FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 205, 29 August 1936, Page 16

FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

"KLONDIKE ANNIE." REGENT. 'Frisco Doll Mae West Bull Brackett" Victor McLaglen Jack Forrest Phillip Keed Chan Lo .. Harold Huber Big Tess Lucille Gleason Annie Alden .... Helen Jerome Eddy Brother Bowser .... Harry Beresford Vance Palmer Conway Tearle Director: Itaoul Walsh. Paramount.

Those who went to the Regent Theatre last evening with the object of being entertained by the real, full-blooded acting of Mae West and Victor McLaglen, who are appearing in "Klondike Annie," were not disappointed. They were greatly entertained from start to finish by the actions of the buxom star, who went through all her familiar tricks and added several new ones to the collection. Despite contrary opinions, it cannot be denied that the inimitable Mae has claims to fame equalled by few other actresses of the time and this was borne out by the size of last night's audience.

Victor McLaglen, who appears with Miss West for the first time, is undoubtedly her ideal leading man. His success in the "tough" roles of several recent pictures, particularly "The Lost Patrol" and "Professional Soldier," is well remembered. and this time, as "Bull" Brackett, a really hard-boiled sea captain, he is an outstanding success. When he appears he seems to dominate the scene and he is by no means obscured by the personality of Mae AVest, as many of her previous opposites have been. The pair form an admirable combination of which more should be seen in the future. Briefly the story concerns Mae WestV adventures after she has killed a Chinaman in selfdefence and flown from her position as a cabaret singer in San Francisco. She makes for the Yukon in "Bull' Brackett's boat and when pursued by the police takes up the identity of an evangelist who has died on the voyage. When .she arrives at Nome Mae is so touched by the devoutness of the band of women who meet her that she turns religious herself and carries on the deception for some time. A Chinaman arrives to avenge the death of the saloon owner in San Francisco and excitement runs high when Brackett gets on his trail. There is enough excitement for anybody and it is sufficient to say that there is a satisfactory ending.

Miss West brings an unusual voice into play in the picture with some effect and sings the songs, "I'm An Occidental Woman," "Little Bar Butterfly" and "Mr. Deep Blue Sea." Her performance on the whole is excellent and she fills her part with success. The supporting programme is notable for another of the "March of Time" series, a Grantland Rice sports film, "Sunchasers," which introduces some splendid diving by American champions, a musical short and several newsreels. As a prelude to the main picture Trevor Eady's orchestra plays a medley of Mae West numbers. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. Thrills abound in the main attraction on the bill of the State Theatre. Symonds Street, "Public Enemy No. 1," one of the popular "G-Men" series, with the featured roles filled by Chester Morris, the famous Lionel Barr.vmore, Jean Arthur, who has been making quite a name for herself of late, and Joseph Celleia. Also on the programme is a good musical attraction with Dick Powell, Marion Davies and Pat O'Brien, "Page Miss Glory," the story of a great masquerade. Skilfully woven into the story are some fine song numbers, including the theme song "Page Miss Glory." STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. One of the most amusing pictures that Auckland audiences have seen for a long time is J. B. Priestley's world-famous comedy "Laburnum Grove," which stars Edmund Gwenn, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Victoria Hopper, and is now showing at the Star Theatre, Karangahape Road. Edmund Gwenn takes the part of a harmless retired paper merchant who lives in the ultra-respectable suburb of Laburnum Grove. In a moment of-' desperation, he tells his sponging relatives; Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Ethel Coleridge, that he is a forger and counterfeiter. This confession also frightens away his daughter s young man, who wishes to have no dealings with a criminal's. daughter and from then on the plot becomes thicks and hilarious, ending up with a complete surprise.' ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. The Aloha Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Walter Smith, will give a concert recital in the Lewis Eady Hall on Thursday evening, September 3. Songs and instrumental items in a most , varied and interesting form are promised. Assistance will be given by Mr. George Harris and his choir, who will render Hail, Smiling Morn/' "God is Our Refuge and the Hallelujah Chorus. Interspersed will be humorous recitations, choruses, native action songs and dances, led by Miss Meihana, of Rotorua fame. Plans will open on Monday morning. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Newspaper adventures are the theme of "Exclusive Story," now showing at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. Franchot Tone takes the part of a "cub reporter, who manages to beat all his rivals in a race for a big story, while the female lead is taken by Madge Evans. Harold Lloyd, in "The Milky Way," is the second feature. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. There is a wealth of dramatic acting in "Mary Burns, Fugitive," with Sylvia Sidney and 'Melvyn Douglas, now at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. The male star will be remembered for his performance in "The Return of the Lone Wolf." Also on the programme is "Two For Tonight," with Bing Crosby, Joan Bennett and Mary Boland. , LONDON THEATRE. Constance Bennett, famous star of "Common Clay" and other productions, is associated with Gilbert Roland: in the main attraction on the programme of the London Theatre. It is "After To-night. The co-feature is a riotous comedy Tilly and Gus," with Alison Skipworth and W. C. Fields. TUDOR, REMUERA. Following in the wake of several very successful comedies of the same type, "Red Salute," the current attraction at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, features Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Young, and is the story of the adventures, of a couple who go caravanning in Mexico: • They meet with some really surprising advent tures. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy are the stars of "Whipsaw," which heads the attractive programme featured at the Astor Theatre, Dominion Road. It is another of. the "G-Men" stories that proved so popular a little while back. The associate feature is Zane Grey's "Wanderer of the Wasteland," with Gail Patrick and Dean Jagger. STRAND, SUNDAY. "Just Like Heaven," a riotous comedydrama, will head the Sunday night programme to be presented at the Strand Theatre. The usual good programme of supports will be followed by an address by Mr. R. E. Price, who will speak on "Industrial Legislation." RIALTO, SUNDAY. Merle Oberon, talented actress of "These and ."Henry V 111.,!' heads the cast, of the ; Sunday * night attraction at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket,. "The Broken Melody,"ai fast-moving drama of life on Devil's Island. She is supported by John Garrick and Margot Grahame. ROUSHWORTHS' SKATING. A special school holiday programme has been arranged by the management of Roushworths' Ska tin™ Rink, Khyber Pass, and many special features will be presented. One of the main events will he the schoolboys' hockey match. . To:sht the return hockey match between he ladies' team and Roushworths' skating and will be held, by special request.

" WIFE VERSUS SECRETARY." ST. JAMES'. Van Stanford Clark Gable Wkitey Jean Harlow Linda Myrria Loy Minii May Itobson Dave James Stewart Joe Hobart Cavanaugli Underwood George Barbier "Joan Marjorie Gateson Director. Clarence Brown. Authoress : Faith Baldwin. M.G.M.

There are never poor houses in Auckland theatres when Myrna Loy is playing, and she is one of three stars in "Wife V. Secretary," which opened a season last evening at St. James' Theatre. If the audience last night is any criterion, this picture will come close to setting box office records. Added to the fact that Myrna Loy, the subtle, the beautiful, the compelling, has a prominent role, she has associated with her those equally popular stars, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, and the three together give one of the best performances of their career. 1

To have, such a variety of talent in one pictu, <, is itself enough to give to it that quality of the unique that raised the picture, it is scarcely too much to say, to a plane all by itself. Each of the three principals in this particular picture plays a role 'which is different in essence from that usually associated with their names. Auckland will remember Clark Gable .as the rugged and vigorous personality of Fletcher Christian in the "Mutiny on the Bounty" and Captain Gaskell in "China Seas'," in which picture he was associated with Jean Harlow. Myrna Loy ' was equally successful as the quick-witted criminal in "Whipsaw." In "Wife V. Secretary," with the old story of the eternal triangle presented in a strikingly new way, the three are matched in talent and in personality, each in a peculiar way acting as foil to the ability of the other. Here, in many scenes, some of them humorous, some of them of dramatic poignancy, the audience sees the vivacity of the secretary, Jean Harlow, contrasting with the aloof dignity and compelling personality of the wife, Myrna Loy. When it is noted that Clark Gable is the husband it will be seen that their rivalry could readily be understood. The husband is at once masterful and weak; torn between ephemeral desire and his deeper marital affection. The direction is in the capable hands of Clarence Brown, who, it will be remembered, was responsible for "Anna Karenina."

Of the supports Robert Benchley is superlatively funny in an oddity, "How to Behave." In "Lovers of the Harmonica" those who delight in fine music and alpine scenery will find much to attract. There is also another telling chapter in that interesting series "Crime Doesn't Pay." CHILDREN'S THEATRE. The first major production of the Children's Theatre, Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," will be presented on Friday and Saturday next, September 4 and 5, in the Seddon Memorial College Hall, and if - the juvenile performers keep the promise they showed in the initial invitation performances they gave it should, be .a most interesting and enjoyable entertainment. Under the direction of Mrs. Bartley Baxter, on whose initiative the theatre was formed, the children have developed amazingly, and i| is said that the rehearsals have revealed some surprising talent. The ages of the actors range from 5 to 18, and all will have a part in the achievement. Mrs. Maud Lysart's quartette will provide the incidental music. The production will open with a matinee on Friday and a matinee and an evening performance will be given on Saturday. Particulars are advertised. PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. Thrills and comedy are promised in the current attraction at the Prince Edward Theatre, Karangahape Road, where Joan Bennett and George Raft, two really popular players, are the stars of "She Couldn't Take It," a comedy-drama of ; modern life. The story presents the two main characters as anything but quiet, , peace-loving folk and their squabbles provide plenty of fun for the audience. The i supporting cast includes Walter Connelly and Billie Burke. With "She Couldn't Take It" will be shown the thrilling mystery story "Grand Exit," with Edmund Lowe, Ann. Sothern and Onslow Stevens. EMBASSY THEATRE. In "The Moon's Our Home," now showing at the Embassy Theatre, Margaret Sullavan appears in one of her best roles fof some time. As a fiery-tempered actress in the . comedy-romance which opened on Thursday the star has a fine opportunity to display her talents. Miss Sullavan's portrayal runs the gamut of human emotions, from gentle love to fiery hate, from a raging tantrum to absolute docility. All of these characteristics are displayed by the star who, as a screen actress in the film dramatisation of the Faith Baldwin story, learns to despise a noted explorer-author, as he has learned to hate her, by reputation. They fall in love, however, when they meet under assumed names. They marry and the clash of temperaments begins, resulting in a heated quarrel on their wedding night with the bride walking out on the bridegroom. When they relent, their efforts to locate each other lead them through many amusing adventures. As Miss Sullavan's leading man, Henry Fonda is outstanding. Others in the supporting cast are Henrietta " Crosman, Charles Butterworth, Lucien Littlefield and Beulah Bondi. "THE GREAT BROXOPP." Written by A. A. Milne, "The Great Broxopp," a delightful comedy, is to be performed by the Auckland Little Theatre Society in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall next Saturday. Already this year the society has played C. L. Anthony and Noel Coward and now it intends to give A. A. Milne at his best. The cast includes Misses Ethelwyn Geddes, Anne Lane, Elizabeth Le Seur, and Messrs. Dan Flood, Charles Spragg and Brian Fisher. Mr. Kenneth Brampton is again the producer. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Bright music and singing, combined with good acting, make attractive entertainment of "All the King's Horses," a really original story, first feature on the bill of the Grey Lynn Cinema. The stars are Carl Brisson and Mary Ellis. A tale of American family life, "Ah Wilderness," the co-feature, which stars Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery and Eric Linden, measures up to the same standard. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Two fine pictures are offered at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham, in "Annie Oakley," with Barbara Stanwyck and Preston Foster, and "Your Uncle Dudley," with Edward Everett Horton and Lois Wilson. The first is one of the best Western features that have been in Auckland for some time, and the second is a good comedy. , STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Charles Laughton, Clark Gable and Franchot Tone are the stars of the firsitclass attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, where "Mutiny on the Bounty" \ is being screened. There is an excellent cast of supporting players and the story has been treated in a manner that does not allow it to digress far from the book of the same title. COMMUNITY SINGING. A : special inducement is offered patrons at .the usual community singing on Wednesday in Miss Te Mauri Meihana, the noted Maori gramophone singer, who will sing some popular Maori numbers. Next • week's sing is being specially arranged for the benefit of the school children now 1 on their holidays',; I CAPITOL, BALMORAL. , The quarrels of two decidedly tempera-. i mental people form the basis of the story "I Live My Life," with Joan Crawford and Brian Aherne, now screening at the ! Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. Many people claim this to be Miss Crawford's best film ! to date. The associate feature is "Big Broadcast of 1936," with Jack Oakie andr Wendy Barrie. *]

"ON THE FRIENDLY ROAD." The premiere of "On tlie Friendlj Road" last night attracted practically i full house to the Majestic Theatre, anc it was obvious that Aucklanders wen keen to see the Dominion's latest eft'or in the field of talking films, the produc of the New Zealand Film Guild. Know ing the tremendous amount of organisa tion, the wide range of technica apparatus and the field of experiencec actors that overseas studios have at theii command, some of the audience migh; have been excused for being prepared t< draw invidious comparisons, but even thi most exacting must have been satisfiet that the effort of the local producers wai in the nature of a minor triumph. Thi film undoubtedly reaches a good standarc and its ingredients of drama and sparklinj comedy are mixed in a manner to com mand the • attention of the audienci throughout. Auckland lacks nothing 01 the score of a natural background fo' this simple outdoor story and it is so amid picturesque surroundings — some o the finest homes were made available fo it—and the photography reveals tin artistry of the producer and last nigh drew universal commendation. Frankly the dialogue has its weaknesses and then is an occasional hiatus in the action which technical difficulties have created but these flaws do not detract in anj marked measure. The audience was readj to appreciate the higher qualities of tin film and frequently showed its apprecia tion. The basic idea of the film is simple It portrays the troubles which beset : little family when its head is endeavour ing to rehabilitate himself after imprison ment for a crime of which he was inno cent. It is the voice of "Uncle Scrim' from "The Friendy Road" which givcf them the inspiration to triumph ovei their troubles, but not without many set backs. Right eventually prevails over wrong and the tragedies which .assail the happiness of the parents and their twe impish children have many sparklinp breaks of humour. A friendly old trami: who had become accustomed.to the hardships of his existence reveals himself as possessed of something greater than wordly goods—a heart of gold—and he assists the family in negotiating the pitfalls which beset their path when they are turned out on to the road. Old Bill, as he is known, is a role faithfully and most capably played by Stanley Knight. The difficult part of McDermott, the head of the family, is well played by John Mackie, and the same applies to Jean Hamilton, who, as his wife, Mary, finds more tragedy in her life than opportunities ~ for revealing her vivacious character. Two of the most natural characters in the film are the children, played by Neville Goodwin and James Martin. Their endles escapades colour the production with bright comedy. Hori. a Maori, enriches the film with typical native enthusiasm and realism, and another of his race, Kahu, the chieftainess, plays her part with natural dignity. Alan Leonard, as a very human policeman, and James Swan, as a landlord whose heart takes a long time to melt, fulfill their roles with credit, while the two crooks. Arnold Goodwin and Harold Metcalfe, whose attempts to ensnare the family in a criminal mesh are eventually thwarted, are convincing. Many minor roles are capably played, a Maori troupe doing fine work. The film undoubtedly shows that modern film production is a Dominion possibility and Rndall Hayward's photographic work emphasises his command of this art. There is an excellent supporting programme. including singing by the Don Cossack troupe.

AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER,

With a dimple in her cheek and her 1 feet as active as ever, Shirley Temple [ captures the hearts of the audience in what many people consider her greatest i picture, "Little Miss Marker," now show- . ing at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. Ted Lewis and his orchestra, Virginia Bruce and Nat Pendleton arc featured in "Here Comes the Band, : which is also on the programme. 1 EISTEDDFOD. ' Young Auckland artists continue to show what talent there actually is in : this city at the first Great Northern c Eisteddfod, now being held in the Lewis » Eady Hall. From last Monday local . artists have been performing with con- • siderable success, and many people who : have attended the competitions have been r agreeably surprised at the standard of ■ performance of the majority of entrants, r Elocution, singing, dancing, instrumental ; items, all are of the highest standard, and r for the remaining days and nights of the Eisteddfod there should be good audiences. DANCING. i Peter Pan, Lauri Paddi's band. ! Pirate Shippe, Milford, old-time carni- ' val; "Hey, Diddle Diddle." \ Carlton Cabaret, modern dancing; open j crooning competition. f Scots Hall. Astoria old-time dance; Jack r Palmer and his Astoria dance band. ! Orange Hall, Symonds Street, carnival : night; Ted Croad's Chevalier band. Labour Hall, special night; Clemm's ! orchestra. [ Ambassadors' Hall. Dominion Road, oldtime dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Technical Old Boys' Football Club. Newmarket Hall, old-time dance, gijand carnival night; Bob Adams' orchestra. Rialto Ballroom, Newmarket, Jock St. Clair-Allen and his Rialto orchestra. ( Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, old-time dancing; Sax Walters' band. Masonic Hall, Newton, G.L.B. old-time dance; Operatic Quintette orchestra. R.S.A. Hall, Royal Oak, Wednesday, . old-time and modern. Zealandia Hall, Balmoral, old-time dance; Zealandia band. Arts Hall, Kitchener Street, modern and old-time dancing, to-night and Monday. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Kowhai Old Pupils' Association dance; Epi Shalfoon's band. Point Chevalier Sailing Club and combined lodges, clubhouse, modern and oldtime dancing; Mati's Hawaiian band. Brown Owl Roadhouse, Kohimarama, dancing and supper. St. Mary's Hall, Great South Road, special night. Good Comrades' Club, Saturday, September 5, opening carnival dance, Papatoetoe Town Hall. Purl Hall, Ponsonby, old-time dancing; the Vagabonds. Parnell R.S.A. Hall, modern and oldtime dance. St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn R.S.A., old-time dancing. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. PICTURE THEATRES. REQENT —Mae West and Victor McLaglan In "Klondike Annie." EMBASSY —Margaret Sullavan and Henry Fonda in -'The Moon's Our Home." ST. JAMES'—Clark Gable and Myrna Loy in "On the Friendly Road." LONDON—Constance Bennett in "After To-night" and Alison Skipworth in "Tillie and Gus." MAJESTIC —Uncle Scrim and Jean Hamilton I in "On the Friendly Road.' , AMBASSADOR —"Little Miss Marker." ASTOR—"Whipsaw." AVONDALE —"Powder Smol:e Range." BIRKENHESAD —"The Age of Indiscretion" BRITANNIA—"The Exclusive Story." CAPITOL—"I Live My Lire." DELTA—"Mississippi." QAIETY—"In Person." GREY LYNN—"AII the King's Horses." KINGSLAND —"Anna Karenlna." LIBERTY —"The Rainmators." MAYFAIR —"Your Uncle Dudley." PRINCE EDWARD—"She Couldn't Take It" and "Grand Exit." SOUTHERN CROSS —"Bonnie Scotland." STAR (Newton) —Edmund Gwenn and Sir Cedric Hardwicke In. "Laburnum Grove." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Public Hero No. 1 " STRAND (Onehunga)—"Mutiny on the Bounty." TUDOR—"Red Salute." ViCTORIA —"Mary Burns, Fugitive." <

AMALGAMATED THEATRES. The following pictures are being shown in the city and suburban picture theatres under the direction of Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd.:—Civic, the world's most popular juvenile star, Shirley Temple, in "Poor Little Rich Girl"; Plaza, Mies Grace Moore in "The King Steps Out"; Roxy and Tivoli, Buck Jones 'in "Thrill Hunter" and Tim McCoy in "Fighting Shadow"; Strand, "Desert Gold" and "The Last Outpost"; National, "Wings in the Dark," starring Myrna Loy and Cary Grant, and "Murder at the Vanities"; Crystal Palace and Rialto, "The Ex-Mrs. j Bradford," with William Powell and Jean Arthur, and Pat O'Brien and Josephine Hutchinson in "I Married a Doctor"; Regent and Alexandra, Rafael Sabatini's "Captain Blood." starring Errol Flynu and Olivia de Havilland; Adelphi, Jane Withers in "Gentle Julia" and Dick Powell and Marion Davies in "Page Miss Glory"; Princess, "Jack of All Trades" 'and "Times Square Playboy"; State, Devonport, Robert Taylor and Loretta Young in "Private Number" and the Dionne quintuplets in the "Country Doctor"; State, Onelmnga, "Professional Soldier" and " 'Frisco Kid"; Empress, "Dangerous" and >Al .Jolson in "The Singing Kid"; Regal, Wheeler and Woolsey in "Silly Billies" and "Dangerous"; King's, Shirley Temple in "Captain January"; De Luxe. "Prisoner of Shark Island" and Will Hay in "Boys Will Be Boys." GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. "Ginger" Rogers departs from her usual roles of almost complete singing and dancing to introduce some good acting in "In Person," now screening at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. She is supported by George Brent. With "In Person" will be screened "At the Bottom of the World," the story of the Byrd expedition. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL. Most of the popular Western stars of the day have been rounded up to appear in the great open air picture, "Powder Smoke Range," which is the first feature on the bill of the Avondale Municipal Theatre. Smart dialogue and a modern story are the features of the Carole Lom-bard-Fred Mac Murray attraction, "Hands Across the Table," which will also be shown. GRAFTON DRAMATIC CLUB. The Grafton Shakespeare and Dramatic Club intends to present the play "Take Two From One" in the Scots Hall on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week. If it is up to the club's usual standard the public should be assured of fine entertainment. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Greta Garbo, who does not appear often enough here to satisfy local audiences, combines with Fredric March to make a splendid picture of "Anna Karenina," now at the Kingsland Talkies. Also in the cast is the famous boy star. Freddy Bartholomew. A bright comedy, "It Happened One Night," with Clark Gable, is the second attraction. CHORAL SOCIETY. In the Town Hall next Thursday the Auckland Choral Society will present Gounod's "Faust." First-class soloists will perform and a full chorus and ballet have been arranged. Mr. Coli'.i Muston will act as conductor. Boy plans open on Monday.