahape Road, oldtime fiance; Clemm's orchestra. Peter Pan, Wednesday, Arte Ball. Peter Pan, Thursday, German Club's masquerade ball. , Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitemata Swimming Club's dance; Epi Shalfoon's band. Zealandia Ha 11,.. Balmoral, old-time dance; Zealandia band. St. Columba Hall, R.S.A. old-time dance and cards; Savoy orchestra. '"Point Chevalier Sailing Clubhouse, dancing. Papatoetoe Town Hall, June 22, Mad Hatters and Ghost ball. •. St. ■ Mary's Hall, Ellerslie,. dancing; Connon'e orchestra. • Foresters' Hall, Onehunga/ Manukau Rugby Club's dance; Red Ace band. Parnell R.S.A. Hall, 'dancing; Clough's band.